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Political news and analysis from the ACT and Federal Parliaments

wodentram

A tram for Woden? Master plans unveiled

MICK Gentleman has released the draft Master Plans for both Woden Town Centre and Mawson group centre for community comment. “The announcement of these plans shows the strong focus of improving the town centre of Woden’s public domain, pedestrian and cycle connections and encourage new development whilst allowing for Mawson to change into a transport […]

Grattan / Murdoch's message: Abbott's chief of staff Peta Credlin must go

By Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra NEWS Corp chief Rupert Murdoch has made an extraordinary intervention in the Coalition controversy over Tony Abbott’s chief of staff, Peta Credlin, declaring via Twitter that she must go. In a series of tweets in the wake of the highly damaging row over Abbott’s “captain’s pick” to award Prince […]

Grattan / The central question this political year will be whether Abbott is up to the prime minister’s job

By Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra TONY Abbott’s “captain’s pick” of Prince Philip for a knighthood – on Australia Day, and when he says the government should consult more – suggests the Prime Minister’s head is in some very strange place. There is no credible, rational explanation. If Abbott was travelling strongly, one might write […]

shanebikes

Motorcycle lane filtering trial to start February 1

SHANE Rattenbury says a two-year trial of motorcycle lane filtering will commence in the ACT from Sunday February 1. “Motorcycle lane filtering is when a motorcyclist moves between stationary or slow moving vehicles in the same lane. This allows motorcyclists to move quickly and safely away from congested areas of traffic,” Mr Rattenbury said. “The […]

Brendan blames ACT Government for shaken business confidence

BRENDAN Smyth says business confidence in the ACT Labor government has fallen through the floor according to the latest Sensis Business Index. “Confidence in ACT government policies is now in negative territory with attitudes falling from plus 32 points in August 2014 to negative 10 in November 2014,” Brendan said. “The negative 10 result shows […]

The new Andrew Barr Cabinet announced.

CHIEF Minister Andrew Barr has facebooked his new Ministry: Post by Andrew Barr. Housing and Community Services are big starting portfolios for Yvette Berry and probably sensibly brought together. Multicultural Affairs split from arts will require some deep thinking about festivals however. UPDATE: The Chief went on to make this statement: Urban renewal, transport, equality […]

Meegan Fitzharris heads to the Assembly floor

ACT Electoral Commissioner Phillip Green says Andrew Barr’s Chief of Staff Meegan Fitzharris is set to replace Katy Gallagher in the ACT Legislative Assembly. Australian Labor Party (ACT Branch) candidate for Molonglo Meegan Fitzharris received a majority of preferences after Ms Gallagher’s votes were distributed by computer count this afternoon. The computer count, which started […]

Jeremy Hanson sides with pregnant women against postcode discrimination

LIBERAL Leader Jeremy Hanson says reports that ACT Health is considering banning expectant mothers from the north of Canberra from having their babies at the Canberra Hospital should be ruled out by Health Minister Simon Corbell. “The reports that ACT Health is considering banning women from the north of Canberra from going to the Canberra […]