Australia news live: health minister issues warning on new Covid variant; Ley pays tribute to mother on morning of funeral

<p>Mark Butler says a new Covid-19 strain is spreading and urges Australians to stay up-to-date on their boosters. Follow today’s news live</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>The health minister, <strong>Mark Butler</strong>, has said a new Covid-19 variant is spreading around Australia, encouraging Australians to stay up-to-date with their boosters. He told RN Breakfast:</p><p>I do encourage, particularly as we head into winter, for people to think about the last time they got a Covid vaccine.</p><p>If you are <strong>over 75 you should have one </strong>if it’s more than six months since you had your last booster. If <strong>you’re 65 to 74,</strong> if it’s more than 12 months. And for everyone else have a serious think.</p><p>Like so many of her generation, she weathered uncertain times with strength and determination.</p><p>I have taken inspiration from her every single day of my life and I always will.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/may/30/australia-news-live-burrup-gas-north-west-shelf-woodside-greens-vaping-bradfield-count-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a>