AAP

Roy Hill in 457 visa ruckus

Beverages giant Lion says being dumped as Woolworths' milk supplier in Western Australia for rival Brownes will affect production volumes at its Bentley milk processing plant.

Australian shares have made modest gains but a traders say a relatively flat day was disappointing after the release of strong Chinese economic data.

Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens has urged the federal government to take a longer term view on budget outcomes, echoing similar sentiments from Treasury Secretary Martin Parkinson.

Retail spending is continuing its steady recovery, posting it 10th consecutive monthly rise despite a weak employment outlook.

The federal government could take a fresh look at negative gearing rules in the May budget to help balance the books and make housing more affordable and accessible.

Labor has defended the preselection of union boss Joe Bullock after it emerged he has a prior conviction for assault.

The parties gearing up to contest Saturday's WA Senate election re-un have expressed alarm at reports 75 pre-poll votes were allegedly cast into an unsecured polling box in the lead up to the poll.

The Australian share market has opened higher after markets in the United States continued their rise overnight.

The S&P 500 has risen to a new high, but the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell just short of a record on another good day for stocks.

Oil prices have reversed an early drop and ended with modest losses, with tensions over Ukraine and a fall in US stockpiles offsetting selling pressure.

The Australian dollar has traded within a tight range overnight as investors await key economic data and a speech by Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens.

A draft report into the behaviour of former West Australian treasurer Troy Buswell is being examined by the state solicitor.

Strength in the resources sector has driven the share market higher, due to optimism about China's economy.

Westpac will donate $100 million to set up Australia's largest private scholarship program, giving university students the opportunity to study in Asia.

More job losses are on the cards in the eastern states, with BP closing its Bulwer Island refinery in Brisbane and cigarette maker Philip Morris closing its Australian manufacturing operations.

The Australian share market has opened higher after United States and European markets lifted overnight.

Legal firm Maurice Blackburn says it is looking at launching a class action against QBE following the insurance giant's share price collapse in late 2013.

The Australian dollar has drifted lower following its rally on the back of the Reserve Bank decision to leave the cash rate at its record low.

The S&P 500 has closed at a new record as US stocks rallied following solid economic data and Federal Reserve reassurance of support for the recovering economy.

Gold futures have fallen to a seven-week low as signs of stronger US economic activity and subsiding tensions in Eastern Europe sap investor interest in the haven asset.

Former Treasurer Troy Buswell has been charged with 11 traffic offences in connection with an early morning incident in Perth's western suburbs in February.

The share market has closed lower despite pulling back most of its early losses after official data showed a slight improvement in China's manufacturing activity.

Federal opposition leader Bill Shorten has led a rally of thousands of disgruntled educators in Perth, who have closed more than 100 schools with a strike protesting education funding cuts.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate on hold, saying the current level of 2.5 per cent will help to stimulate growth while keeping inflation under control.

Three former directors of kitchen appliance distributor Kleenmaid have been charged with 20 criminal offences, including allegedly cheating Westpac of $13 million.

Treasurer Joe Hockey has received the final report of the Productivity Commission's inquiry into the car industry.

The share market has made a better than expected start to the week, with gains in most sectors.

Coalition to ‘refine' $22bn NDIS

US stocks have surged on the back of a rebound in technology stocks, helped by Janet Yellen's assurance the Federal Reserve will continue to support the economy.

The Australian dollar has bounced after Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen made dovish remarks about the US economy's recovery.

Oil prices fell as dealers booked profits after strong gains last week fuelled by positive US economic data and tensions over Ukraine.