Star News Briefing

For the first time in almost 45-years, there was no Mardi Gras parade down Sydney's Oxford Street. Instead, thousands filled the SCG to celebrate. New questions about the future and health of Defense Minister Linda Reynolds. Melbourne Victory humiliated in a-league clash with Melbourne City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal government is calling for the European Commission to review the ban on the export of AstraZeneca vaccines to Australia. The Duke of Edinburgh has been moved back to the private hospital  The Twenty-20 series between New Zealand and Australia all tied up at 2 all There's been another leak of Oprah's tell all interview with Prince Harry and MeghanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM says Defence Minister Linda Reynolds retains his confidence. Australia's sex discrimination commissioner will lead a review into workplace culture at parliament house in Canberra. Australia will start rolling-out the locally produced version of the Astra Zeneca vaccine from march 22nd. AND Justin Bieber has dropped new music See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Union has supported Italy's move to block a shipment of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines to Australia. Brittany Higgins prepares to take legal action against Linda Reynolds. New Zealand's tsunami warning has been called-off. The NRL plan to review controversial rule changes. Prince Phillip has undergone surgery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for an inquiry into the rape allegations against Christian Porter  the Defence Minister isn't denying reports she referred to an alleged rape victim and a former Liberal staff member as a "lying cow". Use of the ASTRAZENICA vaccine in AUSTRALIA will begin tomorrow. And Meghan Markle isn't mincing her words in a new preview of her and Prince Harry's tell all interview with Oprah See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has not denied that she called rape victim Brittany Higgins a "Lying Cow". There are still calls for an inquiry into 33-year old rape allegation. Buckingham Palace is investigating claims that Meghan Markle allegedly bullied and staff. Australia has beaten New Zealand in Game 3 of the T20 Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attorney-general Christian Porter has identified himself as the cabinet minister accused of raping a teenager in the 1980s -- and says "it's not true" The economy is recovering twice as fast as expected surging well ahead of expectations and Dolly Parton has got a dose of her own medicineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Government has decided to extend the border ban, leaving 40,000 Aussies stranded overseas. The man at the center of a Parliamentary rape allegation 33 years ago is due to speak today. Cyclone Niran off Far North Queensland has upgraded to Category Two. The Central Coast Mariners remain on-top of the A-League table. Dr. Seuss stops printing books due to racists themes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barnaby Joyce has broken ranks with the government calling for an independent inquiry into the historical rape allegations levelled at a sitting MP New South Wales police have today closed the investigation  and Tributes are flowing for legendary music producer and promoter Michael GudinskiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major changes will be made after a Royal Commission into Australia's Aged Care Sector. Prince Phillip has been transferred to a different hospital for further care. Matchweek 10 of the A-League wraps up tonight. Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot is pregnant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allegations of a historical rape by a cabinet minister have been categorically denied by the accused The final report from the aged care royal commission has been released, making 148 recommendations. AND All the Golden Globes highlights See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Labor MP has now been accused of rape via an email sent to Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson. Report from Royal Commission into Aged Care due t be made public today. The AstraZeneca vaccine has arrived in Sydney. Shane Van Gisbergen cleans-up at the Supercars. Today will be the first 'virtual' Golden Globes Awards ceremony.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mystery coronavirus case has forced Auckland into a week-long lockdown. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says its an unfortunate, but necessary step to keep the community safe. Nearly a third of international travelers who touched down in Australia in December were visitors and not returning residents.  A drive-by shooting in Melbourne's west at Ravenhall has claimed the life of one man and has left another in hospital.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorians are enjoying their first day of relaxed Covid restrictions  Federal Police have been notified of a letter sent to Scott Morrison detailing an alleged historical rape by a Cabinet Minister in the federal government The NBL cup continues with wins to Brisbane and Perth Prince Harry has revealed more details regarding his exit from royal lifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM insists Australia's vaccine rollout is going to plan-- despite several hitches. Mask rules eased and caps on social gatherings relaxed -as Victoria returns to "Covid normal" rules. and Qantas will not force its employees to be vaccinated for covid-19.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian news content will return to Facebook from today. Conversations continue over changing the culture and sexual assault reporting in Parliament House. Royal Commission into aged care findings to be handed over today. Another fail for the Aussies against New Zealand in the T20 series. Lady Gaga's dog walker shot and two Bulldogs stolen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of healthcare Australia has been stood aside The Federal Police Commissioner has written to the PM warning MP's must report criminal activity in a timely manner The NSW treasurer is offering to help Queensland out if it can't afford to pay its hotel quarantine bill World first media reforms which have passed through parliament could become a template for other countries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria and Queensland have imposed new border restrictions on arrivals from New Zealand after new Covid-19 cases reported in Auckland. Those receiving the Covid-19 jab won't get to know if it's Pfizer or AstraZeneca. IOC says other Aussie cities can still bid to host 2032 Olympic GAMES. Ash Barty is knocked out of the Adelaide International. Sacha Baron Cohen is hanging up his impersonations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revelations the Queensland doctor at the centre of a vaccine bungle had not trained for administering the Covid jab The liberal staffer at the centre of rape allegations in parliament has now officially given a statement to police a Tiger Woods is awake and responsive -- as he recovers from a serious car crash And SA is reopening its border with Greater Melbourne from FridaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Formal Liberal Staffer, Brittany Higgins to lodge formal rape allegation complaint with the AFP today. Facebook begins bringing back Australian news and media content. Tiger Woods injured in vehicle rollover in Los Angeles.  Prince Phillip is responding to treatment for infection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News is coming back to Facebook within days after deal is reached Jobseeker gets an increase The coalition loses majority in Parliament with Craig Kelly announcing he's quit the Liberal Party. and Billie Eilish will launch her much anticipated doco this weekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cabinet has discussed changes to the JobSeeker allowance, with an announcement due to be made today. Crown director steps down after announcement of Royal Commission. U-K Prime Minister to begin easing Covid-19 restrictions in Britain. New Zealand beats Australia in the first T20 International. Daft Punk call it quits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

States and territories roll out Covid-19 vaccinations. Australia's proposed Media Bargaining Laws to be debated. New Zealand marks 10 years since the Christchurch earthquakes. The iconic role Anne Hathaway nearly missed out on. NRL's State Of Origin schedule released.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine has begun across Australia today. Novak Djokovic has claimed the Australian Open Final. A third woman has come forward with a rape allegation in Parliament. The Federal Treasurer continues talks with Facebook boss. Kris Jenner is taking on another role.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders can now travel to Australia without having to quarantine, however restrictions apply for those that have visited Auckland recently Final preparations are underway at vaccination hubs across the country for Monday's vaccine rollout Prince Charles has visited his father 99 year old Prince Philip at hospital  Naomi Osaka has won the final of the Australian Open, her fourth Grand Slam titleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hospital Hubs across the country along with 240 nursing homes - will on Monday rollout the first wave of the Covid vaccine for essential frontline health workers  Another woman has come forward, claiming she was sexually assaulted by the same liberal staffer as Brittany Higgins  The U-S President continues to undo Donald Trump's past efforts Daniil Medvedev will face Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final Prince Harry and Meghan have been stripped of all royal duties after officially telling the Queen they wont be coming back   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM assures Australians the Covid-19 vaccines are safe ahead of the national roll-out next week. The ATO warns of an increase in scams. NASA lands it's rover on Mars. The Australian Open men's final line-up to be decided tonight. The Weeknd's new superbowl bling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will take the rift with Facebook to world leaders at the next G7 Summit. Government called to create a national definition for domestic violence. Delay on delivery of "low dead space" syringes for Covid-19 vaccine. Novak Djokovic is into the Australian Open Final. Taylor Swift credits her boyfriend for getting her into politics.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Government says "Facebook was wrong" to ban Australian news content. More Australians find work. Preparations for the national Covid-19 vaccine roll-out continue. The Australian Open nears the finals. Ed Sheeran celebrates a milestone birthday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facebook will restrict Australian users and organisations from sharing and viewing news content. Melbourne returns to normal with the end of a 5-day lockdown. Investigations continue into the mishandling of a rape allegation in Parliament. Rafael Nadal is out of the Australian Open. The trailer has dropped for Disney's 'Cruella' starring Emma Stone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorians to be released from lockdown at midnight. The states announce Covid-19 vaccine roll-out plans. Growing calls for an independent inquiry into Perth's Crown Casino. Ash Barty knocked out of the Australian Open quarter finals. Rita Ora to start filming The Voice Australia after being released from quarantine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria's 5-day lockdown is due to end at midnight, depending on today's case numbers. People won't get to choose which Covid-19 jab they receive. The music industry is calling for a JobKeeper extension. Novak Djokovic is into the semi finals of the Australian Open. Disney hints trailer for new 'Cruella' film starring Emma Stone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"AstraZeneca is cleared for lift off" - Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt Victoria awaits a decision on the end of lockdown. A formal review into workplace culture at Parliament House in Canberra. A Married At First Sight star faces court over an alleged telemarketing scam. Naomi Osaka makes it into the Australian Open semi-finals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two leading businessmen have held talks with the Federal Government over remote quarantine camps in Victoria and Queensland. NSW residents can now travel to WA without having to quarantine. Sexual assault incident in Parliament brings calls for a cultural revamp. Ash Barty is into the quarter finals of the Australian Open. Oprah is set to interview Prince Harry and Meghan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's first doses of the coronavirus vaccine have arrived on our shores WA is easing its border restrictions for new south wales from midnight. The PM says he's "deeply distressed" by reports a Government staffer was sexually assaulted in federal parliament AND Taylor Swift's newly re-recorded version of love story is outperforming the original.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has suspended a 'Trans-Tasman' travel bubble with New Zealand after new Covid-19 cases in Auckland. Day 3 of Victoria's lockdown continues. Donald Trump welcomes the news of his acquittal.  Djokovic is into the quarter finals of the Australian Open. Meghan Trainor welcomes a baby boy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A player at the Australian Open, who left Australia during the week has tested positive to Coronavirus Closing arguments in Donald Trump's second impeachment trial are underway  Romance is in the air at Sydney's Taronga Zoo - where 40 weddings will be held on Valentine's Day today Ash Barty is through to the 4th round of the Australian Open after a straight sets victory  Actress Ashley Judd is in intensive careSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's day one of lockdown 3.0 in Victorian to contain the latest Covid outbreak In response to the lockdown - several states have placed restrictions on Victoria and Greater Melbourne A second man has died after being swept off rocks at a deadly fishing spot south of Sydney Nick Kyrgios has blown a two set lead to bow out of the Australian Open Justin Timberlake has issued an apology to Britney Spears and Janet JacksonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All of Victoria will go into lockdown from midnight, for five days.  The entire terminal 4 at Melbourne airport has been listed as a Covid exposure site Aussies lost a record 37-million-dollars to romance scams last year. And The Australian open will go ahead -- but without crowdsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne's Covid-19 cluster has grown to 13. Anyone from Victoria planning to travel to Queensland will require a border declaration. NSW Covid-19 rules relax again from today. Day 3 of Trump's second impeachment continues. Alex Di Minaur is through to Round 3 of the Australian Open. Taylor Swift has finished re-recording her 'Fearless' album.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne's holiday inn Covid cluster has grown -- with 11 infections now linked to the hotel quarantine. The PM says the federal government is still considering the future of Job Seeker. The second impeachment trial of former U-S President Donald Trump has been shown security footage of the deadly riots at the Capitol building. and  Pink has teamed up with her daughter Willow for her latest release.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Australia has closed it's border to Greater Melbourne after Covid-19 hotel cluster. Trump's impeachment trial continues. Calls for a national review into gambling laws. Kyrios moves into Round 3 of the Australian Open. Bruce Springsteen is in hot water.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another two people linked to the holiday inn quarantine hotel at Melbourne airport have tested positive to covid  James Packer will no longer have any representation on the board of crown resort The national broadband network has posted a profit off the back of covid-19. The major upsets continue at the Australian Open See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second impeachment trial of former president Donald Trump has begun. New Melbourne cases prompts NSW Health Alert. The W.H.O. says a bat at a wet market may not be the source of Covid-19. Ash Barty wins her First Australian Open match in 44 minutes. Princess Eugenie gives birth to her first child.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria has recorded two new Covid cases - in what is now a cluster linked to the airport holiday inn. An emotional Eddie Mcguire has stepped down as Collingwood president -- effective immediately. James Packer could be forced to sell his shares in crown resorts - following a damning report. Facebook is expanding the list of false health claims it bans from the platformSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese-Australian journalist Cheng Lei has been formally arrested in China after being detained for almost 6 months. UK Prime Minister defends the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. W-A quarantine hotel security only allowed the one job. Day 2 of the Australian Open. Chrissy Teigen opens up to Ellen Degeneres.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the ads to the half time performance this years superbowl had it all NSW origin star Payne Haas has been slapped with the maximum penalty by the NRL -- after his foul-mouthed tirade at police. A person has tested positive for Covid-19, three days after leaving hotel quarantine. AND The latest from Australian Open See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NSW and Victoria are on alert after a new Covid-19 case was confirmed in each state. Vaccine experts work to modify jab for South African strain of Covid-19. Qantas offers unlimited changes to bookings. The Australian Open finally gets underway today. It's Superbowl day....See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep concerns are being held for an Australian academic detained in Myanmar who was an economic adviser to the country Extreme weather has lashed parts of Western Australia  Police have nabbed 10 people driving while under the influence of drugs in one day across Sydney's south The Sydney Sixers have claimed its 3rd BBL title Production on Jennifer Lawrence's new film remains suspended after a stunt went wrongSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Western Australia is now out of lockdown - after a fifth straight day of no local COVID cases A group of scientists will spend another week in the Chinese city of Wuhan to determine the origins of Coronavirus  Welcome news on the fire front in Perth's north east  Ash Barty earns a walkover semi final victory And a Hollywood legend diesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.