PM, leaders to meet over COVID-19 surge
National Cabinet is expected to meet next week for a briefing on the latest medical advice and pandemic response as COVID-19 cases surge across the country.
vaccines
Treasurer defends end of free RAT scheme
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal government can't continue to give free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for concession card holders indefinitely.
Albanese RAT call, COVID ship hits Sydney
As a cruise ship with more than 100 COVID-19 cases docks in Sydney, Anthony Albanese has urged concession card holders to get free RATs while they still can.
GPs, pharmacists urge free test extension
Medical experts want the government to extend the free rapid test program for concession card holders, saying scrapping it sends the wrong public message.
COVID ship docks in NSW as crew isolates
A cruise ship experiencing an outbreak of the virus among staff has arrived at Eden on the south coast.
PM defends end to pandemic leave payments
Anthony Albanese has ruled out reintroducing pandemic leave payments, saying the federal government needs to be fiscally responsible.
Vic govt knocks back mask mandate advice
Official advice to reintroduce COVID-19 mask mandates has been rejected in Victoria, as the state government puts the onus on employers.
COVID-19 reinfections rising, experts warn
Infectious diseases experts have warned COVID-19 reinfections are becoming more common across the country due to new sub-variants of the virus.
Two people exposed to Hendra virus horse
Two people exposed to a horse infected with Hendra virus in North Queensland are set to receive antibody treatment.
Qld virus outbreak spreads to cruise ship
Queensland authorities say a COVID-19 outbreak on a cruise ship "was always going to happen", but the proper protocols to manage it are in place.
Government defends pandemic payment end
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says government payments for those isolating for COVID were never meant to be a permanent measure.
Boost to COVID-19 response with extra shot
An additional 7.4 million people will be eligible for a fourth COVID-19 shot as health authorities address rising hospitalisations and deaths.
Minister defends pandemic payment end
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says government payments for those isolating for COVID were never meant to be a permanent measure.
Queensland hospitals hunker down for virus peak
Most of Queensland major hospitals have halted non-urgent procedures and care as the state's number of active COVID-19 cases surges towards 41,000.
Australia ‘beyond’ mask mandates, lockdown
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says Australians must make their own COVID-19 choices as experts back a decision to expand access to a fourth vaccine dose.
Millions gain access to fourth COVID shot
More people have become eligible for a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose, with all Australians over the age of 30 now in line for a second booster injection.
Qld hospitals may halt elective surgeries
Elective surgeries may be suspended again in Queensland as the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state nears 40,000.
Qld urged to prepare for third virus wave
Queensland authorities are urging people to prepare for a third COVID-19 wave saying "it's very likely that either you or someone you know" will be infected.
Experts consider fourth COVID-19 vaccine
States and territories are considering reintroducing face mask mandates as experts eye expanding eligibility for a fourth dose COVID vaccination.
NSW warned third COVID-19 peak on its way
NSW Health expects COVID-19 cases will peak in late July and early August at levels similar to January, when Omicron cases were surging.
Calls to lower age limits for fourth doses
As Australia exceeds the 10,000 COVID-19 deaths mark, an infectious diseases expert has called for the fourth dose age limit to be lowered from 65 to 50.
Health ministers meet as COVID cases rise
Health Minister Mark Butler says the government cannot continue to fund COVID-19 payments and urged people to get their boosters as soon as possible.
NSW reports century-first diphtheria case
The two-year-old child is in intensive care at a Queensland hospital, where they've been given diphtheria antitoxin, antibiotics and respiratory support.
Emergency payments end before COVID surge
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says the government can't continue to fund COVID-19 payments and urged people to get their boosters as soon as possible.
TGA paves way for under-fives vaccine
The TGA has given approval for Pfizer to submit an application for extending the use of its COVID-19 vaccine to children under five years of age.
Push for students to keep vaccinating
Victorian pharmacy students and interns have been an asset through the pandemic and there are calls to allow them to keep bolstering the vaccination workforce.
Federal Court strikes out anti-vaxxer case
A Federal Court judge says litigation against the Commonweath, states and NT over lockdown and vaccine mandates was an abuse of process.
Flu and COVID ‘double whammy’ on hospitals
Rising cases of COVID-19 and the flu are putting strain on the nation's hospitals as winter sets in, Australia's chief medical officer says.
COVID-19 reinfection drives booster calls
New COVID-19 variants have led to rising case numbers and hospitalisations from the virus, prompting fresh warnings from experts.
Qld to dump most virus vaccine mandates
Queensland will scrap COVID-19 vaccine mandates for workers in schools, prisons and airports and for visitors to aged and disability care facilities.
Queensland-developed vaccine gives hope for mums and babies
Expectant mothers and transplant candidates are among those expected to benefit following a vaccine breakthrough at a Queensland medical research institute.