Last Top Stories: Canberra APS worker jailed for leaking 'top secret' documents

• Canberra APS worker jailed for leaking 'top secret' documents

  

  Michael Scerba leaving court in October 2015.Photo: Michael InmanA former junior Defence bureaucrat has been jailed for uploading secret information online.But Australia's former army chief, Peter Leahy, says Michael Scerba should have been locked up for longer his "self-indulgent and selfish" security breach.Justice Richard Refshauge on Thursday sentenced Scerba, 24, to one year jail for disclosing secret information.Scerba will serve three months behind bars, with the remainder of the sentence suspended upon signing a good behaviour order and a $500 security bond.AdvertisementHe will be released in February.Scerba pleaded guiltyin the ACT Supreme Court to posting a secret Defence Intellige..

  >> view original



• HMAS Canberra III crew holds Freedom of Entry parade in Canberra - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

  

  HMAS Canberra III crew holds Freedom of Entry parade in CanberraPostedNovember 05, 2015 16:08:18 The ship's company of HMAS Canberra III was granted Freedom of Entry to Canberra today.The 360-strong company included personnel from the navy, army and air force and marched from the ACT Law Courts to Civic Square.ACT Chief Police Officer Rudi Lammers stopped the parade and inspected the ceremonial scroll before allowing them to pass.HMAS Canberra III, the navy's newest ship, was commissioned in November last year.Freedom of Entry parades have their roots in an ancient tradition allowing military groups to march into a city.Topics:navy,defence-forces,defence-and-national-security,canbe..

  >> view original



• Retired Canberra couple goes days without realising they've become millionaires

  

  A retired Canberra couple thought they'd won 20 or 30 bucks, but they were pleasantly surprised.A retired Canberra couple went about their usual routine for four days this week, completely unaware they had won seven figures from the Saturday Lotto $20 Million Superdraw.It wasn't until they checked their 36-game QuickPick entry that they realised their lives were about to change."I had no idea that our Superdraw entry had won a first division share," the winning husband said."I went into the newsagency to check my ticket hoping that I might win $20 or $30 – I wasn't expecting to win $1 million!""I'm speechless. I'll admit I'm a little overwhelmed right now."AdvertisementHe called his luck "..

  >> view original



• Gloomy weather and rain set to continue in Canberra before sunny weekend

  

  Video will begin in5seconds.Australia's weather 'four weeks ahead': Bureau of MeteorologyTemperatures have been above average for spring in Canberra and we're set for a hot summer too, says the Bureau of Meteorology.PT1M3S620349Canberra's rainy start to the wettest month of the year has continued with showers forecast for Thursday and Friday before a drier weekend.Weatherzone meteorologist Rob Sharpe said a gloomy Thursday morning was a sign of things to come with more showers and a possible storm on the way."Today there will be plenty of showers with potential periods of rain," he said.Craig Webber walks through the rainforest at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.Photo: Jay Cronan"The..

  >> view original



• Rosie Fadljevic to leave Canberra Capitals after playing two more games

  

  From left, Canberra Capitals player Rosie Fadljevic and South East Queensland Stars player Ify Ibekne in action.Photo: Melissa AdamsThey have finally managed five-on-five training this week but Canberra Capitals back-up post Rosie Fadljevic will play just two more games as the club continues to battle a lack of depth.Fadljevic was signed by Canberra on a short-term deal as a cover for injured posts Lauren Jackson and Abby Bishop. Her contract expired after last week's loss to Melbourne Boomers.However the Capitals, winless after six games, have convinced the 22-year-old to stay for Friday's clash with Sydney and next week's home game against fellow strugglers Adelaide Lightning.While Canberr..

  >> view original



• Smoking bans could be extended

  

  Smoking bans may be extended to more areas popular with children and young families.Photo: Tamara VoninskiSmoking bans may be extended to building entrances, sporting events, swimming pools, bus stops and playgrounds as the ACT government seeks community feedback.The potential changes, detailed in a discussion paper on Thursday, would reduce exposure to second hand smoke and aim to improve public health.Minister for Health Simon Corbell said the restrictions would apply in areas popular with children and young families."When in close proximity to someone who is smoking, bystanders can be exposed to harmful levels of second-hand smoke," he said.Advertisement"Second-hand smoke can be particula..

  >> view original



• Canberra builders say new ActewAGL will cost them thousands

  

  ActewAGL CEO Michael Costello has infuriated the building industry with the new charges.Photo: Andrew SheargoldCanberra builders fear they will be left thousands of dollars out of pocket on domestic and commercial construction jobs following ActewAGL's​ introduction of new fees for electricity meters and increased charges for other services.There was no direct charge for the power meters, which are the "point of sale" for power consumed inside a residence or business, until July 1 this year.New meters now cost $500, regardless of whether they are for a large unit block, apartments or freestanding homes, the ACT branch of the Master Builders Association said.ActewAGL is under financial pres..

  >> view original



• United Firefighters Union slams ESA overhaul, wants more...

  

  Front, Scott Redding, from back, Peter Freeman, Mick Burns, Chad Porter, Mick Twomey, Brian Mexon, Mitch Brennan, Mark Hall and Dan Stuart outside the Fyshwick Fire Station.Photo: Melissa AdamsThe union representing Canberra's firefighters has slammed a major overhaul of emergency services in the territory, saying ACT Fire and Rescue desperately needs more skilled workers.United Firefighters Union ACT secretary Greg McConville said the Emergency Services Agency should focus on boosting the minimum number of firies covering the ACT rather than cuts to senior management.Mr McConville said he would also be "very disturbed" if the ACT dropped firefighters from its call centre, citing a similar s..

  >> view original



• Canberra United on hunt for replacement for injured English international

  

  Canberra United player Kendall Fletcher attended Kaleen High School for a skills training session with students on Wednesday.Photo: Graham TidyCanberra United is confident of securing an international signing of similar quality after injury forced English striker Jodie Taylor to pull out of her short term contract.The defending W-League champions hoped to have Taylor playing by December after acquiring her on loan from Portland Thorns, but the 22-year-old has pulled out after aggravating her knee injury.Canberra coach Rae Dower said they have already put several feelers out for a suitable replacement, but is confident the squad has the quality to get the job done in the meantime.United bounc..

  >> view original



• The Strays wins 2016 University of Canberra Book of the Year title

  

  Award-winning writer Emily Bitto.Photo: Elesa KurtzThe Strays, a Stella Prize-winning debut novelby Melbourne writer Emily Bitto, is the 2016 University of Canberra Book of the Year.Bitto said she was "absolutely thrilled" to receive the honour.The book, which is set in Melbourne in the 1930s, is narrated by Lily, the only child of conservative parents, who befriends the daughter of an avant-garde artistic family and is drawn into their life.The winner of the 2016 University of Canberra Book of the Year, Emily Bitto, reads from her novel,The Strays.Photo: Elesa KurtzUniversity of Canberra Acting Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Nick Klomp announced the award o..

  >> view original