One more WA backpacker-linked COVID case
Western Australia has recorded one new COVID-19 case linked to an infected French backpacker from Queensland.
politics
COVID quarantine, testing changes come in
A new definition of a close contact comes into effect across five states and territories as leaders pivot their response to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
NT records 37 new COVID-19 infections
The Northern Territory's daily COVID-19 case tally has almost doubled with 37 new infections detected following a significant increase in virus testing.
WA toughens border rules for Qld and SA
The Western Australia government has escalated its COVID-19 pandemic response and toughened its border rules, banning Queenslanders and South Australians.
COVID testing, close contact changes due
National cabinet will discuss a consistent definition of a close contact and what role rapid antigen tests will play as COVID-19 cases spike across the country.
Victoria records 3767 new COVID-19 cases
COVID-19 cases in Victoria have taken a massive jump, with 3767 new infections recorded and five deaths.
Queensland scraps pre-travel PCR tests
Queensland will no longer require pre-travel PCR results from interstate travellers from January 1, to help ease strain on COVID-19 testing centres.
NSW pressures Qld to drop PCR requirement
The NSW premier is pressuring his Queensland counterpart to change the state's border rules, which he claims are overwhelming testing clinics in NSW.
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.
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.