AAP

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.

A Medicare-style levy or tax hike remains on the table as the Morrison government weighs up how to find billions of dollars desperately needed for aged care.

Australia's share market has closed higher, as early optimism was reinforced by fourth-quarter economic data which showed a better than expected recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Nine has appointed Mike Sneesby as its new chief executive, having led the group's Stan Entertainment unit since its inception.

Qantas and regional Rex Airlines know JobKeeper will end this month, but have argued for further handouts to see them through COVID uncertainty.

The Australian economy grew by 3.1 per cent in the December quarter, continuing the strong rebound from last year's recession.

Police commissioner Chris Dawson wants new legislation to enable a permanent police presence on the state's borders, including stronger vehicle search powers.

Australians have been told to still expect their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine by October, with the federal government sticking by its time frame despite initial delays in the rollout.

A Morrison government cabinet minister accused of a historical rape will reportedly come forward after coming under increasing pressure to publicly identify himself.

Australia's share market closed lower while investors were reassured low borrowing costs will remain for some time yet, after the Reserve Bank left the cash rate and other settings unchanged.

Opposition leader Zak Kirkup has slammed the Premier’s insinuation that the state’s border controls could remain beyond the pandemic, labelling it a taste of what’s to come.