Star News Briefing

PM Scott Morrison is monitoring for Covid symptoms after a positive case attended Kirribilli house in Sydney Queenslanders must now wear masks in most indoor settings Australians accrue millions of days of annual leave Adele snaps up Rambo's mansion  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subdued New Years Eve celebrations across Australia Price rises kick in from today for services such as toll roads and passports Legendary actress Betty White has passed away aged 99 The ATP cup begins in SydneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been an alarming spike in covid case numbers across New South Wales -Despite high case numbers, New Year's eve preparations are in full swing.Parts of southeast Australia are expected to swelter, as people prepare to ring in the New Year.French oyster farmers have been emptying shells and placing notes inside, in a bid to catch thieves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sweeping new rules will change the way we respond to positive covid cases.A one-year-old South Australian baby girl has died after contracting Covid-19.A step towards justice - that’s how one of Ghislaine Maxwell’s victims has described her guilty verdict.New South Wales and Queensland are forging ahead with New Year's Eve celebrations, despite soaring Covid infections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says Australia will move to a single definition of what defines a Covid-19 close contact.states are desperately trying to secure more rapid antigen tests to help ease pressure on P-C-R testing capabilities.Police have taken a man into custody in relation to the sexual assault of a child in Perth's East.A new study has found children are being bombarded by ads for alcohol, junk food and energy drinks on popular gaming platforms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Jack has taken out the line honours in this year's Sydney to Hobart yacht race.Hospitality sector representatives in New South Wales and Queensland are calling for close contact rules to be relaxed.WA Police are hunting for the person who sexually assaulted a young girl in her home in Perth's north-east.A 33 year old woman has been arrested over an alcohol fuelled crash in Vicotira's Mornington peninsula- which that left a 16 year old boy in hospital. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria's testing crisis could be alleviated with a shift to rapid antigen testing. NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has slammed Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s decision to hold off on removing “tourism testing” requirements. An explosion at a suburban shopping strip in Canberra on Monday night has destroyed several stores and sent a man to hospital. A man has been arrested after a 10-hour seige in Brisbane overnightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Officials are warning of the dangers of waterways after two tragic drownings - including a 3 year old boy in NSW  A whopping 21 billion dollars is tipped to be spent on post Christmas sales in Australia Covid infections continue to surge around the country The Boxing Day test and the Sydney to Hobart yacht raceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wait between a third covid shot and the booster will be reduced from 5 to 3 months early next year Christmas travel plans in disarray after a Covid staff shortage at Melbourne and Sydney airports England flag changes to its side for the Boxing Day test  A fourth woman comes forward accusing Chris Noth of sexual assaultSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia reintroduce mask mandates. Rapid Antigen Tests go on sale in South Australia. The first batch of Pfizer's vaccines for kids has touched down in Sydney. In sport, former World number 1 and five-time Australian Open runner-up Andy Murray will return to Melbourne Park next month. And in entertainment, Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" has become the first song to reach three-billion Spotify streams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Covid infections surge both New South Wales and Victoria have re-introduced compulsory mask wearing Two million Australians have received the Covid booster shot The first of the six children killed in Tasmania's jumping castle tragedy has been laid to rest The N-B-L game between the Illawarra Hawks and South East Melbourne Phoenix has been postponed - due to a Covid scare  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At-home COVID-19 tests could soon be delivered to NSW homes free of charge. The police investigation into a COVID-positive teenager who partied at an Adelaide nightclub instead of isolating at home has intensified. The Victorian government is expected to confirm today if there will be any changes to mask-wearing. In sport, a crowd of 70-thousand is expected at the MCG for day one of the Boxing Day test. And in entertainment, Rebel Wilson sparks romance rumours with Aussie tennis star.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Third Booster Shot To Stay At 5-Months After The 2nd Despite Case Surge Just One Omicron Patient In ICU Aussies Urged To Brush Up On Their Consumer Rights Ahead Of Xmas And.. Novak Djokovic Still Yet To Reveal His Vaccination Status Ahead Of  Aus OpenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pressure is mounting on state and territory governments to bring back COVID restrictions, to control the spread of the OMICRON variant. Health authorities in South Australia have confirmed the Adelaide Oval is a casual exposure site following the second Ashes test. Millionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest is taking legal action against Facebook. In sport, Australia could be without Josh Hazelwood for the Boxing Day test. And in entertainment, a New York jury has resumed deliberations in the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some States Ramp Up Calls For Boosters To Be Shortened To Four Months Consumer Confidence High Despite Omicron Outbreak Harmful Apps To Be Removed From Aussie Search Engines Police Investigating Theft Of One-Million Dollars Worth Of SilverSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian health officials are pushing for tougher COVID restrictions to return while South Australia plans to make rapid antigen tests available to the general public. Rex Airlines has entered the domestic market with flights connecting Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. New research has found environmental factors play a larger role than genetics when it comes to Alzheimer's Disease. In sport, Australia has won the second Ashes test against England. And in entertainment, George and Amal Clooney spotted dining in Brisbane with Julia Roberts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three new COVID testing sites have been set up across Melbourne and another 20 will open an hour earlier as people race in to get tested before Christmas. A popular Adelaide nightclub says it will be seeking justice after a teenager continued partying at the venue for hours, despite being told he had COVID. Two adults and two children have died when a light plane crashed into waters near Brisbane. In sport, Australia heads into the final day of the second Ashes test needing just six wickets to win. And in entertainment, Kim Kardashian has reunited with Pete Davidson for a date night in New York.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health experts are urging the New South Wales Government to reintroduce a mask mandate The mayor of London has declared a major incident, as Covid cases surge across the U-K Football legend Ron Barassi has successfully fought off Covid19  Australia remains in the box seat in the second Ashes testSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 1 million dollars has been raised from a GoFundme page in the wake of the Jumping Castle tragedy  Mass vaccination hubs across the country will remain open into the new year to help deliver boosters England makes a shaky start to its first innings at the Adelaide Ashes test Brynne Edelsten reveals she's pregnantSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales and Victoria To Scrap 72hr Iso For International Arrivals Australia's Covid Booster Roll-Out To Stay The Same Major Investigation Into Tasmania's Jumping Castle Tragedy And Snake And Spider Numbers Soaring Thanks To Hot And Wet WeatherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A  fifth child has died after a jumping castle tragedy at a primary school in Tasmania. More than 600 people have been forced into isolation after attending an event at Sydney's Metro Theatre last week. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is isolating after a Covid scare.  Melbourne United has taken out its first win of the season, beating the Sydney Kings  89 to 47. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four Children Killed In Freak Jumping Castle Accident In Tasmania Newcastle's Covid "Patient Zero" Fined $10k For Allegedly Breaching Iso Orders Australian Economy Bouncing Back  Aussie Skipper Pat Cummins Ruled Out Of Second Ashes TestSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorians are waking to new freedoms, with restrictions easing overnight Unvaccinated customers are allowed back into non-essential retail settings.Vaccine certificates are no longer needed for real estate inspections, auctions, weddings and funerals. The mask mandate has been scrapped for weddings and funerals, they still need to worn in retail settings. The new pandemic orders came into effect at midnight when the state of emergency endedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NSW Cases Doubling Every TWO Days -- But Hospitalisations Remain Steady A Fourth Covid Booster Likely To Fend Off Omicron Former Aussie Cricketer Michael Slater Back In Court And Aussie Customers Spent 90 Million Hours On Hold To Call Centres in 18 MonthsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time in nearly two years, Australia's border reopens to eligible visa holders today. Fully vaccinated visa holders, including international students and skilled migrants, no longer need an exemption to enter the country.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia will become one of the biggest producers of M-R-N-A vaccines, as part of a high-tech deal with Moderna. A case of OMICRON is one of four new infections in quarantine in Queensland. Urgent contact tracing is underway in W-A after several interstate truck drivers who recently spent time in the state returned positive COVID tests. In sport, David Warner will undergo a fitness test on Friday night ahead of the second ASHES Test, starting Thursday. And in entertainment, Kim Kardashian is a step closer to becoming a lawyer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A landmark deal will see Victoria become one of the world's biggest vaccine producers  The deal struck between the state and federal governments as well as biotech giant Moderna will see 25 million doses of the vaccine produced per year at the mRNA factory from 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

W-A To Reopen To Domestic And Interntaional Arrivals From Feb 5, 2022 Serial Conman To Spend Christmas And New Year Behind Bars Historic Defence Deal Between Australia And South Korea And.. Champagne Shortage Reaches Australia  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 141 days, Queensland's border is officially open to travellers. Border restrictions were eased at 1am, allowing fully vaccinated travellers into the state without the need to quarantine. Thousands queued up at Tweed Heads to cross over, while a number of flights are scheduled to depart Melbourne Airport for Queensland todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 30 Twisters have been reported in five states including in Kentucky where as many as 70 people have died. Australians will be able to get their Covid booster shot a month earlier with ATAGI updating its recommendations.  New research shows a driver's history can help predict their chance of having a dangerous accident.  Despite a nine wicket loss in the first Ashes test, England skipper Joe Root insists his side can 'get on top' of Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A British High Court has deemed Julian Assange fit to stand trial in the United States on espionage charges. Beer is being rationed in bottle shops with two of the country's largest brewers facing delays and shortages ahead of Christmas. A new rapid Covid test is being rolled out at Sydney airport.  A homesick Daniel Ricciardio coming home to Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM is positive about the uptake of COVID vaccines among the country's children, with 5-11 year-olds able to receive a smaller dose of Pfizer from January 10. The Federal Government has announced a new emergency payment scheme for Aussies who lose work due to COVID case spikes. Petrol prices in capital cities have climbed to their highest in seven years. In sport, Australia has a commanding lead on day three of the first Ashes Test against England but there are now concerns about the fitness of David Warner, who is nursing bruised ribs. And in entertainment, American actor Jussie Smollett has been found guilty of staging a hate crime against himself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's COVID vaccination program has officially been expanded to include kids aged 5 to 11, with the rollout to kick off on the 10th of January. ATAGI has provided its recommendations on how the rollout should work.. Children will wait 8 weeks between their first and second doses. Kids will also receive a smaller dose.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM has re-iterated booster shots may be brought forward depending on the medical advice. Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce believes he caught COVID in London, before he flew to Washington. Western Australia is now the only Australian state that hasn't reached a double-vax rate of 80 per cent. In sport,  Australia has the lead after day two of the first Ashes test against England at the GABBA. And in entertainment, the guest list is out for Britney's upcoming wedding and it seems there are a few notable snubs!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What appears to be a new mutation of the Omiron strain has been detected in Queensland The new Omicron-like variant was detected in a traveller who recently arrived from South AfricaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is joining a global pushback against china announcing a diplomatic boycott of the beijing winter olympics. Moderna has been given the green light to provide covid booster shots to australian adults. And Australia is updating its financial regulation system!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's payment systems are in store for a major overhaul The Federal Government says with the growing use of digital payments, greater scrutiny is needed There's also set to be more checks and balances around the buy now, pay later sector.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're being told not to panic about the new covid variant Notorious conman peter foster has been arrested by federal police in Victoria  And The R-B-A kept rates at a record low of point-1 of a per centSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The countdown has already started for eager travelers, after confirmation the Queensland border will reopen four ahead of schedule From 1am Monday December 13 the hard border will ease for fully vaccinated travelers. They will need to undergo a PCR test in the 72 hours before entering the state, they'll also need a second test on day 5.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perth has lost the hosting rights for the fifth Ashes test Queensland is set to reopen its borders in time for the Christmas holidays And Aussies spent more online during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales than ever before.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man accused of snatching Cleo Smith from a campsite in WA is due to face court in Carnarvon today. Victoria and New South Wales are working together to keep borders open despite uncertainty over the new Omicron Covid variant. The Education Union has welcomed the approval of the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 to 11. The Melbourne Stars have had a dismal start to their Big Bash season, going down to the Sydney Sixers by 152 runs  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Primary school children will be able to receive their first Covid vaccine from next month. Severe storms have battered parts of Queensland. The parents of school shooter Ethan Crumbley - who killed 4 fellow students and injured 7 others  - have been found Holden driver Chaz Mostert will start from pole for the Bathurst 1000See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fairwork Commission has ruled BHP's vaccine mandate unlawful, for failing to properly consult its workers  More cases of the OMICRON variant of COVID are emerging in NEW SOUTH WALES A nervous wait for residents on flood watch at Goondiwindi in Queensland and the NBL season up and runningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia won't be making any changes to its timeline for COVID booster shots despite the emergence of the OMICRON variant. Labor has released the climate policy it will take to the federal election, claiming it'll create more than 600-thousand jobs. Police have intercepted a large shipment of drugs, disguised as bags of desiccated coconut.  In sport, Mitch Starc and Travis Head look set to book the final two places in Australia's Ashes line-up for the first test at the GABBA. And in entertainment, Alec Baldwin says he doesn't feel guilty about the accidental shooting of a camera-woman on the set of the film, Rust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Hunt announces he's leaving parliament  The Federal education Minister is stood aside And  More on the Omicron variant See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WA Premier says the state will stick to reopening despite the new Omicron COVID strain. A man has gone missing while swimming at Surfers Paradise. Tom Trbojevic has been awarded the Brad Fittler medal. Alec Baldwin sits down for an interview in the wake of the fatal 'Rust' shooting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian Poerter has announced he's quitting politics to spend more time with family, while Greg Hunt is set to announce his retirement. Lockdowns in New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT have seen the economy shrink by almost 2 per cent. Fully vaccinated Aussies can now travel to Fiji for the first time in 20 months. In sport, NSW will attempt to snatch the Australian Formula One Grand Prix from Victoria. And in entertainment, Kanye West working help get the homeless off the streets of LA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Morrison insists we will not return to lockdowns in the wake of a 6th Omicron case in Australia. Barbados has officially become the world's newest republic. A last minute goal from the Matilda's secured a 1-All draw with the U-S. Adele has announced a Las Vegas residency in the new year.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian travelers are facing mandatory quarantine if they head overseas to certain countries, after five cases of the OMICRON COVID strain were confirmed. A landmark review into workplace culture has lifted the lid on bullying and harassment at Federal Parliament. Human remains have been found in the search for missing Victorian campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay. In sport, the Matilda's will be hoping for a better result when they take on the US in a second friendly match. And in entertainment, Shawn Mendes says he'll never forget the beautiful times he spent with his now ex Camilla Cabello.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five cases of the Omicron COVID strain have been detected in Australia - delaying the next phase of reopening the border. Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking trial is now underway in New York. Pioneering Aboriginal actor David Gulpili has died at the age of 68. The Matilda's are looking for a win in tonight's second friendly match against USA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.