Russian President Vladimir Putin has authorised a military operation in Ukraine. The imminent invasion follows months of Moscow massing troops near Ukraine. Despite Western states repeatedly expressing fears of just such an outcome, Russia had continued to deny any such plans. The Kremlin had demanded guarantees from the West that NATO would not accept Ukraine and other former Soviet nations as members, halt …

On the face of it, it seems confusing: data shows there are more vaccinated people than unvaccinated people in ICU in Victoria and New South Wales. Taken out of context, it can contribute to misinformation or even give an incorrect picture of how effective vaccines are. But experts say that given the vast majority of Australians are fully vaccinated, the data …

In less than three months’ time, the Prime Minister will head to the Governor General and start the firing gun on a federal election campaign. Already, MP’s and candidates have begun hitting the hustings to win voter support, but in more than a dozen New South Wales seats, the Liberals are yet to settle on candidates. Insiders admit different factions within the party are bickering …

Palestinian advocates in Australia have called on the federal government not to ignore an international report accusing Israel of committing apartheid and have expressed deep disappointment with the Prime Minister’s comments that “no country is perfect”. In a comprehensive report released this week, human rights group Amnesty International said Israel “enforces a system of oppression and domination” against all Palestinians and argued …

Two federal government ministers have denied being the unnamed Liberal MP who allegedly called Prime Minister Scott Morrison a “psycho” in a text to Gladys Berejiklian. Foreign Affairs and Women Minister Marise Payne and Environment Minister Sussan Ley both issued statements this afternoon as speculation grew about the identity of the mystery MP. Their denials came after Nationals Leader Barnaby Joyce …

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 …