Gladys Berejiklian is under pressure to ease COVID restrictions at large hospitality venues to save jobs and livelihoods in the lead up to Christmas. NSW Academic Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert is expected to arrive home in Australia today, following her release from Iran after being locked up for 804 days. Santa has officially been confirmed as an ‘essential worker’ and has been granted permission to enter NSW without completing a 14-day COVID quarantine. And Australia urged to adopt a no-sledging policy around Virat Kohli, warning ‘You don’t want to wake the beast’. For updates and breaking news throughout the day, take out a subscription atdailytelegraph.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.