AAP

The nation's biggest bank, Commonwealth, will offer its own buy now, pay later service to customers from mid-year in a move to challenge Afterpay.

Investors on the ASX removed some risk from their portfolios as the outcomes of the US Federal Reserve's policy meeting on Thursday loomed large over financial markets.

Australian authorities have thrown their support behind the AstraZeneca vaccine despite a handful of new allergic reactions and increasing global trepidation.

Australia will send 8,000 coronavirus vaccines to Papua New Guinea to immunise frontline health workers and combat a spiralling outbreak.

Australians looking for cheap flights are already benefitting from Rex's entry into the domestic market, after Jetstar and Virgin cut prices in response.

Labor does not believe stripping Christian Porter of some responsibilities will be enough for the attorney-general to return to work.

The federal government is torn on which way to step after more than 100,000 people protested across Australia demanding equality and an end to violence against women.

A delegation of time-poor nurses and carers wants 2021 to be the year of the aged care federal budget.

Australia's share market posted its strongest performance in more than a week, as the heavyweight financial sector was helped by easing bond yields and a reinforced message on low rates.

Senior government figures and health advisers say the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective, following calls from a backbench colleague to suspend Australia's rollout.

Casino and resort giant Crown has announced it will no longer make political donations.

Attorney-General Christian Porter won't look after Federal Court matters when he returns from mental health leave, due to his defamation action against the ABC.

Facebook has struck content deals with Australia's two largest media companies, News Corp and Nine Entertainment, following the recent introduction of bargaining laws.

Shares have closed slightly higher on the Australian market, which an analyst declared an impressive result as bond yields crept towards recent highs.

Australian farmers' confidence is still sky high as primary producers continue the fightback from drought amid strong commodity prices.

Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe says it is important that business investment grows if Australia is to enjoy a strong and durable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior Morrison government ministers have played down falling behind Labor in Newspoll after weeks of controversy stemming from rape allegations.

Attorney-General Christian Porter has launched defamation action against the ABC and journalist Louise Milligan.

A broad-based rally has helped the Australian share market post its best week in five, while central banks will have more opportunity to steer economic recovery in their favour next week.

The federal government is maintaining confidence in the AstraZeneca vaccine despite its use being suspended in parts of Europe.

Australian-made hydrogen will be exported to Japan under a world-first trial taking a big step forward for the emerging industry.

Financial regulator APRA has closed its investigation into Westpac's breaches of anti-money laundering and terror financing laws, but says it will make sure the bank improves its operations.

Zak Kirkup insists he has no regrets as he prepares to lead the West Australian Liberals to a defeat that could spell the end of his own short-lived political career.

Mathias Cormann's bid to become next secretary-general of the OECD has gone into extra time with the contest too close to call just yet.

Planned changes to Australia's disability support scheme will see participants viewed as a number, not individuals, peak groups warn.

Universities and states will be forced to meet stringent conditions before the Morrison government considers plans to allow the return of international students.

Investors on the ASX have resisted a mostly upbeat mood on Wall Street after bond yields eased, and may be waiting for signals from the US Federal Reserve's meeting next week.

Major banks have thrown their support behind the Morrison government's post-JobKeeper scheme but some business groups are far from happy, with one labelling it "second-class support".

Scott Morrison continues to stand by embattled Defence Minister Linda Reynolds as she takes another month off work.

Australia's most senior health officials are set to be grilled about the coronavirus vaccine rollout which is falling short of lofty government targets.

Western Australia's Liberal opposition has failed to provide key details on its policy costings in a shambolic presentation two days before the state election.

The federal government's $1.2 billion tourism package has faced widespread criticism with WA's leading industry body slamming the effort as pork barrelling for marginal electorates.