Indonesia's rapid increase in COVID-19 cases has put the nation on the edge of a "catastrophe" as the more infectious Delta variant spreads. 

Indonesia has reported record daily COVID-19 infections of more than 20,000 in recent days, in a new wave of infections fuelled by the emergence of highly transmissible virus variants. 

Almost half of all Australians are in lockdown as the country battles a wave of the coronavirus affecting almost all corners for the first time during the pandemic.

The auditor-general has found that a $660m federal government scheme ignored areas most in need and targeted Liberal-held or marginal seats before the 2019 election. 

A scathing review from the Australian National Audit Office lashed the Commuter Car Park program, part of the $4.8billion Urban Congestion fund, as “ineffective” and found money was allocated based on “political profile” 

A recent study shows that families spend more on childcare than on groceries or bills. Nearly one in three families spend more on childcare than on groceries and more than 80 per cent spend more that they do on their utility bills, therefore making childcare unaffordable for thousands of people across Australia. 

The infected Brisbane hospital receptionist who tested positive for COVID-19 before a snap lockdown was called was offered the vaccination, but Health Minister Yvette D’Ath says she did not “take the option up”.

Annastacia Palaszczuk has confirmed that there have been 4 new COVID-19 cases in Queensland overnight.