NSW virus spike expected as RATs added
More than 78,000 positive rapid antigen tests have been reported in NSW, almost a day after the state's mandatory reporting system for the self-test went live.
politics
National cabinet to discuss school return
Leaders are set to work out a plan for how schools can safely reopen amid rising COVID-19 cases at a meeting of national cabinet.
Qld records another 22,069 virus cases
Queensland has recorded 22,069 new COVID-19 cases, taking the state's outbreak to more than 130,000 cases, with hundreds in hospital with the virus.
School ‘safer than remaining in community’
NSW and Victoria have doubled down on reopening schools on their scheduled starting days despite calls to delay as COVID-19 infections surge.
Tas ex-MP fined over unregistered gun
Former Tasmanian politician Adam Brooks has been fined after pleading guilty to possessing a gun, Victorian driver's licences and credit cards in other names.
NSW records 21 deaths, 34,759 new cases
NSW has reached another grim milestone after reporting a record 21 deaths from COVID-19 on top of 34,759 new cases.
Don’t delay school start, leaders urged
A former deputy chief medical officer is calling on national cabinet to not delay the start of the school year, despite surging Omicron cases.
Urgent talks to address supply chain issue
Ministers are meeting with essential business sectors on possible COVID-19 isolation changes to help solve supply chain shortages due to rising infections.
Labor packs its bags for Queensland
Labor is hitting the hustings in Queensland as it tries to plot a path to government, with Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese touring target seats.
Qld reports 20,566 COVID cases, one death
Queensland has recorded 20,566 new COVID-19 cases and one death, with the jump in infections partially attributed to delays from a number of testing labs.
NSW reports 25,870 COVID cases, 11 deaths
NSW has reported 25,870 new COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths, with more than 2100 patients in hospitals with the virus.
Djokovic issue a lose-lose for govt: Labor
Labor says the federal government's handling of the Novak Djokovic immigration saga has made Australia "look like a bit of a joke".
NSW wants RAT reporting to be mandatory
NSW is working on legally requiring people to report a positive result from a self-administered rapid antigen test so it doesn't lose sight of infections.
Critical worker isolation under review
New measures adopted by NSW, Victoria and Queensland exempting more critical workers from COVID-19 isolation will go before national cabinet for discussion.
Qld posts 9581 cases, surge on Gold Coast
A quarter of the 419 people in hospital in Queensland with COVID-19 are from the Gold Coast, as the state records 9581 new cases.
Record daily COVID-19 deaths for NSW
NSW has reported a record number of COVID-19 deaths, including a young child, as the number of people hospitalised with the virus rises.
PM calls for co-ordinated school reopening
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says work is under way to ensure the reopening of schools for the new year is harmonised across the country.
Home test shortages due to hoarders: Joyce
The federal government has warned people not to hoard rapid testing kits as pharmacies expressed concern about how free tests will be rolled out.
Woolworths works to quell supply issues
The federal government is working to ease pressure on supply chains amid spiking Omicron cases as stock is thinning out on supermarket shelves.
School return locked in, says NSW premier
Premier Dominic Perrottet says NSW has purchased a further 50 million rapid antigen test kits which will be distributed across the state.
Union say NSW isolation changes ‘reckless’
The TWU wants urgent talks with the prime minister to discuss their concerns over NSW Health's decision to wind back isolation requirements.
Virus deaths spike, children jabs begin
The daily death toll from COVID-19 has spiked to 20, with NSW reporting 16, its highest number since the pandemic began.
Omicron peak still ‘weeks away’, AMA warns
The Australian Medical Association says the nation's healthcare system needs extra support as COVID-19 cases surge towards a peak that is still weeks away.
Djokovic had COVID-19, court papers reveal
World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic contracted COVID-19 ahead of his trip to Melbourne for the Australian Open, court documents show.
Josh Frydenberg tests positive for COVID
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating with his family.
Restrictions return after Omicron surge
As Australia recorded another one-day high for daily COVID cases, multiple jurisdictions have reintroduced pandemic restrictions to halt Omicron's spread.
Qld records almost 11,000 new COVID cases
Queensland has recorded 10,953 new COVID-19 cases as the state considers delaying the return of primary school students to class.
Omicron surge leads to restrictions return
States have implemented a return to some COVID-19 restrictions as case numbers linked to the Omicron variant surge across the country.
Federal govt defends Djokovic detention
The Home Affairs Minister says Novak Djokovic, who faces deportation unless his legal challenge is successful, fell foul of COVID-19 entry requirements.
PM ushers Australians to support payment
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has encouraged people to access pandemic support payments if they are forced to isolate due to local health orders.
Russia sends troops to Kazakhstan
Russian paratroops have been sent into Kazakhstan to help quell unrest in the central Asian country.