AAP

Julia Gillard has used parliament's question time to highlight the achievements of her first year as prime minister, saying she wants to spread opportunities to all Australians.

Premier Colin Barnett says the federal government had tried to pressure the state to cancel its agriculture minister's trip to Indonesia in response to the ban on live cattle exports.

Mining magnate Andrew Forrest says he is feeling "quite confident" about reaching his target of 50,000 job offers for indigenous Australians by the end of next week.

The outlook for economic growth in the next three to nine months is still weak as the economy continues to deal with the impact of the floods, a report has found.

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett says protesters blockading the site of a proposed $30 billion gas hub in the Kimberley should "move on" now they've made their point.

Rio Tinto says it will increase its stake in Ivanhoe Mines by exercising its remaining warrants in the Canadian company for $476 million in a deal related to the development of the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold project in Mongolia.

Qantas Airways says underlying profit before tax is expected to be between $500 million and $550 million for the full 2010/11 year, and announced a settlement with engine manufacturer Rolls Royce.

A proposal by federal Defence Minister Stephen Smith to base more military assets in western and northern Australia has been welcomed by Premier Colin Barnett.

West Australian Labor Party members are set to clash at this weekend's state conference over whether to endorse a permanent ban on live animal exports.

Australian stocks opened higher this morning, with market players buoyed by developments in Greece and amid firmer commodities prices.

Aquila Resources says it has not reached an agreement with Brazilian resources giant Vale regarding how coal shipments can be made separately from a jointly owned mine.

The Australian dollar has opened a quarter of a US cent higher amid encouraging signs Greece may avoid a credit default.

Most flights have resumed in Sydney after an ash cloud that has caused massive delays moved from mainland Australia to hover over Tasmania and New Zealand.

Full-strength Foster's bid tipped – The Aus; Cattle industry fears Jakarta will impose ban – The Fin; Hunger driving trade reform – The Aus; Labor's ploy to cut power bills – The Fin; Murchison caught in vortex of Mid West share price crash – The West

US stocks closed higher on Tuesday amid hopes that Greece's government would survive a confidence vote, a crucial first step in defusing the country's debt crisis and stabilising Europe's finances.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is still hopeful of securing Senator Steve Fielding's support for a national vote on the carbon tax after his Family First party boss backed it.

Australian shares held on to early gains to put in their best performance in about a week on the back of firm offshore leads.

The Australian Greens have suggested the federal government's hands-off approach to the equal pay case could be costly for the budget bottom line.

A former building contractor has been charged over a scam at a Perth council involving alleged fake work invoices and kickbacks.

A second agency has flagged downgrading Woodside Petroleum's credit rating following last week's $900 million cost blowout and delays to its flagship offshore gas project.

State agriculture minister Terry Redman says diplomatic damage caused by Canberra's sudden cattle trade ban will prevent a quick resumption of live cattle exports to Indonesia.

A larger ash cloud from the Chilean volcano could disrupt travel at Australia's major airports for two days, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers.

The central bank has again signalled that interest rates will increase "at some point" but says it will wait for more news on the state of the international economy and on Australia's domestic demand.

Brewer Foster's Group has rejected a $9.51 billion all-cash takeover offer from international beverage giant SABMiller, saying the bid undervalues the company.

The financial position of Australian households has deteriorated, a survey that measures household savings shows.

Commodity export earnings are forecast to reach a record $256 billion in 2011/12, an 18 per cent increase on the previous financial year, the federal government's commodity forecaster says.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has described as a "cheap stunt" an opposition move to overturn a looming ban on mortgage exit fees.

Australian stocks have made a bright start, opening higher on the back of strong gains in the materials and metals sector.

The Australian dollar has opened more than half a US cent higher, as a resolution on the Greek debt crisis appeared nearer.

Stun guns not vital to Indon cattle deal –The West; NZ leader urges low start to carbon cost –The West; BHP may move on Woodside after shares dive –The Aus; Incitec still in race for Burrup –The Fin; After-school jobs back with Fair Work victory –The Aus

US stocks closed higher on Monday, as early fears of eurozone contagion gave way to optimism that Brussels and Athens would tackle the Greek debt crisis.

Australia's Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig has described discussions with Indonesian officials aimed at resuming live cattle exports as constructive.