The PM is positive about the uptake of COVID vaccines among the country's children, with 5-11 year-olds able to receive a smaller dose of Pfizer from January 10.

The Federal Government has announced a new emergency payment scheme for Aussies who lose work due to COVID case spikes.

Petrol prices in capital cities have climbed to their highest in seven years.

In sport, Australia has a commanding lead on day three of the first Ashes Test against England but there are now concerns about the fitness of David Warner, who is nursing bruised ribs.

And in entertainment, American actor Jussie Smollett has been found guilty of staging a hate crime against himself.