RARE PHOTOS: 134 - The Real Truth

COVID updates: Seven-day isolation period for positive cases to remain, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia will not change the isolation period for positive COVID-19 cases, but the issue will remain under constant review.

ABC News · Jan 19, 2022

‘Optimistic’: Food supplies recovering as government mulls shorter isolation periods

More food is starting to find its way to supermarkes after weeks of shortages, though you are still unlikely to find the food they want.

The New Daily · Jan 19, 2022

Australia waives €300 visa fees for certain groups to encourage travellers to join its workforce

The growing Covid-19 case numbers have taken a toll on Australia's workforce, with many out due to being infected with the virus or a close contact

Irish Mirror · Jan 19, 2022

Visa fee refund offered to entice students, backpackers to fill COVID worker shortage

In an attempt to help prop up a number of industries facing worker shortages, the federal government will provide a fee rebate to any students or backpackers who come back to Australia in the next few months.

ABC News · Jan 19, 2022

Australia calls on backpackers to help ease Omicron-fuelled labour shortage

Australia threw out an invitation to backpackers on Wednesday, seeking reinforcements for a workforce crippled by an Omicron COVID-19 outbreak as the country's health system creaks under the pandemic's strain with more deaths predicted in weeks ahead.

Reuters · Jan 19, 2022

Incentives for more students, backpackers

Visa application fees for backpackers and international students will be covered by the federal government in an attempt to address the workforce crisis.

AAP · Jan 18, 2022

Covid case surge continues as 67 deaths recorded nationally – as it happened

This blog is now closed

The Guardian - AU · Jan 18, 2022

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.

AAP · Jan 18, 2022

‘Put an end to this’: George Christensen sparks more outrage over anti-vaccine comments

Rogue Coalition backbencher George Christensen has stoked further outrage by saying parents should not get their children immunised against COVID.

The New Daily · Jan 18, 2022

Scott Morrison forced to reprimand backbencher George Christensen over 'dangerous' COVID-19 vaccine comments

Prime Minister Scott Morrison releases a statement saying he "strongly disagrees" with the Dawson MP's comments urging parents not to vaccinate their children, saying people should disregard Mr Christensen's "dangerous messages in relation to vaccines".

ABC News · Jan 18, 2022