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The Australian share market has risen on the back of encouraging US economic data.

Industry groups have slammed the Fair Work Commission's ruling that 20-year-old retail workers should be paid adult wage rates, claiming it will destroy young Australians' job prospects.

The federal government will try to pressure Labor over the repeal of the mining tax next week as the re-run of the Western Australian Senate election looms.

Perth-based explorer Gold Road Resources has raised $10 million through a share placement to institutional investors as it looks to undertake further drilling at its Gruyere prospect east of Laverton.

Prominent Perth company director Tracey Horton is among a group of business leaders appointed to a new federal Treasury advisory council designed to replicate the discipline provided by a private sector governance board.

iiNet founder Michael Malone has resigned as chief executive of the internet service provider, saying he wishes to dedicate his time to other passions.

Shares in grocery wholesaler Metcash have slumped almost 11 per cent after the company downgraded its earnings guidance and announced a $480 million overhaul of its business.

The Australian share market has opened higher following a solid lead from markets in the United States and easing concern over Ukraine.

Gina Rinehart has virtually ensured her family's long-held dream of operating its own iron ore mine, securing final funding for her massive Roy Hill project.

US stocks have rebounded from the previous Federal Reserve-sparked losses, as markets turned to favourable US economic data for inspiration.

US oil prices have slipped below $US100 ($A110.86) a barrel as the dollar strengthens on raised expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike sooner than previously thought.

The Australian dollar is starting to bounce back from its post Federal Reserve meeting fall, getting a boost from some mildly encouraging US economic data.

Dean Nalder’s elevation to state cabinet may have surprised some, but Mike Nahan has the runs on the board to perform as treasurer.

An independent think-tank says Western Australia should follow the lead of the Newman government in Queensland and implement major spending cuts after recording the largest increase in operating expenditure of all states over the last three years.

Ikon Communications has confirmed it is closing the Perth office and will handle the demands of its local clients from Sydney and Melbourne.

Woodside Petroleum plans to operate its Browse offshore floating LNG project for 50 years, with the first production well due to be drilled in 2017.

Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews has rejected a public plea from the not-for-profit sector to back down on plans to axe the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission.

Western Australian farmers are disappointed after being told the roll-out of a much-needed federal drought package will be delayed for several months.

Arafura Resources says it has found $500 million in capital expenditure savings at its Nolans rare earths project in the Northern Territory and is working towards trimming costs even further.

The share market has fallen more than one per cent on the prospect of higher interest rates in the United States.

Shares in West Perth-based explorer Red Mountain Mining are trading higher after the company released a scoping study confirming low capital costs at its Batangas gold project in the Philippines.

Perth-based Atrum Coal has announced it will spin-out its coal exploration assets, with plans to launch an initial public offering for a new company on the ASX later this year.

The Abbott government has failed in its first bid to scrap the carbon tax, with the Senate refusing to pass a package of bills to repeal the Gillard-era climate change policy.

Phoenix Gold has announced plans to raise up to $18.2 million through a share placement and entitlement offer to fund staged development at its Castle Hill mine near Kalgoorlie.

High debt levels and rising interest rates are an unpleasant combination, but everyone with an interest in the retail, property and share markets would be wise to see that one factor has arrived and the other one is on its way, potentially producing a pincer-squeeze on spending and growth.

Myer shares have fallen by almost five per cent after a slide in the retailer's half year profit.

The share market has opened lower after the US Federal Reserve flagged the possibility of an interest rate hike in 2015.

Australia will resume exporting sheep and cattle to Egypt after the government struck a deal with Egyptian importers to ensure animal welfare standards.

Gold futures have extended their losses after the Federal Reserve announced another reduction in bond purchases and delivered a more positive view of the US economy than some expected.

The federal upper house needs more Senators prepared to act in the interests of the federation.

US stocks have dropped after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen offered a rough timetable for when the central bank could raise benchmark interest rates.

The Australian dollar has regained some ground after falling more than one US cent following the Federal Reserve's announcement it would keep winding back its bond-buying program, designed to stimulate the US economy.