AAP

Whitehaven Coal and billionaire Nathan Tinkler's Aston Resources have agreed to a $5.1 billion merger.

Former ABC Learning Centres boss Eddy Groves and CEO Martin Kemp want to be tried separately on charges relating to the collapse of Australia's biggest childcare chain, a court has heard.

Employers face penalties of up to $50,000 if they hire illegal workers under new draft laws the government will introduce to parliament in 2012.

Qantas is continuing with plans to establish a premium Asian airline despite its own gloomy outlook for the global economy.

China Petrochemical Corp (Sinopec) has increased its stake in Origin Energy and US giant ConocoPhillips' Australia Pacific liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

Economists have been unsurprised by the release of higher housing finance figures, given the growing trend upwards in recent months.

Nick Sherry has stepped down from the federal ministry, ahead of a wider reshuffle by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Australian shares surged 1.6 per cent after key offshore bourses rallied on the back of Europe's latest plan to address its economic crisis.

Wesfarmers anticipates a $190 million writedown in its Coregas business as a result of amendments to its contracts with BlueScope Steel.

Treasurer Wayne Swan says the major four banks have looked after their customers leading into Christmas by moving inline with the central bank's interest rate cut.

BlueScope Steel has applied for $100 million of industry assistance from the federal government.

Australian shares ended near their lowest point this month as investors took cash off the table ahead of a weekend of crunch talks on the future of the eurozone.

Energy ministers from across Australia have agreed to draft a plan for dealing with coal seam gas (CSG) development by September 2012.

West Australian teachers are set to remain the highest paid in the nation after reaching a tentative pay deal.

Harvey Norman says it did not knowingly mislead consumers when it advertised 3D televisions in regional areas where such broadcasts were not available, although a court has found otherwise.

Mount Gibson Iron managing director Luke Tonkin has left the miner ahead of his planned departure date after talks with other board members about his termination package collapsed.

Qantas baggage handlers and ground staff are calling for job security as they lodge their draft agreement with the industrial umpire.

Ten Network chairman Brian Long says conditions in the advertising market are still difficult and were expected to remain so, although December has provided some encouraging signs.

Australian shares have dropped as dealers fear failure of a crucial summit in Europe could spell the break up of the eurozone.

Telstra says its revised submission to the competition regulator regarding its participation in the national broadband network does not require further shareholder approval.

Australian shares fell after disappointing jobs data added to an already muted market tone as investors awaited the outcome of the eurozone debt crisis summit.

WA Premier Colin Barnett says major resource projects will be delayed and deferred as a result of a slowdown in the global economy.

A planned strike at Fremantle Port this weekend is an unreasonable move by workers and shows Australia's industrial relations regime isn't working, West Australian transport minister Troy Buswell s

Defence Minister Stephen Smith has assured India that Australian uranium will not be sold to neighbouring Pakistan.

The competition watchdog will allow six coal miners, including Rio Tinto, to collectively bargain with QR National for access to its rail network linking Queensland's Bowen Basin to the Abbott Poin

Treasurer Wayne Swan says the major four banks have looked after their customers leading into Christmas by moving inline with the central bank's interest rate cut.

The administrators of Fletcher Jones will attempt to save the high-profile clothing retailer by putting it up for sale.

Australian shares edged lower as investors continued to fret about whether eurozone leaders will be able to hammer out a deal to tackle the debt crisis at this week's summit.

Australian shares added 0.7 per cent as hopes for a new debt deal in Europe and forecast-beating economic growth data for the September quarter boosted investor appetite.

Consumers should check cyber security settings on their mobile devices before shopping online, an expert warns.

Qantas chief Alan Joyce has apologised for grounding the carrier's entire fleet, saying he knows it hurt the tourism industry.

The Australian dollar rose following the release of data showing the national economy grew strongly in the September quarter.