Tasmania's workers' compensation costs have surged from $32.7 million to $143.4 million over a decade. The government is reviewing the scheme for sustainability, sparking concerns from unions and the opposition regarding potential cuts to worker protections.
A two-year Tasmanian parliamentary inquiry into school bullying and discrimination has published its final report, highlighting issues faced by LGBTIQA+ students and employment practices in Catholic schools.
The H5N1 bird flu strain has been detected in Tasmania for the first time in a brown skua carcass, threatening iconic wildlife like Tasmanian devils, orange-bellied parrots, and little penguins. Authorities have triggered protection measures including surveillance and targeted vaccinations.
Valentine Ansett, 55, a former senior firefighter, was found guilty of indecent assault and assault with indecent intent during a massage in Hobart in 2024. He received a suspended 3-month sentence due to his cooperation and distinguished service, but has appealed the conviction.
A five-year-old greyhound named Manila Shelby was injured during a race in Temora, NSW, named in solidarity with Tasmania's embattled racing industry. Vet checks ruled out fractures, but the incident has reignited animal welfare debates and scrutiny over deleted race replays.
The Australian Electoral Commission has dropped a controversial plan to rename the Tasmanian electorate of Franklin after Aboriginal resistance leader Tongerlongeter following community feedback and opposition.
Tasmanian Aboriginal rangers and elders face racist abuse on social media, with comments questioning their Aboriginality; leaders attribute the escalation to post-Voice referendum tensions and internal 'lateral violence'
Tasmanian bottle shop worker Wendy Blair, nicknamed 'The Enforcer' after using a roller door to deter thieves, has won an unfair dismissal case against BWS owner Endeavour Group in the Fair Work Commission.
Former Hellyer mine executives Brad Monks and Rodger Johnston failed to set aside a bankruptcy ruling in the federal court, ordered to repay $8.5M in misappropriated funds.
The trial of Christopher Mark Jordan, accused of murdering 14-year-old Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, has been set for April 2027 in the Supreme Court in Launceston.
Tasmania's EPA has granted Tassal a two-year lease extension for its Long Bay salmon farm near Port Arthur, dismissing environmental concerns over algae and seagrass, despite opposition from locals and the Tasmanian Independent Science Council.
Tasmania is bracing for the inevitable arrival of the deadly H5 bird flu strain, which has spread across mainland Australia, causing mass mortalities in wild birds. Authorities are preparing for its impact on wildlife, poultry farms, and Aboriginal cultural practices, urging public reporting of sick birds.
Tasmania's Racing Minister Roger Jaensch is diligently working to pass legislation banning greyhound racing, with some participants expressing interest in a voluntary exit scheme. The bill, previously deferred, now has six of eight votes needed in the Legislative Council, while Labor opposes it due to concerns over rehoming costs.
Australia's Morning Mail covers significant news including falling house prices, concerns over First Nations deaths in custody, and the start of Alan Jones' trial. International news features the Middle East crisis and wildfire tragedies.
A Tasmanian family farm, The Springs, is at a standstill due to severe contamination from sewage discharged by the overloaded Western Junction Sewage Treatment Plant, which processes waste from Launceston Airport, and PFAS chemicals. Owner Kate Tucker blames poor environmental regulation, as the plant operates beyond capacity and is not regulated by the EPA, impacting the farm's ability to operate.
Tasmanian police faced an internal review and changed their approach after sending letters to suspected "sovereign citizens" about their firearms licences, leading to temporary suspensions. Assistant Commissioner Doug Oosterloo intervened, citing increased risk to officers, and the policy was criticized by lawyers and the police association for potential overreach.
Tasmania's health department is attempting to have a coroner's probe into alleged medical certificate falsification at Launceston General Hospital dismissed, arguing the coroner lacks jurisdiction. This comes despite a 2024 review referring cases, including one involving 82-year-old Margaret Joyce Binns, to the coroner for independent scrutiny.
Firmus Technologies, an AI data centre company, inadvertently published an internal note on its FAQ page revealing plans to use farm irrigation water for its proposed Wesley Vale facility in Tasmania. The company deleted the note after ABC inquiries, stating rainwater harvesting is the primary plan, but community concerns persist regarding water usage.
Incoming Tasmania Devils coach Ken Hinkley is advised by JackJumpers coach Scott Roth to engage with locals and prioritize humility. Roth, who led the JackJumpers to NBL glory, believes this approach earned him public trust. Football figures widely endorse Hinkley's appointment for the Devils' 2028 AFL entry.
A new $19.8 million kitchen at Tasmania's Risdon Prison Complex closed just three months after opening due to flooring defects, forcing the Department of Justice to source meals for hundreds of prisoners from a Victorian contractor at an estimated weekly cost of $90,000.
Nathan Buckley expressed disappointment after being overlooked for the Tasmania Devils' head coaching role, which went to Ken Hinkley. While still desiring a head coaching position, Buckley stated he is unlikely to pursue vacant roles at Essendon and Carlton, with his most probable outcome being to remain an assistant coach at Geelong next year.
A 25-year-old US Masters student, Linnea Bird, is among six interns participating in a program at Eaglehawk Dive Centre to restore Tasmania's rapidly declining giant kelp forests. The project uses a technique developed by the University of Tasmania to reforest under the waves, addressing the impact of warming waters and sea urchin overgrazing.
Former Australian Attorney General Mark Dreyfus has urged governments to consider banning protests near synagogues and Jewish schools, citing a High Court decision on safe access zones for abortion clinics. His testimony to the antisemitism royal commission highlighted a "substantial and ongoing threat" to the Jewish community, with security needs doubling since October 2023.
Ken Hinkley, former Port Adelaide coach, has been appointed the inaugural AFL coach for the Tasmania Devils, signing a five-year deal. The 59-year-old will lead the expansion franchise when they enter the competition in 2028, chosen for his ability to build relationships with young players.
