AAP

The Australian stock market opened higher, after markets in the United States rebounded on positive developments in the debt-ridden Eurozone.

US stocks rebounded Thursday amid signs that Italy and Greece were moving to form new governments that would address their deep debt problems.

World oil prices drifted higher on Thursday but the market remained plagued by persistent doubts over the eurozone's debt crisis and in particular the plight of Italy, traders said.

The pilots' union is appealing in the Federal Court against Fair Work Australia's decision to stop Qantas industrial action, claiming it wrongfully ruled against members who had only taken minor ac

The prime minister's decision to work with unions on equal pay for community and social welfare workers has been backed by the state government.

Ports and rail operator Asciano says it has performed well in uncertain economic conditions but warned it would be affected by a fall in economic activity.

Australia's farmers face a positive outlook in the medium term despite a volatile global economy, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) says.

Australia's peak union body has attacked the state government for refusing to sign up to new national occupational health and safety laws.

An unexpected fall in the jobless rate is unlikely to prevent the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cutting interest rates again given the continuing turmoil on global markets.

The benefits of the mining boom have peaked and the federal government must abandon its commitment to a budget surplus by 2012/13, a new study says.

Australia's unemployment rate fell to 5.2 per cent in October, official figures show.The September figure was an upwardly revised 5.3 per cent.

The Australian stock market fell the most in almost two months as the ongoing troubles in the Eurozone spooked investors.

The Australian dollar has fallen more than two US cents on renewed fears of a looming debt crisis in Italy.

New worries over a eurozone meltdown have sent US stocks plummeting more than three per cent.

The Australian dollar closed higher as the looming resignation of Italy's prime minister added to investor sentiment and gave the currency a boost.

Leprechauns are "lovable little fellows" and no-one should be offended if they are called one, the Western Australian premier says.

One of Australia's largest accounting firms is standing by its analysis of Labor's mining tax after Treasurer Wayne Swan rebuked it for distorting the public debate.

Fortescue Metals Group says the iron ore price has bottomed out for the moment and demand from Chinese steel mills remains high.

Myer is closing stores and reducing floor space as it strives to generate as much as 10 per cent of its sales revenue online.

Australian shares gained more than one per cent as markets focused on Italy and stronger commodity prices prompted local investors to buy mining stocks.

People acting as "lobbyists for hire" will be targeted by proposed legislation in Western Australia.

The coalition has switched tactics on the carbon tax, accusing the Australian Greens of seeking a second wave of climate action, including an end to coal-fired power.

Consumer sentiment has risen strongly in November, suggesting that last week's interest rate cut has had the desired effect, Westpac says.

International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde has warned the world is at risk of plunging into "uncertainty and financial instability" and has urged Asian economies to be on their guard.

The federal government's leading employment index rose for a third consecutive month in November after revisions to the series.

Insolvencies spiked in Australia in the September quarter as creditors got tough on debt recovery, fresh data from the corporate watchdog shows.

An Aboriginal corporation has been denied the opportunity to speak at Fortescue Metals Group's annual general meeting.

Andrew Forrest-chaired Poseidon Nickel has asked the state government to allow the explorer to re-start mining at the Mount Windarra project in Western Australia.

Monthly trade figures usually prompt talk of coal, iron ore and the like, but this focus on minerals is a distraction from another important element of the trade data.