Pivot on COVID test rules as demand swells
State health authorities are changing their requirements for COVID-19 testing as systems struggle to meet demand with would-be travellers adding to long queues.
politics
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.
Qld scraps day five test, cases pass 1000
Queensland has recorded 1158 new COVID-19 cases as the daily infection rate soars past 1000 for the first time.
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.
ACT posts 189 COVID-19 cases, new record
The ACT has reported 189 new COVID-19 cases, a record high in daily infections after a dip on Boxing Day.
Qld records 784 new COVID-19 infections
Queensland has recorded 784 COVID-19 cases but case numbers in hospitals remain low, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says.
Sydney hospital sends 400 false negatives
The pathology unit at a major Sydney hospital has accidentally sent more than 400 incorrect negative test results on Christmas Day.
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.
WA toughens more border restrictions
Western Australia has toughened border restrictions with South Australia and Queensland over "alarming" COVID-19 case numbers in those states.
Aussies celebrate second COVID Christmas
Australians are coming together for their second Christmas since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in Australia, as the Omicron variant continues to spread.
Qld daily virus cases climb to 589
Queensland has 589 new virus cases and Health Minister Yvette D'Ath has warned residents they need to set up a COVID-19 care plan in case they get sick.
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.
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.
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.
EU starts legal action against Poland
The European Commission has begun legal action against Poland, escalating a conflict that has existed since the PiS party took power in 2015.
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.
PM plays down worst case 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.
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.
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.
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.
Quarantine rules ease, 86 new cases in Qld
Queensland has reported 86 new COVID-19 cases, while the quarantine period has been halved for fully vaccinated close contacts.
Be kind amid record cases: NSW premier
NSW has reached another unwelcome milestone with a record 3057 new cases of COVID-19, as people fear missing Christmas celebrations.
ACT Omicron rise triggers return of masks
An indoor mask mandate will be reintroduced in the ACT following a rise in Omicron COVID-19 cases in Canberra.
Electoral commission takes Laming to court
The Australian Electoral Commission is taking Queensland Liberal MP Andrew Laming to court over Facebook posts made before the 2019 election.
Push to tighten COVID rules as cases surge
Speeding up booster shots, making full vaccination contingent on three COVID-19 jabs and mask mandates are being considered to help curb virus infections.
RBA sees professionals quit for higher pay
More Australian workers are quitting their jobs for better-paid ones, and the Reserve Bank of Australia has noticed professionals are leading the charge.