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.
politics
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.
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.
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.