COVID-19 isolation requirements stay: PM
The seven-day isolation period for people with COVID-19 will remain but workers unable to go to their jobs will be able to claim $750 from Wednesday.
national news
Chalmers defends COVID payment delay
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has brushed off criticism the government was too slow in bringing back COVID isolation payments.
Aust economy to slow: Deloitte
The country's economy will chart a "middle ground" between recovering from the pandemic and continued uncertainty and rising interest rates and inflation.
Aussie eyes suffering pandemic screen time
Most Australians have at least one problem with their sight and almost one in three say too much screen time during the pandemic has affected their eyes.
Permit system to curb bee mite’s impact
Victoria's almond pollination season will go ahead as permits open to South Australian and Queensland beekeepers.
Lexus launches compact electric option
Look past the chiselled and unique styling of the Lexus UX300E to find the car's most interesting element - its electric drive train.
Jail cut for killer driver ‘so unjust’
Samuel Davidson who was speeding, drunk and drug-affected when he killed four children walking on a Sydney footpath has had his prison sentence slashed.
Police, tax office nab GST fraudsters
The tax office says thousands of people are suspected of being involved in a major GST fraud and warned Australians to be wary of people seeking myGov details.
Govt reverses plan to stop pandemic leave
The federal government has reversed a decision to end paid COVID-19 pandemic leave and will reinstate the $750 payments until September 30.
Chalmers takes Pacific focus in G20 speech
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has told global finance ministers climate change is the single greatest threat to Australia's Pacific partners.
Unions welcome govt’s payment backflip
Australian unions support the federal government reversing a decision to end paid COVID-19 pandemic leave.
Spotlight on logging as marsupials wane
Logging is continuing in state forests that are home to koalas and greater gliders despite the animals being added to the nation's endangered species list.
No bull dust as Rutherfurd rides again
Champion bull rider Donovan Rutherfurd says trust and love for the animals is key to success as he prepares for the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.
ASX moves higher on mining, energy
Australian shares have risen 0.4 per cent, with gains by iron ore miners, and coalminers outweighing losses for the big banks and property trusts.
National cabinet to meet on virus response
National cabinet will meet next week for a briefing from health officials on the latest COVID-19 surge across Australia.
Pressure mounts over COVID-19 payments
The federal government is under fire for not extending pandemic leave payments for those needing to isolate, as COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb.
Biosecurity boost to halt foot and mouth
The federal government will spend $14 million to help prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease in Australia.
Unemployment rate hit 48-year low in June
The unemployment rate plummeted to 3.5 per cent in June, from 3.9 per cent in May, and was much better than economists were expecting.
NSW shifts aged-care COVID vaccine rules
Visitors to aged-care homes in NSW won't have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 under changes approved by Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant.
ASX edges higher on mining, energy
Australian shares have risen 0.3 per cent, with gains by energy and mining companies and losses for property trusts.
Rent surges amid cost of living crisis
House and unit rents have set records in the country's capitals, according to Domain, as cost of living pressures prompt calls for more affordable housing.
COVID-19 providing ‘real challenges’: PM
The prime minister says he will work closely alongside states and territories to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the winter surge.
Father of ex-choirboy sues Pell, Church
Cardinal George Pell and the Catholic Church are being sued in Victoria's Supreme Court by the father of a deceased former choirboy, for psychological harm.
PM, leaders to meet over COVID-19 surge
National Cabinet is expected to meet next week for a briefing on the latest medical advice and pandemic response as COVID-19 cases surge across the country.
Aust bolster Comm Games COVID-19 measures
Australia's Commonwealth Games athletes won't be permitted to attend other venues to watch their teammates among measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Record high 240k homes being built in Q1
A record 240,065 dwellings were under construction in March, although work commencements on new homes fell as the housing boom lost momentum.
Alarm bells ring on foot and mouth disease
As tourists return to Bali, there are calls for compulsory disinfectant footbaths at airports to prevent the disease infiltrating Australia.
Albanese vows respect, energy in Pacific
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been meeting Pacific island leaders after landing in Fiji for a regional forum.
Accused baby killer ‘lied to protect mum’
A man accused of murdering a six-month old baby has said he lied to protect the child's mother despite their casual relationship mainly involving drugs and sex.
Treasurer defends end of free RAT scheme
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal government can't continue to give free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for concession card holders indefinitely.
NDIS less help in remote WA, inquiry told
A royal commission has been told there is less support for disabled people in a remote WA town under the NDIS compared with the old state-based system.