Do states have to obey the national COVID reopening plan?

Amid pushback over federal vaccination and reopening targets, Anne Twomey explains the legal and constitutional issues at play.

States call for clarity on vaccine rollout

State and territory leaders will ask Prime Minister Scott Morrison for more detail and clarity on Australia’s vaccine rollout when national cabinet meets tomorrow.

Photo: AAP/Dave Hunt

Reworking the blunt tool of border closures

State border shutdowns are inconsistent, confusing and counter-productive, argues epidemiologist Catherine Bennett. The chaos of Victoria’s New Year closure to NSW shows there must be a better way.

Govt wants "evidence-based hotspot" system for border openings by Christmas

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

Morrison looks to tear up state deals with China

State government deals with foreign countries like Victoria’s controversial agreement with China could face cancellation under a new Morrison government plan.

Pandemic reinforces primary role of state government

The actions of state governments in tackling the spread of coronavirus within their borders have reset the state-federal balance for the national good. How they chart a path out of the crisis is the next challenge, writes Noah Shultz-Byard.

PM calls for July state border openings

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has ramped up calls for state leaders to set a border opening timetable, with coronavirus infections at low levels.