The NSW government has announced a $1 billion support package for businesses hit by the Omicron outbreak as the state records its deadliest day of the pandemic so far. There were 52 deaths and 13,524 new positive COVID-19 tests reported in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the government had the back of every …

Aged-care residents are being forced to isolate in their rooms without visits from family members for “weeks on end” as COVID-19 rips through the sector. Government figures show more than 1100 aged-care homes are now battling active outbreaks, with 222 elderly residents dying of COVID-19 in the week to January 27. All the while homes are having to get by with …

Sam Kerr endured a rare off night in front of goal as the Matildas crashed out of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup with a shock 1-0 quarter-final loss to Korea Republic. Kerr had a series of golden opportunities early in Sunday’s match in Pune, and she fluffed another chance at the death when Australia needed a goal to send the …

Police raids targeting crime networks across Sydney have uncovered almost 20 guns, ammunition, drugs and cash with 115 people charged in the two-day operation. Officers seized $1.2 million worth of prohibited drugs including methamphetamine, MDMA and cannabis. Police say bikie gangs were among the groups targeted, with officers carrying out 66 firearm prohibition order searches and crime scene warrants, seizing …

A leading health expert has warned of the potential spread of the virulent Omicron COVID-19 strain during Australia Day events as large crowds gather for protest or celebration. Chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and former health department head Jane Halton says the closer people pack together, the more likely the virus will spread. “We know it’s highly infectious …

NSW has added 21,030 new infections to its COVID-19 caseload along with 29 more virus-related deaths. Two years after the first COVID-19 cases were recorded in Australia, the state surpassed one million coronavirus cases on Wednesday according to data that includes rapid antigen test results. The total number of cases reported in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday night …

US President Joe Biden says he will consider personal sanctions on President Vladimir Putin if Russia invades Ukraine, as Western leaders stepped up military preparations and made plans to shield Europe from a potential energy supply shock. The rare sanctions threat on Tuesday came as NATO placed forces on standby and reinforces eastern Europe with more ships and fighter jets …

Novak Djokovic faces Federal Court in Melbourne on Monday in a bid to have the cancellation of his visa overturned ahead of the Australian Open. Djokovic’s lawyers will be up against the Department for Home Affairs in a fight to have the Serbian star remain in the country after having a medical exemption revoked by border authorities last week. The tennis …

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley reportedly told Australia’s advisory body on immunisation that the Australian Open’s “viability” could be decided on whether unvaccinated players would be granted exemptions to compete. A report by the Sydney Morning Herald has revealed Tiley’s letter to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), which was sent on November 10. The group was queried on whether a player …

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews says border force made it clear Novak Djokovic had not met the entry requirements for Australia. Novak Djokovic will remain in Australia until at least Monday as his legal team launches a court challenge after his visa was cancelled.His Australian Open fate remains in limbo after border force officials denied him entry on the grounds …