AAP

Leighton Holdings says its Asian subsidiary has won two major contracts worth $547 million to construct the South Island Line (East) rail project in Hong Kong.

The Australian stock market opened higher today, with investors taking their cues from a positive night on Wall Street and firmer commodities prices.

West Australian Labor leader Eric Ripper has rejected a challenge from Tony Abbott to come out against the federal government's carbon tax.

Mining royalties to boost west's treasure to $4bn a year –The Aus; Disabled win $600m boost to social services –The West; Wage claims to swamp business –The Fin; Power prices to rise 30pc nationwide –The Fin; Ripper opposes GESB costs spin-out –The West

Widespread gains in commodity prices lifted energy and materials companies as part of a broad stock market rally on Wednesday after three days of declines.

Fairfax Media may sell its portfolio of radio stations, including Perth talkback station 6PR and 96fm, following “strong expressions of interest” from prospective buyers.

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has challenged West Australian Labor leader Eric Ripper to come out against the federal government's carbon tax to protect jobs in the state.

Copper and gold miner OZ Minerals says it is in a sound financial position and has significant potential to expand its operations.

Shares in Perth-based phosphate explorer Minemakers jumped after it confirmed reports it was in talks with a state-owned Indian enterprise about jointly developing its Northern Territory project.

Ratings agency Moody's Investors Service has downgraded the long-term debt ratings of Australia's big four banks due to their sensitivity to volatile wholesale funding markets.

The Australian share market finished modestly higher after Asian markets rallied and as weaker-than-expected local wage data buoyed consumer stocks.

Shares in Kimberley Rare Earths closed lower on the first day of trading on the Australian stock exchange.

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says the boss of the national broadband network is the target of a dirty campaign.

Leighton Holdings says it will restructure its international operations in order to streamline its reporting structure into two divisions.

Western Australia's domestic gas reservation policy is interventionist and may prevent new entrants to the market, the petroleum sector's peak body says.

Grains handler and marketer GrainCorp has declined to confirm or deny that it is the subject of takeover interest.

The federal government has unveiled its blueprint for the future of the nation's 18 largest cities with a warning that it's prepared to "intimidate" opponents if necessary.

Opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey says the extent of the coalition's rollback of the national broadband network would depend on when the next election is called.

Worries about rising interest rates and the Federal budget have caused consumer sentiment to fall in May, a survey shows.

A key independent MP involved in designing the carbon tax says he does not want to see petrol included in the scheme.

Western Australia and the Northern Territory are leading the nation in wages growth, but figures released today do not seem likely to provide the Reserve Bank of Australia with a rationale to raise interest rates next month.

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett says it was primarily his decision to reject Cazaly Resources' proposal to export iron ore from Fremantle.

The Australian market opened slightly lower today after a mixed performance by United States markets overnight.

The Australian dollar was a third of a US cent higher this morning on the back of poor US economic data released overnight.

Fears grow on economic weak spots – The Fin; Carbon price trade-off may hit tax breaks – The West; Boom-to-bust warning on China – The Aus; Fortescue's US mission to lure expansion funds – the West; Buyer backs Brockman board – The Fin

US blue-chip stocks fell on Tuesday, extending Monday's losses after data showed the housing sector remained deeply depressed in April and Hewlett-Packard painted a dim picture for personal computer sales.

Greens leader Bob Brown says he's concerned at the growing influence of Australian mining firms in Papua New Guinea.

Better returns are available for Australian investors in the booming resources sector offshore as it offers better growth opportunities than the local market, says funds manager Caledonia Investments.

The Australian share market closed higher after a stronger materials sector outweighed struggling gold, energy and financials.

Newcrest Mining says it's preparing to resume production at its Bonikro gold mine in the Ivory Coast now that civil unrest has subdued in the West African nation.

A clutch of Australian bauxite miners say they are not opposed to the principle of a carbon tax.

Taxpayers have already spent close to $5 million accommodating world leaders and their staff ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth later this year.