Paul Kelly

The C-suite just became bigger, with the COVID-19 pandemic throwing another key title into the top end of the corporate and government decision-making – chief medical officer – a role where Western Australians have suddenly grabbed the national limelight.

Australia's aged care system will face coronavirus stress tests to avoid deadly outbreaks that swept through Melbourne nursing homes.

States and territories have been urged to endorse a new definition of coronavirus hotspots as the federal government turns the screws on border closures.

Australia is extending a ban on cruise ships by another three months, concerned the risk of coronavirus is still too high.

Australia's top medical officer says there will be no delays in the rolling out of coronavirus vaccines once safety approvals are given.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called a special meeting of national cabinet later this week to consider a proposal to strengthen the COVID safety of international travel processes.

The cap on international travellers, the efficacy of the hotel quarantine system and the ever-changing risks posed by the coronavirus were discussed at the national cabinet meeting.

Australia's most senior health officials are set to be grilled about the coronavirus vaccine rollout which is falling short of lofty government targets.

Universities and states will be forced to meet stringent conditions before the Morrison government considers plans to allow the return of international students.

Senior government figures and health advisers say the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective, following calls from a backbench colleague to suspend Australia's rollout.

Greater Brisbane has been declared a COVID-19 hotspot for the purpose of commonwealth support as Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly warns travellers to stay up to date with border closures.

The nation’s medical experts are expected to meet to review concerns raised by the European Medicines Agency overnight about the possible link between the vaccine and blood clots.

All Australians over 50 have access to coronavirus vaccines as health experts move to reassure people the AstraZeneca jab is safe.

Scott Morrison is refusing to back down from the India travel ban despite a torrent of criticism from high-profile figures and within conservative ranks.

Australians in India who fail a pre-flight coronavirus test will be banned from boarding when rescue planes restart from May 15.

Australians have been warned reaching a population-wide vaccination target will not trigger a federal government decision to open international borders.

Medical experts have reassured Australians about the safety of coronavirus vaccines after the death of a 52-year-old woman, and are encouraging people to keep coming forward.

Western Australia has been forced to rejig its coronavirus vaccine rollout after health authorities recommended the AstraZeneca jab be restricted for those under 60.

A third of Western Australian aged care workers would quit the industry if forced to get COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a new survey.

Australia is expecting a short-term slowdown in its already sluggish coronavirus vaccine rollout after new advice on the AstraZeneca jab.

Scott Morrison has pointed to the number of older Australians who have received a single coronavirus jab after being pressured over low population-wide vaccination figures.

Families could start being vaccinated together at GPs from next month after children aged 12 to 15 were added to Australia's rollout.

Australia's vaccine rollout co-ordinator will unveil a plan to rapidly vaccinate up to 30 Indigenous communities to address low coronavirus immunisation rates.

The Morrison government has delayed the reopening of the Australian border to skilled workers, international students and other visa holders as it gathers more information on the Omicron coronavirus variant.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison used Tuesday's national cabinet to urge state and territory leaders to stick to their reopening plans, despite Omicron raising anxieties about the virus.

National cabinet has agreed not to shorten the isolation time for positive COVID-19 cases from seven to five days.

Vulnerable and older Australians will soon be able to get a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the government is closely monitoring the situation in China, where a wave of COVID-19 infections is sweeping through the country.