AAP

US stocks scored solid gains on Wednesday, spurred by encouraging remarks by politicians on averting looming tax hikes and spending cuts that could harm the economy.

Premier Colin Barnett has upped the ante on the controversial Browse gas project, indicating that joint venture leader Woodside Petroleum might not receive state government approval for a floating

The Australian dollar is lower after trading in a tight range on uncertainties around Greece's bailout deal and concerns about the US fiscal cliff.

Parliament is considering legislation to set up a new school funding system but there is still little detail available about how that will work.

Former prime minster Paul Keating says compulsory superannuation contributions may have to rise to 15 per cent to meet a looming blowout in the cost of caring for Australia's ageing population.

 The Australian market closed slightly lower, amid renewed scepticism about the Greek bailout deal and avoiding the US fiscal cliff.

A native title claimant group has called for a federal inquiry into its allegations that iron ore miner Fortescue Metals "heavied" its way onto land in the Pilbara.

The days of Australian banks posting returns on equity of 20 per cent or more are long gone, says Westpac chief executive Gail Kelly.

Toro Energy has pushed back financing negotiations for its proposed Wiluna uranium mine in Western Australia, as it waits for the federal government to decide the fate of the project.

As the debate about work for Australians versus foreign labour continues to rage, Commerce Minister Simon O'Brien has released a report showing local businesses have won $30 billion worth of contra

Qantas Airways chief executive Alan Joyce has defended cutting ties with, and funding to, Tourism Australia while its chairman Geoff Dixon was plotting to buy into the airline.

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says the national broadband network will hit the rollout targets in its $37.4 billion corporate plan.

Treasurer Wayne Swan has played up the prospects for Australia's resources industry with a new report showing investment in new projects has hit a record $268.4 billion, even though commodity price

Premier Colin Barnett has labelled the federal government's Asian Century White Paper "underwhelming", describing it as lacking in analysis and objectivity.

Deputy opposition leader Julie Bishop is under pressure to explain her contact with self-confessed union bagman Ralph Blewitt, as a Labor MP attacked her on Twitter as a "narcissistic bimbo".

Government spending cuts are having a negative impact on the construction sector, official figures show.

Australian stocks have opened weaker, with declines among mining-related sectors leading the broader market lower

New research claims one in four Australian consumers feel emotions close to love when considering which brand to buy.

US stocks have closed lower as fiscal cliff worries overshadow encouraging US economic data and investors shrug off Greece's revised bailout deal.

Iron ore miner Fortescue Metals has sought to reassure shareholders that the economic credentials of its biggest customer, China, remain sound following the country's recent leadership transition.

The Australian dollar has risen on news that European finance ministers have reached a deal on Greek bailout funds.

Economic data over the next few days will not only flesh out expectations for next week's national accounts, but also whether the central bank will cut the cash rate again.

The Australian share market has closed firmer as a Greek debt deal and stronger full-year profit guidance from vaccine maker CSL injected confidence.

Peter Meakin, Seven Network's long-time head of news, will step down from his role, which will be split between two successors.

Brickworks defended its four-decade-long cross-shareholding with Washington H Soul Pattison, but insists it has not shut the door on ending the arrangement.

The WACA pitch was dubbed the Green Monster last summer, and Australia skipper Michael Clarke fears the outcome of the third Test against South Africa will be decided by the coin toss.

Next year will be when Australia decides whether it wants an auto industry or not, GM Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux says.

Harvey Norman chairman Gerry Harvey is expecting Christmas sales to be up on last year, especially if we have a hot summer.

Australia should focus on turning Perth into a global energy technology hub, the head of oil and gas producer Woodside says.

Would-be homebuyers should take heart from the latest survey showing a steady increase in housing affordability in all states.

Deputy opposition leader Julie Bishop has accused Julia Gillard of helping to conceal a controversial legal entity set up by two union officials in the 1990s by not creating a file on the advice sh

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has committed a coalition government to creating one million jobs over the next five years and two million jobs within a decade.