Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has warned that the government will not be able to control the state’s outbreak of COVID-19, as the state recorded 24 new local cases yesterday. 

Nine of the new cases were from the Banbury area; tied to the Albermarle Lithium plant being constructed near the city, bringing the cluster in the region to 17 with the remaining cases being from the Perth Metropolitan Area.

The Nation of Indonesia has announced the name of their new capital as the government begins plans to build a sustainable city to replace the current capital of Jakarta that is integrated with its natural environment and has good public transportation.

The United States and its NATO allies have begun efforts to sure up military commitments in the Baltics and Eastern Europe as tensions with Russia over Ukraine reach a fever pitch.

Invasion Day rallies are expected to take place across the country this morning, with special consideration being taken to protect attendees from COVID-19.

The Meanjin or So-Called Brisbane rally began at 8 O’Clock this morning at Queen’s Garden in George street, which will then be followed by a March across to South Bank and finish at Musgrave Park.

The Queensland Teachers’ Union have demanded a stockpile of tests to be available onsite for teachers at state schools when classes return. 

This comes as the Queensland government is set to release its plan for when school commences from January 31, however Premier Annastacia Palasczuk has already noted this plan will be delayed until Education Minister Grace Grace has made a recovery from COVID-19.