Here are the stories that've had Canberrans talking, reading and sharing the most so far this year. As you'll see, there's quite a spread. Are there any headlines you missed?
10. Redundancies, redeployments as federal public service prepares for a tough budget
Voluntary redundancies in federal public service departments were a defining feature in the lead-up to the 2026-27 budget. This story from March about the Department of Social Services opening voluntary redundancies in December 2025 was widely shared, and we've made sure to keep a close eye on redundancies affecting the public service since.
9. Raiders signing tracker: Canberra close to locking in young star
The Canberra Times' sport team does a great job at staying on top of the latest Raiders signings. In January, our Raiders tracker detailed Morgan Smithies was in line for a one-year contract extension. They also reported the club had moved to lock in Jed Stuart, and have continued with fresh and timely updates every week since. You can get up to date on all the Raiders signing news here.
8. 'Pretty wild': magnitude 4.4 earthquake recorded in NSW, felt in Canberra
Did you feel the earth shake? An earthquake in NSW's Central West was felt as far as the South Coast, including by residents across Canberra in March. After various social media community groups lit up with discussion, it was confirmed that an earthquake occurred 118 kilometres north of Queanbeyan. During the incident, chandeliers shook at the National Press Club while University of Canberra vice-chancellor Bill Shorten was delivering a lecture.
7. Children among four injured in three-car crash on the South Coast
In sadder news, a three-car crash north of Narooma closed the Princes Highway on June 7. Four people, including two children, were treated for injuries while the driver of one of the cars underwent mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
6. Child dies after car crashes through window at south Canberra shops
More tragic news, this time from earlier in the year, when a four-year-old boy was killed after a car crashed into the window of a BWS at Southlands Shopping Centre in Mawson. We've been covering the court case related to this incident, in which an 80-year-old woman pleaded guilty to causing the tragic death.
5. Electric fire truck's fuel use expected to be 'significantly lower'
The territory's beleaguered hybrid electric firetruck uses more fuel than expected. Lucy Arundell reported here the truck used 1564 litres of diesel between June 2023 and July 2025. The controversial truck has been off the road for lengthy periods since it arrived in the ACT.
4. Armed patient held staff hostage in Canberra Hospital ED for three hours
In an incident that shocked Canberra, police were sent to Canberra Hospital emergency department after staff became trapped due to a patient holding a knife. The patient, who was believed to be experiencing a mental health episode, had been escorted to the hospital by ACT police. In our subsequent coverage, questions were raised about how the patient came to be in possession of the knife.
3. Costly redundancy payout storm brewing as downsizing begins
Redundancies in the Australian Public Service again had Canberrans clicking when the associated price tag was revealed. The Canberra Times' public service team reported the Department of Social Services would pay about $20 million to hundreds of staff who put their hands up for a payout.
2. My long hair confused road cameras and now I've been fined $423
An AI-detection road camera confused The Canberra Times reporter Lanie Tindale's long hair with her not wearing her seatbelt properly. She was fined $423, lost 12 points and was angry about it. She suggested in her opinion piece that staff monitoring compliance should be given the time and resources to review photos properly, and be told to dismiss ambiguous cases. Have you been unfairly stung by ACT traffic cameras? Let us know in the comments, below.
1. Audit reveals $5 billion bungle in Australia's age pension system
In our most-read story so far this year, Ray Athwal reported the federal government was grappling with a $5 billion age pension bungle. The Australian Audit Office found that between July 2021 and June 2024, process deficiencies led to $3.67 billion in overpayments and $1.33 billion in underpayments to seniors who were eligible for higher benefits.
All those headlines and the year is just half way through! Stick with us as we continue to bring you the latest news from Canberra and its surrounding region. Got an issue you'd like to see covered? Drop us a confidential tip below, or leave a note in our comment section.
