Work-shy young Aussies should have their welfare cut to force them off the sofa and into hospitality jobs, a sector that is desperate for workers.

Senior ministers have reiterated their concerns over a proposed cashless gaming card that would be regulated by the government warning it would unnecessarily punish casual poker machine players.

A lonely Christmas locked inside could still be a reality for NSW residents with a return of strict health policies despite a record vaccination rate.

And in sport, the fast bowler who once bought land on the moon is set for an epic Australian comeback after a report from Test players declared he was bowling on another planet.

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