PM rules out free RATs despite pressure
Scott Morrison has said making rapid antigen tests free would not be a silver bullet to deal with the challenges of the Omicron variant.
Politics
PM to take RAT plan to national cabinet
National cabinet is expected to discuss the supply and distribution of rapid antigen tests when leaders meet, as COVID-19 cases rise across the country.
National cabinet to focus on rapid tests
National cabinet is expected to discuss the supply and distribution of rapid antigen tests when leaders meet as COVID-19 cases across the country surge.
WA has new case, likely linked to cluster
A Perth bar worker has tested positive for COVID-19, with WA health authorities believing the case is linked to the Delta variant backpacker outbreak.
WA records 14 COVID cases among travellers
Western Australia has recorded 14 new COVID-19 cases as the state's hard border leaks infected travellers, but all are quarantined.
Boosters critical as infections surge
With NSW and Victoria again recording a one-day high for daily COVID-19 infections, Australia has passed the grim pandemic milestone of 500,000 cases.
Man faces court for Old Parliament fire
Protesters are holding a smoking ceremony outside a court in tandem with the appearance of a man charged over an alleged arson attempt at Old Parliament House.
National housing boom ends 2021 on high
National house prices ended the year up 22.1 per cent, despite slower growth in two major markets in the final month of the year, according to CoreLogic.
Old Parliament House protester detained
ACT Policing has confirmed one man has been arrested by police outside Canberra's Old Parliament House for trespassing.
Vic has 8577 new virus cases, three deaths
Victoria has reported 8577 COVID-19 infections, which is a new daily record, on top of another three virus-related deaths.
New figures reveal post-lockdown job boom
Almost 500,000 new jobs have been created across the nation since September, according to figures released by the Australian Taxation Office.
Labor to prioritise Sydney-Newcastle rail
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese is to announce a fast-rail link between Sydney and Newcastle will be a Labor priority should it win the federal election.
New year but COVID pandemic continues
Australia has entered the new year with the highest COVID-19 case numbers of the pandemic and a fresh approach for dealing with outbreaks and contacts.
Secret records give 9/11, Tampa insight
Declassified cabinet documents from the Howard government in 2001 provide insight into how Australia's leadership grappled with the 9/11 terrorist attack.
New Year changes put dollars in the bank
New Year's Day brings not only the promise of a clean slate but also extra dollars in the bank for some.
One more WA backpacker-linked COVID case
Western Australia has recorded one new COVID-19 case linked to an infected French backpacker from Queensland.
COVID quarantine, testing changes come in
A new definition of a close contact comes into effect across five states and territories as leaders pivot their response to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
NT records 37 new COVID-19 infections
The Northern Territory's daily COVID-19 case tally has almost doubled with 37 new infections detected following a significant increase in virus testing.
WA toughens border rules for Qld and SA
The Western Australia government has escalated its COVID-19 pandemic response and toughened its border rules, banning Queenslanders and South Australians.
Victoria records 3767 new COVID-19 cases
COVID-19 cases in Victoria have taken a massive jump, with 3767 new infections recorded and five deaths.
NSW pressures Qld to drop PCR requirement
The NSW premier is pressuring his Queensland counterpart to change the state's border rules, which he claims are overwhelming testing clinics in NSW.
Queue chaos as ACT posts record 252 cases
The ACT has posted a new record of 252 cases of COVID-19 in one day as queuing chaos continues across the territory.
Victoria records 2738 new COVID-19 cases
Victoria has recorded 2738 new COVID-19 cases and four deaths, but hospitalisations and ICU admissions are down.
Discussions ramp up over rapid test role
Pressure is mounting for rapid antigen tests to play a bigger role around the country as lines and waiting times blow out at testing facilities Australia-wide.
Newspoll analysis signals strong Labor win
The latest Newspoll analysis shows Labor would win 12 seats from the Liberals and secure a majority with more than 80 MPs in the House of Representatives.
SA records 842 new COVID cases, one death
South Australia has registered a record-high 842 new COVID-19 cases, and a death with the virus of a 94-year-old woman.
WA adds one backpacker-linked COVID case
Western Australia has one new COVID-19 case linked to an infected French backpacker from Queensland as health restrictions are extended until January 4.
Mystery COVID-19 case detected in Darwin
The Northern Territory has detected 12 new COVID-19 infections as authorities investigate the source of a mystery case in Darwin.
Victoria records 1999 new COVID-19 cases
Victoria has reported 1999 new COVID-19 cases, but the overall active case numbers have fallen by nearly 1000 overnight.
New SA restrictions after record 774 cases
SA Premier Steven Marshall says he wants to ensure new daily infections don't get out of control and has reintroduced density limits at gatherings.
Victoria has 2095 COVID-19 cases, 8 deaths
Victoria has reported 2095 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths, after reinstating mandatory mask-wearing in all indoor venues.