Other funding boosts for the ACT revealed in the budget papers include $50 million to duplicate Drake Brockman Drive in West Belconnen, aimed at servicing the area's growing population, and almost $10 million for the National Film and Sound Archive.
Australia is expanding its digital traveller declaration system, an alternative to paper incoming passenger cards. Trialled on Qantas flights since Oct 2024, it allows passengers to fill details via app up to 3 days prior, generating a QR code for faster processing. Expansion to more airports and all travellers via webform is planned.
Noosa Council's increased fines for illegal camping are drawing criticism, with locals and travelers arguing the $345 penalties don't address homelessness or affordability issues. Concerns include sanitation problems and lack of support for those living in vehicles.
Homicide squad detectives have arrested a 43-year-old man in Traralgon following the discovery of an unidentified deceased man at a property in Morwell, Victoria. Police found the unresponsive man yesterday afternoon and a crime scene remains in place.
Richard Scolyer, a leading melanoma pathologist and cancer researcher, died at 59 after a battle with incurable brain cancer. He was honored for his work saving thousands of lives and for his public documentation of his illness. A state memorial service is being held at the Sydney Opera House.
Australia is expanding its digital traveller declaration system, replacing manual incoming passenger cards. Trialled on Qantas flights since October 2024, the system allows passengers to submit details via an app up to three days prior to travel, generating a QR code for faster border processing. The rollout will include more airports by 2026 and a webform for all travellers next year, aiming to reduce airport congestion and enhance the visitor experience.
A devastating fire ripped through a pub in northern Bangkok, claiming the lives of at least 27 people. Firefighters managed to control the blaze within 30 minutes of arriving at the scene. Several injured individuals were transported to hospitals, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
