The Australian bourse posted strong gains on Thursday, buoyed by better-than-expected employment figures.

At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 45 points or 1 per cent stronger at 4582.2. The broader All Ordinaries index had added 43 points or 0.9 per cent to 4621.3.

Of the major sectors, financials looked up 1.4 per cent and materials improved 1.1 per cent. Energy shares, on the other hand, slid down 0.4 per cent. Telcos were likewise in the red, declining 1.4 per cent.

The local bourse opened about 0.6 per cent firmer, broadly in line with the rally on Wall Street during the offshore session, and it extended its gains during the morning session.

Additionally, market indices reacted positively to the latest jobs data that revealed Australia's unemployment rate was down to 5.1 per cent in August, exceeding market expectations.

Making news today, the competition regulator ACCC said it continued to object to the proposed tie-up between National Australia Bank and AXA Asia Pacific.

AXA shares dived on the news, finishing 36 cents or 6.6 per cent weaker at $5.08.

The major banks all posted gains, with NAB the strongest performer after adding 89c or 3.7 per cent at $24.84. Commonwealth Bank improved 71 cents to $52.49, Westpac firmed 28 cents to $22.98. ANZ edged up 27 cents at $23.76.

The two big miners likewise finished the day in the black, as BHP Billiton climbed 27 cents at $38.18 and Rio Tinto strengthened 46 cents at $73.90.