The Canberra Times
Thursday 24 September 2026
'Snatched and ran': family 'fearful' after FB Marketplace sale of phone takes a turn
A routine Facebook Marketplace sale took a nasty turn. Pictures Shutterstock
Gangs are posing as potential buyers online.
Petlee Peter

'Risk was foreseeable': department fined after child's hands catch fire at Questacon

Questacon, where the child's burn injury occurred. Picture by Karleen Minney
Department knew of risks five months before child's burn injury.
Mardi Borg • 1hr ago

Email address 'looked at once a day': how Services Australia failed report to hack by AI model

A string of 'legacy' government websites could be at risk.
Dana Daniel • 14m ago
No comments
Government Services Minister Katy Gallagher says a number government websites need security updates. Pictures by Karleen Minney, Shutterstock

Raiders signing tracker: Canberra trio extend as nine players set for open market

Here's the contract status of every Raiders player on November 1.
David Polkinghorne, Melanie Dinjaski • 1hr ago
No comments
Jed Stuart of the Canberra Raiders. Picture by Keegan Carroll
Property
Ask Property: Our home's value dropped and my spouse won't stop spending, should I be concerned?
'Money remains one of the most sensitive topics in relationships'.
Nina Hendy
No comments
Even those in long-term relationships need to revisit their financial commitment at least once a year to ensure they are working together. Picture Shutterstock
Teen allegedly assaults man he met on dating app, leaving suspected brain injury
He allegedly assaulted the man before demanding money.
Mardi Borg
The ACT Magistrates Court. Picture by Keegan Carroll
Law firm directors' 'campaign' to deter partner from $500k court action
Erin Taylor and Ben Aulich in 2022. Picture by Blake Foden
They sought to 'deplete funds available,' court finds.
Hannah Neale
Opinion
Stop giving the public service impossible jobs and then blaming them when the system collapses
There are better ways to stop grifters ripping off the public purse.
Amanda Vanstone
No comments
NDIS Minister Mark Butler. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, AAP

'I often feel bored': year 6 student Caleb on the reality of public school life

Caleb Sullivan, year 6 student at Chapman Primary School, gives his perspective on what school life is like. Picture by Karleen Minney
A year 6 student shares what school is really like.
Sarah Lansdown
No comments

A late-night sitting and a litany of issues, but ACT budget gets through

Labor government lives on and welcomes 'unprecedented scrutiny'.
Jasper Lindell
No comments
From left - Greens leader Jo Clay, Treasurer Chris Steel, and shadow treasurer Ed Cocks. Pictures by Keegan Carroll

Allegedly armed driver arrested following chain of cross-border chases

Police allegedly found a large sword, gloves and balaclavas in his vehicle.
Petlee Peter • 1hr ago
The 22-year-old driver refused to stop and NSW Police initiated a chase in Queanbeyan early on Thursday. Picture by Sitthixay Ditthavong
Demand for petrol in Canberra is dropping. It's not lowering prices.
Government backs a fresh inquiry into ACT petrol price pinch.
Jasper Lindell
No comments
A parliamentary inquiry is set to examine fuel prices in Canberra, which are persistently higher than other cities. Picture by Karleen Minney
National Gallery opens new Oculus Cafe amid $219m roof overhaul
Sydney chef Mike McEnearney and National Gallery of Australia director Nick Mitzevich inside the gallery's new Oculus Cafe. Picture by Sam Cooper/NGA
Step inside the NGA's new light-filled garden cafe.
Sally Pryor
No comments
Police
Man arrested after bomb scares in schools and shopping centre
Man to face court in October following arrest in Sanctuary Point
Glenn Ellard • 1hr ago
Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit officers attend to a device left at a store in a Vincentia shopping centre. Picture by Glenn Ellard
Opinion

Front up and explain to public school families why you're making these cuts

Education Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith, left, and teachers' union president Angela Burroughs. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, Karleen Minney, Elesa Kurtz
And stop throwing principals under the bus.
Angela Burroughs
No comments

Data reveals 58 ACT public schools facing funding cuts

Leaked data reveals extensive cuts faced by ACT schools next year.
Sarah Lansdown
No comments
Mount Rogers Primary School will go from 30 learning support assistants to three. Picture by Keegan Carroll

ACT school budget changes trigger crisis planning and safety fears

Internal document shows risks of funding cuts in public schools.
Sarah Lansdown
No comments
ACT Education Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith. Pictures by Karleen Minney, Shutterstock
The 'huge drama, huge stakes' love letter to Australian women
Hard-hitting, exhilarating and reminder of how far we have to go.
Sally Pryor
No comments
Lucy Bell, centre, and the cast of Strong Is The New Pretty. Picture by Morgan Roberts
Man accused of attacking two boys in mall has 'intellectual capacity of a 10-year-old'
Westfield shopping centre Belconnen. Picture by Keegan Carroll
The man's bid for conditional freedom has stalled once again.
Mardi Borg
This federal agency had more managers than workers - until its redundancy round
Agency sheds roles after management ranks exceeded operational workers.
Ray Athwal
No comments
National Indigenous Australians Agency chief executive Julie-Ann Guivarra. Picture by Keegan Carroll

This agency used AI to detect fraud. It raised so many flags, staff gave up investigating

Health Minister Mark Butler's department is ramping up its use of technology to tackle fraud. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, Shutterstock
Billions of dollars in taxpayer dollars are being lost every year.
Dave Allen, Dana Daniel
No comments

Allegedly stolen car hit 'high speeds' before crash, court hears; three charged

The car flipped onto its roof in the highway crash.
Mardi Borg
Allegedly stolen car crashed on Barton Highway. Picture by Keegan Carroll
Opinion

The invasion of the body snatchers: a history darker than any fiction

The chilling history of stolen remains and the push to bring them home.
David Ellery
No comments
Then prime minister Scott Morrison at the announcement of the establishment of the Ngurra cultural precinct in Canberra. Picture by Keegan Carroll

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David Pope's view: The dark knight rises ...
David Pope
The Canberra Times's editorial cartoon for Thursday, September 24, 2026.

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Federal politics

Stop giving the public service impossible jobs and then blaming them when the system collapses
Opinion
NDIS Minister Mark Butler. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, AAP
There are better ways to stop grifters ripping off the public purse.
Amanda Vanstone
No comments
They said audit problems were fixed. One in four claims fell short
Agencies covered up weak action on audit findings, according to the report.
Zac Braxton-Smith
No comments
Caralee McLiesh was appointed Auditor-General in 2024. Picture by Keegan Carroll
The real reason Albanese's UN Security Council bid could backfire
Is Albo's UN bid a costly vanity project?
The Canberra Times
No comments
A potentially costly seat on the United Nations Security Council is hardly front of mind for most Australians right now Mr Albanese. Picture by Karleen Minney

Public Service

Email address 'looked at once a day': how Services Australia failed report to hack by AI model

Government Services Minister Katy Gallagher says a number government websites need security updates. Pictures by Karleen Minney, Shutterstock
A string of 'legacy' government websites could be at risk.
Dana Daniel • 14m ago
No comments

'Risk was foreseeable': department fined after child's hands catch fire at Questacon

Department knew of risks five months before child's burn injury.
Mardi Borg • 1hr ago
Questacon, where the child's burn injury occurred. Picture by Karleen Minney

This agency used AI to detect fraud. It raised so many flags, staff gave up investigating

Billions of dollars in taxpayer dollars are being lost every year.
Dave Allen, Dana Daniel
No comments
Health Minister Mark Butler's department is ramping up its use of technology to tackle fraud. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, Shutterstock

Court and Crime

Allegedly armed driver arrested following chain of cross-border chases

The 22-year-old driver refused to stop and NSW Police initiated a chase in Queanbeyan early on Thursday. Picture by Sitthixay Ditthavong
Police allegedly found a large sword, gloves and balaclavas in his vehicle.
Petlee Peter • 1hr ago
Police

Man arrested after bomb scares in schools and shopping centre

Man to face court in October following arrest in Sanctuary Point
Glenn Ellard • 1hr ago
Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit officers attend to a device left at a store in a Vincentia shopping centre. Picture by Glenn Ellard

'Risk was foreseeable': department fined after child's hands catch fire at Questacon

Department knew of risks five months before child's burn injury.
Mardi Borg • 1hr ago
Questacon, where the child's burn injury occurred. Picture by Karleen Minney
Today’s Paper
Issue cover

Thursday 24 September 2026

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Comment

We need transparency over school budgets
Many ACT public schools are facing budget cuts in 2027. Picture by Karleen Minney
The Canberra Times
No comments
Opinion
The invasion of the body snatchers: a history darker than any fiction
David Ellery
No comments
Then prime minister Scott Morrison at the announcement of the establishment of the Ngurra cultural precinct in Canberra. Picture by Keegan Carroll
Why one dedicated Canberra teacher is abandoning her dream career
Letters to the Editor
No comments
ACT government education funding cuts will put teachers in an impossible situation. Picture by Karleen Minney

We need transparency over school budgets

The Canberra Times
No comments
Many ACT public schools are facing budget cuts in 2027. Picture by Karleen Minney

Why one dedicated Canberra teacher is abandoning her dream career

Letters to the Editor
No comments
ACT government education funding cuts will put teachers in an impossible situation. Picture by Karleen Minney

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Property byAllhomes

Editors Pick

The Golden Girls movement: single Aussie women beat the housing crisis

The rental secret that could solve Australia's housing crisis.
Carla Mascarenhas
No comments
Morelos pictured here with her son and daughter-in-law. Picture supplied

Fresh support offered for ACT renters at risk of homelessness

New $250 grants also on offer to help at-risk renters.
Jasper Lindell
No comments
Renters at risk of becoming homeless will be able to access a one-off grants. Picture by Elesa Kurtz

National News

Unemployment nears five-year high ahead of rates call

Australia's jobless rate rose to 4.6 per cent in August, in a somewhat surprising result. Photo: Susie Dodds/AAP PHOTOS
Jacob Shteyman • 9m ago

Email address 'looked at once a day': how Services Australia failed report to hack by AI model

Dana Daniel • 14m ago
No comments
Government Services Minister Katy Gallagher says a number government websites need security updates. Pictures by Karleen Minney, Shutterstock

Senior gallery worker accused of $8 million theft

Samantha Lock • 19m ago
A former employee of the National Gallery of Victoria allegedly funnelled $8 million from it. Photo: Joe Castro/AAP PHOTOS

World News

McDonald's announces $US8.5b makeover, menu overhaul

McDonald's plans to invest $US8.5 billion across the next 10 years to revamp its restaurants. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS
Dee-Ann Durbin • 40m ago

N Korea conducted upgraded rocket system test: report

Brenda Goh and Kyu-Seok Shim • 1hr ago
North Korea unveiled its latest multiple rocket launchers during a ceremony earlier this year. Photo: EPA PHOTO

'Full democracy': Venezuela's Rodriguez promises poll

Marianna Parraga, Vivian Sequera and Anthony Esposito • 1hr ago
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez says Venezuela is seeking to rebuild after political upheaval. Photo: EPA PHOTO

Sport

Raiders signing tracker: Canberra trio extend as nine players set for open market
Jed Stuart of the Canberra Raiders. Picture by Keegan Carroll
David Polkinghorne, Melanie Dinjaski • 1hr ago
No comments

'It won't hold you back': What life after a heart transplant looks like for Cameron

'It won't hold you back': What life after a heart transplant looks like for Cameron
Giancarlo Gonzales
No comments

'Eat a lot': how pint-sized Raider fuels Green Machine premiership dream

Melanie Dinjaski
No comments
Emma Barnes of the Canberra Raiders. Picture Raiders Media

How past athlete abuse claims sparked a new push for AIS oversight

David Polkinghorne
An anonymous letter sent to the AIS, Swimming Australia and Swimming NSW has called for an independent review into coaching access to AIS facilities. Picture by Graham Tidy
Janice lost her husband to this disease. She's determined to help others avoid the same fate
Community
81 year old grandmother Janice Fitzpatrick is taking on a 40-kilometre ride around Lake Burley Griffin. Picture by Karleen Minney
Abi Kirkland
No comments
Analysis
Is Ponga's genius as good as Joey's? We're about to find out, so strap in Knights fans
Greg Prichard
Kalyn Ponga, left, is trying to emulate Andrew Johns' run in 2001. Pictures by Jonathan Carroll, Getty Images
Analysis
Connolly: the grand final X-factors who will decide premiership glory
Rohan Connolly
Luke Jackson of the Dockers and Sam Draper of the Lions will square off in the grand final. Picture AAP

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Explore
Book Now
9 best travel deals of the week: save 20 per cent on all-inclusive Amazon cruises
Updated
Wild creatures of the Amazon.
From the Amazon to Portugal, we have you covered.
Staff Writers • 2hrs ago
No comments
Want to check out Western Sydney International Airport? You can visit for free
Explore Sydney's new airport without buying a ticket.
Sarah Falson
No comments
Even if you haven't booked a flight you can take advantage of free parking and come and have a look, for a limited time.
Cocktails at 9pm and afternoon naps: what happened when I took four generations on a cruise
The multi-generational holiday makes it out of the group chat and onto the sea.
Lisa Perkovic
No comments
Gigi the Giraffe.

Australia's best stays revealed: 22 local hotels join the 2026 Michelin Key list

The indoor pool house at Ardour Milton Park in Bowral. Picture supplied
See the stunning Aussie hotels named among the world's best.
Anna Houlahan
No comments

Forget train-spotters: this is the curious new obsession among travel lovers

Meet the devoted Australians who head to the coast for an unlikely hobby.
Mark Dapin
No comments
Surrounded by city-lights, Sydney Harbour is one of the best locations in Australia for ship-spotting. Picture by Getty Images

As our ship reached Alaska's glaciers, the captain did something no one expected

What to know before setting sail on an Alaskan cruise adventure.
Akash Arora
No comments
Holland America Line's Koningsdam in Alaska.

Lonely Planet dubs this NSW gem 'Byron Bay without the crowds' for 2027

Two Aussie regions named among the world's best destinations.
Sarah Falson
No comments
A view along the lush Tweed River banks. Picture by Alex Cimbal/Shutterstock

Is two weeks too long on a cruise? I took one alone - here's what surprised me

From cabin fever to caviar, this trip through Asia was eye-opening.
Sarah Falson
No comments
Koh Kood, Thailand.

Business and Finance

Regional hotel boom as global operator checks in to two coastal hotspots

Property
Crowne Plaza Newcastle will sit within Urban Property Group's mixed-use project next to the Newcastle Interchange in Wickham. Picture supplied
The two luxury hotels are expected to open between 2029 and 2030.
Jade Lazarevic
No comments

Aged care service pays million-dollar bill after hundreds of staff were underpaid

The Canberra charity has apologised to workers and paid arrears.
Peter Jean
No comments
Goodwin Village in Monash. Picture by Karleen Minney

'A ban that can be worked around': KPMG gets $22m boost from one department

Staff have approved at least four major KPMG contract variations.
Zac Braxton-Smith
No comments
Independent senator David Pocock said a ban that could be worked around so easily wasn't a ban. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, Jamila Toderas, Shutterstock

Food & Drink

Surviving the long run: food rules to prevent race-day disaster

Joanna Wietrzyk, right, had a nightmare incident at a Hyrox competition, while marathon legend Robert de Castella shares some tips for preparing for long runs. Pictures by Getty Images, AP, Shutterstock
Sally Pryor
No comments

When it comes to the crunch, Josh Niland's fish and chips are worth the effort

Josh Niland
No comments
Josh Niland cooks his chips HOW many times? Pictures by David Loftus

What to taste and see at Floriade: your guide to food workshops and chef talks

Sally Pryor
No comments
Eat, drink and be floral at Floriade this year. Picture supplied

Life and Culture

Jones met athlete with 'a slap on the bottom': butler

A former butler of Alan Jones has testified in the retired radio king's sexual touching trial. Photo: George Chan/AAP PHOTOS
Adelaide Lang • 1hr ago

The dream became a nightmare for Adam Goodes

Glen Humphries
No comments
Adam Goodes (right) with his cousin and fellow Sydney Swans player Michael O'Loughlin.
Review

Like Happy Feet meets Nemo, with a message of identity and hope

Cris Kennedy
No comments
The Last Whale Singer is equal parts education and entertainment. Picture supplied

Here's how we live in a shipping container home with a one-year-old baby

Our shipping container home was more a labour of... labour than of love, but we love it now nonetheless. Pictures Jacinta Sandral
Willing to pay in blood and budget sacrifices? The lifestyle is worth it.
Jacinta Sandral • 45m ago
No comments
Updated

9 best travel deals of the week: save 20 per cent on all-inclusive Amazon cruises

From the Amazon to Portugal, we have you covered.
Staff Writers • 2hrs ago
No comments
Wild creatures of the Amazon.

Want to check out Western Sydney International Airport? You can visit for free

Explore Sydney's new airport without buying a ticket.
Sarah Falson
No comments
Even if you haven't booked a flight you can take advantage of free parking and come and have a look, for a limited time.

Video

MotoringCarsGuide
Slow-selling Chinese brand a sleeping giant
CarsGuide
Slow-selling Chinese brand a sleeping giant
Leapmotor could be a sleeping giant on the cusp of a global sales surge despite its slow start in Australia.
Tom White • 30m ago
CarsGuide
Does the HiLux BEV work for tradies?
Toyota claims its first HiLux BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) has been designed primarily with mining, business and government fleet customers in mind, by combining the iconic ute's 4x4 all-terrain capability with zero tailpipe emissions only a full-electric drivetrain can deliver.
Mark Oastler
Does the HiLux BEV work for tradies?
CarsGuide
Australia's cheapest electric SUV tested!
Leapmotor hasn't had the greatest start in Australia, with its first model, the C10, receiving a lukewarm response at best.
Tim Nicholson
Australia's cheapest electric SUV tested!
CarsGuide

'Not conclusive': BYD responds to hacking

Two Chinese carmakers have come under fire in Australia for alleged lax cyber security measures and questions over privacy, following investigations from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Tim Gibson
'Not conclusive': BYD responds to hacking
CarsGuide

Cayenne Electric tested on and off road

No good deed goes unpunished.
Stephen Ottley
Cayenne Electric tested on and off road

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Australia and the Nordics: stronger together in the race to net zero

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Nordic Climate Innovation panellists (L-R): Professor Valeska Ting (ANU ICEDS - moderator), Belinda Sinclair (Ramboll) James Williamson (Neste), Laura Pulitano (Volvo Group Australia), Tore Moe (Norwegian Energy Partners). Picture by Caitlin Welch
How help from Nordic green-power pioneers could supercharge Australia's economic future.
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'Everyone deserves the chance': How Ballarat Bulldogs create community

Inside the all-abilities club giving everyone a place to belong.
James Buckley
Ballarat Bulldogs coaches Brett Muller and Gary Sternberg with Lexie Hardman. Picture by Lachlan Bence.

Regional health starts with regional learners: UNE makes health degrees flexible

UNE flexible health degrees allow regional students to study locally.
Elizabeth Habermann
Amara Bottom studying pharmacy online through University of New England while working in at the pharmacy in her hometown of Cobar. Picture supplied
Ainslie's season success drives support for young growth
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Ainslie Football Club's 2026 premiership team. Pictures supplied
As the club prepares to turn 100, one fundraising program is providing a financial boost for its future.
Rosie Ryan
Branded Content
Why encouraging more women into skilled trades is good for small business
Female talent is an underutilised superpower, says this Canberra business leader.
Business leader Raffy Sgroi is helping women thrive in skilled trades. Picture supplied
Stunning photos show why locals are proud to call this region home
Share your best regional photos to win a share of $17,000 in prizes.
"Fetch the Sunrise" taken at Callala Bay by Denis.
The Senior

The Golden Girls movement: single Aussie women beat the housing crisis

Editors Pick
Morelos pictured here with her son and daughter-in-law. Picture supplied
The rental secret that could solve Australia's housing crisis.
Carla Mascarenhas
No comments
The Great Divide

Senate inquiry: pensioners voice outrage over health rebate changes

Lifelong contributors fear being priced out o medical care.
Carla Mascarenhas
No comments
Mary Parsissons, a Hobart pensioner, wrote a submission to senate inquiry into proposed change to the private health insurance rebate. Picture supplied

OpenAI Medicare breach: Are your personal health records safe?

Investigation launched after Medicare site breached by AI agent.
Anna Houlahan • 1hr ago
No comments
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese holds up his medicare card during Question Time at Parliament House in July 2025. Picture by Keegan Carroll