AAP

One of the world's largest undeveloped zirconium resources is a step closer to becoming an operating mine that could be worth as much as $1.2 billion, says Perth-based minerals explorer Alkane Reso

Engineering group Monadelphous Group has secured a major construction contract for Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting valued at around $150 million.

Federal Treasury Secretary Martin Parkinson says Australia would have to return the national budget to surplus before considering starting up a sovereign wealth fund.

Australia's live music industry contributed $1.21 billion to the national economy last financial year, a new report says.

Bringing Chinese investment into the embattled Oakajee port and rail network won't be easy, Premier Colin Barnett says, with the country still debating the massive project.

The federal government is being asked to consider new measures to make housing more affordable to support the "millions" of low and middle income Australians struggling with high costs.

Western Australia has "hitched its rail cart to China" by signing a bilateral agreement to boost trade and investment, Premier Colin Barnett says.

Qantas has warned that a nationwide strike by airport baggage handlers and ground staff will affect more than 6100 passengers.

Investment company Premier Investments says trading conditions are getting even tougher for retailers, but the company still expects to improve its performance.

The Australian share market opened lower despite a positive lead from Wall Street, as a special weekend meeting between European leaders over the Greek debt crisis spooked investors.

The Australian dollar was trading a third of a US cent lower after news that Greece may have to wait longer for its next round of bailout funds it needs to avoid a debt repayment default.

Forget the patchwork economy - Western Australia is the patchwork state.

A promise by the world's leading central banks to provide support to banks needing funds during the ongoing Eurozone debt crisis has given a fillip to world markets and reduced the likelihood of th

The Australian share market gained almost two per cent as investors remained optimistic European leaders were approaching a resolution of the Eurozone debt crisis.

Santos has entered into an asset swap deal with the US-based Magellan Petroleum for Northern Territory gas fields.

New Fremantle coach Ross Lyon insists he did not stab Mark Harvey in the back and says he can hold his head high over his shock departure from St Kilda to join the Dockers.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has moved to redefine the core values of the ALP, as she called for a mass membership drive in the coming year and an overhaul of party rules.

Tourism Australia is rebooting its interactive campaign as it attempts to revive the domestic market.

The man being questioned by British police over massive rogue trading at Swiss banking giant UBS was an "up and coming" trader who was well liked by his colleagues, reports said.

Resource giant BP is asking for trouble exploring the pristine Great Australian Bight in search of oil, environmentalists say.

The Australian share market opened more than one per cent higher on strong leads from US and European markets, which rallied for the third and fourth straight day respectively yesterday.

Ross Lyon is set to become Fremantle's new AFL coach, after the Dockers sensationally sacked Mark Harvey on Thursday, despite the former Bomber having a year to run on his contract.

Swiss commodities giant Glencore has dropped all conditions attached to its $1.02 billion takeover bid for Western Australian nickel miner Minara Resources.

The Australian dollar is more than one US cent higher on Friday, after major central banks promised overnight to ensure US dollar liqudity to Europe's embattled banks.

US stocks got a boost Thursday despite poor domestic economic data after major central banks joined hands to ensure US dollar liquidity to Europe's embattled banks.

A Perth firm plans to produce potash from its Western Australian landholdings in what would be a first for the nation.

Australian shares rose 1.5 per cent as investors clung to comments from French and German leaders that Greece's future was "in the eurozone" after talks with the debt-ridden country were held.

Small businesses are facing a debt repayment strike.

Qantas has dragged passengers into its pay dispute with workers as the company's baggage handlers and caterers prepare to stop work next Tuesday, their union says.

One of the big four banks expects the Reserve Bank of Australia  to raise interest rates six months later than previously expected, after changes were made to a key measure of inflation.

Bathurst Resources posted a wider full-year loss as the dual-listed coal miner acquired reserves and pursued resource consents and infrastructure for its Buller Coal Project.