AAP

Shares closed a little lower on the Australian market as a coronavirus lockdown unfolded for Brisbane, and the refloating of a ship blocking the Suez Canal caused oil prices to fall.

Australia has hit the half a million milestone for COVID-19 vaccinations but is way short of the four million jabs the government predicted just a few months ago.

REA Group has proposed a $244 million purchase of the Mortgage Choice broking business.

A snap lockdown in Brisbane days out from the Easter weekend threatens to spark nationwide chaos.

Australia's resources and energy exports are forecast to reach a record $296 billion in 2020/21, despite the global economic downturn driven by COVID-19.

Investors have had their best week on the ASX in the past seven, while the surging buy now, pay later sector may be the best indicator of any effect on shares from the end of the JobKeeper wage subsidy.

AMP denies media reports that chief executive Francesco De Ferrari has resigned, but says he and the board are discussing the wealth manager's future leadership.

TPG Telecom chairman David Teoh has resigned after many years developing the major force in the Australian telecommunications industry, and shares fell to a record low.

Scott Morrison has reeled off a shopping list of his government's coronavirus vaccine achievements despite the rollout being well behind.

The prime minister has confirmed Linda Reynolds and Christian Porter will remain in cabinet, even though a reshuffle is looming.

Shares closed at their highest level on the Australian market in more than a week, as a weaker Aussie dollar helped the indices buck downcast sentiment overseas.

Putting some of Australia's welfare recipients on cashless debit cards to restrict their spending is costing taxpayers $70 million.

Australian businesses are enjoying improved financial circumstances and are relying less on government support measures.

Australia's vaccine rollout will ramp up quickly over the next month as hundreds of thousands of doses make their way across the country.

The arts and entertainment sector is being offered another $135 million to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

Casino giant Crown has admitted it could have underpaid more than 200 workers around $2 million as part of an ongoing wage theft investigation.

Australia's share market bucked a downwards trend across most markets, possibly helped by the Aussie dollar falling to 75 US cents.

Treasury chief Steven Kennedy believes few countries have achieved what Australia has in responding to last year's recession – relatively good health outcomes, smaller economic impacts and now, rapid recovery.

Premier Investments, owner of retail chains including Peter Alexander and Just Jeans, has defended not repaying $15.6 million in JobKeeper assistance after reporting an 88 per cent profit increase.

Treasury boss Steven Kennedy expects a "bump" in the unemployment rate as the JobKeeper wage subsidy comes to an end next week.

Australia's share market has closed lower for the fourth time in the past five sessions, while the Aussie dollar fell to US76 cents as demand for commodities dropped.

Delaying a decision on moving full-cycle docking for the Collins class submarines to Western Australia increases the risk to the capability, a Senate hearing has been told.

Scott Morrison has indicated he is likely to strip Christian Porter of more responsibilities as the attorney-general sues the ABC for defamation.

Investors in Australia's share market have made gains early in a week in which most of the focus will likely be on US financial leaders appearing before the Senate.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will make changes to the JobMaker hiring credit scheme after corporate leaders shunned the $4 billion program.

A smooth rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine around the world will lift Australian economic growth and generate tens of thousands of jobs, a new analysis predicts.

Gaming giant Crown Resorts is being targeted for a takeover after US investment fund Blackstone made an unsolicited offer.

Australia's share market closed lower for a third consecutive day and the week, while US financial leaders will next week have another chance to persuade investors jittery about the prospect of inflation.

Anthony Albanese has lashed the Morrison government for its "petulant" handling of industrial relations reforms.

Australian officials have welcomed the European medical regulator giving the AstraZeneca vaccine the green light.

Snap lockdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic in Perth and Melbourne drove a fall in retail turnover in February.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been urged to press on with its investigation into Holden's conduct in the lead-up to the closure of the car brand in Australia.