Prime Minister Tony Abbott gives a press conference in Sydney on Sunday. Photo: Louie Douvis
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Prime Minister Tony Abbott has survived a vote to spill leadership positions including his own this morning. He retains the leadership but 39 MPs (out of 101 who were present) have cast what is essentially a vote of no confidence in him.
The vote was the first order of business when Parliament resumes today, with 101 members of the Liberal party room considering a do-or-die spill of the prime ministership (one MP was away on paternity leave).
As the meeting neared, Mr Abbott was leaving little to chance, throwing a last-minute bone to wavering South Australian Liberals by reversing an established policy and indicating he would allow Australian companies to bid for the multibillion-dollar future submarines project.
On Sunday night, Mr Abbott even admitted he may lose the motion.
The special party room meeting was unilaterally brought forward by 24 hours by Mr Abbott. Stay tuned to Canberra Times for all the latest analysis.
In other news:
- Sydney siege survivor Marcia Mikhael has spoken of her anger and despair at the way the police handled the 17-hour ordeal with gunman Man Horan Monis and accused them of treating her "like a criminal" in their subsequent investigation.
- South Australia has called the nation's first Royal Commission into nuclear fuel, raising the prospect of generating nuclear power in Australia.
- DFAT says other departments are next in its push to get all public servants paying tax on their overseas jobs.
- Canberra's drug treatment services have called for extra funds and support as wait times climb to many months and staff struggle to manage workplace dangers and mental health challenges.
- An architect and planning activist has slammed the planned Dickson shopping centre redevelopment saying it will result in small bedsitters perched above noisy loading bays and smelly garbage compactors.
ACT Brumbies player Josh Mann-Rea. Photo: Jeffrey Chan
ACT Brumbies back-up hooker Josh Mann-Rea won't settle for "making up the numbers" as he draws on the confidence gained from a shock Wallabies call-up to prove he can fill the hole left by injured captain Stephen Moore.
Mann-Rea has set himself a personal challenge to make it as hard as possible for Moore to force his way back into the Brumbies starting side when he returns from a knee reconstruction.
- Wallabies lock Sam Carter has dismissed a report linking him to a move to France.
- The Raiders paid a handsome transfer fee for his services, but England international Josh Hodgson is under no illusions he will not have to fight for the starting hooker's job at his new club.
- Cricket World Cup organisers are hoping international stars AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle will help Canberra deliver three capacity crowds at Manuka Oval as cricket's showpiece looks to build on the success of the Asian Cup.
8.10am: A motorcycle and a car have collided on Canberra Ave in Griffith outside St Edmunds College. Police said there is no indication of any injuries or road closures at this stage.
There will be partial lane closures for road resurfacing works at the intersection of Limestone Avenue, Wakefield Avenue and Majura Avenue in Braddon between 7pm and 6am from today until Thursday.
If you are stuck in traffic or have any info, let us know: morningblog@canberratimes.com.au or tweet us @canberratimes
Coming up: this weekend's National Multicultural Festival will result in some road closures in place from midnight on Wednesday. More here.
Selby and Friends will perform at the James O. Fairfax Theatre at the National Gallery of Australia. The show Powerful Passions features Natalie Chee on violin, Clancy Newman on cello, Hector McDonald on french horn and Kathryn Selby on piano.
The ANU Film Group will host a screening of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies followed by a Q&A with Stephen Hunter and Che Baker at 7.30pm. Free. Doors open at 7pm. Coombs Theatre, corner of Fellows and Garran roads, Acton.
Today marks the start of Orientation Week at Canberra's universities as this year's fresh cohort of students get their first taste of university life. O Week activities for new students will continue at the Australian National University and the University of Canberra throughout the week.
The Hobbit actor Stephen Hunter will speak at ANU tonight.
You might not recognise Stephen Hunter from one of his biggest film roles without a bushy red beard, a huge, ring-shaped plait of red hair and a lot of bulky prosthetics. (Hint: he also spent a lot of time eating in the film.)
Hunter played Bombur, one of the 13 dwarves in The Hobbit trilogy. He's currently in Canberra filming another film, the sci fi adventure Blue World Order. And he's agreed to sit down and do a Q&A session about The Hobbit at a free film screening with the ANU Film Group tonight.
Runners at the 2015 Australian Cross Country Selection Trials at Stromlo Forest Park on Sunday. Photo: Graham Tidy
Today: It's set to be a partly cloudy in Canberra on Monday with a slight chance of an afternoon shower, a forecast minimum of 15 degrees and a top of 25 degrees.
The rest of the week: Tuesday, possible shower - min 15, max 29; Wednesday, mostly sunny with developing afternoon showers - min 16, max 31; Thursday, showers - min 16, max 27; Friday, possible storm - min 15, max 25.