AAP

Sharks that get too close to swimmers may be killed before they get a chance to attack, under the state government's response to an unprecedented spate of fatalities.

Darrell Lea chocolates will be on the shelves of IGA supermarkets by the end of October under the first deal signed by the chocolate maker's new owner.

The number of job vacancies in Australia has risen by 4.2 per cent, official statistics show.

Woolworths shares have dipped slightly in early trade after it announced the sale of its Dick Smith Electronics chain to a private equity firm for $20 million.

Regulatory barriers affecting mineral and resource exploration companies will be the subject of a new Productivity Commission inquiry.

Australia's banknotes are set for a high-tech upgrade but the Queen's place on the $5 bill is safe.

Australian stocks have opened weaker for the fourth successive day as concerns that Spain could seek a bail-out hit resource equities.

Mining giant BHP Billiton has sought an extension to the indenture agreement to cover its mothballed $30 billion expansion of the Olympic Dam mine.

The Australian dollar has bounced back after falling to its lowest level in more than two weeks on renewed concerns about the euro zone sovereign debt crisis.

US stocks have sunk following the lead of Asian and European markets amid a rise in turmoil in the eurozone.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan is confident Asia's transition to a global economic powerhouse over the next decade will provide Australians with new and interesting kinds of jobs.

The Australian dollar has fallen below 104 US cents on the back of weak regional stock markets and a lack of positive economic news. 

Mining baron Nathan Tinkler has been knocked off the top spot on the BRW Young Rich List for the first time since 2009 - and he's now down to his last $400 million.

Farmers and agribusiness companies believe xenophobia is putting Asian foreign investment in Australian agricultural land at risk.

Higher taxes on mining and wealthy individuals are needed to ensure the economy serves the needs of "people and nature", Australian Greens leader Christine Milne says.

Australian stocks have closed lower as worries about global growth and skepticism about the latest efforts to revive the US economy succeeding prompted local investors to seek refuge away from the

Australian households are using 25 per cent more electricity compared to a decade ago even though retail prices have skyrocketed 72 per cent in the last five years.

The number of jobs advertised on the internet last month has fallen sharply over the year. 

Seven West chief executive and former Woodside boss Don Voelte has joined the board of oil and gas explorer Nexus Energy.

Australian stocks have opened lower after falls on Wall Street and losses for the mining giants.

Japan's Mitsui has approved a $1.5 billion investment to expand iron ore export capacity at its joint venture with Rio Tinto at Cape Lambert.

A Federal Reserve official's doubts about the impact of the QE3 stimulus pulled the rug from under US stock markets Tuesday, sending them lower after strong early gains.

Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson has demanded Opposition Leader Tony Abbott rein in coalition critics of foreign investment, saying recent anti-China comments were sending damaging mixed

Australian shares closed lower, dragged down by resources stocks, with investors responding to commodity price falls and Europe worries.

Leighton Holdings is looking to sell its phone and internet infrastructure assets.

A media analyst and commentator is standing for election to the board of Fairfax Media in an effort to help it improve its flagging financial performance.

The state government has ruled out tapping James Packer for funds towards a new $900 million stadium neighbouring his Crown Perth casino.

Australia's banking system has been given its semi-annual tick of approval but the central bank is keeping a watchful eye on potential longer-term risks.

Gold miner Newcrest is tapping investors for $US1 billion ($A962.97 million) to help reduce its debt.

Australian sheep exporters should consider focusing on Middle East countries with a history of accepting their animals after a shipment was rejected by Bahrain and Pakistan, the WA Farmer

The economic ties between China and Australia are extending beyond the resources sector to financial services, education, tourism and agriculture, the federal government says.

The federal government has announced a crackdown on public service travel, recruitment advertising and printing in a bid to save the budget $550 million.