Cases doubling in WA as Omicron peak looms
There are 92 people in hospital with COVID-19 in Western Australia and three in intensive care after the state recorded a further 5005 new infections.
Politics
Qld records 8 virus deaths, 4327 new cases
Another eight COVID-19 deaths and 4327 new cases have been recorded in Queensland, with Annastacia Palaszczuk saying the state is "coming off" its Omicron wave.
Russian ambassador’s speech cancelled
The National Press Club has pulled the Russian ambassador's planned address as reports of war crimes and killing of Ukrainian civilians continue to emerge.
No quarantine for close contacts flagged
National cabinet has agreed to transition to no longer requiring all COVID-19 close contacts to quarantine.
Labor senator Kimberley Kitching dies
Tributes have begun pouring in for Labor senator Kimberley Kitching, who has died from a suspected heart attack, aged 52.
Foreign minister meets Chinese ambassador
Foreign Minister Marise Payne has spoken to China's new ambassador Xiao Qian, delivering a frank assessment of Australia's concerns with the communist regime.
Murder-accused NT cop trial jury breaks
The jury at policeman Zachary Rolfe's murder trial in the Northern Territory has suspended its deliberation for the day.
Albanese to stand by nuclear sub deal
Anthony Albanese says Labor would stick with the AUKUS agreement to acquire nuclear submarines, even if a review finds issues with the program.
Ukraine will never stop fighting: envoy
Ukraine's Charge d'Affaires Volodymyr Shalkivskyi says his country will never stop fighting to protect its freedom and its land.
Disaster at the check out: Why your supermarket bill just keeps going up
Australians are already paying more for meat, bread, dairy and fruit because climate change is disrupting food supply chains, a new report has found.
PM outlines largest peacetime ADF boost
An expansion of Australia's defence workforce will mean an increase of more than 18,000 people over the next two decades.
SA signs up to mental health package
The South Australian government has signed on to a federal government package to improve mental health services across the state.
Prejudice risk in Higgins case: judge
The defence for the man accused of raping Brittany Higgins has told the ACT Supreme Court the case's publicity risks prejudicing the trial.
Petrol bowser pain flows for some time yet
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has warned petrol prices could remain elevated for some time yet as a result of the war in eastern Europe.
MCG to host memorial for spin king Warne
A state memorial for Shane Warne will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30 after the Australian cricket great's sudden death in Thailand.
WA premier’s private texts aired in court
West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has been questioned in court over his private messages about Clive Palmer as their defamation trial draws to a close.
Rate rise plausible this year: RBA’s Lowe
Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe has told a business conference that a rise in the cash rate is plausible this year.
Flood support ‘will never be enough’: PM
The prime minister has expressed his sorrow to flood victims in northern NSW, saying no amount of support will ever be enough to help affected residents.
Albanese pledges Hawke-style government
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says he wants to govern like former Labor prime minister Bob Hawke if he is successful at the May federal election.
RBA’s Lowe warns of inflation, rate risks
RBA governor Philip Lowe says inflation could reach four per cent-plus as a result of the impact on prices of the Australian floods and war in Ukraine.
PM avoids minister pre-selection stoush
Three incumbent Liberal MPs, including two cabinet ministers, have avoiding local pre-selection challenges after a federal intervention.
More people in hospital in WA with COVID
The number of active COVID-19 cases in Western Australia has climbed to almost 15,000, while 48 people are now in hospital with the virus.
Enough is enough, Australian women say
A diverse alliance of women are saying 'enough is enough' on International Women's Day as Australians come together to share their stories.
Sub base plan branded as pork barrelling
Independent Senator Rex Patrick has lashed out at plans to build a nuclear-submarine base along parts of the east coast.
Nuclear subs make Port Kembla a ‘target’
Locals fear Port Kembla could become a target if a nuclear submarine base is built on its waters, while business in Newcastle back the idea.
Transport workers need voices heard: union
Transport workers want to be included in talks to improve conditions in light of supply chain impacts from natural disasters, war in Ukraine and the pandemic.
Russia attack no portent for Taiwan: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison doesn't believe Russia's aggression and invasion of Ukraine draws parallels with China's intent to assert control over Taiwan.
Family escapes Kyiv bombs, lands in Sydney
Ukrainians fleeing the war have begun to arrive in Australia, with one family landing in Sydney after a five-day journey from the Kyiv region.
Truce shouldn’t end Russia sanctions: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Russia needs to suffer economic and diplomatic consequences with sanctions remaining in place for the long term.
Poll watchdog sheds light on false claims
The electoral commission has launched a register of false claims ahead of the federal poll to combat disinformation.
WA premier tells court of death threats
WA Premier Mark McGowan has told a defamation trial that Clive Palmer made statements that led to deaths threats against him and his family.