AAP

A class action has been launched against the Western Australian government in the hope of recovering wages stolen from indigenous workers.

Australia's share market closed lower after a negative US lead and concern rising coronavirus infections in Europe will lead to more lockdowns.

More than one in five Australian families are jobless, as the coronavirus pandemic slugs the economy.

Traditional owners have accused Rio Tinto of exaggerating the safety risk involved in removing explosives from the ancient Juukan Gorge rock shelters.

Shares have closed higher and above 6200 points for the first time since March as the Australian market defied a negative US lead.

A bid by Clive Palmer to seek further damages from the state of Western Australia may be delayed until after next month's High Court border trial is resolved.

The jobless rate in WA is among the country’s lowest, with some workers finding jobs and some leaving the labour force.

More than 11,000 home builders and renovators have applied for federal government grants but fewer than 800 have received the money.

Western Australia's coronavirus border closures remain "appropriate and proportionate" but should be reviewed at the end of the month, the state's chief health officer has advised.

Virgin Australia boss Paul Scurrah will step down within weeks once the airline's sale to US private equity group Bain Capital is completed.

There are signs that some Australian businesses that have been propped up by government support measures during the coronavirus pandemic are calling it a day.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has managed to survive two no-confidence motions in both houses of parliament but the fight for her political career isn't over.

Australia's share market has fallen short of an eighth consecutive positive session but an expert says the result is a good one given a poor US lead.

The risk of reopening Western Australia's borders has "substantially decreased" as COVID-19 cases continue to fall, the state's chief health officer says.

Scott Morrison has insisted border closures are up to premiers while offering the lure of tourist dollars from New Zealand and interstate.

A major investigation is under way into the "catastrophic failure" at a building site at Perth's Curtin University that left an apprentice construction worker dead and two others injured.

The Commonwealth government should not compulsorily acquire copyright for the Aboriginal flag, a Senate committee has recommended.

Australia's share market reached its highest level since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in March and finished higher for the seventh consecutive session.

Western Australia's health minister is urging the Commonwealth to take action on maritime crew arrangements after a second COVID-19 outbreak off the coast of Port Hedland.

The Nine Network has lost its bid to reduce a $3.6 million damages payout to a wealthy Queensland family defamed in an earlier report.

Cabinet minister Simon Birmingham argues the federal government has been too busy dealing with the coronavirus pandemic to establish a federal integrity commission as promised.

Gladys Berejiklian won't resign over revelations she was in a relationship with ex-MP Daryl Maguire, who is now the subject of a corruption probe.

Australia's share market closed higher for its sixth consecutive session, helped by bank and technology stocks, after trading flat for most of the day.

Another six crew have tested positive to COVID-19 on a vessel off the coast of Port Hedland, the second outbreak to strike Western Australia in as many weeks.

Australians itching to take an overseas holiday are being warned against planning a trip to Europe or the United States.

A COVID-stricken ship off the Western Australian coast has set sail amid a virus scare aboard another vessel.

Traditional owners of the ancient Juukan Gorge rock shelters destroyed by Rio Tinto have given emotional evidence to a parliamentary inquiry.

Anthony Albanese has outlined a plan to make child care cheaper for 97 per cent of families, while income tax cuts passed parliament.

Australia's share market had its best week since April, albeit with a flat today, after investors smiled at the federal budget and regained hope for US economic stimulus.

Controversial billionaire businessman Stanley Ho was meant to have no involvement in Crown Resorts or its proposed new Sydney casino.

Home buyers took advantage of a virus-flattened housing market in August, as borrowing rose by 12.6 per cent on the previous month.

Western Australia's economy is the envy of the nation but a second coronavirus wave remains a massive risk.