AAP

 The Australian share market closed stronger as investors snapped up industrial stocks amid renewed hopes for a potential solution to the European debt crisis.

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett has accused Julia Gillard of being inflexible in talks with states and territories over the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

 Proposed amendments to the living away from home allowance (LAFHA) will affect more than a "narrow group of people" as described by Treasurer Wayne Swan, a federal parliamentary hearing has b

The head of one of Australia's retail giants fears there is no end in sight to the nation's consumer gloom, despite its flagship Coles supermarket boasting a hefty full year sales increase.

Caltex Australia insists its decision to close its Sydney oil refinery and turn it into an import terminal at a total cost of $680 million is necessary to secure the company's future.

Australand is confident of delivering earnings growth in 2012 after reversing its profit slide amid tough times in the property development market.

The Australian share market is higher at noon, led by the industrial sector and continuing hopes for a European bailout.

The West Australian premier's call for GST distribution reform is very reasonable but any change needs to benefit the whole nation, opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey says.

Qantas Airways has confirmed it is in talks with a number of airlines about potential alliances, including Dubai-based Emirates.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has taken aim at Liberal state premiers over their refusal to sign up to plans for a national disability insurance scheme.

Troubled miner Energy Resources of Australia says the uranium market remains challenging after it recorded a net first half loss of $59.8 million.

Newcrest Mining has exceeded its copper production targets for its 2012 financial year, while gold production is in line with forecasts.

The Australian sharemarket has opened flat as mixed trading of defensive stocks followed Europe and Wall Street's overnight leads.

Confidence is down in the property and construction sector, even in the prosperous mining states, according to a private study.

US stocks have closed mixed as investors digested strong earnings reports from Dow members Boeing and Caterpillar and disappointing results from Apple.

Macquarie Group is pinning its hopes on a recovery in financial markets to lift its earnings in 2013.

The Australian sharemarket has closed slightly lower as fears that Spain may be headed for a financial bailout overshadowed lower-than-expected inflation figures in Australia.

The patience of Oz Minerals shareholders continues to be tested, with the company revealing a sharp quarterly jump in production costs and development of its new copper-gold project.

Prominent businessman Geoffrey Cousins is no more important than anyone else on the anti-Browse gas hub bandwagon, Resources Minister Norman Moore says.

Predator DuluxGroup has criticised Alesco Corporation's latest financial performance, but says it is willing to work with the takeover target to garner support for its $210 million bid.

Truck drivers are rallying outside Coles stores across the country calling for the retailer to be held to account for pressuring truckies and causing accidents.

Australia has posted its lowest annual inflation rate since 1999, leaving the door open for more interest rate cuts by the central bank.

The effective ban on coal mining in the Margaret River region adds to uncertainty weighing on the industry and will push companies elsewhere, the body representing small miners says.

Property developer Stockland Group's managing director Matthew Quinn will retire in February 2013 after 11 years in the top job.

Atlas Iron plans to double production by the end of 2013 as it presses ahead with a rail feasibility study.

The Australian sharemarket opened sharply lower following gloomy leads from markets overnight and disappointing earnings results in the US.

Redundant workers from ailing sectors such as manufacturing are being targeted for work in the resources sector, Minister for Employment Participation Kate Ellis says.

US stocks fell sharply Tuesday on growing concerns about Europe's sovereign debt crisis, soft corporate earnings at home and a weak manufacturing report.

Kingsgate Consolidated's chief executive says he cannot offer an explanation as to why the price of gold has plunged but it may have something to do with derivatives.

The Australian dollar is slightly lower, but is on the way up following upbeat comments on the Australian economy by the central bank governor and better than expected Chinese economic data.

Unions say they have effectively forced QR National to "play by the rules" as the company attempts to shed a fifth of its workforce.