Queensland hospitals ‘stretched to breaking point’ –as it happened

Omicron cases in NSW rise to 42 after eight infections reported; Queensland and Northern Territory pass 80% fully vaccinated mark; Queensland hospitals stretched to breaking point', AMA says; Victoria records 1,232 new Covid-19 cases and nine deaths; NSW records 420 cases, one death; four cases in ACT, three in NT and none in Qld; vaccine mandate for most Tasmanian public servants. This blog is now closed

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A high profile doctor has announced she will be standing against treasurer Josh Frydenberg in the Melbourne seat of Kooyong, saying she can't stand" the government's inaction on climate change.

Prof Monique Ryan, the director of neurology at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, launched her independent campaign on Thursday.

As a woman, a mother, and a doctor whose job it is to protect our children, I can't stand it anymore. I can't stand by, on the sidelines, while our local member votes with Barnaby Joyce against action on climate change.

Every day I go to work and make difficult decisions to help Australian children. Is it too much to ask our government to do the same?