MAN sentenced to over six years in jail after making armed threats, hijacking cars and leading a two-hour high-speed chase across Perth.

THE dollar closed little changed in contrast to volatile trading earlier this week, with traders on the sidelines ahead of key US employment data.

INDONESIAN police have arrested 11 colleagues over the killing of six people when officers opened fire on a violent mob earlier this week.

THE Queensland attorney-general is seeking a longer jail sentence for a man who brutally killed an elderly woman and raped her body.

NSW Maritime has apologised to boat owners after striking workers shut down its workplaces over flawed licensing software.

OIL giant BP said today the Gulf oil spill had cost the British company eight billion euros ($11.25 billion) so far.

AGRICULTURAL chemicals supplier Nufarm is likely to face a class action from shareholders alleging it engaged in misleading conduct relating to profit forecasts.

A MELBOURNE man has admitted coercing girls, some of them under age, he met on the internet to have sex with him.

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has decided not to replace former cabinet minister Paul McLeay.

THE Australian share market on Friday ended the week with a third successive gain.