AAP

Australia's jobless rate looks to have settled around a two-year low and is unlikely to go lower for the time being, economists say.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says only around 500 of the biggest polluting companies will pay the full carbon price, and small business won't be hit with extra red tape.

Premier Colin Barnett says the federal government should get live cattle shipments to Indonesia under way as soon as possible so pastoralists don't have to cull.

The death of a 27-year-old man in a crane accident has prompted BHP Billiton to suspend rail and port operations at its Port Hedland iron ore facility in the Pilbara.

The Australian share market has opened lower, despite a mildly positive performance by Wall Street overnight, and after Chinese interest rates rose.

US stocks rose on Wednesday, rebounding from early losses and shaking off news of a Chinese interest rate rise and fresh eurozone debt worries.

The Australian dollar is lower on continued eurozone debt fears and after Beijing raised a key interest rate in an effort to cool inflation.

Carbon tax price revealed – The West; ASX warns boards on carbon costs - The Fin; Ludwig reopens live export cattle trade – The Aus; China takes a swipe at red tape logjam – The West; Drilling near Ningaloo cleared – The Fin

AUSTRALIAN Employment Covenant founder Andrew Forrest says a key milestone has been passed, with more than 270 companies committing to 55,000 jobs for indigenous people.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has reassured coal mining communities their future is "absolutely" secure under her plan to tackle climate change.

A new system to regulate the offshore gas and oil industry - a direct response to the 2009 Montaro spill - has been approved by the lower house of federal parliament.

Treasurer Wayne Swan has sought to soothe worries over the financial problems in Europe, saying the outlook for Australia remains "bright".

Telstra has created a business unit to develop digital applications and appointed a new customer service chief as it prepares for life under the national broadband network (NBN).

The Australian stock market clawed its way back from earlier losses to close marginally firmer, helped by strong gains in the materials sector.

Grounded airline Tiger Airways took too long to stop selling tickets amid uncertainty about when it will be flying again, the nation's consumer watchdog says.

Truck drivers could resort to road blockades and even boycotts against Coles and Woolworths if federal Labor doesn't address rising fuel costs under its carbon tax, a union says.

Police have brushed past a protest blockade to escort Woodside Petroleum contractors to the site of a proposed gas hub at James Price Point in the Kimberley.

Indonesia has confirmed it will significantly cut the number of cattle it sources from Australia when it re-assesses its import quota for next year.

Fortescue Metals Group has inked an agreement with earthmoving equipment giant Caterpillar for remotely-operated mining technology at its planned Solomon iron ore mine.

Official jobs figures due on Thursday are expected to show Australia's economy has slowed.

Australia's biggest live cattle exporter has called on the Federal Government to set up a pool scheme which would insulate cattle producers in the Northern Territory from market crises such as the Indonesia export ban.

Construction and engineering firm Clough has confirmed speculation it is negotiating with Malaysian company SapuraCrest about the possible sale of its loss-making marine construction business.

The Australian stock market has opened flat in quiet trading as investors await key US economic data later in the week.

US stock markets were mixed but mostly lower on Tuesday, giving up a bit of the ground they gained during a strong five-day rally last week.

The Australian dollar opened higher this morning, despite softening risk sentiment in Europe after Moody's downgraded Portugal's credit rating overnight.

Reserve may cut growth forecasts – The Aus; Banks' last-ditch bid to dilute 'signal' ban – The West; WA seeks workers in UK, Ireland – The Fin; Arrests as activists vow to stay – The West; Murchison shares hammered – The West

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has warned Labor colleagues not to expect an immediate turnaround in public opposition to pricing carbon, as the coalition accused her of avoiding the scrutiny of parliament.

Australian stocks closed slightly lower, with many investors staying out of the market as Wall Street was closed for a public holiday.

The federal government's banking reforms are costing $100 million a year at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the chief executive isn't sure the benefits are worth it.

The federal coalition is warning of a mental health crisis as one farmer prepares to shoot 3,000 of his cattle because of the live export ban to Indonesia.

Crescent Gold directors have accepted a $68 million friendly takeover offer by fellow gold miner Focus Minerals in respect of their personal shareholdings.

The Reserve Bank of Australia left the cash rate steady at 4.75 per cent at its regular monthly board meeting today.