NSW’s 2213 new cases threaten Christmas
NSW is recording more COVID-19 cases than ever before - with more than 2200 reported on Friday as the Omicron variant drives a huge outbreak in Newcastle.
politics
EU leaders weigh new sanctions on Russia
An EU summit in Brussels is leaning towards strong economic sanctions against Russia to deter any threat from its military build-up on the border with Ukraine.
Libya election chaos with eight days to go
There is confusion over the fate of Libya's presidential election, eight days before people were meant to cast their votes.
Pay rise as revenue surge fills WA coffers
Western Australia is set to enjoy a forecast $1.7 billion surge in tax revenue as the state's economy forges ahead behind closed borders.
WA regulators back uranium mine approval
Western Australia's first uranium mine is a step closer after state regulators agreed its developer had substantially commenced the project.
Dozens catch COVID-19 at Sydney party
NSW Health has issued an alert about a Taylor Swift-themed party at Sydney's Metro Theatre, with at least 97 people catching COVID-19 at the event.
Treasurer flags $16bn election warchest
The federal government is defending pork-barrelling claims on the same day it unveiled over $16 billion in unannounced spending in the run up to the election.
Treasurer coy on low income tax benefit
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says any new tax measures will be announced in the March 29 budget, which would be just weeks out from the federal election.
Victoria mulls more vax sites for boosters
The Victorian government is considering opening more state-run clinics to fast-track the uptake of COVID-19 booster vaccines.
NSW budget deficit blows out to $19.5b
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean has announced a blowout in the 2021/22 state budget deficit to $19.5 billion from the $8.6 billion deficit forecast in June.
Government defends pork barrel allegations
The government is defending pork-barrelling allegations on the same day it tries to use the mid-year economic update to spruik its handling of the pandemic.
Treasurer to make big jobs push in review
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is set to hand down his mid-year budget review, which is expected to show a marked improvement in the jobs outlook.
Biden selects JFK daughter for envoy role
US President Joe Biden has announced the daughter of former president John F Kennedy is his pick for country's next ambassador in Australia.
Vic has 1622 new COVID-19 cases, 9 deaths
Victoria has reported 1622 new COVID-19 cases and nine deaths, its highest figures since October, after the state scrapped vaccine mandates in several settings.
NSW records 1742 new COVID cases
There are 1742 new cases of COVID-19 in NSW and no deaths, as authorities urge people to get a booster shot to protect themselves from the Omicron variant.
Scholz vows progress and a modern Germany
New Chancellor Olaf Scholz has told parliament the country must embrace technical progress to modernise Germany.
Blinken ends Asia trip after virus case
US officials say Secretary of State Antony Blinken will not meet Thai officials due to a COVID-19 case among his travelling party.
Japan overstated construction data: PM
The Japanese government overstated the value of some construction orders received from builders for years, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says.
NSW ‘could see 25,000 cases a day by Jan’
Authorities are warning NSW could record as many as 25,000 COVID-19 infections a day by the end of January as the highly infectious Omicron variant takes off.
Trump’s son urged end to Capitol riot
A US congressional committee has revealed Donald Trump's eldest son urged the White House chief of staff to tell his father to end the riot at the US Capitol.
WA reclassifies NSW amid COVID-19 scare
Western Australia has reclassified NSW as "extreme risk" as authorities trace the movements of COVID-19 infected truck drivers who recently travelled west.
South Africa’s Zuma ordered back to jail
Former South African president Jacob Zuma has been ordered back to jail after the High Court set aside the decision to release him on medical parole.
Pensioners offered early budget Xmas gift
The federal government is cutting the interest rate pensioners pay should they tap the equity in their home to boost their retirement income.
MP Steggall stares down Liberal attacks
Independent MP Zali Steggall has hit back at criticism from moderate Liberal members over her campaign, labelling her accusers misleading and ineffective.
NZ 90 per cent vaxxed as parliament wraps
On the last day of the parliamentary year, Jacinda Ardern has announced 89.82 per cent of eligible New Zealanders are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Qld’s youth crime crackdown slammed
Queensland's youth crime crackdown has been slammed after a report revealed children were spending more time in custody than the length of their sentences.
Ex-Trump aide Meadows on contempt charge
For the first time since the 1830s, the US House of Representatives has voted to hold a former member in contempt.
St Basil’s top brass face virus inquest
St Basil's operators Kon Kontis and Vicky Kos have formally requested that they be excused from testifying at an inquest into COVID deaths at the nursing home.
Moderna test result for Omicron imminent
Data on the effectiveness of the Moderna booster against Omicron is due within days, as Pfizer announce the results of testing of its new antiviral pill.
New incentive to boost retirement incomes
The federal government is cutting the interest rate pensioners pay should they tap the equity in their home to boost their retirement income.
NSW records 1360 new COVID cases, 1 death
NSW has recorded a huge surge in COVID-19 cases, with 1360 new infections as unvaccinated people in NSW move to the same restrictions as the vaccinated.