Unemployment rate drops to 4.2 pct
The Australian Bureau of Statistics said the unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 per cent in December as a further 64,800 people joined the workforce.
politics
Australian, NZ relief heads to Tonga
Australian and New Zealand military aircraft and ships are heading to Tonga to provide emergency disaster relief, as the tsunami's impact becomes clearer.
Police investigate COVID-19 test fraud
The Therapeutic Goods Administration says police are looking into companies making false claims about COVID-19 testing kit approvals.
Approval given to Novavax COVID vaccine
Australia's medicines regulator has approved the use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
NSW reports 25 deaths, fewer in hospital
NSW has reported a small drop in COVID-19 hospitalisations, 25 deaths and 30,825 cases as the state increases its order of RATs to 150 million.
Charlise mourned after Blue Mtns death
The NSW premier says he felt sick hearing the news of nine-year-old Charlise Mutten's death, as the community mourned at a candlelight vigil.
NSW school parents urged to get boosters
NSW remains committed to getting children back in classrooms on the first day of term while parents are advised to get booster shots as eligibility changes.
Leaders to discuss safe school start
National cabinet is meeting to discuss a safe start to schools, while leaders will be updated on the vaccine rollout, health system and epidemiology.
RAAF flights ready for Tonga aid mission
Two RAAF planes and HMAS Adelaide are readying to depart Australia for Tonga to provide emergency disaster relief as soon as conditions allow.
Tonga relief flights set for take-off
The cleanup of ash covering Tonga's airport runway will allow Australian air force planes to deliver emergency aid for victims of the eruption and tsunami.
LNP calls for action at SEQ hospital
Queensland's Opposition leader says he has received "deeply concerning" feedback about a hospital in the state's southeast and has called for action.
NSW opens booster door to 1.8m more adults
Millions of residents in NSW became eligible for boosters of the COVID-19 vaccine after the government slashed the time between doses.
Time for families to reunite: Qld Premier
The Queensland premier says it is time for families to reunite, with restrictions for fully vaccinated international travellers to be lifted this weekend.
Palmer and McGowan stoush set for court
Clive Palmer and WA Premier Mark McGowan are set to meet in the Federal Court in Sydney later this month with each party suing the other over defamation claims.
No need for daily workplace rapid test: PM
Scott Morrison has urged businesses not to enforce rules requiring employees to return daily negative rapid tests, saying it would further hit supplies.
NSW school return sparks COVID surge fears
The return to school could trigger a further rise in virus cases in NSW, as children recommence face-to-face learning amid the state's virus peak.
Palmer to lead UAP Senate election bid
Clive Palmer will lead his party's push for electoral success in the Senate, announcing a bid to return to federal politics ahead of this year's election.
School testing a matter for the states: PM
The school year starts in less than two weeks and the federal government is still preparing a COVID safety plan which will ultimately be decided by the states.
Leaders set to discuss relief for Tonga
HMAS Adelaide is being deployed to Tonga, loaded with vital supplies to assist the tsunami-ravaged nation, as the Australian and Tongan leaders plan to talk.
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.
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.