AAP

Ahead of last year's federal election Tony Abbott declared Work Choices "dead, buried, cremated".

Australian manufacturing activity has grown for the first time in four months, but the sector is still struggling to cope with a high exchange rate and weak local demand.

Shares in rare earths supplier Lynas Corporation plunged by more than nine per cent on Friday as the company denied reports that a planned Malaysian plant could be delayed by one to two years.

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.

Perth-based shipbuilder Austal says the US Navy has confirmed the construction of two more high speed vessels, the sixth and seventh in a $US1.6 billion, 10-vessel program.

Ice cream maker Baskin-Robbins expects to open another 10 stores in Western Australia this year as it focuses its domestic business on the resource-rich states of WA and Queensland.

Australian shares were slightly higher at open, after another night of strong performances on Wall Street following the second, positive vote by the Greek parliament on austerity measures.

The Australian dollar was slightly weaker this morning, but market sentiment remained high, following a successful vote in Athens on an austerity package required to secure aid to ward off sovereign default.

Push to wipe out carbon tax plan – The West; Bar raised on executive pay deals - The Fin; 'We need a new wave of reform' – The Aus; Boards urged to expand offshore – the Aus; Bulls v bears as thumping rally closes out 2010-11 – The West

US stocks rallied Thursday, rising for the fourth day in a row after Greek MPs voted to implement an austerity plan and data showed business activity was up in the US industrial heartland.

The Australian dollar surged to a 26-year high against the pound, as fears of a Greek default subsided following a successful vote on a key austerity package.

The Australian share market ended the last day of the financial year on a strong note after Greece passed austerity measures to avoid a default on debt.

An International Atomic Energy Agency panel has recommended further safety measures for a rare earth refinery being built in Malaysia by Western Australian miner Lynas Corp.

Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson has taken a veiled swipe at Bob Brown after the Greens leader this week raised concerns about the extent of foreign ownership of Australia's mineral resources.

The latest flurry of data shows the economy is looking weak from more than just one angle.

Outspoken climate change sceptic Lord Christopher Monckton has accused the Australian media of hypocrisy and says journalists owe him an apology.

Leighton Holdings subsidiary Thiess Services has secured a bundle of new waste contracts worth a total $203 million.

Cougar Energy has decided not to try and remain a joint venture partner in the gas project that Enebba Gas kicked it out of in January.

Agreement on a $30 billion Kimberley gas hub is "the most significant act of self-determination by Aboriginal people in Australian history", Premier Colin Barnett says.

The final details of Australia's emissions trading scheme are expected to be announced next week, with the Australian Greens saying major hurdles have been overcome.

Australian stocks opened firmer, with strong gains among healthcare and energy-linked companies leading the broader market higher.

Leading West Australian grain organisation Co-operative Bulk Handling will no longer have a monopoly over the transportation of grain in the state, the competition watchdog has ordered.

Industrial action by Qantas engineers looks set to spread across the country next week, with union bosses planning rolling stoppages at half a dozen major airports as part of a dispute over pay and conditions.

The Australian dollar was around one US cent higher this morning, as concerns over Greece's debt crisis ease.

Labor, Greens close to signing carbon tax deal – The West; ATO tightens screws on business – The Fin; Mining tax may hit gold and uranium – The West; Browse not threatened: Barnett – The Fin; Barminco parks float to wait out downturn – The West

US stocks rallied on Wednesday after the Greek parliament approved an unpopular austerity plan, warding off the risk of a sovereign default that could destabilise Europe's financial system.

Centro directors Paul Cooper and Jim Hall will continue to serve on the Centro Properties Group board, despite an adverse court finding against the two as well as six former directors.

Qantas passengers will face travel delays early next week when the airline's engineers take industrial action as part of a dispute over pay and conditions.

Jetstar says its suspension of flights in response to volcanic ash was made for safety reasons alone, not to save money.

Telstra Corporation chief financial officer and board member John Stanhope says he will retire after overseeing a shareholder vote on the telco's $11 billion deal with the federal government on the national broadband network (NBN).

The Australian stock market closed higher, driven by gains across most sectors ahead of a Greek vote on austerity measures overnight.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has refused to say when a ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia might be lifted.