Lifesavers warn swimmers after drownings
Surf Lifesavers are urging beach lovers to be more careful this summer after a near record number of coastal drownings in Australia.
Politics
Vic records 14,836 COVID cases, 29 deaths
Victoria has posted 14,836 new COVID-19 cases and 29 deaths, as the state's hospitalisation numbers jumped after falling marginally in recent days.
Omicron has peaked in some states: Hunt
Health Minister Greg Hunt has indicated the Omicron wave may have reached its peak in four jurisdictions, as the final green light was given for a new vaccine.
NSW COVID-19 patients rise, 24 more dead
NSW has reported its lowest daily COVID-19 tally this year, but hospitalisations have risen by more than 100 and are nearly as high as last week's peak.
Shortages plague concessional RAT rollout
The federal government's concessional access to COVID-19 rapid antigen tests has begun, but pharmacists say supply shortages could delay the rollout.
Two RATs per week for Vic pupils, teachers
Rapid antigen tests will be handed out to students and teachers across Victoria to keep schools open when face-to-face classes resume.
RATs for pupils in NSW back-to-school plan
Two rapid antigen tests per week will be supplied to students and teachers across NSW schools as part of COVID-19 measures for the start of the school year.
Victoria has 13,091 virus cases, 14 deaths
Victoria has posted 13,091 new COVID-19 cases and 14 deaths ahead of the unveiling of the state's plan to protect students and staff when classes resume.
Hunt doubles down on Qld rapid test claims
The federal government has denied claims it requisitioned rapid antigen tests from Queensland, despite reaching a $26 million deal with a known supplier.
Testing requirements relaxed for arrivals
The requirement to receive a negative PCR test within three days of flying to Australia has been scrapped, with a rapid antigen test to be accepted from Sunday.
Australia-PNG sign $580m port upgrade deal
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has agreed a $580 million port upgrade deal with Papua New Guinea's leader James Marape.
RSPCA calls for end to SA duck hunting
Animal welfare group the RSPCA has renewed calls for an end to duck hunting in South Australia after the government announced dates for the 2022 hunting season.
Victoria has 18,167 virus cases, 20 deaths
Victoria has posted 18,167 new COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths, as eight state-run vaccine hubs embark on a four-day booster blitz.
Aid flights touch down in devastated Tonga
Australian and NZ aircraft carrying humanitarian aid have landed in Tonga to help the Pacific nation recover from the devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami.
Unemployment rate drops to 4.2 pct
The Australian Bureau of Statistics said the unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 per cent in December as a further 64,800 people joined the workforce.
Australian, NZ relief heads to Tonga
Australian and New Zealand military aircraft and ships are heading to Tonga to provide emergency disaster relief, as the tsunami's impact becomes clearer.
Charlise mourned after Blue Mtns death
The NSW premier says he felt sick hearing the news of nine-year-old Charlise Mutten's death, as the community mourned at a candlelight vigil.
RAAF flights ready for Tonga aid mission
Two RAAF planes and HMAS Adelaide are readying to depart Australia for Tonga to provide emergency disaster relief as soon as conditions allow.
Tonga relief flights set for take-off
The cleanup of ash covering Tonga's airport runway will allow Australian air force planes to deliver emergency aid for victims of the eruption and tsunami.
NSW opens booster door to 1.8m more adults
Millions of residents in NSW became eligible for boosters of the COVID-19 vaccine after the government slashed the time between doses.
Palmer and McGowan stoush set for court
Clive Palmer and WA Premier Mark McGowan are set to meet in the Federal Court in Sydney later this month with each party suing the other over defamation claims.
NSW school return sparks COVID surge fears
The return to school could trigger a further rise in virus cases in NSW, as children recommence face-to-face learning amid the state's virus peak.
Palmer to lead UAP Senate election bid
Clive Palmer will lead his party's push for electoral success in the Senate, announcing a bid to return to federal politics ahead of this year's election.
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.
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.
Australian relief ship departs for Tonga
HMAS Adelaide is being deployed to Tonga, loaded with vital supplies to assist the tsunami-ravaged nation.
NSW reports 36 deaths, nearly 30,000 cases
Premier Dominic Perrottet says people have to get on with life as the NSW records its deadliest day of the pandemic, with 36 deaths reported and 29,830 cases.
SA’s 3829 new cases as outbreak stabilises
South Australia has reported 3829 new COVID-19 infections as signs continue that the state's Omicron outbreak is stabilising.
Victoria has 25,526 COVID cases, 23 deaths
Victoria has reported another 23 COVID-related deaths and 25,526 new cases, including 12,857 from rapid antigen tests.
Isolation change won’t add risk: experts
Despite COVID-19 isolation measures being changed for multiple workplace sectors, experts say it won't add to the risk of virus transmission.
Disability advocates hit out at iso change
Disability advocates have criticised changes to close contact isolation rules saying the federal government is not taking care of Australia's most vulnerable.