COVID restrictions return amid case surge
States and territories are reintroducing COVID-safe measures and working to reform how they contact trace exposures amid a sharp spike in infections.
national news
WA to learn extent of COVID-19 outbreak
West Australians are donning face masks for last-minute Christmas shopping after a backpacker visited more than a dozen venues while infected with COVID-19.
Two newcomers named in England T20 squad
England have named a 16-strong squad for their five-match Twenty20 series against the West Indies in Barbados.
Heat win BBL toss and bat against Strikers
The Brisbane Heat have won the toss and elected to bat against the Adelaide Strikers in their BBL game at Adelaide Oval.
Canberra stage comeback to secure ALW draw
Two late goals have allowed Canberra United to snatch an A-League Women point in a 3-3 draw against Brisbane Roar.
Latest snapshot of the coronavirus impact
The latest snapshot of COVID-19 cases, deaths and vaccinations in Australia at 1530 AEDT on Thursday, December 23.
Smaller yachts chasing handicap honours
The fate of overall honours in this Sydney to Hobart will be decided two days into the race, according to the two-times handicap-winning owner of Quest.
Giddey’s Thunder earn third-straight win
Josh Giddey scored 14 points and teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a dominant triple-double as Oklahoma City thumped Denver for a third-straight NBA win.
Qld to scrutinise Palmer power station bid
The Queensland government has called in a controversial application to build a coal power station by a company owned by Clive Palmer.
Bulldogs ace Smith returns to AFL training
Western Bulldogs ace Bailey Smith, a week after taking leave for personal reasons, has returned to training with his AFL club.
Canberra, Roar desperate for a win in ALW
They both sit on the bottom of the A-League Women ladder without a point but Canberra and Brisbane are full of fight and ready to scrap for a win.
Isaako in reunion with Bennett at Dolphins
Brisbane back Jamayne Isaako will head across town to new NRL franchise the Dolphins under his former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett.
Burgess unlikely to return to South Sydney
Sam Burgess says he's happier staying away from the Rabbitohs as he eyes a role on England's World Cup coaching staff.
Under-fire England coach defends selection
England head coach Chris Silverwood insists he is the right man for the job but accepts that a faltering Ashes campaign brings question marks over his position.
Gallen bounces back to down Lussick
Paul Gallen came back from a first-round pasting to seal a TKO victory over former Manly prop Darcy Lussick in Sydney.
Next generation Outlander ups the stakes
Mitsubishi has taken its popular Outlander SUV upmarket in every way, including the price.
Duty of care to block mine, minister told
Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley has a duty of care to Australian children and must veto Glencore's proposed central Queensland coal mine, lawyers say.
Vic testing system jammed by ‘bureaucracy’
Victoria has identified 24 new Omicron cases as health authorities blame longer COVID-19 testing wait times on interstate bureaucracy.
SA eradicates multiple fruit fly outbreaks
South Australian authorities have eradicated multiple fruit fly outbreaks across the Adelaide metro area which threatened the state's horticulture sector.
Relieved Glory to get home for Christmas
Most Perth Glory players and staff will be able to spend Christmas quarantining at home, instead of a Brisbane hotel, after the APL secured a charter flight.
More mask rules as Qld records 186 cases
Mask restrictions will tighten in Queensland cinemas and hospitality venues as the state reports a record 186 new COVID-19 cases.
Sharks must aim for NRL top four: Gallen
Cronulla great Paul Gallen believes the Sharks should be aiming for top four minimum next year after recruiting strongly for the 2022 NRL season.
Moloney back on track for world title shot
A comfortable points decision win for Andrew Moloney against Filipino Froilan Saludar has put the Australian back on track for another world boxing title shot.
Government plays down COVID modelling
The Morrison government has played down modelling showing up to 200,000 COVID-19 cases a day is a possibility without tightened restrictions.
Gangland execution likely mistaken identity: Police
Police believe a man who was gunned down after attending a boxing match in Sydney's south was murdered by mistake.
National cabinet meets as virus cases rise
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will host state and territory leaders at a virtual national cabinet meeting amid rising COVID-19 cases.
National cabinet meets as COVID cases rise
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will host state and territory leaders at a virtual national cabinet meeting amid rising COVID-19 cases.
Frustrated Root delivers “home truths” to demoralised England Ashes squad
Captain Joe Root has delivered a few home truths in the dressing room after England's latest Ashes disappointment, coach Chris Silverwood says.
Two new COVID cases in WA linked to Qld flight
Western Australia's plan to lift travel restrictions from February 5 has been clouded by a dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases in NSW and Victoria.
AFL club Sydney hit by COVID outbreak
The Sydney Swans have confirmed some of their players have tested positive for COVID-19, as Australian and England cricketers face additional Ashes protocols.
Test queues balloon as NSW urges RAT use
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has urged people without COVID-19 symptoms to reconsider whether they need a PCR test as clinics are overwhelmed.