Sydney, July 5, 2007 (ABN Newswire) - Australian shares generally rose this morning as resource firms gained on stronger metals and oil prices, while Zinifex climbed to a record on speculation of a possible merger with Oxiana Resources.

At Midday the ASX200 index has gained 38 points to 6,337 and on the futures market the SPI 200's up 35.

In economic news, The government's Fair Pay Commission ruled this morning to increase Australia's minimum wage by $10.26 per week to $522.12

The full report is available at the following video and audio links.

Video Link

http://www.finnewsnetwork.com/asxgen/get_asx.aspx?site=abnnewswire&intro=MBL_Midday.wmv&media=midday(Broadband).wmv&content_type=BUSINESS_REPORT&date=20070705


Audio Link

http://www.finnewsnetwork.com/asxgen/get_asx.aspx?site=abnnewswire&media=midday.wma&content_type=BUSINESS_REPORT&date=20070705