AAP

With New South Wales on high alert and numerous Covid-19 alerts issued across Sydney's west and southwest, there's been a renewed call for people to wear masks.

New Zealand Opposition leader Judith Collins has taken aim at Tasmania, calling it Australia's "poor cousin" during a penultimate day of election campaigning.

New South Wales coronavirus infections have continued to edge higher as Victorian cases fall, sparking fresh calls to end Melbourne's harsh lockdown.

A man's finger has been bitten off in a Sydney road-rage encounter between an angry axe-wielding cyclist and and a car driver.

Victoria's coronavirus case numbers continue to sit in the double digits, with 12 new cases recorded in the past 24-hours.

Victoria's most senior public servant has resigned after phone records revealed he spoke to the head of police as the state's hotel quarantine programme was hastily set up.

The search for the victim of a shark attack off Western Australia's south coast has been called off after three days, with the blessing of his heartbroken family.

Victoria has recorded six new coronavirus cases and two deaths, bringing the state's death toll from the virus to 809 and the national figure to 897.

Despite Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's gigantic spend-up, his second budget contained very few big surprises after the carefully crafted run-up to the treasurer's big night.

Victoria has recorded 15 new coronavirus cases and one death, bringing the state's toll to 807 and the national figure to 895.

For the first time in more than 3000 years, the Tasmanian devil is living in the wild on the Australian mainland, thanks to a helping hand from Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth.

Victoria has recorded no new coronavirus deaths as Australians await Tuesday's federal budget to see what financial aid might be available.

Police are remaining vigilant at Melbourne's beaches after a furious premier slammed "selfish" residents not wearing masks and failing to maintain social distance.