New jab definition, mask mandate on cards
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will discuss with premiers and chief ministers time frames for booster shots and masks mandates to curb COVID-19's spread.
politics
Politicians blast WA cultural heritage law
Federal politicians have written to the Western Australian government accusing the state of sidelining Indigenous voices in new cultural heritage legislation.
Leaders to meet to discuss Omicron threat
An emergency national cabinet meeting will be held on Wednesday amid rising numbers of COVID-19 cases linked to the Omicron variant.
Qld officer assaulted over mask mandate
A woman has been arrested for allegedly biting an officer after refusing to wear a mask, but police say overall compliance has been good around the state.
Resource exports tipped to hit record high
The country's energy and resource export sector is expected to hit a record $379 billion during 2021/22.
Queensland records 42 new COVID-19 cases
Chief Health Officer John Gerrard says most Queenslanders may be exposed to COVID-19 within weeks after the number of daily infections doubled in 48 hours.
Return to COVID lockdowns unlikely: Hunt
Australians have been urged to don face masks and stick to outdoor gatherings as COVID-19 infections surge in the lead-up to Christmas.
Queenslanders added to Games committee
Well known Queensland sports administrators Tracy Stockwell and Rebecca Frizelle will join the organising committee for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Qld mandates masks after 16 COVID cases
Queensland will mandate face masks in essential retailers and on public transport to stop the spread of COVID-19 ahead of Christmas.
Swim champ Perkins takes top sports role
Two-time Olympic gold medal swimmer Kieren Perkins has been named the Australian Sports Commission's new CEO.
WA shuts door to Queensland, Tasmania
West Australians will again be isolated for Christmas as the state prepares to strengthen border restrictions to Queensland and Tasmania.
More students to receive relocation grant
The federal government will expand the Tertiary Access Payment to include inner regional areas, allowing more students to access relocation grants.
Morrison sweats over western Sydney seat
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is trying to sandbag a key marginal Liberal seat in western Sydney ahead of the 2022 election.
NT outbreak grows, Tennant Creek lockdown
The Northern Territory has detected eight new COVID-19 infections, as a community outbreak forces the lockdown of remote Tennant Creek.
New WA health minister in cabinet revamp
West Australian deputy premier Roger Cook will relinquish the health portfolio under a cabinet reshuffle unveiled by Premier Mark McGowan.
Boosters not brought forward despite surge
The gap between second and third COVID-19 vaccine doses will remain at five months, with some flexibility given to people nearing their time for a booster shot.
Final text of UK trade deal to be unveiled
Trade Minister Dan Tehan and UK High Commissioner Vicki Treadell are due to unveil details of a free trade agreement between the two countries on Friday.
Free tests call as virus infections rise
Infectious disease expert Mary-Louise McLaws has called for free rapid antigen tests to ensure people don't inadvertently spread the virus over the holidays.
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.
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.