Europe weighs up Australia travel freedoms
There is the potential for Australia to be restored to a European safe travel list as infection rates in the country continue to fall.
politics
Qld has nine deaths, 13,551 virus cases
Another nine people have died with COVID-19 in Queensland as the state reports 13,551 new virus cases.
Australia Ukraine plan regrettable: envoy
Russia's ambassador to Australia has expressed regret at Australia's decision to issue a Do Not Travel warning to Ukraine, talking down invasion fears.
Musician, mining magnate receive honours
The Australia Day Honours List has been released, with singer Delta Goodrem, mining boss Gina Rinehart and a string of scientists among the recipients.
WA premier going to NSW for Palmer lawsuit
A legal stoush between Clive Palmer and WA Premier Mark McGowan over defamation claims has been delayed, but both men have to attend court in NSW in person.
Tonga aid sailors test positive to COVID
HMAS Adelaide will continue on to Tonga to provide support, despite some 23 COVID-19 cases recorded on board the ship.
Masks to stay as NSW COVID-19 cases rise
Mask rules and hospitality density limits will continue in NSW as the state records 18,512 new cases and 29 deaths.
UK PM held ‘birthday party’ in lockdown
Embattled British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing backlash after it was alleged he held a birthday party at his offices during the first UK lockdown.
Vital diesel exhaust fuel supplies boosted
Supplies of a diesel exhaust fuel vital to keeping the country's freight and logistics sectors on track have been significantly boosted in Australia.
Government MPs back WeChat boycott
Chinese-Australian MP Gladys Liu will boycott WeChat as a communication platform with Chinese constituents after it hijacked the prime minister's account.
Omicron has peaked in some states: Hunt
Health Minister Greg Hunt has indicated the Omicron wave may have reached its peak in four jurisdictions, as the final green light was given for a new vaccine.
Treasurer calls for equal WeChat access
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says Chinese social media platform WeChat should be available to all politicians to communicate with Australia's Chinese community.
ACT records two deaths, 756 cases
A man in his 40s and a man in his 90s have become the latest deaths linked to the ACT's COVID-19 outbreak.
NSW COVID-19 patients rise, 24 more dead
NSW has reported its lowest daily COVID-19 tally this year, but hospitalisations have risen by more than 100 and are nearly as high as last week's peak.
Shortages plague concessional RAT rollout
The federal government's concessional access to COVID-19 rapid antigen tests has begun, but pharmacists say supply shortages could delay the rollout.
RATs for pupils in NSW back-to-school plan
Two rapid antigen tests per week will be supplied to students and teachers across NSW schools as part of COVID-19 measures for the start of the school year.
Hunt doubles down on Qld rapid test claims
The federal government has denied claims it requisitioned rapid antigen tests from Queensland, despite reaching a $26 million deal with a known supplier.
Learning aid bound for Tongan children
Save the Children are providing support and relief to the around 28,000 children affected by the natural disaster as recovery efforts in the country continue.
Testing requirements relaxed for arrivals
The requirement to receive a negative PCR test within three days of flying to Australia has been scrapped, with a rapid antigen test to be accepted from Sunday.
International arrivals to use RATs
Travellers entering Australia from overseas will be able to show a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours of the departure time to gain entry.
Australia-PNG sign $580m port upgrade deal
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has agreed a $580 million port upgrade deal with Papua New Guinea's leader James Marape.
RSPCA calls for end to SA duck hunting
Animal welfare group the RSPCA has renewed calls for an end to duck hunting in South Australia after the government announced dates for the 2022 hunting season.
Naval ship departs for Tonga relief effort
HMAS Adelaide has left for Tonga, where it will be used as part of tsunami recovery efforts in the Pacific nation.
States to announce specific school plans
States and territories have largely decided to go their own way on return to school plans, only agreeing to six broad principles through national cabinet.
WA premier flags major COVID announcement
Western Australia's premier has flagged an important announcement as COVID-19 continues to spread through the state ahead of the February 5 border reopening.
States go own way on safe school reopening
National cabinet did not agree to a unified approach to safely reopening schools, with individual announcements from each state and territory to follow.
Aid flights touch down in devastated Tonga
Australian and NZ aircraft carrying humanitarian aid have landed in Tonga to help the Pacific nation recover from the devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami.
Qld test claims ‘categorically untrue’: PM
Scott Morrison says rapid antigen suppliers claiming that kits ordered by Queensland have been redirected by the Commonwealth are not telling the truth.
Ex Qld mayor’s misconduct charges dropped
A former Queensland mayor has had two misconduct in public office charges dropped after prosecutors offered no evidence part way through a committal hearing.
Qld reports 9 virus deaths, 16,812 cases
Queensland has recorded another nine COVID-19 deaths, including that of an 18-year-old with "significant" underlying health issues.
New COVID vax, treatments get green light
Australia will get a fourth type of COVID-19 vaccine, as two oral treatments for the virus were also granted approval by the medical regulator.