NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has urged people to use their new freedoms wisely, warning that the state is not out of the woods as it prepares to ease restrictions on pubs, beauty salons and travel.

Much of Australia is entering a new phase where COVID-19 restrictions are easing further, but authorities say they'll be watching carefully to ensure the country's success in containing the pandemic remains on track.

One man is fighting for life while another has been charged with attempted murder following a confrontation with three men in north Queensland.

The Brisbane Bombers bid team say the proven ability of Peter V'landys to get things done leaves them confident the NRL will introduce a 17th club to the competition by 2023.

A Sydney man has been accused of drugging his flatmate and then hitting him on the head with a hammer.

Under-fire St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has lashed his team for a lack of passion and promised to swing the axe if they continue to underperform.

Hundreds of demonstrators in Australia's largest capitals have defied social-distancing rules, claiming the COVID-19 pandemic is a "scam".

The white Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee into George Floyd's neck has been arrested and charged with murder, as authorities impose overnight curfews to try to stem violent protests over police killings of African Americans that have spread from Minneapolis and other US cities.

Federal Labor is urging the Morrison government to pursue a housing stimulus plan to support the construction sector, which is "about to fall off a cliff" because of the COVID-19 crisis.

With new US economic numbers highlighting the rough road ahead for a hoped-for rebound, President Donald Trump has taken aim at the World Health Organisation and China, blaming both for their roles in the pandemic's devastation.