AAP

Changes to global bank regulations have been more difficult than anticipated, with only Australia and 10 other jurisdictions so far adopting key parts of the reforms.

Premier Colin Barnett is talking "nonsense" in claiming Gonski education reforms are a power grab by Canberra, Prime Minister Julia Gillard says.

The Australian share market has closed lower as markets worldwide were spooked by comments by the Dutch finance minister over the Cyprus bailout.

Wharfies at Fremantle have refused to work on a vessel that doesn't comply with minimum safety standards and say their employer Patrick has responded with "standover tactics".

The federal government is not surprised by another slump in Labor support after what Prime Minister Julia Gillard described as an appalling week for the party.

Engineering and property services provider UGL is reviewing its corporate structure now that the property business generates nearly 50 per cent of group earnings.

Cash Converters has obtained $60 million from Westpac Bank that the second hand dealer and short-term loan provider will use to grow its personal loan book.

The Australian share market has opened lower over renewed jitters about the euro zone, following a bailout deal for Cyprus.

New resources minister Gary Gray has ruled out any changes to federal Labor's controversial mining tax.

US stocks have tumbled after a top European finance official suggested the Cyprus bailout framework could serve as a template for other European bank crises.

The federal government is seeking feedback from business on its plan to make company tax payments monthly instead of quarterly.

The federal opposition has demanded the government deliver an "honest budget" on May 14, rather than its usual "fudges" and "money shuffling".

Hundreds of journalists have pledged support for a Fairfax reporter facing court action by billionaire Gina Rinehart to reveal sources for an unauthorised biography about her.

Petrol could be up to three cents a litre cheaper in the next few weeks, an economist says.

Australian stocks closed higher led by the major banks as Cyprus struck a bailout deadline-day deal with the European Central Bank.

The West Australian government should open up competition in the electricity market for small customers and let providers decide whether it's financially viable, the Economic Regulation Authority (

Animal welfare protesters calling for a halt to live exports and exporters angry over new supply chain checks will rally outside a community cabinet meeting in Perth.

Australia's energy players are looking at offshore gas processing to ensure resources such as the Browse and Scarborough fields are exploited in the near future.

Some 150 construction workers have walked off the job at the Mundaring Water Treatment site after a near miss with a runaway truck.

Gary Gray's appointment to the important resources portfolio has got the nod of approval from the sector.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has confirmed the government has given up on its remaining proposals for media reform, billed by media organisations as an attack on free speech. 

The Australian share market has opened higher as investors await the outcome of talks over Cyprus's debt bailout.

Leighton Holdings has appointed Bob Humphris as the construction giant's new chairman.

The talk on Wall Street shifted last week from the pursuit of record highs to the future of the eurozone after the Cyprus banking crisis took centre stage.

 Australian shares closed slightly higher after solid gains for the major banks offset weak overseas leads.

Loss-making Whitehaven Coal is laying off 40 workers in NSW as it cuts costs to deal with lower coal prices.

The latest leadership spill in Canberra will detract from already low business confidence, the Business Council of Australia says.

Former premier-turned lobbyist Brian Burke has appeared in court again, to face four charges related to insider trading.

Apple has blamed global music labels and movie studios for making it more expensive for Australians to download music, television shows and movies than people in the US.

Billabong shares have staged a partial recovery after the troubled retailer reassured investors it was still in takeover talks with two potential suitors.

Household electricity price rises are expected to moderate over the next two years to mid-2015.

The Australian market has opened lower as the European Central Bank sets a deadline for its Cyprus bailout.