Canberra, national and world news

Contentious anti-hate laws to pass in last-minute deal

National AAP - January 20, 2026

Hate crimes legislation stemming from Australia's worst-ever terrorist attack will pass parliament after hard-fought cross-party agreement.

Committee calls for Indigenous-led inquiry into deaths in custody

Local Newstime Media - January 20, 2026

A community advisory committee recommends an inquiry into deaths in custody in the ACT be Indigenous-led and trauma-informed.

Fracas in Eddison Park: Witnesses wanted

Local Newstime Media - January 20, 2026

ACT Policing are seeking witnesses to a disturbance in Phillip last week between a man and group of youths. About 4:30pm on Thursday 15 January, a man brandishing an axe chased a group...

“Motorsport’s ultimate garden party” returns to Canberra, bigger than ever

Local Vincent Samaras - January 20, 2026

The Canberra Festival of Speed will return to Thoroughbred Park on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February, delivering its biggest and most ambitious program yet.

Teenage boy dies at Jerrabomberra Waterhole

News Newstime Media - January 19, 2026

A teenage boy has died after suffering critical injuries at the base of a cliff at Jerrabomberra Waterhole, near Canberra.

ACT Greens call for government takeover of Big Splash site

Local Newstime Media - January 19, 2026

The ACT Greens urge the ACT Government to take over the Big Splash water park site in Macquarie, after lenders repossessed the property.

Hanson in from fringe as One Nation passes Liberals in polls

National AAP - January 19, 2026

Pauline Hanson is firming as a genuine challenger for the prime ministership as polls put One Nation ahead of the coalition for the first time.

Committee calls for more clarity on Territory Plan amendments

Local Newstime Media - January 19, 2026

The ACT Government should provide greater clarity and community information during major Territory Plan amendments, says Assembly committee.

Man charged over Belconnen pipe bombs remains in custody

Local AAP - January 19, 2026

A 41-year-old man has faced court for the first time after he allegedly made several pipe bombs found strewn along suburban footpaths in the nation's capital.

Fit the Bill: Keep the R2 and R3 buses

News Bill Stefaniak - January 19, 2026

I like taking ACTION buses and was therefore very disappointed to learn that the popular R2 and R3 rapid transit routes will terminate.

Heroic teenagers save mate’s life after shark attack

National AAP - January 19, 2026

A teenager is in hospital after undergoing surgery to injuries on both his legs after being bitten by a shark at a popular swimming spot on Sunday afternoon.

Police seek witness to Halloween assault

Local Newstime Media - January 19, 2026

ACT Policing is seeking to identify a witness after an alleged assault in a city bar on Halloween last year.

Four-year-old boy dies following vehicle collision at Mawson shops

News Newstime Media - January 18, 2026

A four-year-old boy has died after being hit by a car at the Mawson shops earlier today.

‘Time for action’: Coalition pushed on hate speech laws

National AAP - January 18, 2026

Labor is pulling out all the stops to get coalition support for its weakened hate speech bill over the line in a snap sitting of parliament.

Man arrested over pipe bombs in Belconnen

News Newstime Media - January 18, 2026

A 41-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the pipe bombs found in Belconnen earlier this week.

Deadly storms force evacuations as floods hit east coast

National AAP - January 18, 2026

Thousands of emergency incidents have been recorded as storms pummel Australia's east coast, leaving one woman dead.

The year ahead: HelpingACT

Local Newstime Media - January 16, 2026

Canberra Daily asked community leaders for thoughts on what 2026 would bring. Mohammed Ali is HelpingACT's founder and president.

The year ahead: OzHarvest

Local Newstime Media - January 16, 2026

Canberra Daily asked community leaders for thoughts on what 2026 would bring. Christine Scott is OzHarvest's ACT Engagement & Culture Lead.

Emerson wants ACT childcare documents released in full

Local Newstime Media - January 15, 2026

Independent MLA Thomas Emerson says key information on serious ACT childcare incidents is still being withheld.

Pipe bombs found on suburban footpaths and in parks across Canberra’s north

Local AAP - January 15, 2026

Police are trying to work out who is responsible for a number of pipe bombs which have been found in public places in the Canberra.

Dunlop woman allegedly hit her partner with a car

Local Newstime Media - January 15, 2026

A 27-year-old woman faces court charged with family violence offences after allegedly hitting her partner with her car and stealing his dog.

The year ahead: ACT Shelter

Local Newstime Media - January 15, 2026

Canberra Daily asked community leaders for their thoughts on what 2026 would bring. Corinne Dobson is CEO of housing peak body ACT Shelter.

Hate speech laws in peril as Libs, Greens spurn reforms

National AAP - January 15, 2026

Labor has accused the coalition of "hypocrisy" after the opposition says its biggest concern with sweeping hate speech legislation is that it's being "rushed".

Inclusivity – not just a catch phrase for these Canberrans!

Local Bernie Ryan - January 15, 2026

According to the ACT Government, there are more than 80,000 Canberrans who identify as people with disability.