National News

A coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne's north has forced some 500 people into quarantine, shut down two schools and left five suburbs on high alert.

Brazilian health authority Anvisa says a volunteer in a clinical trial of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University has died but adds that the trial will continue.

Pope Francis says in a newly released documentary that homosexuals should be protected by civil union laws, in some of the clearest language he has used on the rights of gay people.

Queensland's Liberal National Party wants to impose a night curfew on teenagers in two northern cities to curtail crime.

Nearly 300,000 more people have died in the United States in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic than would be expected based on historical trends.

Scott Morrison wants Australia to become one of the world's leading digital economies within the next 10 years.

The Victorian government has backflipped over its controversial call to allow a select group of spectators on course for the 100th running of the Cox Plate after an overwhelming online backlash.

People travelling from New Zealand will be allowed to come to South Australia with no need to quarantine under revised COVID-19 measures.

Premier Daniel Andrews says Victoria will open up earlier than planned after the state recorded a single case of coronavirus, which may be removed from the tally.

Christmas parties, functions and lunches in NSW will be a little more convivial after the state government eased restrictions on outdoor gatherings and hospitality group bookings.