States told to avoid Christmas border bans
The emergence of the Omicron variant and surging case numbers have created fear that premiers may pull the trigger on further lockdowns and border closures.
Health
Southern African travel ban scrapped
The federal government has ceased a travel ban on eight southern African nations imposed last month due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Travel ban ends as COVID-19 rules ease
A travel ban with eight southern African nations has been scrapped, while states move to ease their COVID-19 restrictions amid rising case numbers.
COVID rules ease as infection tallies rise
COVID-19 restrictions are easing across swathes of the country as infection numbers rise in the lead-up to Christmas.
New SA centre to advance aged care
A new aged care research centre has been established at Adelaide's Flinders University to modernise the sector across the country.
NT reports 11 COVID-19 cases, rules eased
The Northern Territory has recorded four new COVID-19 cases linked to a community outbreak and seven among returned travellers.
St Basil’s top brass face virus inquest
St Basil's operators Kon Kontis and Vicky Kos have formally requested that they be excused from testifying at an inquest into COVID deaths at the nursing home.
Vic has 1405 new COVID cases, three deaths
Victoria has recorded 1405 new COVID-19 cases and a further three deaths after an Omicron-infected patron visited two Melbourne nightspots.
Prime Minister listed as casual contact
Scott Morrison has been told by NSW Health he is a casual contact after visiting a COVID-19 exposure site, but can continue with official appointments.
Brain trauma in ex-NFL player who shot six
A former NFL player accused of killing six people, then himself, has been found to have suffered severe brain damage through an autopsy.
Omicron case visited two Melbourne venues
Hundreds of people at two Melbourne nightclubs will be forced into isolation for at least seven days after both were attended by an Omicron-infected patron.