International seafarers pose little risk to the public and port access restrictions imposed by some states are not in line with national recommendations, an industry lobby claims.

Federal LNP MP Andrew Laming has told parents to leave their children unsupervised at schools, and call the police if the principal refuses to accept them.

A cold front sweeps across southern Queensland, bringing record low temperatures to the outback in an icy blast that will remain until next week.

There are now just 53 active cases of COVID-19 in the state, with the majority concentrated in the south-east.

The Mayor of Queensland's Central Highlands hopes work and lifestyle attract people to the region during the coronavirus pandemic.

It was once a holiday destination favoured by US presidents and Hollywood starlets, but Port Douglas in Far North Queensland has turned into a ghost town due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

Authorities say a "perfect storm" has caused a disturbing rise in domestic violence cases, as the parents of murdered woman Hannah Clarke ask Queenslanders to support a vigil to remember victims.

As the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess continues, a Sunshine Coast couple describe their final day aboard.

Firefighters have praised the "gutsy" efforts of police who helped them rescue an 18-month-old boy from a burning house in Rockhampton last night.

Mother's Milk Bank is hoping four mothers in every 100 can donate breast milk to help build a reserve for emergency events like fire, drought, floods, and now a global pandemic.

Gold Coast builders have backed calls for urgent industry stimulus measures and say restoring confidence is the key to saving the local construction sector.

An entomologist says it's been a 'bumper year' for moths on the Gold Coast but when will our backyard lights be safe from these 'drab' insects?

Experts warn unemployment could soar to 20 per cent in the Shoalhaven, so how will a region that relies on tourism survive when no tourists are allowed in?

NSW's social-distancing shutdown will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future, despite just two new coronavirus infections being recorded yesterday and some other states relaxing their laws.

NSW Police are investigating social media images where Rugby League stars Josh Add-Carr and Latrell Mitchell went on a camping trip on the state's mid-north.

People who have been stood down from their regular jobs have helped bolster the volunteer workforce for charities that have lost much of their elderly workforce.

Victoria has recorded two new coronavirus cases overnight as of April 28, 2020, as Premier Daniel Andrews says the state is aiming to conduct 100,000 tests over the next two weeks.

A Supreme Court Justice says allegations made by Robert Xie's legal team that a "dishonest" witness "covered up material" are among the most serious he's heard, as the former surgeon prepares to appeal his five murder convictions.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro may be on the verge of announcing a switch to federal politics, in an audacious bid that would diminish Labor's parliamentary numbers and put Nationals leader Michael McCormack on notice.

MORNING BRIEFING: NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro is considering a switch to federal politics, after the resignation of Labor backbencher Mike Kelly triggers a by-election in the seat of Eden-Monaro.

As bushfire victims work to rebuild their lives after the devastating Australian summer, a group of quilters is stitching together beautiful handmade squares from around the world to offer a gift that is like a "nice warm hug".

As zoos are closed to visitors due to coronavirus, zookeepers trying to exercise animals by talking them for walks around the zoo.

After soaking rains in February, for the first time in three years farmers have a real opportunity to sow a crop, but they must first face international importation issues and supply shortages of agricultural chemicals and fertiliser.

The Illawarra union movement pays tribute to a Dapto man who has not missed a May Day march in 88 years.

Police search a Mooball property as they investigate the disappearance of 42-year-old Thea Liddle who has been missing since October.

Health authorities in NSW carried out more than 8,800 tests yesterday, and they're delighted that only five came back positive.

While no Australian state or territory has made the call to release inmates early because of the coronavirus, COVID-19 is being considered in bail applications, including in the case of Chantelle Baker.

The Australian Red Cross and Salvation Army have so far paid out fewer than half the donations they received to help Black Summer bushfire victims — with one charity claiming it's had to sift through more than 1,000 fraudulent claims.

If you're thinking of sending flowers for Mother's Day next week, order early because some growers are predicting a sell-out of supply.

Elizabeth Lane says her mother, a Newmarch House resident, is a 'sitting duck' as the new COVID-19 cases continue to rise at the Western Sydney aged care home.

Patients who end up on ventilators often face a long, slow and traumatic period of recuperation, which often includes relearning how to swallow, speak, breathe and walk.

MORNING BRIEFING: The aged care facility in Sydney's west is stepping up measures to address an outbreak of coronavirus after a staff member worked six shifts with mild symptoms.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has announced he will not run for the federal seat of Eden-Monaro

Coronavirus deaths decrease in New York but rise everywhere else in the country.

Businesses in the Mudgee and surrounding region say they'll bounce back from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, using resilience built during years spent in drought and recent and devastating bushfires.

Health authorities in NSW investigate the source of five mystery coronavirus infections discovered yesterday, as the total number of cases rises by nine to 3,042.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Dr Kerry Chant provided an updated on coronavirus for May 6. NSW has confirmed nine new cases of COVID-19 overnight.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the questioning of a NSW Health worker who broke down in tears at the Ruby Princess inquiry was "out of line" and she was only doing her best.

The family of missing backpacker Theo Hayez criticises Belgian media for claiming DNA on a cap found near Cape Byron Lighthouse suggested it was owned by the teen, who has not been seen for almost a year.

The NSW Liberal Minister announced his withdrawal from the Eden-Monaro by-election this morning.

It is not common place for students to be greeted at their school gate by their principal wearing fancy dress, but this is exactly what one school leader is doing each day to put his school community at ease and have a laugh.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is grilled over the behaviour of ministers Andrew Constance and John Barilaro at an awkward press conference on May 7, 2020. Mr Constance and Mr Barilaro had been engaged in a public spat amid pre-selection for the federal seat of Eden-Monaro, in which there will be a by-election.

When police launched a youth outreach program in Dubbo six months ago, they would have been happy to see charge rates drop by 10 per cent. But Project Walwaay has wildly exceeded expectations.

As retail stores across Australia gradually start reopening their doors, a New South Wales economist is warning consumers to be cautious about their return.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard urges people to continue to observe social distancing measures on Mother's Day.

This supernatural YA novel adaptation is an overwrought affair that fails to cast a spell.

In musical circles, there's a mythical quality to that name, attached as it is to the father of American protest song, Woody Guthrie.

It's unusual to go to an art gallery and to be asked to not so much look at the art as listen to it. But this is what you need to do if you go the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in Ballina this week.

Lee Daniels' movie is top heavy with history and stars, and while it is engaging, it's more noble and well-meaning than emotionally satisfying.

South Pacific is pushing 65 this year but is still an infinitely renewable theatrical resource. "Younger than Springtime" you say? Well, sorta.