AAP

Telecommunications giant Telstra will undergo its biggest restructure in 24 years, splitting its business into three separate legal entities.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg insists existing workplace laws will protect older workers from being sacked and replaced with subsidised young jobseekers.

James Packer is not to blame for the failures of Crown Resorts, his lawyers have told an inquiry into whether the gaming giant is suitable to run a new Sydney casino.

Western Australian Nationals MP Jacqui Boydell says she has experienced bullying, threats and intimidation within her own party.

Australia's share market has closed at its highest level since February after another buying frenzy, based on belief a coronavirus vaccine is on its way.

Australians could start receiving coronavirus vaccinations from March next year with sophisticated eskies set to transport the leading candidate.

Commonwealth Bank has reported a 16 per cent fall in quarterly cash earnings, citing ongoing pressure on margins due to historic low interest rates.

A parliamentary battle looms on safeguards in the Morrison government's hiring scheme for young workers.

The state's health minister is confident the state will still be able to hold large events including music festivals once the hard borders come down.

Clive Palmer's legal battle with Premier Mark McGowan has continued just days after the High Court struck out his hard border challenge.

Australia's share market has surged early on news of a promising coronavirus vaccine, but the gains eased as experts urged caution about a possible breakthrough.

Scott Morrison says confidence is returning and Australia is well on its way to recovery, but concedes life is still tough for many people.

Unemployed Australians will soon receive $100 less per fortnight as coronavirus supplements are extended at a reduced rate.

Scott Morrison says two ministers who were the subject of a Four Corners program about a misogynistic culture in Canberra did not breach his code of conduct.

Australia's share market has closed at its highest level since March after investors were heartened by a decision in the US presidential election.

Crown Resorts was ignorant or apathetic to money laundering risks, an inquiry into the company's suitability to run a new $2.2 billion casino has heard.

Trade Minister Simon Birmingham is leaving the door open to taking China to the World Trade Organisation over barriers to Australian goods.

Western Australia will start banning single-use plastics within three years, while more households will transition to the FOGO three-bin system in 2020-21, the state government has announced.

Production of coronavirus vaccinations has begun in Victoria as national case numbers continue to fall.

Investors may not yet have a US election result, but they were happy with how things stand and collected gains on the Australian share market.

Macquarie Group has reported a 32 per cent dive in half-year profit after the impact of the coronavirus caused it to write down the value of assets

The Reserve Bank board is not contemplating any further interest rate reductions after slicing the cash rate to a wafer thin 0.1 per cent.

Exporters are being urged to spread their risk in case China officially suspends imports of various Australian products.

Premier Mark McGowan has heralded his state's High Court victory over Clive Palmer as a big win for all Australians.

Manufacturing of the first coronavirus vaccine for Australians will start in Melbourne next week.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ramped up the pressure on her interstate counterparts in WA and Queensland.

Investors on the Australian share market have finished the session with gains, despite Donald Trump's threat to contest the results of the US presidential election.

Australians will soon know if Western Australia's border closure is legally valid, in a court decision that could have broad consequences for the nation's pandemic response.

Cashless debit cards for welfare recipients are not worth the human cost, senators have been told.

NAB has reported a slump in full-year earnings due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce is demanding action on climate change, industrial relations and red tape as Australia recovers from the coronavirus recession.

A jump in retail spending during the September quarter and an expanding construction sector are further signs that the economy is on the mend.