The Suburban Land Agency released more land than planned in 2025-26, but its income was $22.9 million below budget. Income reached $406.4 million, up from $237.3 million the previous year. Some mixed-use sites, including blocks in Molonglo, have struggled to sell. The agency blamed softer market conditions, higher interest rates and deferred settlements. It has budgeted for income of $434.3 million in 2026-27, with land releases expected to increase in coming years.
A woman held captive by a man at a Lyneham home in June 2024 has told an ACT Supreme Court pre-sentence hearing the abuse left her with lasting trauma. Sisituutuumata Fulivai, 47, was found guilty earlier this year of 20 charges, including forcible confinement and rape. The woman, then 24, escaped and ran naked onto the street, where police found her. In her statement she described crippling PTSD and panic attacks. Fulivai will be sentenced at a later date.
Sisituutuumata Fulivai, 47, was found guilty of 20 charges at the ACT Supreme Court, including sexual intercourse without consent and unlawful confinement. His victim told the court he had held her captive for two days at his Lyneham home in June 2024. She escaped naked and was found by police. Prosecutors said he posed a significant risk to women and called for a significant prison term. His barrister argued rehabilitation should still be considered. Justice Belinda Baker reserved her decision and will sentence Fulivai, who remains in custody, at a later date.
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Rapper Jay-Z has been selected to headline the 2027 Super Bowl LXI half-time show, his first time performing at the event. The announcement was made by Roc Nation, alongside the NFL and Apple Music, after weeks of rumours. Roc Nation has been involved in producing the show since a 2019 deal with the NFL, which was extended in 2024. Jay-Z said the appearance was a dream come true, marking 30 years since his debut album Reasonable Doubt. The game will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, 14 February.
Cost savings are not the only reason some New Zealanders buy illicit tobacco. Research with 20 users found many saw purchases as defiance of a government they felt treated them unfairly. Participants said excise tax revenue had not gone to healthcare, housing or other areas that would benefit them. Many also avoided asking where tobacco came from, a practice the researchers call convenient unknowing. The researchers say a broader response is needed, including tighter supply controls and measures to address poverty and unemployment.
The ACT Government is considering a new suicide prevention plan and will hold a roundtable early next year, following a parliamentary inquiry into men's suicide rates. Mental Health Minister Marisa Paterson said she welcomed a multi-partisan approach. Independent MLA Thomas Emerson criticised the government's response, arguing that several recommendations were labelled existing policy despite evidence of service gaps. He called for meaningful action on the inquiry's recommendations. No date for the roundtable has been set.
Melissa Evans and Mauro Vecchi have renovated a townhouse designed by architect Bert Reid in 1982. They kept the original design, including the sunken conversation pit, slate floors and angled walls. The kitchen and bathrooms were updated, with a coral marble bench and handle-free cabinetry added. The couple and their two Russian Blue cats now live in the home, which they say feels special to live in.
Kirsten Tibballs has shared a spooky recipe for Spider Nut Cookies, taken from her cookbook Chocolate All Day. The recipe combines peanut butter cookies with a milk chocolate honey ganache truffle, which sits on top as the spider's body. Chocolate legs, eyes and red chocolate blood complete the design. The cookies are baked at 170 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes and then cooled at room temperature before the decorations are added. The recipe makes 30 to 35 cookies.
Zoë King spent 20 years in the Australian Army as a Signals corps officer before moving into consulting and technology leadership. She now works with Defence and federal government organisations at Kinetic IT, focusing on Australia's sovereign technology capability. King says she joined the Army to find purpose and challenge, and that asking for help with mental health is a strength. She advises others to follow their values rather than copy another person's path. She also said empathy is a key leadership strength.
The ACT Government has signed contracts with Acusensus Australia and Orikan Australia to modernise the Territory's traffic and parking systems. The Acusensus contract is reportedly worth $63 million over five years, rising to $210 million if two five-year options are exercised. A staged rollout is expected to begin in mid-2027. The move comes as a petition led by John Mikita calls for an independent audit of the infringement system. The government says public servants still decide whether to issue an infringement, and it remains confident in existing systems.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has been criticised by crossbench MPs Monique Ryan and Zali Steggall over his response to the alleged attack on Helen Haines. Ryan called his speech tone deaf, while Steggall said he did not read the room. A 43-year-old man has been charged over the alleged attack, which left Haines losing both legs. Taylor rejected any link between robust parliamentary debate and political violence, and said judges should come down harder on offenders. Steggall said media, election advertising and social media should also take care with their words.
A Canberra mother, Dr Liz Allen, has received a letter saying her nine-year-old daughter no longer meets the criteria for a specialist appointment at the public paediatric allergy clinic. The daughter had been referred in January 2024 after several anaphylactic reactions. Dr Allen said the decision was made without contacting families and warned children could die from preventable reactions. Canberra Health Services said it is reviewing outpatient services so people with the greatest clinical need can be seen sooner. Opposition health spokesperson Mark Parton will move a motion calling for the original waitlists to be honoured.
