AAP

Universities and states will be forced to meet stringent conditions before the Morrison government considers plans to allow the return of international students.

Investors on the ASX have resisted a mostly upbeat mood on Wall Street after bond yields eased, and may be waiting for signals from the US Federal Reserve's meeting next week.

Major banks have thrown their support behind the Morrison government's post-JobKeeper scheme but some business groups are far from happy, with one labelling it "second-class support".

Scott Morrison continues to stand by embattled Defence Minister Linda Reynolds as she takes another month off work.

Australia's most senior health officials are set to be grilled about the coronavirus vaccine rollout which is falling short of lofty government targets.

Western Australia's Liberal opposition has failed to provide key details on its policy costings in a shambolic presentation two days before the state election.

The federal government’s $1.2 billion tourism package has faced widespread criticism with WA's leading industry body slamming the effort as pork barrelling for marginal electorates.

Plunging iron ore prices have pulled miners and the ASX lower on a day in which investors rediscovered growth stocks such as technology, going against the recent reflation trade.

Christian Porter has been referred to the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia on the same day as Scott Morrison insisted he would not shuffle the attorney-general or industrial relations portfolios.

Labor and the Liberals say they will back a wide-ranging inquiry into corruption within the state's housing department after Saturday's election.

Top industry bodies have lined up to welcome the federal government's decision to expand its wage subsidy scheme for apprentice and trainee hires.

Australia's share market has produced gains despite some turbulent offshore influences, while Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe may seize a chance to move the dollar lower on Wednesday.

Scott Morrison says he wants Anzac Day services to return to normal this year after the pandemic meant traditional services and marches had to be cancelled on the national holiday last year.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is sticking to the government's population-wide coronavirus vaccine October goal despite delays in the initial rollout.

Doctors are ironing out complicated logistics and asking for patience as they prepare to give millions of Australians the coronavirus vaccine.

After surging early, Australia's share market closed with modest gains as changing investor sentiment overseas took a toll on local equities.

Senior government ministers have rejected claims vital decisions in the defence sector are on hold due to Defence Minister Linda Reynolds extending her leave.

China's iron ore imports rose 2.8 per cent for the first two months of 2021 from a year earlier, with demand for the steelmaking ingredient supported by a firm consumption outlook.

Companies with more than 250 employees would be forced to publicly disclose the gap in pay between women and men if Labor wins the next federal election.

The Morrison government will continue facing questions about rape allegations levelled at the attorney general unless an independent investigation occurs, the opposition argues.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says a new package of support for the tourism and travel sector will be announced within days.

Inflation fears in the US forced the Australian share market to close lower, but not before investors gained some hope from China's decision to reinstate its economic growth target.

Embattled Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has apologised for calling an alleged rape victim a "lying cow" after the threat of legal action.

Sex Discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins will lead a review of Parliament House's workplace culture after rape allegations rocked federal politics.

More stranded Australians will soon be able to return each fortnight with a quarantine facility in the Top End given the-all clear to increase its capacity.

Insurer QBE has named the boss of UK insurer Beazley, Andrew Horton, as its next chief executive.

Scott Morrison has confirmed his embattled Defence Minister Linda Reynolds called an alleged rape victim a "lying cow".

Big companies trading ex-dividend and a weak offshore lead dragged the Australian share market lower, while a fund manager saw risk in where the market may be headed.

Scott Morrison has attempted to draw a line under historical rape allegations against Christian Porter after the attorney general emphatically denied the claims and police ended their investigation.

Retailer Myer has posted a massive lift in interim profit after a surge in online sales, yet investors were unimpressed and sent shares plunging on the ASX.

Australia posted the biggest monthly trade surplus in history on the back of record iron ore exports, as the economy continued to rack up new markers in its rebound from last year's deep recession.

Anthony Albanese has failed to join his state Labor colleagues on the campaign trail in Western Australia, nine days out from the state election.