NSW Health confirms two returned travellers have tested positive for the new Omicron COVID-19 variant in Sydney, making them the first known cases in the country.

In an attempt to crack down on trolls, the federal government proposes new social media laws that could force companies to reveal names of anonymous users.

A study by Peking University mathematicians shows China could not afford to lift travel restrictions without more efficient vaccinations or specific treatments.

Clad all in black and carrying two rifles, a masked gunman who fired shots on a shopping strip on the NSW South Coast is now in custody, with police saying they don't yet know why he did it.

Dozens of people evacuated after a hotel quarantine fire in Cairns say they've been told they'll be flown thousands of kilometres away to complete the rest of their isolation.  

Australian boxer George Kambosos Jr has defeated Teófimo López in a monumental upset to become the world unified lightweight champion. Follow all the action in our live blog.

Victoria's CHO Brett Sutton says the new Omicron variant will not put Australia "back to square one", saying while questions remain over the new COVID strain's transmissibility and vaccine efficacy, vaccine coverage will offer protection. ...

A 34-year-old man has died overnight in hospital after being struck by lightning earlier last week, while working on a mango farm in Berry Springs.

The emergence of the Omicron variant of coronavirus shows Africa needs greater access to vaccines, experts say. There are also warnings we shouldn't give up masks, social distancing or contact tracing in Australia.

Three more local COVID-19 cases are recorded in the NT overnight, as the remote community of Lajamanu enters lockdown and testing continues of a South African traveller who may be carrying the new Omicron variant.

South Australia has recorded no new cases today as border rules tighten, less than a week after opening up to vaccinated travellers.

Arrivals from nine African countries will have to undergo 14-day hotel quarantine as part of precautionary measures against the Omicron variant, as Victoria records 1,061 new COVID-19 cases.

The worst may be over for some flood-affected residents in parts of NSW, but swollen and rising rivers in other areas are causing concern for emergency crews.

The Prime Minister says Australian military and federal police personnel are in Solomon Islands "to provide a stable and safe environment" as tensions begin to ease after days of rioting and looting that left three people dead.

Israel will ban the entry of all foreigners into the country, making it the first country to shut its borders completely in response to a new and potentially more contagious coronavirus variant.

House price falls are all but baked in as interest rates start rising over the next couple of years. How much prices fall mainly depends on how high and quickly borrowing costs end up rising, writes Michael Janda.

All Michael wanted as a kid was for the bad thoughts to go away. And one day they did, but the reason why led him down a dark path.

One of the biggest challenges for parents with blindness or low vision can be negative attitudes from others. But with support from peers and a bit of planning, these women have navigated motherhood and found immense love and joy.

After seven years, it has come down to an area of bush about the size of four football fields. But two weeks in to the renewed search for William Tyrrell, the main things uncovered are more questions.

Residents living near a factory fire in Perth's east are advised to stay indoors to avoid plumes of smoke and fumes filling the sky. 

Offsetting agricultural emissions through reforestation would cost a fair chunk of farm profits, new research suggests. So what's the best way to tackle agricultural emissions?

North Korea claims to have been COVID-free for the duration of the pandemic. But recent events south of the border could have major implications for the secretive nation and its enigmatic ruler. 

Adele's voice is soulful, rich and powerful – but it is in her vulnerability we can really see what an incredible artist she is, writes Narelle Yeo.

Police find a woman unresponsive in a Gold Coast apartment and allege a baby was taken before being found hours later. 

ADHD affects one in 20 Australian children, which means, statistically, there is a child with ADHD in every single classroom in the country. But a recent study shows 55 per cent of teachers do not have adequate training on managing ADHD in ...