Zakariah Adam, 3, with his sister Nevaeh Siena, 1, mum Jasmine Matthew and grandmother Helga Rosenthal.Photo: Jeffrey Chan
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Three-year-old Zakariah looks like any other kid. But a lamb chop could send him into a coma.
As one of an estimated 1400 Australian sufferers of an Inborn Error of Metabolism, Zak cannot digest protein. His family relies on a $256 a month subsidy from the Federal Government to purchase expensive low-protein foods from a German supplier.
A one sentence line-item in the Budget confirms "ceasing the Inborn Error of Metabolism programme, as key medicines are now listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and low protein foods are now much more readily available at lower cost".
The Metabolic Dietary Disorders Association says 904 sufferers access the grant, which means the cut, which is effective from the end of this year, will save between $15 and $17 million over five years.
- A former senior Treasury official says the government could solve the crisis in housing affordability as simply as releasing a steady supply of land, but is not even meeting its own targets.
- The "Australian Border Force" could face a revolt in its ranks from Customs and Immigration officers being asked to cop big pay cuts when they join the new outfit.
- The Greens will bring forward a Senate debate on the party's marriage equality bill next month, in a bid to stir Federal Parliament into action on same-sex marriage. The party has also set November 12 for a Senate vote on the bill.
- A man accused of delivering a drunken punch that left a victim with brain damage has gone on trial.
- The familiar sight of three tonnes of water being shot high into the sky above Lake Burley Griffin, the Captain Cook memorial jet, returned to the capital on Monday afternoon after a three month absence.
Nick Kyrgios beat Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan in three sets. Photo: Clive Mason
Nick Kyrgios hailed Australia's "unbelievable" start to the French Open after leading six through to the second round at Roland Garros.
"It's unbelievable," Kyrgios said after outclassing Denis Istomin 6-3 6-4 6-3 in his first outing as a grand slam seed.
- Canberra Raiders recruit Sia Soliola 'fully understands' why Anthony Milford left Canberra. He knows firsthand the turmoil Milford endured living hundreds of kilometres away from his ill father last year.
- Canberra Raiders halfback Sam Williams is hopeful of returning from a collapsed lung against Brisbane Broncos on Saturday, with contact sessions to decide his fate.
- ACT Brumbies prop Ben Alexander has put the heat on the NSW Waratahs to have a flawless trip to South Africa knowing top spot in the Australian conference is up for grabs.
- Having the Roosters quartet of Michael Jennings, Daniel Tupou, Mitchell Pearce and Boyd Cordner is an advantage for NSW in Origin game one, coach Laurie Daley says.
8:48am: Two cars have crashed at the Gozzard Street and Swain Street intersection in Gungahlin. A car is stuck on the road - there are also reports of some fuel on the road.
Police say traffic is flowing OK but best to avoid the intersection if possible.
8:43am: Watch out if you're driving through Gungahlin - there's been a prang on Gozzard Street at Swain Street.
We're not aware of any traffic incidents at this stage.
Drive safely on your commute and let us know if you see any traffic problems on the roads via @canberratimes, but only when its safe to do so.
It's the last day to see the Australian Ballet's performance of the romantic classic, Giselle. 7.30pm at the Canberra Theatre Centre. Tickets from $53.
Don't miss the end of the Audi Festival of German Films and the Human Rights Film Festival at Palace Electric Cinemas, New Acton. Tickets from palacecinemas.com.au
ACT Parks and Conservation Service will undertake a rabbit control program at Pine Island Reserve until June 30 - it will involvepindonethe rabbit
The director of Ainslie and Gorman arts centres Joseph Falsone, left, marketing co-ordinator Jessica Oliver, and creative producers Mark Henshaw and Adelaide Rief inside Ainslie Arts Centre. Photo: Jamila Toderas
Three years ago they were dilapidated buildings that concealed a hive of creative endeavour, behind peeling paint and antiquated facilities.
Even today it's possible to stand in one of the beautifully proportioned courtyards of Gorman House Arts Centre and have no sense of what's going on behind the many doors and windows of the precinct's eight heritage buildings.
But with a bit of government funding and a lot of vision, Gorman House and its sister organisation, the Ainslie Arts Centre up the road, have been reimagined as a thriving arts precinct in the heart of the city.
Click cartoon for more David Pope.
Mist hanging over Scrivener Dam. Photo: Chad Clark
The cool, misty mornings have inspired more entries to The Canberras Times autumn photo competition, including Chad Clark's glowing image of mist hanging over Scrivener Dam.
Send a maximum of three photos to photocomp@canberratimes.com.au as attached JPEG files and include your name, address, phone number, photo title, a description of the photo and the date it was taken. Photos must be between 150 kilobytes and one megabyte. Winners will take home a share of the $1000 prize.
Today: Mostly sunny with patchy morning fog. Min, -2, max, 16.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Min, 1, max, 15.
Thursday: Shower or two. Min, 3, max, 17.
Friday: Shower or two. Min, 8, max, 15.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. Min, 1, max, 13.
Sunday: Possible shower. Min 2, max 12.
Fog and frost blanketed Canberra this morning.
