The Federal Government will give eligible Australians $25,000 to build or substantially renovate their homes, in an effort to boost demand in the construction sector and keep builders employed. Industry bodies are painting a grim picture of the second half of this year, warning that the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic could see the number of building projects …

Optus has been ordered to hand over the details of a customer accused of defaming a Melbourne dentist through a Google review, which he says has had a profound impact on his teeth-whitening business. The telco’s Australian office has been served with a subpoena to produce documents which could unmask the writer of the negative review, published on Google’s platform …

Australian scientists hope to produce up to 100 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of 2021 as Queensland researchers sign a major partnership with pharmaceutical giant CSL. A deal between the University of Queensland, CSL and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations comes after promising early results in the laboratory and aims to fast-track the development of …

NSW has recorded no new cases of COVID-19 for the first time in almost three weeks as the easing of restrictions around the state nears. However health authorities warn it is likely people may have the virus and not be aware they have it. “While there have been no cases recorded in the past 24 hours, the virus is likely …

Victoria’s Opposition Leader says he will dump the State Government’s controversial involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative if he is elected leader at the next state election. In a statement issued on Saturday morning, Michael O’Brien said the decision was not made lightly but the deal was “not in Victoria’s interests”. “It doesn’t support our sovereignty, our security or …

Australians who have beaten COVID-19 are being asked to donate their plasma to help patients who are seriously ill with the virus. Recovered donors’ plasma is thought to contain high levels of protective antibodies that could be harnessed to fight the disease. Biotech giant CSL will purify and concentrate the plasma to make COVID-19 immunoglobulin, which will be distributed to …

A Kimberley man suffered bites to his hand during a desperate battle with a 2.5 metre python that tried to eat one of his kittens last week. Nick Kearns, from Kununurra, in Western Australia’s far north, said he did not hesitate when he heard his partner Karyn screaming in the early hours of the morning. The python was in the …

Queensland’s former chief scientist has been sentenced to three years’ jail for misusing about $75,000 in taxpayer funds with purchases that included a silk jacket, an electric scooter and a drum kit. Suzanne Miller was earning a significant wage at the helm of Queensland Museum Network (QMN) when she fraudulently obtained private health insurance and used a corporate credit card …

She shared a throwback from the 1990s featuring her mother Kris Jenner the day before. Kim Kardashian moved on to her daughter Chicago, two, on Tuesday as she started organizing the photos on her phone. The 39-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star shared a cute photo to Instgram of the toddler playing with her blocks. Chicago looked to be deep in thought as she …

Joe Jonas and wife Sophie Turner donned stylish black masks Tuesday as they stepped out to walk their dogs in Los Angeles amid the coronavirus pandemic. The 30-year-old musician and 24-year-old actress kept it casual for their outing. Joe wore a blue T-shirt under a black jacket along with blue jeans and black trainers. Sophie meanwhile wore a blue jacket along with …