Category: CANBERRA

Ex-chief of Defence Angry Over War Memorial’s Plan to Demolish Anzac Hall

A former defence chief has blasted the approval of a $500 million redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Retired admiral Chris Barrie has been a vocal opponent of the major project, fearing it will completely undermine the national institution. “I guess the game is over in terms of the fact it is going…


Aged Care and Mental Health Priorities for Federal Government in Budget

Australia’s mental health and aged care systems will receive record funding in the federal budget, with billions to be spent on the ailing sectors. Experts have warned the packages may only begin to gain ground back after years of funding shortfalls. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will hand down his third budget on 11 May, with significant…


Rape Allegation Against Australian Cabinet Minister

A letter has been sent to Prime Minister Scott Morrison alleging a 1988 rape by a current cabinet minister. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is now dealing with allegations of a sexual assault in relation to one of his own cabinet ministers in 1988. A letter was sent to Morrison, as well as Labor’s leader in…


Aussie MP Craig Kelly Quits Liberal Party, Becomes Independent

Australian federal MP Craig Kelly has quit the Liberal Party to become an independent during a party room meeting in Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday. Neither Kelly nor the Liberal Party has released a statement over the resignation. But there is speculation that the move may be related to Kelly’s nomination for the seat…


Aussie MP Craig Kelly Quits Liberal Party to Stand by His ‘Conscience’

Australian federal MP Craig Kelly has quit the Liberal Party during a party room meeting in Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, over a crisis of conscience. In his resignation letter, Kelly indicated that some of his recent conduct had “not helped the boat” of government go faster—referring to a sporting analogy he said was…


ACT Records $603M Deficit to Tackle Virus

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr will belatedly hand down the territory’s 2020/21 budget against the backdrop of a marked recovery from the impact of COVID-19. Tuesday’s budget will show a deficit of $603.1 million for 2020/21, an improvement of $306.4 million when compared to an earlier forecast in August as a result of a boost…


Federal MPs Weigh up Virus Limits Ahead of Parliament Sitting

Most federal MPs are expected to face no COVID-19 hurdles in coming to Canberra for the start of parliament in early February. Members of parliament from all states and territories apart from some areas of NSW and Victoria, on current advice, face no restrictions in coming to the ACT. But ACT Health advice is that…


China Ban Sparks Union Call for Overhaul of Aussie Timber Industry

China’s ban on Australian timber from two more states last week has prompted a union call for immediate government help and an overhaul of the local industry. Senior CFMEU official Michael O’Connor said last week’s suspension of timber exports from New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia (WA)  showed it was time to take immediate…