Omicron-related deaths ‘are yet to peak’
While COVID-19 cases may have started to flatline, the chief medical officer has warned deaths from the Omicron variant have yet to reach their high point.
politics
NSW reports 32 deaths, 32,000 virus cases
NSW has reported 32 deaths and 32,297 new COVID-19 cases, as the government says it's confident enough RATs will be supplied to the state's 3000 schools.
Australian relief ship departs for Tonga
HMAS Adelaide is being deployed to Tonga, loaded with vital supplies to assist the tsunami-ravaged nation.
Winter wave warning for COVID-19
Australia's chief medical officer has warned of another spike in COVID-19 cases over winter as the country hovers near the peak of the current wave.
Tonga damage slowly comes to light
As more insight arrives into Tonga's devastation from a volcanic eruption, Telstra says it is hopeful a solution can be found to restoring vital communications.
Tsunami toll rises as Tonga assesses needs
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne confirmed she's in contact with Australia's High Commission in Tonga and is expecting specific support requests.
Qld health minister blasts PM over RAT ad
The Queensland health minister says it is "absolutely appalling" that federal government ads are spruiking free rapid antigen tests at state clinics.
Concerns raised over Qld flood response
Deputy Premier Steven Miles has been told the Queensland flood response could have been "better and faster" as he tours affected regions north of Brisbane.
NSW reports 36 deaths, nearly 30,000 cases
Premier Dominic Perrottet says people have to get on with life as the NSW records its deadliest day of the pandemic, with 36 deaths reported and 29,830 cases.
Anger at COVID support cuts as peak nears
The Australian Council of Social Service has expressed dismay at the federal government's decision to taper support payments as COVID cases continue to rage.
SA’s 3829 new cases as outbreak stabilises
South Australia has reported 3829 new COVID-19 infections as signs continue that the state's Omicron outbreak is stabilising.
NSW records 17 deaths, 29,504 COVID cases
Hospital numbers continue to increase in NSW, including in ICUs, as the state recorded 29,504 new COVID-19 cases and 17 deaths.
Booster message in Queensland virus deaths
Queensland's recent deaths from COVID-19 have rammed home the importance of getting booster shots, the state's chief health officer says.
Qld records three deaths, 17,445 new cases
Queensland has recorded three deaths and 17,445 new COVID-19 cases with the number of people hospitalised "creeping up" across the state.
Qld has 19,709 new virus cases, six deaths
Queensland has recorded six deaths and 19,709 new COVID-19 cases as police continue to remove border barricades used in the state's virus elimination strategy.
NSW posts 48,768 virus cases, 20 deaths
NSW has posted 48,768 new COVID-19 cases along with a further 20 virus-related deaths despite modelling showing the state tracking better than expected.
Qld border walls start to come down
Queensland Police have begun to remove the border barricades that have played a central role in the state's COVID-19 elimination strategy.
Queensland’s border barriers begin to fall
Queensland Police have begun to scale down the border barricades that have played a central role in the state's COVID-19 elimination strategy.
Qld minister’s RAT kit claims denied
The federal health department says a Qld government minister's claims that rapid antigen tests intended for the state have been diverted elsewhere is incorrect.
Qld has three virus deaths, 23,630 cases
Queensland has recorded three COVID-19 deaths and 23,630 new virus cases the day before the state drops all domestic border controls.
Isolation change won’t add risk: experts
Despite COVID-19 isolation measures being changed for multiple workplace sectors, experts say it won't add to the risk of virus transmission.
Minister told to make Djokovic decision
The Immigration Minister has been accused of going missing in action as Australians continue to wait to hear his decision on Novak Djokovic's visa.
Disability advocates hit out at iso change
Disability advocates have criticised changes to close contact isolation rules saying the federal government is not taking care of Australia's most vulnerable.
COVID-19 testing rule changes on the way
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has flagged changes to COVID-19 surveillance testing rules, as Omicron cases continue to rise.
Minister weighs up Djokovic visa decision
The immigration minister has yet to decide on cancelling the visa of world No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic just days ahead of the Australian Open starting.
Schools must return on time: PM
Students must return to school on time to help ease the burden on Australia's workers, the prime minister has said following a national cabinet meeting.
Essential workers expanded to boost supply
National cabinet has agreed to expand the definition of essential workers to help address critical supply-chain issues caused by rising Omicron cases.
‘Serious human rights issues’ in Australia
Human Rights Watch has outlined human rights issues in Australia spanning refugee policy, the treatment of Indigenous people and climate change action.
NSW reports 92,264 COVID cases, 22 deaths
NSW has reported a dramatic rise in new COVID-19 infections to 92,264, on top of 22 deaths, after RAT results were included for the first time.
Quarantine exemption about ‘managing risk’
Leaders are set to discuss staff shortages and the safe return to school amid rising COVID-19 cases at a meeting of national cabinet.
PM ignored health advice, Albanese says
Calls for universal access to free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests have grown as the government put out urgent tenders to secure $60 million worth of them.