The month of March 2025 delivered a dramatic and contrasting series of events for the nation's capital, encapsulating the high-stakes theatre of federal politics and a heart-stopping community tragedy that brought the city to a standstill.
A Political Gambit and a City in Shock
In a move that set the national political agenda, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the long-anticipated call for a federal election in late March. Addressing media at Parliament House, the PM confidently declared he was "born ready" for the campaign ahead. This pivotal announcement, however, was tragically overshadowed on the very same day by a harrowing incident that shook the Canberra community.
A man stole a car from Sutton with an eight-year-old girl still inside, driving the vehicle across the ACT border. The situation escalated catastrophically when the stolen car struck two students who were crossing the road outside St Edmund's College in the suburb of Griffith. This devastating event dominated local headlines and conversations, casting a sombre shadow over the capital.
Palmer's Press Club Pitch and Honouring Women's Service
Amid the brewing election storm, mining magnate and political figure Clive Palmer seized his moment in the spotlight. Prior to launching his campaign, Palmer addressed the National Press Club to outline the platform for his right-wing Trumpet of Patriots party, ensuring his voice was part of the early electoral narrative.
In a powerful display of recognition, the Australian War Memorial hosted a unique commemoration for International Women's Day on March 8. Eighty-nine women currently employed by the Memorial gathered among historic bombers and tanks, honouring the service and contributions of women throughout Australia's military history in a visually striking setting.
A Month Captured Through the Lens
The collected photographs from March 2025 by The Canberra Times photographers tell the full story of a capital city navigating a profound emotional spectrum. The images freeze moments of calculated political strategy, raw community grief, partisan campaigning, and solemn tribute.
These visuals serve as a historical record of a month where Canberra's routine was abruptly punctuated by events of national significance and local trauma. They highlight how the machinery of government and the immediacy of human experience exist side by side in the federal capital.
