Canberra politicians have been slugging taxpayers thousands of dollars simply for driving across town to their Parliament House offices.
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MPs and Senators who live within 30 kilometres of Parliament House can claim $86 a day, before tax, for turning up to work at Capital Hill when the Parliament is sitting or to attend committee meetings.
- Political strategists believe the Coalition is on track to lose about 12 seats, including possibly Eden-Monaro, at the July 2 poll, slashing Turnbull's buffer but returning his government with a reduced majority.
- As land in the ACT edges towards $1000 a square metre in new suburbs, Canberra buyers are crossing the border where these costs can be halved.
- The community has been urged to rally around the family of an Indigenous inmate who died behind bars, while burning questions remain over how the death was allowed to occur.
- Former Brumbies boss Michael Jones has raised fresh claims against former Labor deputy chief minister David Lamont, accusing him of campaigning behind closed doors.
- A funding-starved not-for-profit designed to protect the ACT's environment says it will close if it does not receive a cash injection in next week's territory budget.
- The Australian government's newly launched $230 million strategy to bolster cyber-security lacks adequate funding and strategic vision, according to a leading policy group.
- Canberra firefighters are suffering injuries more commonly seen in skiers – and it looks like their footwear is to blame.
- Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart will make player energy the No.1 priority to combat a short turnaround, opening the door for new prop Junior Paulo.
- Canberra's BMX cycling star Caroline Buchanan has claimed silver at the world championships in Colombia, beaten in the race final by reigning Olympic champion Mariana Pajon.
- Australian netball coach Lisa Alexander is in Canberra with the Diamonds, using a key strategy she passed on to Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, but the keen rugby fan originally stole it from the All Blacks.
If you see any accidents or have any info on the morning commute, let us know whenever it is safe to do so. Email morningblog@canberratimes.com.au or tweet us @canberratimes.
The Imperial Bells of China will perform at the Canberra Playhouse Theatre on Tuesday and Wednesday with a new production that incorporates new elements including dance and folk songs. Tickets from $49. 7.30pm.
See 2015's best political cartoons at the Behind the Lines exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
Bush Capital: The natural history of the ACT at the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) shows the natural history of the Territory with specimens, illustrations, photographs, works of art and sound. From March 12 to June 26. Free.
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Today: Cloudy. Slight (30%) chance of a light shower this afternoon. Light winds becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the late afternoon. Max 14.
Tomorrow: Cloudy. Medium (60%) chance of showers, most likely in the late morning and afternoon. Light winds. Min 4, Max 14.
Thursday: Partly cloudy. Light winds. Min 2, Max 16.
Friday: Cloudy. High (70%) chance of rain, most likely in the evening. Min 3, Max 15.