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Stocks on the Australian market have slipped by more than 0.9 per cent in early trade after mixed results in the US overnight.

Suitors run ruler over lithium play

Oil prices fell overnight as investors worried about a second wave of coronavirus infections, but new output cuts from Saudi Arabia tempered worries about oversupply and limited price losses.

Gold prices retreated overnight as the dollar benefitted from safe-haven buying driven by fears over a second wave of coronavirus infections.

The National COVID-19 Coordination Commission chaired by Nev Power has produced its first tangible result with the launch of an online planning tool to help business develop a recovery plan from the shutdown.

UPDATED: The state government has called an “urgent” summit of farm leaders to discuss workplace safety, at a time when a broad coalition of industry groups have been pushing to halt controversial changes planned to its Work Health and Safety legislation.

The Australian share market has closed at its highest level this month, with gains across the board as optimism rose that the coronavirus lockdowns would soon be over.

WA businesses must prepare a COVID Safety Plan before reopening next week. Some cafés and restaurants as well as community facilities will reopen and non-contact community sports will resume. WA reported zero new coronavirus infections overnight.

Retirement clearly suits Wade Hughes, who has received accolades for his underwater photography, and published an award-winning book with his wife, Robyn Hughes, since leaving the workforce in 2015.

Going against the grain is nothing new for iron ore magnate Andrew Forrest.

Anthony Albanese believes the coronavirus has handed Australia a once-in-a-generation chance to reshape its economy and the nation must seize the opportunity.

Scentre Group says that 57 per cent of retailers at its 37 Westfield malls across Australia are open and trading, with significantly more shops to open over the coming weeks as the coronavirus lockdowns ease.

Adriatic Metals has signed a binding agreement to purchase Toronto-listed Tethyan Resource Corp for around $16 million.

Western Australia's premier has defended not further relaxing coronavirus restrictions and promised a better deal soon for the state's pubs and restaurants.

Josh Frydenberg's first budget was a triumphant "back in black" performance but his second is predicted to show a $143 billion black hole in the nation's finances.

Investors have lifted share prices by more than 1.0 per cent in early trading on the ASX, with most sectors higher.

China cereal killer threat

Oil producers will be hoping for a third consecutive week of gains as more countries relax lockdowns intended to halt the coronavirus pandemic.

Investor optimism for a reopened economy has prompted gold to ease from its highest price in nearly two weeks.

Australian shares have finished higher, with retailers buoyant after Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the National Cabinet disclosed a roadmap to reopen the country for business.

The National Cabinet has introduced a three-step framework on easing coronavirus restrictions, with states and territories to decide on their own pace. Premier Mark McGowan on Sunday will announce which coronavirus restrictions will be lifted in Western Australia

WA Symphony Orchestra chief executive Mark Coughlan has resigned from the role, 17 months after he stepped up from a non-executive board role to lead the organisation.

Western Power has selected its recently recruited chief financial officer Ed Kalajzic as its new chief executive.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has made its latest contribution to the national hydrogen industry with $1.71 million of funding to BP Australia to progress a feasibility study for its proposed renewable hydrogen and ammonia plant in Geraldton.

Gold explorers Great Southern Mining and Fraser Range Metals have launched new capital raisings today, with the proceeds to fund exploration programs in Western Australia and NSW.

PODCAST: Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss markets settle, COVID-19 economic impact and where to next, Perth Airport vs Qantas, Chris Salisbury, El Caballo, Ellenbrook rail line, our great for the state feature on the future of our city, and our special report on mining projects.

Perth Airport has raised the stakes in its ongoing dispute with Qantas, giving the airline until Sunday to either begin negotiating an agreement on its outstanding fees or face expulsion from the airport.

Balcatta-based PS Structures has secured the works to build a multi-storey car park at Mandurah railway station, as part of a $32 million project jointly funded by the state and federal government.

Fraser's Restaurant Group has announced it won't be reopening The Old Brewery on Mounts Bay Road once COVID-19 social distancing restrictions are relaxed, surrendering its tenancy to head lease owners Minderoo Group.

OPINION: The economic fallout of decisions made to combat COVID-19 will play out for years.

The COVID-19 pandemic could spur the development of tech to provide authentic connection instead of superficial engagement.

Macquarie Group has halved its dividend after reporting an 8 per cent drop in full year profit, and said challenging market conditions due to the coronavirus pandemic make it hard to predict its fi