Business confidence has fallen sharply to levels last seen in 2009 when the economy was struggling to emerge from the global financial crisis (GFC).

Dun & Bradstreet says Australian business failures rose 12 per cent in the June quarter, as they were hit by the high Australian dollar and interest rates.

Australian Unity and the Big Sky Credit Union are poised to merge.

Leighton Holdings has been awarded a $US300 million ($A290.11 million) Oman government roads building contract.

Stocks of interest on the Australian Securities Exchange at on Tuesday.

Analysts say Greece is once again on the ropes after its embattled government ordered further controversial spending cuts and tax hikes.