School testing a matter for the states: PM
The school year starts in less than two weeks and the federal government is still preparing a COVID safety plan which will ultimately be decided by the states.
Archive
Incentives for more students, backpackers
Visa application fees for backpackers and international students will be covered by the federal government in an attempt to address the workforce crisis.
NSW take no COVID risk, cancel Origin camp
NSW have cancelled a pre-Origin camp scheduled for next month due to the COVID-19 situation in the state.
Qld to reopen international border on Sat
Twice-vaccinated international travellers who test negative for COVID-19 will be able to fly into Queensland without any restrictions from 1am on Saturday.
BBL pace ace reported for suspect action
Sydney Thunder's Mohammad Hasnain, who electrified up the BBL before returning home to Pakistan, has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action.
Vic reduces vaccine booster dose interval
Victoria has reduced the wait between second COVID-19 vaccine and booster to three months.
Leaders set to discuss relief for Tonga
HMAS Adelaide is being deployed to Tonga, loaded with vital supplies to assist the tsunami-ravaged nation, as the Australian and Tongan leaders plan to talk.
Plea deal likely for AFL star De Goey
A plea deal is likely to be offered to AFL star Jordan De Goey, which downgrades the charges he faces in a US court for an alleged assault at a New York bar.
Scrap international testing: Vic airport
Melbourne Airport has urged the Australian government to consider dumping pre-flight testing for some international travellers, in line with domestic settings.
Child’s body found in barrel, man charged
A Sydney man has been charged with the murder of a nine-year-old girl who disappeared from the Blue Mountains six days ago, after a body was found in a barrel.
Omicron-related deaths ‘are yet to peak’
While COVID-19 cases may have started to flatline, the chief medical officer has warned deaths from the Omicron variant have yet to reach their high point.
NSW reports 32 deaths, 32,000 virus cases
NSW has reported 32 deaths and 32,297 new COVID-19 cases, as the government says it's confident enough RATs will be supplied to the state's 3000 schools.
NZ considering new COVID border strategy
COVID-19 Minister Chris Hipkins says New Zealand will make a fresh call on border settings "within the next couple of weeks".
Australian relief ship departs for Tonga
HMAS Adelaide is being deployed to Tonga, loaded with vital supplies to assist the tsunami-ravaged nation.
Diamonds, England draw in Quad clash
Australia have given up a six-goal lead at the final break to draw 48-48 with England in their Quad Series clash in London.
Man charged with murder of 9yo girl in NSW
Police have charged a man with the murder of a nine-year-old girl who disappeared from the NSW Blue Mountains.
Winter wave warning for COVID-19
Australia's chief medical officer has warned of another spike in COVID-19 cases over winter as the country hovers near the peak of the current wave.
Aussie team has solid plan for carbon woes
Australian scientists are turning carbon dioxide into solid carbon in what could be a game changer for emissions-heavy industries fuelling climate change.
Tonga damage slowly comes to light
As more insight arrives into Tonga's devastation from a volcanic eruption, Telstra says it is hopeful a solution can be found to restoring vital communications.
Broncos awaiting news on Tongan relatives
With communications down, Brisbane NRL trio Kotoni Staggs, Tesi Niu and Delouise Hoeter are anxiously awaiting news on Tongan relatives.
ASX traders sell as rate expectations rise
Rising bond yields have lured ASX investors from shares as they brace for higher global interest rates in 2022.
Qld concern over slowing COVID vaccination
Slowing vaccination rates among a key age group are concerning authorities in Queensland where 16 new deaths were recorded in people with COVID-19.
Christian Crichton in Penrith NRL return
Penrith have brought Canterbury's Christian Crichton back to the premiership-winning club on a one-year contract.
How regional Australia beats the heat
As heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and more intense, regional Australians and their communities are learning how to adapt.
Fijian Drua target April Super homecoming
The NSW-based Drua hope to host the Highlanders in Fiji on April 30 as they battle COVID-19 restrictions ahead of a Super Rugby Pacific debut.
Private hospital COVID-19 plan triggered
Health Minister Greg Hunt says Australia has activated an agreement to make more than 100,000 private hospital staff available to help COVID-affected areas.
Tsunami toll rises as Tonga assesses needs
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne confirmed she's in contact with Australia's High Commission in Tonga and is expecting specific support requests.
Volcanic ash delays aid to Tonga
Thick ash is delaying aid deliveries to Tonga as the extend of damage emerges following the weekend's huge undersea volcanic eruption.
Knife-waving man shot by cops after attack
A man who was shot dead by police after an altercation with his partner had suffered a brain injury during a fight with his brother when he was 11 years old.
Roar coach welcomes A-League home comforts
Brisbane coach Warren Moon is hopeful back-to-back home games will be the catalyst for his team's stuttering A-League Men's campaign to finally gain momentum.
Qld health minister blasts PM over RAT ad
The Queensland health minister says it is "absolutely appalling" that federal government ads are spruiking free rapid antigen tests at state clinics.