AAP

Australia has slammed shut a loophole that allowed travellers from India to dodge a flight ban through transiting in Qatar.

Western Australia's first female speaker of the Legislative Assembly has promised to "preside without fear or favour" while ensuring respect for women.

Australia's share market had its highest close since the coronavirus crash, and is again close to setting all-time records.

Josh Frydenberg wants to drive Australia's unemployment rate below five per cent before he begins the task of budget repair, in what is a marked shift in strategy.

Woolworths has posted a slight increase in group sales for the third quarter, but food sales declined as trading returned to normal after a surge in coronavirus spending last year.

Australia's medicines regulator has suggested it is unlikely two deaths in NSW were linked to coronavirus vaccinations.

Premier Mark McGowan is set to outline plans for the easing of coronavirus restrictions after last weekend's lockdown.

Australia's share market resumed its climb towards record heights after weaker than expected inflation figures encouraged investors that low interest rates will not rise any time soon.

The owner of chains such as Peter Alexander and Just Jeans has announced a new retail chief executive after incumbent Mark McInnes decided to step down.

Interim lockdown restrictions appear on track to end from midnight Friday, as WA records its fourth consecutive day of no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19.

Supermarket giant Coles' third-quarter sales slipped 5.1 per cent as trading normalised compared with last year's pre-lockdown stocking.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a $747 million defence infrastructure package during a visit to the Northern Territory.

Investors rushed to sell technology stocks and the Australian market fell for a second consecutive day in the leadup to US tech giants reporting earnings this week.

Australia Post's directors have railed against claims privatising parcel deliveries was considered as pressure increases for the entire board to be sacked.

All direct passenger flights into Australia from India are being suspended until May 15 as the South Asian nation deals with an escalating coronavirus catastrophe.

The challenges posed by the second wave of COVID-19 in India have reignited tensions between the state and federal government over quarantine.

Australia's market is just short of records, but a WA lockdown and the impact of COVID-19 overseas means there is no certainty those levels will be surpassed.

The federal government has promised $100 million aimed at protecting the ocean and marine life by working on ways for coastal ecosystems to absorb carbon.

Australia has left the door open to even harsher inbound travel restrictions for India as hotel quarantine cases continue to rise.

There's likely to be pain ahead as government stimulus packages run out and interest rates rise.

Clothing chain Glue Store has been sold in a $13 million deal to Accent Group, which owns retailers such as The Athlete's Foot, Dr Martens and Supra.

Wealth manager AMP will spin-off and list one of its key business units after a potential sale fell through.

AGL boss Brett Redman is leaving the energy provider after only last month starting efforts to create separate coal-fired power and clean energy businesses.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says the surprising strength in Australia's labour market has justified ending the JobKeeper wage subsidy, despite calls for it to be extended.

Australia's share market has rebounded from two consecutive days of losses to stand 11 points short of its best close since February last year.

The minister responsible for reducing Australia's emissions has brushed off calls to bolster targets to curb climate change.

UPDATE: Australians over the age of 50 will be able to get the AstraZeneca vaccine from next month as the nation's leaders reset the coronavirus jab rollout.

Another half a billion-dollar cheque has been written by the federal government to help Australia foster international partnerships on clean energy technology.

Retail spending across Australia jumped 1.4 per cent in March, stronger than the 1 per cent increase expected by economists.

Australia's coronavirus vaccine rollout is facing a critical juncture as Prime Minister Scott Morrison prepares to meet with premiers and chief ministers to rejig the program.

Australia's share market has closed below 7000 points for the first time in a week after coronavirus infections worried investors, but a second-half rally gave hope for Thursday.

The state government has opted not to prosecute a mining company alleged to have destroyed a sacred Aboriginal heritage site in the Kimberley.