AAP

Fresh evidence of "freebies" given to state Health Department staff by pharmaceutical companies has emerged, with the state opposition labelling it an astounding rort.

Qantas is embroiled in another industrial dispute - this time over safety checks on its Boeing 737s and Airbus A330s.

An offer from mining magnate Gina Rinehart to consider recruiting retrenched workers from the NSW Illawarra is an opportunity for young miners, a union body says.

Retiring Australian Greens leader Bob Brown's last move before handing in his Senate seat on Friday is to lobby all federal MPs to protect part the Kimberley region from gas drilling.

Tourism industry heavyweights have slammed the Gillard government's decision to increase the airport departure tax, saying it will cost thousands of regional jobs.

Scammers posing as insurance officers have targeted residents of a storm-hit home in Rockingham, south of Perth.

About 1,200 of 2,700 jobs threatened by the collapse of engineering conglomerate Hastie Group have been saved.

The mining industry has been accused by MPs of not taking responsibility for the social and financial problems caused by fly-in fly-out workers.

The Australian share market has opened marginally lower on a weak US lead, with local investors treading water until the outcome of Sunday's Greek elections.

Interest rate cuts and federal government handouts will help retail spending grow at its fastest pace since the 2008-2009 global financial crisis, an independent forecaster says.

Treasurer Wayne Swan believes the most likely scenario for the European Union is one of "rolling crises and volatility".

Data showing weak US consumer buying in May have taken a hit on US stocks, with consumer goods companies leading the fall of the markets.

 The number of Australian companies that submitted applications for new top-level internet domain names may be disappointing, especially among retailers.

The Australian dollar has moved to within half a US cent of parity with its US counterpart and could move higher in the coming days, even as markets remain nervous about upcoming Greek elections.

Volatility on European markets has created short-term opportunities for investors while the local sharemarket flounders around six month lows, analysts say.

Australian stocks closed lower with investors' caution about the weekend's Greek elections overriding positive offshore leads.

The federal government will expand and increase the mining tax if it wins the next election and that could put the Olympic Dam expansion at risk, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says.

Australians shouldn't wish too quickly for a lower Australian dollar, the nation's top central banker says.

Two directors of takeover target Eureka Energy have changed their mind and recommended shareholders accept a bid by Aurora Oil & Gas.

The state opposition wants to resurrect a policy to ensure contractors of state government-funded infrastructure projects employ a minimum number of apprentices.

More than two-thirds of large Australian companies are willing to hire foreign workers as the effect of the skills shortage is felt across a broad range of industries, a survey shows.

Treasurer Wayne Swan says he believes the way the economy adapts to a high Australian dollar will determine success across a range of industries.

Winter crop planting is well under way, but more rain is needed for a good harvest, the latest government data shows.

Consumer optimism has grown only slightly, despite another official interest rate cut, a private study shows.

The mining boom is not to blame for Australia's multi-speed economy, Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Glenn Stevens says.

Australian stocks have opened slightly higher following gains on Wall Street and European markets.

A faster than expected slowdown in China poses a risk for the rest of the region, in particular commodity-dependent countries such as Australia, the World Bank says.

US stocks have bounced back, reversing the previous day's losses while shrugging off the spectre of more turmoil in Europe.

It was an agreement between old mates and prospecting partners to prevent their families fighting over their substantial assets once they'd gone.

The Australian dollar has slipped following Europe's decision to bailout Spain's banking system, but it is likely to fall during the week as markets brace for the fallout from Greek elections.

Businesses will be banned from charging customers excessive credit card fees under new regulations announced by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

The Australian share market finished slightly higher despite big falls on overseas markets as instability in Europe continues.