AAP

Economists believe the federal government can ditch its much promised budget surplus without damaging its triple-A credit rating.

A former top state government official has been fined $1500 after being found guilty of disclosing confidential government information to former premier turned lobbyist Brian Burke.

 Lower interest rates have yet to give a noticeable boost to a manufacturing sector that remains plagued by a high Australian dollar, a new survey suggests.

The head of National Australia Bank has called for an overhaul of Australia's industrial relations and taxation systems as the resources investment boom nears its peak.

Shares in Iluka Resources fell by nearly six per cent on the ASX today after it said sales volumes to the end of November were at the bottom end of guidance.

Westpac does not expect conditions in the banking sector to improve any time soon, but says it is in good shape to deliver sound returns for shareholders.

The Australian market has opened flat after Wall Street fell in response to comments from US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke that there was nothing he could do if the US fell off the "fiscal

Australian retailers are dreaming of a bright Christmas with economists predicting the best festive season spending in three years.

US stocks closed mostly flat on Wednesday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned politicians to reach a deal to avoid sending economy over the fiscal cliff.

The Australian dollar is half a US cent higher ahead of a crucial announcement on economic stimulus by the US central bank.

Aquila Resources has announced it will begin arbitration with joint venture partner AMCI for its West Pilbara Iron Ore Project in February.

Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens wonders whether there might be a better way of using monetary policy than the so-called "quantitative easing" of monetary policy being used by major

The Australian share market closed at its highest level in one and a half years as investors piled into mining stocks following strong gains overseas.

The Australian retail sector continues to struggle due to declining profit margins and skyrocketing costs, a report says.

The state Australian government has denied there is an endemic problem in local councils after another was suspended, prompting the opposition to again call for an inquiry.

Australian property prices are tipped to rise in 2013 as increased affordability and interest rate cuts encourage buyers into the market.

Severe thunderstorms are forecast for Perth suburbs and the southern corner of the state today, potentially causing flash flooding in some areas.

Australian consumers are downbeat heading into Christmas, despite the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to cut the cash rate to its lowest level in three years.

Coca-Cola Amatil says trading conditions in Australia have picked up in the lead-up to Christmas as the beverage group forecasts a lift in profit and revenue for 2012.

Australian stocks have continued to rise after closing at a new high for 2012 yesterday, led by gains by mining companies.

The Australian dollar has rallied to its highest level in almost three months after a surprise rebound in German investor confidence lifted global markets.

US stocks finished solidly higher on Tuesday, with gains in Apple, Google and Intel boosting the tech-rich Nasdaq.

Australians are increasingly using their mobile devices to shop in the lead up to Christmas, PayPal data shows.

The Australian dollar is slightly higher, despite a survey showing weak business confidence, and ahead of a meeting of the US central bank.

The Australian market closed at its highest level for 2012, with stronger commodity prices led to gains for the mining giants.

Australian firms are heading into Christmas on a pessimistic note, with business confidence slumping to its lowest point since the global financial crisis.

Local wine makers must stop whining about the high Australian dollar and back themselves to win their share of global sales, says producer Australian Vintage.

Keeping inflation in check is important to maintain steady economic growth, but it is not enough, Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens says.

A lack of uncommitted available reserves coupled with the demand for Australia's liquefied natural gas could create challenges for domestic gas supplies by 2016.

A local council in the Pilbara wants to import foreign workers for smaller businesses in the retail, hospitality and other sectors that are struggling to keep local employees.

Transfield Services has won several new contracts worth $140 million, including work on two major energy projects.

Treasurer Troy Buswell wants to prevent his former lover and independent MP Adele Carles from making any more damning accusations, as the political fallout from their private affair continues.