Self-employed concreter Greg Clemson of Belconnen welcomes the new generous tax right-offs from the federal budget. Photo: Melissa Adams
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The Prime Minister has claimed them as his, but most tradespeople and small business owners are likely to be more than happy to be one of "Tony's tradies" as they think of ways of taking advantage of the generous tax write-offs announced as part of the budget.
Businesses turning over less than $2 million can claim 100 per cent of the cost for pieces of equipment valued up to $20,000 each for as many items as they like and the offer starts now until June 2017.
You can read more about the fallout from the federal budget with our full national coverage here.
- A financial dispute has hit the pop-up Westside container village on the former futsal slab off Commonwealth Avenue, on top of delays and cost overruns.
- Former embattled Department of Parliamentary Services boss Carol Mills has broken down in front of a parliamentary committee and called for future secretaries of the department not to be subjected to personal attacks and continual reviews.
- A Rebels bikie bashed a man over a motorcycle repair bill to save face in the eyes of other gang members.
- Health Minister Simon Corbell says the ACT is the only state and territory to have its health and hospital funding slashed in 2017-18 to below this year's figures in the federal budget.
- With the strict limits on government recruitment that have been in place for almost 1½ years are about to be lifted, this is where the new public service jobs are likely to be.
- Police and victims of crime believe body-worn video cameras could effectively capture the blood, fear and destruction officers often witnessed at scenes of domestic violence.
- It will be last drinks for Canberra motorists as the ACT government cracks down on allowing open alcohol containers in cars on Thursday.
- Canberra Liberal Giulia Jones is using social media to criticise Tony Abbott's second budget, saying some changes "appall" her and will lose the Coalition votes.
- The New York City-bound Amtrak train carrying 243 people was travelling at more than 160 kilometres an hour, or roughly twice the speed limit, when it derailed, killing seven people in Philadelphia.
Blake Austin during the Raiders' Wednesday morning training session. Photo: Jay Cronan
NSW Origin legend Brett Kenny says Raiders five-eighth Blake Austin should be next cab off the rank should the Blues halves fail to fire in the series-opener against Queensland in Sydney.
Raiders forward Josh Papalii has also admitted his early-season form didn't warrant Origin selection for Queensland, but hopes his return to the back row can spark a Maroons recall.
- Alex McKinnon is weighing up legal advice to sue the Melbourne Storm and the NRL following the tackle which left the 23-year-old in a wheelchair.
- Wallabies playmaker Matt Toomua wants to be a spark that ignites the ACT Brumbies' run to the finals, even though it means changing position.
- With amazing volleys like the one crowned the W-League's goal of the year, it's easy to see why Canberra United striker Ashleigh Sykes looms as an impact weapon for the Matildas at the World Cup.
- A former legal adviser to the AFL Players Association has accused the World Anti-Doping Agency of orchestrating a "witch hunt" against the 'Essendon 34' and has questioned why the AFL should remain under the anti-doping code.
9:35am: Kingsford Smith Drive has reopened after a two-car collision closed one southbound lane of traffic.
Police say traffic is back to normal on Adelaide Avenue after a five-car prang near the State Circle off-ramp.
And in Barton a male cyclist in his 40s has sustained an arm injury after a crash with a car on National Circuit. Paramedics are taking him to the Canberra Hospital.
9:15am: Traffic is still slow on Adelaide Avenue after a five-car prang.
And one southbound lane on Kingsford Smith Drive is still blocked after a two-car collision.
9:01am: A car and a cyclist have crashed on National Circuit in Barton near Bligh Street. Paramedics are on the scene.
In Yarralumla five cars have rear-ended each other on Adelaide Avenue near the State Circle off-ramp. Police have warned traffic is moving very slow.
And further north two cars have collided on Kingsford Smith Drive in Melba, near Chinner Crescent. The southbound crash has blocked one lane of traffic.
8:55am: There are reports of a crash on National Circuit in Barton with an ambulance on the way, plus a prang on Kingsford Smith Drive. More to come.
Drive safely on your Thursday morning commute and let us know if you see any traffic problems on the roads, via @canberratimes but only when its safe to do so.
Opposition leader Bill Shorten will deliver the budget reply speech tonight.
The second day of Fashfest will get under way at the National Convention Centre. The four-day event shines the spotlight on Canberra's diverse local design talent. This year's event has extended to include interstate and international fashion designers. For details, tickets visit fashfest.com.au
ACT Roads Minister Mick Gentleman and Liberal Senator Zed Seselja will officially open the full northbound section of Majura Parkway north of Fairbairn Avenue.
The Australian National University will hold a postgraduate information evening. Sessions start from 4.30pm.
The ACT Law Society has a range of events, including public lectures and tours of the ACT Supreme Court, on for Law Week 2015. Today's events include a quiz night at the National Press Club.
Fashion designer Mariska Thynne on the runway with models Emily Tokic, of O'Malley, and Angelina Leljak, of Gungahlin. Photo: Melissa Adams
A 45 metre-long runway set the stage for opening night of Fashfest 2015.
The four-day event kicked off on Wednesday night at its new home in the National Convention Centre Canberra.
On top of showing off some of the best local fashion designers, this year's event expanded to showcase interstate and international designers.
Touch or click through for more David Pope
Youngsters carve up the mountain at Thredbo on Wednesday. Photo: Thredbo Village media
Light snow fell on peaks around the ACT on Wednesday.
The temperature dropped to a chilly minus 5 at the top of Thredbo earlier this week however, the Snowy Mountains and the Brindabellas were only in for a small dusting of snow.
"Over the past week they've built up a bit of snow at the highest peaks, above about 1900 metres - up to about 20cm last week," meteorologist Sean Carson said.
Today: Areas of morning frost. Min, 0, max 15. Patchy fog in the early morning. A mostly sunny day with light afternoon winds.
Friday: Morning fog and light frost. Min 1, max 18.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. Min 2, max 18.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min 3, max 18.
Monday: Partly cloudy. Min 5, max 18.
Tuesday: Possible late shower. Min 5, max 19.
