Neti Ajro was struggling for breath and had never experienced so much pain. Yet he was accused of having faked COVID-19 symptoms and of being a paid actor.

Victoria, NSW and Australia as a whole appear to be well on track to exceed 80 per cent vaccination rates and perhaps push towards 90, an unexpected development that will have major implications for the way the country lives with COVID-19.

Sunshine in Sydney on the last weekend before restrictions ease.

The noise puts Lynden Albiston in a state of perpetual anxiety. Nick Maddock calls it “soul destroying”. Angela Mcguire lives in constant fear the drilling is about to resume.

The family of a Bendigo grandmother say their mother’s aged care facility and treating GP are responsible for her death from an infected blister which eventually killed her.

Thousands of doctors and nurses will be brought into Australia from other countries to help ease staffing pressures in hospitals in a number of states and territories.

The state government will ease rules for large productions to allow preparations to begin for a return to the stage.

The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by our picture editors

Musos in locked-down western Sydney find notes of hope

The week in photos from the award winning Sydney Morning Herald and Financial review photographers.

Officials have confirmed Victoria could reach key lockdown-ending vaccination milestones ahead of schedule even as the state posted a fresh record for new coronavirus cases.

A Perth performer’s award-winning story has its sights set on overseas performances following a successful debut at Fringe World and a revamp of the heartfelt show.

A Victoria Police officer has quit the force, expressing discomfort over enforcement of Chief Health Officer directions, saying the police had become a political entity.

Queensland authorities have given their firmest indication yet of when the state’s borders might reopen as a concerted push continues to get as many Queenslanders vaccinated as possible before then.

The Sydney newspaper has avoided a costly defamation battle with the Oscar winner and South Sydney Rabbitohs co-owner by publishing an apology.

Victorian First Peoples have embarked on a land justice journey whereby we wish to be recognised for who we are and maintain connection to Country.

Victoria’s COVID-19 case numbers this week made grim reading, but a deeper look at the data shows there is some cause for optimism.

A war of words has erupted over ambulance call-outs amid growing concern that too many people are facing life-threatening delays.

Some 2000 medical workers will be brought into Australia to help alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.

The Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich and Developed world often thinks differently to the family-oriented and religious immigrant communities who hold a lot of electoral power in NSW.

Perrottet brings a new energy to the state’s path out of lockdown but his propensity to crash or crash through brings risks as well.

The state government has given councils a lever to increase rates income from next year if their populations are growing.

Ten years ago, Facebook and Google might have won February’s stand-off with Australia. But governments everywhere are fighting back.

Use our interactive map to find the Traditional Owners in your part of the state.

Over the past decade, more overseas-trained horses have been running in the Melbourne Cup – with increasingly lethal results.

As Victoria pursues justice for its First Peoples, we begin the search for truth by exploring what life was like here before Europeans changed everything.

Premier, do not throw caution to the wind. Our lives and livelihoods are at stake.

Employees who do not comply with the vaccine mandate and do not have an exemption will be suspended from duty with pay, and a seven-day Notice to Show Cause process will begin, the QPS said on Friday.

Can I travel from Melbourne to prepare a second bush property for fire season? When can I visit the dentist? Find answers to the questions readers have about the road map out of lockdown.

NSW is closing in on its 80 per cent COVID-19 vaccination target, while in Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews was fined for not wearing a mask in public.

Trivia buffs: test your knowledge with today's interactive superquiz and target.

Police allege the three men from Sydney’s west crossed the state border with “incorrect border passes”. It is not suggested the Clive Churchill Medal winner knew about their alleged border breach.

If a week is a long time in politics, this has been one of the longest.

Police claim the truck drivers provided false documentation of a negative test to enter WA.

The mandate for children in years three to six to wear a mask when they return to face-to-face learning will help to contain COVID, but will be tough to enforce.

A damning police union review of a protest where 10 officers were injured has revealed many members were ill-equipped and under prepared for what they faced, as specially trained members sat idle and awaiting direction only suburbs away from the unfo...

Alternative medicine devotees and people shunning certain vaccine brands are thought to be driving down vaccination rates in suburbs such as Brunswick, Collingwood and St Kilda.

The Redcliffe Leagues Club, touted as favourites in the running for the NRL’s 17th franchise, has held 30-year hopes of again hosting a top-tier team. A final stadium-led push was driven largely by public funds.

Queensland police have charged a 29-year-old man following an alleged incident in a Cannon Hill home on Friday.

While most state MPs are vaccinated, one Liberal and two other elected representatives are likely to test the looming jab mandate in State Parliament.

The city’s venues aren’t just putting the final touches on their fit-outs this weekend – many are still scrambling to hire enough staff to service even the reduced capacity of patrons they are allowed to seat. 

A judge said the actor’s case against the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald would last four weeks and needed a jury, which meant it would get pushed to next year.

Mandating mask-wearing by young students works. But it comes with challenges that need to be carefully considered.

Across the city, data reveals stark disparities between neighbourhoods, with Chippendale and Silverwater at less than 40 per cent fully vaccinated, compared with northern suburbs of Lindfield and Newport with more than 80 per cent.

The Liberal MP argues the broadcaster wrongly suggested he took a photo up a woman’s skirt, damaging his reputation and leading to a police investigation.

As Australia edges closer to promises of COVID-normal, the function, value and future of Queensland’s go-it-alone quarantine facility remains unclear.

Queensland moves to ease restrictions from Friday afternoon after the state recorded zero cases on Friday, a sign the state managed to quash recent outbreaks.

The 26-year-old appeared via audio-visual link after testing positive for COVID-19. He pleading guilty to multiple assault and driving charges following an incident with his de-facto partner of more than six years.

Caleb Cox, who lives in Melbourne, appeared via video link from Hakea Prison in Perth on Friday. He has been in isolation in custody since his arrest on September 28.

Researchers have been given a grant to develop software which can track criminals using cryptocurrency to launder money linked to illegal activity.