Vocational Learning Program Expands Across Tasmania Schools

The Tasmanian Government is expanding vocational learning opportunities for Year 9 and 10 students in southern Tasmania through the Youth Career Facilitator program, as part of its broader Youth Jobs Strategy. Following a competitive tender process, Hobart-based not-for-profit organisation Home Base, has been selected.

Mandatory Notifications Bill clears House of Assembly

The Integrity Commission Amendment (Mandatory Notifications) Bill 2025 has passed Tasmania's House of Assembly, marking a significant step in strengthening accountability across the public sector. Principal officers of public authorities will be legally required to notify the Integrity Commission of any matter they reasonably suspect involves misconduct.

New Spirit Ferries Set to Drive Major Summer Tourism Boost

A record summer season on Bass Strait has set the stage for an even bigger year ahead, with the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels expected to begin sailing later this year. More than 320,000 passengers travelled aboard Spirit of Tasmania services over summer, highlighting strong demand for travel between Tasmania and the mainland.

Patrick Beach takes over as Australia's goalkeeper and stars in World Cup opener

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) – For Australia’s opener against Turkey, the Socceroos’ presumed starting goalkeeper was Mathew Ryan, who entered this tournament as a veteran of three World Cups and the team’s captain.

Trump warns Israel and Iran not to 'blow it' after new strikes threaten emerging ceasefire deal

JERUSALEM (AP) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday urged no further attacks by anyone after Israel’s military said it launched strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, potentially complicating efforts to finalize a deal to end the U.S.-Iran war. Smoke rose over the Lebanese capital, and the health ministry said three people were killed and 16 others wounded.

Father of Denmark's Australian-born Queen Mary, dies at 84

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) – The father of Denmark’s Australian-born Queen Mary, John Donaldson, has died in Tasmania, the royal house in Copenhagen said Sunday. He was 84. Donaldson died in Hobart, a royal statement said, without giving further details. It said that his health had been declining over the past few years, and that the queen last visited him at the end of March.

A real possum appears among plush toy animals in Australian airport gift shop

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – On shelves crammed with cuddly toy native animals in an Australian airport gift shop, one fluffy possum stood out: Its big brown eyes were moving. A browsing passenger first spotted a living Australian brushtail possum peering out from among the kangaroos on the display shelf at the departure terminal shop at Hobart Airport.

Australia's Parliament Passes Anti-Hate Speech and Gun Laws

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – Australia’s Parliament on Tuesday passed anti-hate speech and gun laws proposed after two shooters killed 15 people at a Jewish festival in Sydney last month in an attack that authorities say was inspired by the Islamic State group.

Angus Taylor to lose key shadow minister Jonno Duniam

Opposition leader Angus Taylor is losing one of his most effective shadow ministers, Jonno Duniam, who will quit parliament this year, citing family reasons and "exhaustion". Duniam, 43, a senator for Tasmania, shadows the demanding portfolio of home affairs, and has been central in the crafting of the opposition's immigration policy, which is still to be fully released.