The Latest Breaking News from Scott Morrison

Rogue government backbencher George Christensen may be stripped of a lucrative parliamentary role after repeatedly pushing baseless anti-vax claims.

Prime minister tells backpackers and students to ‘come on down’ as critical workforce shortages bite

Prime minister refuses to apologise for radio interview in which he cast doubt on the status of refugees held in immigration detention

In an attempt to help prop up a number of industries facing worker shortages, the federal government will provide a fee rebate to any students or backpackers who come back to Australia in the next few months.

Australia threw out an invitation to backpackers on Wednesday, seeking reinforcements for a workforce crippled by an Omicron COVID-19 outbreak as the country's health system creaks under the pandemic's strain with more deaths predicted in weeks ahead.

Visa application fees for backpackers and international students will be covered by the federal government in an attempt to address the workforce crisis.

This blog is now closed

Good morning, early birds. Isolation could be cut to five days according to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, and the Chinese government has accused Australia of trying to interfere after Foreign Minister Marise Payne called for the release of an Australian democracy advocate from a Chinese prison. It’s the news you need…

Scott Morrison has urged businesses not to enforce rules requiring employees to return daily negative rapid tests, saying it would further hit supplies.

Rogue Coalition backbencher George Christensen has stoked further outrage by saying parents should not get their children immunised against COVID.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison releases a statement saying he "strongly disagrees" with the Dawson MP's comments urging parents not to vaccinate their children, saying people should disregard Mr Christensen's "dangerous messages in relation to vaccines".