News
Waking up to freedom – Melbourne brings Delta variant under control
Residents in Melbourne and the state of Victoria are waking up to a little bit more freedom this morning after Premier Daniel Andrews announced a relaxing of Covid restrictions
Melbourne has now exited from its 5th lockdown.
Hospitality and retail venues will reopen, students can return to school and office buildings can have up to 25 percent of workers.
Masks will still be required both indoors and outdoors and crowds will not be allowed back at big events like this weekend’s football.
However, it’s a different story for Sydney and the state of New South Wales after the government announced a four-week extension to lockdown restrictions last night.
The state recorded 172 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday, the biggest daily increase since the current outbreak began, 61 of these individuals were in the community whilst infectious.
Meanwhile, Melbourne and Victoria is the first location in the world to bring the Delta variant under control following an outbreak.
What changes for Victoria?
This news will be a welcome relief for businesses who have been severely impacted by this fifth lockdown.
“To every Victorian who checked in with our QR system, who got tested and quarantined, and stayed home to slow the spread of this virus, thank you – it’s because of you we’ve able to get on top of this Delta outbreak and open up our state”
PREMIER DANIEL ANDREWS
The conservative easing of regulations will see hospitality and retail reopen, with strict density limits, but masks will still be required both indoors and outdoors and visitors at home will remain banned.
Public gatherings will be allowed with up to 10 people, with infants under 12 months not included in the cap.
“Today is welcome news but with thousands of Victorians in quarantine, we need to remain vigilant to keep each other safe – so please check in everywhere, every time, wear a mask and get vaccinated as soon as you’re eligible.
MINISTER FOR HEALTH MARTIN FOLEY
However, due to the significant transmission risk we have seen throughout the pandemic, gatherings in the home are still not permitted. People will only be able to book accommodation with their household, intimate partner or single bubble person.
Live music venues, dance classes and physical recreation facilities, including gyms, will all open with density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm.
“We understand that that will be challenging for people who have not seen family and friends for a couple of weeks now … but we know that this is where transmission occurs.”
Mr Andrews also said there will be no crowds at large gatherings for a few weeks.
“No crowds at large events theatres or those sorts of gatherings for at least two weeks.”
A maximum of 50 people will be permitted at weddings. Funerals will also have a cap of 50 mourners, plus those conducting the funeral.
Health officials say they take “some comfort” in knowing that all cases over the past 48 hours have been in isolation whilst infectious.
News
Coalition cracks deepen as Nationals break ranks over Labor reforms
Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.
Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.
A rift has emerged in the Coalition after three Nationals senators crossed the floor to vote against Labor’s post-Bondi hate group reforms, defying party lines and raising questions about their future in the shadow cabinet.
Their proposed amendment calling for greater scrutiny was rejected, and Labor’s legislation passed the Senate 38 votes to 22, cementing the reforms into law despite opposition pushback.
Coalition leadership will meet Wednesday to assess the political fallout, though some MPs consider the issue minor in terms of potential resignations. The incident highlights growing tensions within the party as internal discipline comes under pressure.
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News
Trump escalates Greenland rhetoric as Davos leaders push back on sovereignty
Trump claims U.S. alone can ensure Arctic peace, sparking backlash as Greenland’s sovereignty faces geopolitical tensions at Davos.
Trump claims U.S. alone can ensure Arctic peace, sparking backlash as Greenland’s sovereignty faces geopolitical tensions at Davos.
President Trump has intensified his remarks over Greenland, claiming the U.S. is the only nation capable of ensuring peace in the Arctic, sparking sharp pushback from European leaders. His rhetoric, including hints at potential tariffs, comes as international attention turns to the strategic territory.
The debate has dominated discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Trump confirmed plans to meet regarding Greenland following a positive conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Meanwhile, Greenland’s leadership has warned that the territory must be ready for potential military scenarios.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney also weighed in from Davos, drawing a firm line on sovereignty, declaring Greenland’s independence non-negotiable. The unfolding standoff highlights rising geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, with global powers increasingly staking their claims.
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News
OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom
OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.
OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.
OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.
The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.
The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.
Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.
This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.
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