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Game, Set, Build! Construction starts on the Gungahlin tennis facility

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 26/09/2025

Construction is officially underway on the new Gungahlin tennis facility in Amaroo, marking a major milestone in delivering a high-quality tennis hub for one of Canberra’s fastest growing regions.

This exciting project, which is being delivered in partnership with Tennis Australia and Tennis ACT, is set to bring high-quality courts and amenities to the heart of Gungahlin.

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry, said the project will provide an exciting boost to local sporting infrastructure.

“Breaking ground on this new facility is an exciting milestone for tennis fans across Canberra. This project was an election commitment and I’m excited to see it progressing,” Minister Berry said.

“Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the Territory. This new facility will provide more opportunities for Canberrans to get active, connect with others, and enjoy the game in a welcoming, high-quality environment. As our city grows, the ACT Government is committed to delivering more sporting facilities to help Canberrans engage in the sports they love.”

It will feature 10 full-size courts, two Hot Shots courts, a hitting wall for practice, and a modern pavilion with change rooms, amenities, and a community space. The site will also include LED lighting for night play, accessible pathways, carparking, and landscaped surrounds.

The Gungahlin tennis facility is designed to support a wide range of programs – from junior development to all-abilities tennis. This includes Hot Shots, cardio tennis, school and community programs, as well as both social and competitive leagues for juniors and adults. All courts will be available for online booking through the Tennis Australia platform, ensuring the facility can be enjoyed by players of all ages and abilities.

To learn more and follow the progress of the Gungahlin tennis facility, visit the Built for CBR website.

Quotes attributable to Mark La Brooy, CEO at Tennis ACT:

“The realisation of this tennis facility, in a growth corridor like Gungahlin, is of huge importance to the local community. Not only does it serve the sport of tennis by providing a regional training facility to enable coaching, competition and social play for all ages, stages and abilities; it also provides a beautiful space for the young and young at heart to come together, have fun, embrace a healthy lifestyle and socially connect through our great sport.”

Quotes attributable to Tom Larner, Chief Tennis Officer at Tennis Australia:

“We are excited to see Gungahlin able to access a high-quality tennis facility that enables a range of playing opportunities for the community as well as for visitors of the events that it will host. The growing community having access to a culturally significant sport like tennis will unlock social, health and economic impacts for the area and we are confident that it will improve the liveability of the area for many residents. We thank the ACT Government and Tennis ACT for their significant contributions to bring this vision to life.”

– Statement ends –

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Record number of Australians starting uni

Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

The number of Australians starting uni is at record levels, if you take out the two years of COVID. 

Last year 388,890 Australian students commenced an award course degree last year, up 4 per cent on the year before. Even more started a degree this year and more still are expected to commence a degree in 2026.

Growth for 2024 was even stronger for students from low SES backgrounds (5 per cent), First Nations students (7 per cent), students from regional and remote areas (4.5 per cent) and students with disability (11 per cent).

The number of domestic students commencing study in the critical professions of engineering and teaching were also both up by 10 per cent for the year.

More students are sticking with their degrees as well. Attrition rates for domestic undergraduates are at a ten year low at 12 per cent in 2024, down from 15 per cent in 2023.

Expanding access to university education is what the Universities Accord is all about with a goal for 80 per cent of the workforce to have a tertiary qualification by 2050, up from around 60 per cent today.

The only way to do that is to get more people from the suburbs, from the regions and from disadvantaged backgrounds into uni and to succeed when they get there.

This data shows that we are making progress.

The next step is Needs-based Funding which will roll out from next year so students from disadvantaged backgrounds, First Nations students and students on regional campuses get the extra support to succeed at university.

An overview can be found here and the data here.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“I don’t want us to be a country where you can guess where someone grew up based on whether they have a uni degree or not. 

“More jobs are going to require more skills in the years ahead. 

“Opening the doors of our universities wider to more people from the suburbs and the regions and poor families isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s what we have to do. 

“Otherwise, we won’t have the workforce we need and the economy will be stuck in second gear.

“This data shows we’re making progress, but there’s still a lot more work to do.”

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Footy fans urged to celebrate AFL Grand Final Day safely tomorrow

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Footy fans urged to celebrate AFL Grand Final Day safely tomorrow

Friday, 26 September 2025 – 10:54 am.

Police are urging football fans to be responsible if they’re celebrating the AFL Grand Final tomorrow.
Acting Inspector Martin Parker said AFL Grand Final Day is typically busy for police and other emergency services, and it’s imperative anyone drinking has a plan to get home safely.
“Police will have officers out across the state tomorrow and we’re encouraging safe and responsible celebrations for AFL Grand Final Day,” he said.
“Over recent years, AFL Grand Final Day has traditionally been a busy time for police, with 18% more incidents logged in the day compared to an average day of 440 incidents.” 
“If you’re planning to enjoy a few drinks while watching the game tomorrow – please remember to act responsibly, look out for one another, and if you’re attending a licensed premises behave in an appropriate manner.”
“Driving under the influence is one of the fatal five causes of fatal and serious crashes on our roads, and it’s imperative that anyone who drinks tomorrow has a plan for how to get home safely.”
“Tragically so far this year we’ve had 35 people die in crashes on our roads, and we don’t want to add to this number.”
“Being involved in a crash that results in serious injury or death is not the way we want anyone to end their Grand Final celebrations.”
“As police, our goal is always for everyone to get to their destination safely.  
“Please celebrate responsible, and if you’re watching the grand final – enjoy your day.”

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Youth charged following alleged crime spree across southern Tas

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Youth charged following alleged crime spree across southern Tas

Friday, 26 September 2025 – 10:53 am.

A 17-year-old girl has been detained to appear in the Hobart Youth Justice Court later today after being arrested and charged by police for:• 1 x Destroy Property• 10 x Stealing• 21 x Breach of Bail• 1 x Injure Property• 1 x Assault Police• 1 x Possess a Dangerous Article in a Public PlaceIt will be alleged that the girl stole over $2,500 in alcohol and cosmetics, across the past fortnight in Hobart, Moonah, Battery Point, Howrah, Sandy Bay, Rosny, and Glebe Hill.“Tasmania Police is committed to protecting the community and local businesses and detecting and preventing anti-social and criminal behaviour with the aim of making our public spaces safer for everyone,” Inspector John Toohey said.“Our community deserves to feel safe at home, out in public and in their workplaces.“We will continue to target anti-social and criminal behaviour and where appropriate, necessary and authorised by law, we will be charging those who offend, and putting them before a Magistrate.”Anyone who witnesses illegal or anti-social behaviour should report it to police on 131 444, or triple-zero (000) in an emergency.Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au. You can stay anonymous.

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Declared Shopping Precincts announced

Source: New South Wales – News

Police have been given additional powers to maintain public safety and weapons searches in eight metropolitan shopping centres precincts.

These areas are now Declared Shopping Precincts under the State Government’s new legislation allowing police to conduct metal detector searches on any person or their property.

The following areas are now included within Declared Shopping Precincts under the Summary Offences Act 1953:

  • Marion Shopping Centre
  • Elizabeth Shopping Centre
  • Arndale Shopping Centre
  • Burnside Village
  • Hollywood Plaza
  • Parabanks Shopping Centre
  • West Lakes Shopping Centre
  • Munno Para Shopping Centre

The new powers also enable police to order a person or group posing a risk to public safety and order to leave the shopping precinct for 24 hours. If they re-enter or attempt to there is a maximum penalty of $1250.

These shopping precincts are the first to be declared, but other public events and places which may be declared include a place of worship; a public place holding a public event; a public transport hub; and a public transport service.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Narelle Kameniar said South Australia Police is thankful to have additional powers to protect the community as they frequent different areas of South Australia.

“These laws will give police more tools to prevent crime and remove dangerous weapons from circulation by conducting searches on any person or their property,” Assistant Commissioner Kameniar said.

Maps showing the relevant declared areas, which include the above listed shopping centres, can be found on the SAPOL website SAPOL – Declared Public Events and Places. If other areas or events are declared they will also be published on the SAPOL website and in the South Australian Government Gazette.

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Address to the Australian Council of Deans of Education Members Annual Conference

Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

Can I start by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay my respects to elders past and present.

Can I thank you for inviting me to speak to you today.

Can I also thank you for the work that you do.

You know how important I think it is, how important you know it is. 

Teaching is the most important job in the world. 

And teachers only become teachers because of you.

And we need more of them. 

The good news is there are more. 

The number of people who enrolled in teaching was up 10% last year on the year before. 

And it’s up again this year. That’s a good sign. 

Pay rises, paid prac, the new Commonwealth Teacher Scholarships all help.They’re all part of it. But we still need more. 

All the forecasts I see tell me that we’re still going to be thousands short of the teachers we need and will need in the years ahead. 

So while things are getting better in schools across the country, the challenge is still there and it’s big. 

It’s why I got the state Departments of Education, teachers, principals, peak bodies and unions together last week to work on what we do next updating the teacher workforce plan that we developed about three years ago. 

And it’s why what you do, and what happens next year, is so important.

Next year the change in the core content of ITE degrees rolls out.

And I know you’ve been at the coal face of all of that and I want to thank you for it. 

What we do here from next year will help not just the next generation of teachers. 

It’ll help the next generation of Australians. 

This, combined with the agreements that I’ve now signed with every state and territory to fix the funding of our schools and the reforms that are tied to it, are two critical parts of building a better and a fairer education system. 

I’m sorry again that I can’t be there in person, but I’m really looking forward to seeing you on campus over the next 12 months to see the changes that we’re making come to life. 

I hope you’re having a great conference, and I’ll see you soon.

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Lived experience to law: ACT to criminalise coercive control in 2026

Source: Australian National Party

As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 25/09/2025

The ACT Government will introduce legislation to criminalise coercive control as a standalone offence by mid-2026, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, announced today.

The new offence will enable the justice system to respond to patterns of controlling, coercive and abusive behaviours recognising that domestic and family violence is often not an isolated incident.

“Rates of domestic, family and sexual violence in Australia are unacceptable,” said Minister Paterson.

“We know that coercive control is frequently part of intimate partner violence.”

“We also know that coercive control is a key risk factor in domestic violence homicides. We will move to see that our laws reflect this reality.”

The ACT Government has been engaging with the specialist domestic, family and sexual violence sector, as well as services that represent the most marginalised communities, to ensure the legislation is developed in partnership with those most impacted. This has included a targeted Ministerial roundtable on the criminalisation of coercive control.

The roundtable reaffirmed that both the ACT Government and the domestic and family violence sector are united in their commitment to strengthening responses to coercive control. The Government has also drawn on strategic advice from the Domestic Violence Prevention Council (DVPC), provided between 2022 and 2024, to guide this work.

The legislation will be further informed by the Victim-Survivor Voices program. In addition, dedicated Steering Committee will be established to guide the legislative reform process to ensure it is informed by best practice and does not bring unintended consequences.

“We’re committed to designing legislation that is evidence-based, inclusive and effective, and that makes a real difference in creating a safer community,” Minister Paterson said.

“Law reform is only one part of the story. This work must go hand-in-hand with training, education, and support for specialist services.”

To support the development and implementation of the new offence, the ACT Government has already delivered a range of complementary measures, including:

  • A $375,000 coercive control response package, which includes:
    • A public education campaign run in mid-2025, reaching over 2.1 million impressions and lifting awareness of coercive control among ACT adults from 57% to 67%.
    • Training for ACT Policing and courts to ensure frontline responders can identify and respond to coercive control safely and effectively.
  • Updates to the Domestic and Family Violence Risk Assessment and Management Framework are underway to incorporate coercive control content.
  • A $30.5 million investment in frontline services in the 2025–26 Budget, including culturally safe supports delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

The Minister will continue to work closely with the Attorney-General and sector partners to progress this reform through Cabinet and future Budget processes.

Quotes attributable to Sue Webeck, CEO Domestic Violence Crisis Service:

“DVCS welcomes the opportunity to work towards progressing reforms that support ACT community members experiencing domestic and family violence.

“As the territory’s specialist frontline agency, we are committed to working alongside government agencies and the community to ensure the move towards criminalising coercive control is informed by best practice. This includes supporting training for our police colleagues, judicial system, government agencies and our community partners.”

Quotes attributable to Elena Rosenman, CEO, Women’s Legal Centre ACT:

“It is important laws in the ACT continue to evolve to respond to our understanding of domestic and family violence.

“Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour we see every day at the Centre, and we look forward to law reform that reflects this, responds carefully to the needs of all communities and increases accountability.”

Quotes attributable to Cara Jacobs, YWCA Canberra Acting CEO:

“The evidence is clear – coercive control is inextricably linked to domestic and family violence.

“YWCA Canberra welcomes the statement today by Minister Paterson outlining the government’s intention to introduce legislation by mid-2026 to criminalise coercive control.

“Our advocacy portfolio has closely followed progress in the ACT and elsewhere and along with other sector partners, took part in the roundtable with the Minister in July. We welcome the opportunity to continue to be involved in this important reform.”

Quotes attributable to Cecilia McKenzie, First Nations lived experience systems reform advocate and Aboriginal Policy and Engagement Manager with Domestic Violence NSW:

“Criminalising coercive control sends a clear message to victim/survivors across Australia: what you are experiencing or have experienced is not love, it is control, and it is not acceptable. Importantly, it is now recognised as illegal.

At the same time, lessons from other jurisdictions show us that this process cannot be rushed. We must also acknowledge the enduring impacts of colonisation on First Nations communities and how existing systems can compound trauma. A justice response alone is not enough. For this legislation to be effective, all systems justice, police, education, health, and child protection must be trauma-informed and grounded in cultural safety.

Legislation is one part of the solution, but real change requires holistic, intersectional, community-driven responses. We must invest in supports that not only hold perpetrators accountable but also promote safety, dignity, and autonomy for Women and Children. Only then can we move closer to a future where all individuals live free from violence.”

– Statement ends –

Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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2025-26 ACT Budget: Delivering for all Canberrans

Source: Australian National Party




2025-26 ACT Budget: Delivering for all Canberrans – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 25/09/2025 – Joint media release

The ACT Government’s 2025-26 Budget has passed the Legislative Assembly, paving the way to deliver our responsible plans to meet the needs of our growing city.

This Budget reflects the values of a progressive Labor Government: accessible healthcare, more housing and better services.

It makes a record $1.19 billion investment in public health care to make sure Canberrans have access to world class healthcare where and when they need it.

The passage of the Budget supports the delivery of more homes across the ACT and our goal of enabling 30,000 new homes by 2030.

This is backed in with a substantial pipeline of investment in skilling Canberra’s construction workforce with subsidies for training fees in key construction trades now increased to 90 per cent.

The Try-a-Trade program in ACT public high schools is also being expanded to equip more young women with the skills they need to work in the construction industry.

Cost of living support will continue for the Canberrans who need it most, including a permanent increase to $800 for the electricity, gas and water rebate.

Most Canberra households and businesses will have already seen additional automatic rebates applied to their electricity bills.

The Budget confirms that Canberra’s economy remains strong, with low unemployment, growing real wages and high business growth.

Through this year’s Budget the Government is delivering on key commitments to ensure our suburbs have access to new and renewed infrastructure from parks and playgrounds to better local shops and community facilities.

The Budget forecasts a return to surplus in 2027-28, with the Headline Net Operating Balance improving each year over the forward estimates.

The Government will continue to invest in services and infrastructure our growing city needs to make sure Canberra remains one of the world’s best places to live.

– Statement ends –

Andrew Barr, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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More healthcare options coming soon to your local pharmacy

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

24/09/25

Victorians are getting the care they need closer to home through the Community Pharmacist Program External Link , which will expand to treat more common health conditions starting in December.

To date, the program has delivered 58,000 services, helping people access treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs), resupply of the contraceptive pill, treatment for some skin conditions, and travel vaccines – all without a trip to the doctor first.

Previously trialled as the Community Pharmacist Pilot through more than 800 pharmacies, the Victorian Government is investing $18 million to make the now-permanent program even bigger.

An evaluation of the first 12 months of the Community Pharmacist Pilot showed women made up 84% of users, with over 24,000 UTI consultations and 13,000 resupplies of the oral contraceptive pill. The expanded program will soon offer more options for women seeking contraceptive care.

The new health conditions will be gradually added to the Community Pharmacist Program over the next two years to reach a total of 22 in-pharmacy services.

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Call for information – Assault police and escape custody – Wadeye

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is seeking public assistance to locate a 28-year-old male who escaped police custody in Wadeye today.

Around midday, police were conducting an arrest for an alleged breach DVO. The male offender was handcuffed and placed in the back of a police vehicle when up to ten community members allegedly turned on police including throwing objects. The offender escaped still wearing the handcuffs.

An attending member was struck by a rock to the head and received medical attention for non-serious injuries.

Police are actively searching for the offender and are urging anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact police on 131 444. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.