Australian Human Rights Commission president, Professor Gillian Triggs. Photo: Andrew Meares
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"I thought you might like to hear a man's voice," Senator Barry O'Sullivan's voice boomed during a fiery Senate estimates hearing on Tuesday.
This was to set the tone of the day's hearing. The Coalition government was eager to assert itself as it finally got to take on the Australian Human Rights Commission president, Professor Gillian Triggs.
While Immigration Department secretary Michael Pezzullo had been free to refer the senators' many questions to his colleagues sitting beside him on Monday, this concession did not always apply to Professor Triggs.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott launched a full frontal assault on Professor Triggs saying she has lost the confidence of the government and her recent inquiry into children in detention was a "political stitch up", while Attorney-General George Brandis admitted he asked Professor Triggs to resign, saying she had invited accusations of political bias.
- Taxpayers are now paying for seven lawyers to help the federal government keep details secret of a $6000 child support dispute that has now cost taxpayers' more than $565,000 in legal fees. But despite its expensive taxpayer-funded legal team, the giant Department of Human Services could have its case thrown out because of a failure to properly fill in a simple form.
- After years of controversy, there are plans to remove and possibly not replace two "indigenous gargoyles" at the Australian War Memorial, a move the memorial has put down to asbestos fears, according to a new government tender.
- The RSPCA ACT has rescued more than 120 animals from a southside property in Canberra just two weeks after discovering another major hoarding incident in the territory.
- A company accused of serious safety breaches in the fatal electrocution of a truck driver tried to blame the worker and absolve itself of responsibility in an incident report written just days after the death.
- Electricity price cuts proposed by the regulator could compromise Canberra's power supply, lead to thousands of job losses and pose "catastrophic" safety risks to NSW and ACT residents if they were introduced, the engineers' union has warned.
- Chief Minister Andrew Barr will make the case for direct international flights to Canberra in New Zealand this week, seeking to capitalise on the busy air route for local tourism and business.
- Former Foreign Minister Gareth Evans has agreed to another three-year term as Chancellor of the Australian National University to provide stability and oversee the recruitment of a new Vice-Chancellor this year.
Chris Gayle of the West Indies celebrates his double century.
West Indies master blaster Chris Gayle silenced his critics with the highest ever score at a cricket World Cup, bludgeoning his way to 215 and a record 16 sixes before he was finally caught on the final ball of the innings.
It ended the laid-back West Indian's century drought, which stretched back to June 2013, as he guided the Windies to a total of 2-372 against Zimbabwe in the drizzle at Manuka Oval on Tuesday.
- The NRL is bracing itself for the Brisbane Broncos to become the next club to be embroiled in the cocaine scandal amid fears Broncos identities will be handed notices to appear before the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission.
- Australia have named a full-strength team for next month's Davis Cup World Group first round tie against the Czech Republic from March 6-8. Young stars Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic are the likely singles players with Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Groth rounding out the team under new captain Wally Masur.
- ACT Brumbies vice-captain Nic White has predicted this year's Super Rugby Australian conference battle will be the tightest in history, and insisted the team is not concerned about its wretched road run before Saturday's clash in Melbourne.
8.50am: There has been a crash near the roundabout coming onto Corenderrk Street from Parkes Way. There are also reports there are plastic bollards on the road on Belconnen Way.
If you are stuck in traffic or have any info, let us know: morningblog@canberratimes.com.au or tweet us @canberratimes
Circa Beyond's blend of dynamic circus acts like trapeze and chinese pole with rabbit heads, rubik's cubes and blind folds is set to bewitch audiences at the Canberra Theatre Centre from 7.30pm tonight.
The chefs at A.Baker will whip up dinner using customers' home-grown fruit, vegetables and herbs as part of the eatery's Backyard Produce Dinner. Not growing your own produce? Bring some flowers or plants for the table.
Two Before Ten owner Chris Dennis in the library that will be part of the Bolt Bar and Two Before Ten at Aranda shops. Photo: Jeffrey Chan
The new Two Before Ten cafe at the Aranda shops is the first step in Chris Dennis' vision that will turn a derelict suburban shopping centre into a community hub complete with a bar, a pizzeria, yoga studios, and offices.
It all started because Mr Dennis, who owns Two Before Ten, was looking for a new place to relocate his popular coffee roasting house.
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West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels celebrates his century. Photo: Melissa Adams
We are also looking for entries to our summer photo comp! You can win $1000 if you get your pics in to photocomp@canberratimes.com.au by February 28. More info and pics here.
Today: A mostly cloudy day with a small chance of rain is expected in Canberra, with a forecast minimum 13 degrees and a top of 21 degrees.
The rest of the week: Thursday, possible afternoon shower - min 13, max 29, Friday, partly cloudy - min 14, max 30; Saturday, partly cloudy - min 16, max 32; Sunday, shower or two - min 16, max 31