Stories from Canberra · Australia

A report indicates that the top 10% of wealthy individuals in Australia hold 90% of the nation's trusts. A portion of Australia's wealth is concentrated among a small group of wealthy individuals. One report indicated that the wealthiest people hold 90% of the trust.

Fortescue Metals Group has been fined $108 million for failing to adequately compensate Indigenous Australians. The fine relates to historical land use and compensation agreements. A court ruled that Fortescue caused harm by mining iron ore on Indigenous land without permission. The company has been awarded over 100 million Australian dollars. The company was awarded over $100 million for land use, but this separate fine addresses compensation issues. The ruling stems from a court decision regarding land use and compensation. The penalty relates to land use agreements and the company's operations in Western Australia. This action follows concerns over past practices.

Indigenous Australians have been awarded a record payout under laws recognizing indigenous land rights. The judge cited their deep connection to the land affected by mining operations. The payout is reportedly the largest of its kind.

The Australian Army has reached an agreement after months of negotiations regarding hundreds of seafarers stranded on ships around Australia. Further updates on this story are expected soon.

A bill aimed at cracking down on organized crime is being introduced to Parliament today. The legislation targets Australians and a New Zealander who are being flown to Perth via the Netherlands. They will spend at least three weeks in Western Australia.

Hewlett Packard Australia Ltd has been awarded a federal contract worth $3,152,780. This is part of a larger $115,612,246 in federal contracts distributed to major consultants in 2026, with $85,800 going to KPMG.

The High Court unanimously ruled on federal legislation challenged by parliamentarians. These laws, which include donation caps, were originally set to commence in a couple of months but now face a January 1, 2027, start date due to implementation difficulties.

New figures obtained by ABC reveal nearly 3,300 aged care patients are stranded in Australian hospital beds, marking a 35% increase from approximately 2,500 patients in September. This rise occurred over about six months, posing a challenge for patients and the public hospital system. This surge is intensifying calls for federal government intervention to address the crisis.

The Canberra Raiders are preparing to face the Penrith Panthers, with commentators noting Canberra's potential to disrupt Penrith's systematic play. The Raiders are described as having 'big bodies' and 'electric' outside backs, including players like Sanders, Strange, and Kio Weeks, who can challenge Penrith's strategy. Hudson Young ran towards Nathan Cleary, and Horsburgh contributed to a physical start to the game. Ethan Sanders cleared from his own 40-metre line, with Dylan Edwards catching inside his 20-metre line. The game is being played at Canberra Stadium, with the Panthers currently ahead after previously trailing 2-1. Player Jed Stewart took a kick under pressure, and Penrith may be facing a breeze that could be assisting Canberra in the second half. Commentary suggests wind conditions might be assisting the Canberra Raiders in the second half of the semi-final game.

The government plans to invest an additional $2 billion to facilitate the construction of 65,000 new homes. This investment is intended to address small-scale infrastructure, local roads, water, and power infrastructure, which are often barriers to project completion.