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Matt SmithPolitical editor

Matt Smith is the political editor for The Advertiser and Sunday Mail in South Australia. He covers state and federal politics with a strong focus on decisions made in Canberra that have an impact on South Australians.

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Matt Smith

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Coronavirus

Lockdown lie sparks hunt for answers

Twenty detectives are about to get to work finding out how one man’s lie brought the entire state to a halt.

Coronavirus

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 22: South Australian Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier speaking to the media during the daily Covid-19 update on November 22, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia. Lockdown restrictions across South Australia were lifted as of 12:01 on Sunday with stay at home orders now repealed. South Australian premier Steven Marshall lifted restrictions early after initially imposing a strict six-day lockdown on Thursday 19 November in response to a COVID-19 cluster outbreak in Adelaide. As of Sunday, eased restrictions are in place, including density limits of one person per four-square-metres, and 10 people at private home gatherings. Schools will also be allowed to open again, and funerals will be allowed to go ahead with a maximum of 50 people. Gyms can reopen and personal care providers will be allowed to operate with masks on. (Photo by Kelly Barnes/Getty Images)

New COVID-19 case isn’t linked to Parafield cluster

There is no sign the Parafield cluster of COVID-19 cases has spread into the community. The only new case identified on Sunday was a returned traveller in quarantine.

UpdatedCoronavirus

Covid restrictions are in effect.Police handing out masks on the streets of Adelaide on the 19th November 2020. Pic Tait Schmaal.

Some bakeries can now trade – as hopes grow for easing of rules

Some bakeries have now been added to the list of businesses that can trade as SA awakes to day two of lockdown. It comes after no new cases on Thursday, raising hopes of an early easing of some restrictions.

Full listCoronavirus

SA wakes up to full lockdown

South Australians have woken up to full lockdown. Overnight new directions were put in place – hardware stores can now stay open for essential services and supermarkets can trade for 24 hours. Rules on dog walking have also been clarified.

SA News

A man inserting a ballot to a ballot box. Australian flag in front of it.

One in five voters shift seats in major redraw

About 220,000 South Australians will be in new electorates by the next election, after changed boundaries were finalised this week.

UpdatedSA News

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 17: South Australian Premier Steven Marshall speaks to the media during a COVID19 briefing at the State Administration centre on November 17, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia. South Australia has reintroduced COVID-19 restrictions in response to a growing coronavirus cluster in Adelaide's northern suburbs. As of midnight on Monday, restrictions have been reintroduced across South Australia including the closure of gyms, play cafes and trampoline parks and the cancellation of indoor and outdoor community sport and trainings. Pubs, clubs and restaurants now have a capped capacity of 100 people per venue with one person per four square metres allowed and no stand-up consumption of alcohol while private gatherings are capped at 10 people per residence. Masks are now mandatory for aged care facilities, with visitors capped at two per day. (Photo by David Mariuz/Getty Images)

ICAC bugged government meeting room ‘in error’

The current and former head of SA’s anti-corruption watchdog are being asked to explain how, and why, its officers wrongly bugged a government meeting room.

Coronavirus

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - ADVERTISER Photos NOVEMBER 18, 2020: Cnr of Lockhead Lane and Butler Ave, Parafield Airport, SA Covid 19 Testing site. People lining up and being tested at testing clinics across Adelaide for the third day after up to 10-hour waits at some locations on Tuesday the 17th of Nov, 202. Picture Emma Brasier

REPLAY: Six-day lockdown for South Australia

The Premier has announced a six-day lockdown across the state and widespread restrictions to prevent the Parafield cluster growing. Replay the press conference here.

Coronavirus