could emerge as a buyer of assets outside the family of properties already controlled by its manager, Investa, in the view of NAB analyst Peter Cashmore.

Health Services Union national secretary Kathy Jackson says she has discussed the dramas surrounding the Health Services Union with her partner, the deputy president of Fair Work Australia, Michael Lawler.

After big drops last week, Australian shares have closed around three-quarters of a per cent higher on Monday. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 31.6 points, or 0.78 per cent, at 4078.1.

Mining magnate Clive Palmer has made his presence known in Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan’s seat of Lilley.

Respite from European worries gave investors reason to head back in the market despite last week’s carnage. But pending news on Chinese manufacturing activity could put a further dampener on sentiment.

What to do about tourists? It is a question that has dogged Victoria’s unloved public transport smartcard system, Myki, for years. Now the Victorian government has a plan.

As the local market falls further on concerns about Europe, Australian investors are getting nervous.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has become isolated over her support for European austerity following a push by the G8 industrialised nations to boost economic growth and to keep Greece in the euro zone.

The latest exchange-traded funds to list on the ASX focus on fixed interest, but there is more to them than meets the eye.

Trade Minister Craig Emerson will sign a free trade agreement with Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.