National News

The United States has called on China to allow an expert team from the World Health Organisation to interview "care givers, former patients and lab workers" in the central city of Wuhan, drawing a rebuke from Beijing officials.

North Queenslanders are continuing to batten down the hatches, as an unpredictable tropical cyclone lurks off the coast.

NSW has recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, as Premier Gladys Berejiklian suggests the government may permit venues to ban entry to those who decline to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

The head of Australia's health department believes it is unlikely international borders will substantially reopen this year, even if most people are vaccinated against coronavirus.

Victoria's economy is forecast to recover quicker than any other state or territory, despite suffering the worst downturn in Australia due to its second coronavirus wave.

Melbourne workers are expected to return to city offices in droves on Monday, with new research showing most feel safe and ready after being home-bound for nine months.

As NSW records six locally acquired cases of COVID-19 Premier Gladys Berejiklian is urging Victoria to reopen its border with the state.

Economists expect the latest job figures will show a further easing in the unemployment rate and another solid rise in the number of people employed, reflecting Victoria's recovery from a prolonged COVID-19 lockdown.

Another flight full of Australian Open participants has been placed into "hard" lockdown in quarantine, after one person tested positive for coronavirus.

The federal government will charter another 20 flights to bring home Australians stranded overseas.