Australia
I am the Deputy Editor [Digital] of ABC News - the top of news site in Australia. I have worked in regional, metropolitan, and overseas newsrooms including seven years in the Canberra Press Gallery.
This was published 3 months ago Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size As a child, election nights held a magical quality, perched beside my Pa on a kitsch brown-and-yellow floral lounge dragged a little closer than usual to the television.
When a person was struck down with the plague, fumigation crews thoroughly cleaned their home and those who had contact with the plague victim were placed under quarantine at the hastily established Colmslie Plague Hospital in many instances. "You could visit your loved ones at the hospital if they were sick,'' Ms Bruce says.
W.E. Walker's health had been failing for years, forcing him to quit his long-held position as a state school teacher then his role with the Department of Public Instruction. The unfortunate man, who lived in Robert Street, Kangaroo Point, and was aged in his 60s, was suffering from tongue cancer when he was struck down with the plague and died.
On the day Faith died, the eight-year-old girl asked her mother for something to ease the pain. The mother had repeatedly beaten Faith with a vacuum cleaner's metal pole in the days leading up to the girl's death.
EXCLUSIVE: The National Capital Authority would not be ''financially sustainable'' unless the body received up to $6.2million in extra funding, cut costs or scaled back its role.
EXCLUSIVE: The Federal Government has secretly earmarked millions of dollars to maintain vital services to Norfolk Island in case the administration suffers financial collapse.
Some spy agencies are feeling the pinch as a result of the efficiency dividend, with one warning any additional reduction in their budget will ''significantly impact operational activities''.
Some spy agencies are feeling the pinch as a result of the efficiency dividend, with one warning any additional reduction in their budget will ''significantly impact operational activities''.
More than 100 Australian soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder were referred to an internal medical board last year a figure that has nearly doubled in the past few years.
Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes has been stranded in Parliament House because barriers designed to thwart terrorist attacks are also presenting obstacles for the disabled.
EXCLUSIVE: Prime Minister Julia Gillard is facing internal discontent over gambling reforms promised as part of a deal that helped Labor retain power.
The Federal Government is looking to cash in on the lucrative medical tourism market worth more than $20billion a year and projected to grow by 35 per cent per annum.
EXCLUSIVE: Canberra will boast a ''little Champs Elysees'' if Australian Greens leader Senator Bob Brown succeeds in securing federal funding for a walkway between Civic and Parliament House.
EXCLUSIVE: Former defence chief Peter Cosgrove has condemned continuing funding cuts to the Australian War Memorial, warning about 30 jobs will be axed and more programs will be shutdown.
Labor Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly has been ''absolutely and utterly rogered'' in the front-bench reshuffle and defence policy would suffer as a result, his political opponent warned yesterday.
EXCLUSIVE: Former Australian Democrats leader Andrew Bartlett has officially severed ties with the party, joining the Greens as he prepares to vie for a lower house seat at the next federal election.
EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gaetjens has been described as a ''brilliant brain'' who has an ''incredible mastery of details''. But the former top aide to ex-treasurer Peter Costello draws a blank when he tries to remember the hit-and-run accidentthat almost ended his life and put him into a 10-day coma in Canberra Hospital's intensive-care unit.
COUP IN CANBERRA
Julia Gillard is poised to become Australia's first female prime minister today after Kevin Rudd called a leadership ballot to deal with a coup by factional powerbrokers
Julia Gillard is poised to become Australia's first female prime minister today after Kevin Rudd called a leadership ballot to deal with a coup by factional powerbrokers.Mr Rudd triggered the 9am leadership spill after the Government was plunged into turmoil last night.
Australia's first female Prime Minister Julia Gillard has already brokered a ceasefire with mining companies and signalled shifts on policies as she prepares to call an election within months.
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd packed off the dog, cat and chooks, handed over keys to the Lodge and left Canberra yesterday amid escalating speculation the election will be held in August.
Amid the drizzle before sunrise in the national capital, Julia Gillard received a greeting that she is probably still adjusting to ''good morning Prime Minister''.
After she spectacularly toppled Kevin Rudd less than 24 hours before, Ms Gillard emerged from her Canberra flat before 7am yesterday to start her first full day in the new job.
SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS
The number of lobbying firms registered in Canberra has nearly tripled in three years, resulting in a ratio of four lobbyists for every federal MP. Their successes may feature in the federal budget handed down next week but, in most instances, voters will be none the wiser. The industry estimated to be worth $1billion a year prizes secrecy above all else.
One of Peter Sekuless's favourite stories from the ''glory days'' involves sneaking through the back door of a Canberra hotel and distributing beer to Labor conference delegates. He had been hired by brewers. His brief was to push for a wine tax.
Buying politicians: Concerns have been raised about paid access to those in power.
Condoms, vaccination or taking care in the kitchen can prevent illnesses common in Canberra, DANIELLE CRONIN reportsCanberra is the food-poisoning capital of Australia, a review of official records collected over two decades suggests. In that time, the ACT has also experienced sharp increases in whooping cough, chlamydia and gonorrhea cases.
Canberra has become a mecca for ''reproductive tourists'', with Australians desperate to start a family coming to the capital for fertility treatments too difficult or impossible to secure in their state.
A sense of empathy motivated Sue Phillips to become a ''gestational surrogate'' for an infertile couple. Faith helped her follow through with this life-changing decision.
Affection is on offer in a Canberra grocery store. It can be found on a shelf among the cereals pitched to the aspiring iron men or to consumers seeking a guardian for a healthy heart. It's an organic cereal variety that ''loves you back''.On other shelves,
SPECIAL REPORTS: HOSPITAL BLUNDERS
About 100 former patients will be tested for hepatitis and HIV after the Canberra Hospital discovered the substandard sterilisation of two instruments used on babies for almost two decades had put them at risk.
About 100 former patients will be tested for hepatitis and HIV after the Canberra Hospital discovered the substandard sterilisation of two instruments used on babies for almost two decades had put them at risk.
There may be more former patients affected by the sterilisation blunder at Canberra Hospital than the 97 already identified, a top health official conceded yesterday.
More than 100 former patients have now been affected by the ''serious breach'' of sterilisation procedures at Canberra Hospital and will be tested for hepatitis and HIV. But the Health Department is still trying to make contact with 18 of these patients put at risk.
Sarah and Brenden Sparks are angry and extremely concerned about officials' handling of the serious breach of sterilisation procedures at Canberra Hospital that put their daughter at risk. Felicity was born by emergency caesarean section at Calvary Hospital on July 4, 2004, and was transferred to Canberra Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, Mrs Sparks said
Experts have called for changes at Canberra Hospital after a ''serious breach'' of sterilisation put more than 100 patients at risk. In the ACT Legislative Assembly yesterday, Health Minister Katy Gallagher tabled the interim report by a specialist who investigated the incident.
FEATURES
More than 200 police descended on Musgrave Park in Brisbane's West End this morning to move indigenous tent embassy protesters, resulting in more than 30 arrests Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/police-evict-protesters-from-brisbane-tent-embassy-20120516-1ypnq.html#ixzz29AkIJ3zG
Mia Spizzica has only seen her 84-year-old father sob once. The trigger was a letter sent from an internment camp in Australia during World War II, but only hand delivered 70 years later.
Little Kahlani and La’Haina will never celebrate their tenth birthdays. Lafoa’i, Selamafi, Richie and Ardelle will never graduate high school. Jerry and Paul will never marry and have their own children.
Was the ACT Government's virtual community cabinet meeting a stunt, or will it lead to better community consultation in the future?
The ACT's longest-serving chief minister has condemned the ''self-centred'' attitude of Canberrans who complain about paying a carbon tax when they can clearly afford it.
Jon Stanhope has long been concerned about the selfish edge to debates over policies, which has been highlighted in responses to the Federal Government's plans to tackle climate change. He made the comments in his first major interview since his retirement.
A blacksmith who will soon take a seat in the Senate calls for the construction of new dams and condemns free trade for ''slaughtering'' Australian farmers and manufacturers.Democratic Labor Party's John Madigan is one of 12 senators who start their term.
Liberal powerbroker Nick Minchin says family is by far the most important thing in life, much more important than a job or a career or politics.
A senior Liberal powerbroker regrets he failed to convince John Howard to retire in 2006 and urges colleagues to embrace voluntary voting.Liberal Nick Minchin is among the 12 senators who will retire on June 30, making way from new members elected last year.
Excited and nervous in equal measure, new Labor MPs Gai Brodtmann and Andrew Leigh walked into the House of Representatives for their first sitting week. In the lead-up, the duo received advice from veterans and were schooled on the inner workings of Parliament during a two-day crash course for the 32 new MPs.
In seven days, voters will run the gauntlet of volunteers distributing how-to-vote cards, head into the polling booth and fill out their ballot papers. Opinion polls show Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott are neck-and-neck in the contest and the Greens are on the brink of securing the balance-of-power in the Senate in their own right.
In seven days, voters will run the gauntlet of volunteers distributing how-to-vote cards, head into the polling booth and fill out their ballot papers. Opinion polls show Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott are neck-and-neck in the contest and the Greens are on the brink of securing the balance-of-power in the Senate in their own right.
Over a cup of tea at The Lodge a couple of years ago, Therese Rein offered some advice to Tim Mathieson before he became Australia's ''first bloke''.
Imagine trying to organise an event when 35 people have been invited but 60 people could front up. A similar dilemma confronts politicians and bureaucrats as they try to plan health services for the ACT, which is in an unusual position.
Imagine trying to organise an event when 35 people have been invited but 60 people could front up. A similar dilemma confronts politicians and bureaucrats as they try to plan health services for the ACT, which is in an unusual position.
A stint in hospital can transform politicians into champions of health reform. Five years ago, then health minister Tony Abbott recalled waking up in a ''cold sweat'' after undergoing surgery to remove a kidney stone.
A stint in hospital can transform politicians into champions of health reform. Five years ago, then health minister Tony Abbott recalled waking up in a ''cold sweat'' after undergoing surgery to remove a kidney stone.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd explained his reform agenda by asking Australians to tap into their imagination.He cited the circumstances of a 67-year-old man who is retired, lives in the outskirts of a major city and needs a hip replacement.
Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce has no hope of victory in one arena. ''Every vote I lose five to one and if I cross the floor, it's six nil,'' Joyce tells The Canberra Times.
Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce has no hope of victory in one arena. ''Every vote I lose five to one and if I cross the floor, it's six nil,'' Joyce tells The Canberra Times.
Singer Tex Perkins seems to relish the end of newlywed bliss. ''This just ain't fun no more. Don't know what to say. The honeymoon is over baby. It's never gonna be that way again.''Are voters sending the same message to the Rudd Government?
Singer Tex Perkins seems to relish the end of newlywed bliss. ''This just ain't fun no more. Don't know what to say. The honeymoon is over baby. It's never gonna be that way again.''Are voters sending the same message to the Rudd Government?
Peter Garrett thinks this is the critical time to stave off the extinction of things treasured by many Australians. About 145 indigenous languages are still spoken in Australia, but 110 are at risk of disappearing.
COLUMNS
Prime Minister Julia Gillard's honeymoon is definitely over. It lasted about as long as the post-nuptial glow experienced by a star who heads to Las Vegas for a wild weekend and winds up saying ''I do'' before a preacher wearing a white jumpsuit given the ''BeDazzler'' treatment.
Luminaries of the women's movement could be forgiven for needing a Bex and a good lie down. Last week, girls were encouraged to bask in the significance of Australia's first female governor general and first female prime minister taking a central role in the opening of our 43rd Parliament.
Not so very long ago, COAG was a love-in. Premiers and chief ministers would gather in Parliament House and deliver an entertaining performance before the Prime Minister, John Howard, hurled quite a few bucks into their hats
Liberals who opposed and supported Tony Abbott in the leadership spill late last year have been surprised by one development since that tumultuous period.
Ousted Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull has buried his parliamentary career. But successor Tony Abbott should pause before putting on the tap shoes and dancing on his political grave.
When describing Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, it is tempting to resort to caricatures. He is the ''Mad Monk'' a right-wing church-goer. He is the ''Macho Man'' an ultra-fit former boxer who does annual arduous bicycle rides for charity.
Christmas parties can be perilous for opposition leaders, but not for the reasons that immediately come to mind
Pity the girl growing up in Kambah with dreams of becoming the world champion in bog snorkelling.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has experienced a bit of a tough week. The Government suffered its first major hit in the opinion polls and attracted fervent criticism from its own side for appointing former treasurer Peter Costello to the Future Fund.
Petrol prices, grocery bills and salaries for corporate fat cats are often called barbecue-stopper issues.
Fifty-five celebrities are recycling something treasured by many Australians in a bid to pressure world leaders to take steps to tackle climate change.
Some people live with a hidden shame that resurfaces when watching RocKwiz on SBS. Host Julia Zemiro asks contestants about the first album they bought and the first concert they went to see. Mine was the Village People when the cowboy, Indian, construction worker, police officer and soldier performed at the Seagulls Club, Tweed Heads.
LIVE: ELECTION COVERAGE
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Rudd launches ‘Keep Kate’; AEC political finances report; Clive Palmer’s press conference.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Bligh ‘admired politician’; poll; Cyclone Yasi anniversary; Clive Palmer vs Andrew Fraser; Beattie on Twitter.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: The forgotten Borbidge years; Labor MP resigns; Qld Party out of the race; Federal leadership challenge speculation.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Katter’s Ashgrove candidate; Bob Katter vs the RBA; Stoush over Premier’s flood appeal; Election flyers under scrutiny.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Minister to front commission; Security guards protect dam engineers; Premier's flood statement issued; BBC demotes Premier; One MP's protest.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Flood inquiry: more time; Bank warned; Rip'n'Roll controversy returns; Christians and the LNP; Newman making history.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Flood inquiry or inquisition; Deputy Premier on BCC land deal; LNP leader's Q&A with Christians; Battleground: Gold Coast; Spot the difference: Mr Bean and the Speaker.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Newman: No leadership plan B; Bligh on LNP leadership; Katter: We'd like to win 34%; Ashgrove poll.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Final Question Time; Bligh: Jail comments 'in the heat of the moment'; Poll results; Up close and personal with leaders; 11th-hour bipartisanship.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Stoush over Ashgrove education Q&A; A day in the lives of Bligh & Newman; The Bad Boys of Katter's Australian Party; Kevin Rudd in Brisbane; Jeff Seeney's concession.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: 'Mind your own business': Schwarten; LNP releases economic blueprint; Labor's education trust fund; Beattie urges Gillard to call ballot; Bligh to federal Labor: 'Get on with it'; Latest Newspoll results; Labor candidate resigns.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Flyers attack Kate Jones; Newman rejects call to sack candidate; Bligh announces iPads for Year 7 students; No deal: Greens on preferences; LNP pledges to dredge.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Rudd quits frontbench: full statement; Prime Minister fires back; Premier responds to resignation; Therese Rein proud; Bligh and Newman cross paths.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Newman returns to Brisbane early; Rudd strategist leaves Bligh campaign; Rein urges people power; Bligh refuses to choose.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: LNP candidate dumps; Carbox tax proposal; Fraser's challenge on same-sex civil unions; Hard hat: the opening salvo.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland State Election: Bligh's appeal for party to heal; Newman's $92 million health promise; Ballot draw in Ashgrove; Newman grilled on civil unions stance; Candidate condemns hot pink swastikas; Katmobile Rock'n'Roll may be noise pollution.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election. LNP pledges police 'surge'; Union hails policing promise but Labor questions costings; Spill still dominating conversation: Bligh; Labor's education promise; No fare day to compensate frustrated commuters.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Newman rejects Labor's new attack ad; RACQ's election wishlist; Bligh on Newman's 'dodgy deal'; LNP's $129 million hospitals policy; Leaders discuss public service.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: AMA calls for health shake-up; Katter's Australian Party's legal action; LNP's agriculture policy; Labor's 'green belt' policy; The debate about debates.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: $54 million for prep school: LNP; $50 million for tourism: ALP; Just call me Anna; Newman bristles; "Art and elegance'' for the Gold Coast; Bruce Hawker is back.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Civil unions begin today; 'I don't like to sound like an egotist'; Labor promises $300 million for regions; 'Parents should teach kids to swim': Newman; Fraser describes his first election defeat.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Newman loses support in Ashgrove; Bligh declares Ashgrove is in "play''; LNP promises $155 million for schools; LNP's public service bigger or smaller?
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: 'Nothing is certain in politics': Nicholls on LNP 'plan B'; Take over Clem7, state govt urged; Bligh firmly rejects Clem7 takeover; Newman also dismisses Clem7 plea.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Court rejects Katter's case; Porn site: LNP stands by candidate; Shot rings out on a Gold Coast night?; Stoush over grog bans; Ex-PM to take part in launch; I'm not cheap: Newman.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Speaker's staff throws phone: report; 'Greenland' pitch; Developer claims must be investigated: Newman; Labor: $5 million for cancer research; LNP: Pledge to dredge.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Backlash over gay marriage ad; Ad is homophobic: Newman; Ad is 'offensive and bizarre': Bligh; $16m for outpatient services: LNP; New checks on developments: Labor.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Go directly to boot camp: LNP; Racist and anti-gay graffiti attack on Labor MP's office; One Nation candidate's "crucifixion'' walk; New early learning centres: Labor
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: LNP promises to halve the annual 15% fare increase; Services will suffer: Labor; Deputy Premier in trouble: poll; Newman responds to CMC review.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Leaders' debate: blow-by-blow; 'Worm's' verdict on the debate; Katter issues challenge to 'Cameron Newman'; Newman releases plans for LNP's first 100 days.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Bligh appeals for 'bipartisanship' over storm cleanup; Premier has our full support: Newman; Public transport fare promise: Labor; Fare pledge is 'rubbish': LNP.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: LNP odds of winning 'shorter than Black Caviar'; LNP tried to buy preferences: Katter party; Campaigner to sue Clive Palmer; Labor issues its costings; LNP costings out tomorrow.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: LNP costings; Labor proposes to end 3am Valley lockout; Internal polling leaked; Newman looks certain to win Ashgrove: poll; Greens fear Newman win will divide Ashgrove; Bob Hawke hits town.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: Bligh vs Hawke: beer skol; Newman promises 'humility, grace and dignity'; Staffers' tears as Bligh makes final pitch; Labor ads beg for mercy; On the bus: behind the scenes; Celebrity Apprentice Award; Take the election quiz; Polling booths closures.
Daily blog for the 2012 Queensland Election: The 39th and final entry in our 2012 state election live blog series.