Minister weighs up Djokovic visa decision
The immigration minister has yet to decide on cancelling the visa of world No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic just days ahead of the Australian Open starting.
Politics
NSW reports 92,264 COVID cases, 22 deaths
NSW has reported a dramatic rise in new COVID-19 infections to 92,264, on top of 22 deaths, after RAT results were included for the first time.
PM ignored health advice, Albanese says
Calls for universal access to free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests have grown as the government put out urgent tenders to secure $60 million worth of them.
NSW virus spike expected as RATs added
More than 78,000 positive rapid antigen tests have been reported in NSW, almost a day after the state's mandatory reporting system for the self-test went live.
School ‘safer than remaining in community’
NSW and Victoria have doubled down on reopening schools on their scheduled starting days despite calls to delay as COVID-19 infections surge.
NSW records 21 deaths, 34,759 new cases
NSW has reached another grim milestone after reporting a record 21 deaths from COVID-19 on top of 34,759 new cases.
Don’t delay school start, leaders urged
A former deputy chief medical officer is calling on national cabinet to not delay the start of the school year, despite surging Omicron cases.
Urgent talks to address supply chain issue
Ministers are meeting with essential business sectors on possible COVID-19 isolation changes to help solve supply chain shortages due to rising infections.
NSW reports 25,870 COVID cases, 11 deaths
NSW has reported 25,870 new COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths, with more than 2100 patients in hospitals with the virus.
Djokovic issue a lose-lose for govt: Labor
Labor says the federal government's handling of the Novak Djokovic immigration saga has made Australia "look like a bit of a joke".
NSW wants RAT reporting to be mandatory
NSW is working on legally requiring people to report a positive result from a self-administered rapid antigen test so it doesn't lose sight of infections.
Record daily COVID-19 deaths for NSW
NSW has reported a record number of COVID-19 deaths, including a young child, as the number of people hospitalised with the virus rises.
Woolworths works to quell supply issues
The federal government is working to ease pressure on supply chains amid spiking Omicron cases as stock is thinning out on supermarket shelves.
School return locked in, says NSW premier
Premier Dominic Perrottet says NSW has purchased a further 50 million rapid antigen test kits which will be distributed across the state.
Union say NSW isolation changes ‘reckless’
The TWU wants urgent talks with the prime minister to discuss their concerns over NSW Health's decision to wind back isolation requirements.
Virus deaths spike, children jabs begin
The daily death toll from COVID-19 has spiked to 20, with NSW reporting 16, its highest number since the pandemic began.
Omicron peak still ‘weeks away’, AMA warns
The Australian Medical Association says the nation's healthcare system needs extra support as COVID-19 cases surge towards a peak that is still weeks away.
Josh Frydenberg tests positive for COVID
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating with his family.
Restrictions return after Omicron surge
As Australia recorded another one-day high for daily COVID cases, multiple jurisdictions have reintroduced pandemic restrictions to halt Omicron's spread.
Omicron surge leads to restrictions return
States have implemented a return to some COVID-19 restrictions as case numbers linked to the Omicron variant surge across the country.
PM points to state responsibility for RATs
Scott Morrison has defended the government's supply of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests amid criticisms of under-preparation as the tests become harder to secure.
Australia, Japan solemnise security pact
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have signed a "historic" treaty that has already drawn comment from Beijing.
PM rejects he underprepared for RAT race
Scott Morrison has defended the government's supply of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests amid criticisms of under-preparation as the tests become harder to secure.
Novak Djokovic not above border rules: PM
Scott Morrison has declared Novak Djovokic was not above the rules, after the Australian Border Force cancelled the tennis star's visa to enter the country.
Government cancels Novak Djokovic’s visa
The federal government has cancelled the visa of tennis Serbian star Novak Djokovic just days out from the Australian Open.
Experts sound alarm on testing changes
Medical experts have warned surveillance of COVID-19 case numbers could be incomplete following PCR test requirement changes.
Key role for Rapid tests as virus surges
Greater use of rapid antigen tests, including free tests to be provided to concessional card holders, will help relieve pressure on COVID-19 testing centres.
Rapid antigen tests to be free for some
Rapid antigen tests will be provided free to more than six million Australians who are concessional card holders, after the national cabinet meeting.
WA detects five new local COVID-19 cases
Western Australia has recorded five new local COVID-19 cases as a Hyatt Hotel quarantine worker tests positive for the virus.
PM criticised for being behind in RAT race
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has resisted calls to make rapid antigen tests free, saying it's not a silver bullet to deal with the challenges posed by Omicron.
Alleged parliament arsonist gag order ends
The suppression order on alleged Old Parliament House arsonist Nicholas Reed has been lifted after he reappeared in the ACT Magistrates Court for a bail breach.