Grass fire near Federal Highway, Canberra, under control
Emergency services responded to a grass fire near Downer, blocking one lane of the Federal Highway. No threat to life or property reported. Stay informed via ESA.
Category : Search result: ACT public service
ACT's first total fire ban in six years for Saturday
The ACT has issued its first total fire ban since 2020 for Saturday, January 10, as a severe heatwave and strong winds create extreme bushfire danger. Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant.
ACT teachers report daily violence in high school classrooms
Canberra teachers speak out on daily physical assaults and disruptive behaviour in ACT public high schools, as reported incidents surge. Education Minister acknowledges more must be done.
Calls for Alcohol Education, Not Crackdown, in Cairns
Cairns community leaders argue for better alcohol education and support services instead of a public drunkenness crackdown. Learn why they say the current approach fails.
Canberra bushfire warning after Namadgi blazes
Recent fires near Bendora and Corin dams serve as a critical wake-up call for all ACT residents. Authorities urge immediate action on fire plans as extreme conditions converge.
Canberra Fire Threat: Chief's Warning Ahead of Heatwave
ACT Rural Fire Service Chief Rohan Scott urges Canberrans to update fire plans ahead of a severe heatwave, drawing on lessons from the devastating 2003 bushfires.
Namadgi bushfires almost out after multi-agency effort
Four remote bushfires in Canberra's Namadgi National Park are now under control after a complex firefighting operation involving helicopters and specialist crews. Read the latest.
Rural buffer zone protects Canberra suburbs from bushfires
Rural landholders like the Canberra Equestrian Centre are the critical buffer protecting ACT suburbs from bushfires. Learn how their Farm Firewise plans and community vigilance are key to safety this season.
ACT Greens' 2026 challenge: matching ambition with ability
After a year outside cabinet, the ACT Greens under Shane Rattenbury aim to prove their creative policy credentials. Can they convince Canberra voters they are serious economic managers?
Man charged over knife threats in Canberra's Fyshwick
A 44-year-old Ainslie man faces multiple charges after allegedly stealing knives and threatening the public in Fyshwick. ACT Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from the incident.
Key issues in public toilet overhaul: soap and accessibility
As Newcastle reviews its public toilets, locals highlight the lack of soap and inadequate facilities for the ageing and disabled. Read why these basic amenities are a public health necessity.
Defence public servants lodge record psych claims
Civilian staff at the Department of Defence have lodged a record number of workers' compensation claims, with over half linked to psychological stress. Read the full analysis of the APS mental health crisis.
Govt invests $225M in AI for public service
The federal government commits $225 million over four years to boost its internal AI, GovAI, and launch a secure AI assistant. Experts welcome the move but caution on measuring real impact.
Labor shelves definition behind $20.8bn APS 'shadow workforce' claim
The Albanese government has quietly abandoned its own definition of the public service's external workforce, which it previously used to accuse the Coalition of a $20.8bn 'shadow workforce'. Discover the new audit figures.
Myki Fare Hikes to Cost Commuters Extra $104 a Year
Victorian public transport fares will increase from 2026, with regular commuters facing up to $104 in extra annual costs. Learn the new Myki prices and the government's weekend travel relief.
Canberra's outdoor pool crisis deepens as developers move in
Canberra faces a severe shortage of outdoor public pools as developers replace them with indoor facilities. With a population set to hit 800,000, experts warn the current trend is unsustainable. Read more.
ACT faces $1bn interest bill, credit downgrade warning
The ACT's Auditor-General warns urgent action is needed to fix the territory's budget, with annual interest payments set to hit $1 billion. Read the full report on the fiscal crisis.
APS agencies miss targets to reduce outsourcing
New data reveals more than a third of Australian Public Service agencies failed to meet targets for bringing core work in-house, despite overall savings exceeding $542 million. Discover which departments struggled and which excelled.
ACT's Secret Firefighting Weapon: The Firebird 100
The ACT RFS has deployed a secret weapon for the bushfire season: the Firebird 100 helicopter with a powerful infrared camera that can spot a fire from 75km away. Discover how this tech keeps crews safe.
Why Canberra's gun ownership data remains a mystery
Revelations about the Bondi gunman have sparked a national push for tighter laws, but Canberra's outdated, paper-based firearms registry obscures where guns are concentrated. Discover the data black hole.
APS staffing reductions not ruled out by Gallagher
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has not ruled out reductions in public service staffing as agencies are ordered to find savings. MYEFO shows a spike in separation costs.
Govt targets $7.9bn workers' comp cost surge
The Albanese government is investigating a surge in psychological injury claims among public servants, driving a workers' compensation bill to $7.9bn this year. Read the full analysis.
AI stops 400kg of drugs at Australian border
Australian authorities have seized over 400kg of illegal drugs using a custom AI model. The 2025 State of the Service report highlights AI's role in boosting public service innovation and capability.
One in five staff at debt agency report seeing corruption
Nearly 20% of staff at the Australian Office of Financial Management report witnessing corrupt conduct, a figure that has doubled since 2024. CEO Anna Hughes says she cannot explain the alarming survey results.
Public Service 2026: Budget, IR & Whistleblower Changes
A look ahead at the major themes facing the Australian Public Service in 2026, from fiscal constraints and flexible work to landmark whistleblower protections. Discover what the new year holds.
ACT school staff surge drives $70m budget overspend
A near 50% increase in learning support assistants over five years is a key factor behind a $70 million staffing overspend in ACT public schools. An independent review is now underway.
Military chiefs, bureaucrats declare lavish gifts and perks
Senior Australian public servants and military chiefs accepted thousands in gifts, including flight upgrades, sports tickets, and luxury items. Explore the full disclosure of perks declared on the official register.
DPS Secretary vows overhaul of troubled agency
Exclusive: DPS Secretary Jaala Hinchcliffe commits to fixing the department's culture of secrecy and bullying after a series of controversies. Read her plan for transparency.
Parking vs Pools: The Battle for Canberra's New Aquatic Centre
The ACT's $137.8m Commonwealth Park aquatic centre faces a critical design choice: allocate precious land and funds for car parking or prioritise community facilities and public transport access.
Emails reveal planned job cuts at research funding body
Internal emails show the Australian Research Council is planning staff cuts despite an expanded workload. Senator Pocock accuses the ARC of a secret restructure. Read the full investigation.
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