Adam Langenberg
Hobart, Ottawa
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Political reporter @abchobart. Tigers tragic 🐯
Articles by Adam Langenberg
The worldwide whisky downturn is putting Tasmania's top shelf industry on edge
Whisky was legally distilled in Tasmania two years before it was in Scotland, yet the home-grown industry lay dormant for more than 150 years. Then known as Van Diemen's Land, the distilling of spirits was declared illegal in 1839 by Governor John Franklin, whose wife, Lady Jane, reportedly declared that she would "prefer barley be fed to pigs than it used to turn men into swine".
The collapse of Bell Bay Aluminium smelter could destroy George Town's local economy
George Town was meant to be reliant on manganese and aluminium smelting jobs for decades to come. Houses have been built and businesses have banked on people continuing to flock to the northern Tasmanian town. But after the liquidation of the nearby manganese smelter there are fears the area's economy will collapse if the Bell Bay aluminium smelter follows suit. The Rio Tinto-owned aluminium smelter is teetering on the brink.
Federal politics live: Liberal MP signals Coalition will seek to strengthen gambling ad laws
Liberal MP Simon Kennedy says he supports greater action to tackle gambling inducements, following claims gambling companies had offered problem gamblers drugs and escorts to keep them losing money. The government's digital advertising reforms, which require the support of the Coalition or the Greens to pass the Senate, restrict TV and radio gambling ads during certain times, but provide no limits on digital ads, unless a person chooses to opt-out.
Tasmania's electoral boundary shakeup leaves politicians deciding where to run
The next state election in Tasmania was already bound to be very different for an orange reason. But now, it's not just the arrival of One Nation that could change the game in Tasmania. There's a huge shake-up of electorates for political parties to contend with. On Wednesday, the Australian Electoral Commission handed down its new electoral boundaries — with 27 per cent of Tasmanian voters now finding themselves casting their votes somewhere else.
More than a quarter of Tasmanians will vote in new electorates, after AEC announces redistribution
More than 100,000 Tasmanians will vote in different electorates after the Australian Electoral Commission declared new electoral boundaries. The biggest shifts are the Glenorchy council area moving into the rural electorate Lyons, and the Kingborough and Huon Valley areas shifting into inner-city Clark. Public consultation will occur in Franklin to change the name of the electorate to Tongerlongeter, in honour of the Aboriginal leader and warrior who died in 1837.
Don't let influencers set your Tasmanian winter walk itinerary, adventurers told
About every fourth rescue, Callum Herbert heads out to retrieve people who haven't properly prepared for a walk in Tasmania's wilderness. In the 12 months to the end of June, more than 100 of the 375 emergency rescues Tasmania Police took on were due to people failing to take proper precautions. Callum Herbert frequently has to rescue ill-prepared hikers.
Tasmanian state budget 2026: Where are the cuts coming from?
Tasmania's government agencies have been ordered to achieve $1.47 billion in "operational efficiencies" across the next four years. Exactly how that will happen has not been clearly mapped out in the budget, with many departments asked to make a percentage "efficiency" cut, leaving it up to departments to figure out. However, we do know Treasurer Eric Abetz aims to cut 1,700 public service jobs.
Australia's smelters are asking for more taxpayer funding to compete with China on critical minerals like antimony
Angelique Donnellan and Adam Langenberg China is "playing a hard game" on the global minerals and metals market and Australian smelters need taxpayer support to "play hard back", according to a senior union official. Without assistance, Australian Workers' Union organiser Mick Hopgood said 800 jobs were at risk at the Port Pirie lead and zinc smelter in South Australia.
How ex-Lambie senator Tammy Tyrell found a home with Labor
Tasmanian independent senator Tammy Tyrrell has shocked political onlookers by joining the Labor Party, declaring it "a good fit". The move was announced by a jubilant Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today, the same day Liberal leader Angus Taylor is due to give his budget reply speech. Tammy Tyrrell with Anthony Albanese at today's announcement in Canberra.
ASIC investigating 'complex web of private companies' in Sanjeev Gupta's empire amid growing worker anxiety
Corporate watchdog ASIC has revealed it is investigating "individuals" within steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta's portfolio of industrial companies. Three of those have now collapsed in Australia, leaving workers in limbo. Last year, the South Australian government placed the debt-ridden Whyalla steelworks into administration, with the Tahmoor Coal mine in New South Wales and Liberty Bell Bay manganese smelter in Tasmania the latest dominoes in Mr Gupta's empire — known as GFG — to fall.
Tips for how parents can talk to boys and young men about the manosphere
Researchers agree the manosphere can sow some dangerous seeds. They say the community of online influencers and content creators that positions boys and men as "victims" of gender equality can lead to them adopting offensive and outdated views. And in more severe cases, it can lead to violence. Researchers have published a guide to combat the impact of the manosphere in schools, but what should families know about how to deal with misogynistic attitudes and behaviours if they pop up at home?
Tasmanian treasurer to consider slashing high-earner public servant retirement payments
The Tasmanian government is considering slashing the superannuation payments given to some high-earning current and retired public servants as part of May's budget, as it seeks to improve the state's financial position and rein in debt, the ABC understands. It is understood the Department of Treasury and Finance has been tasked with examining a range of options to reduce the state's unfunded superannuation liability, which is predicted to exceed $7 billion by June.
Tasmanian government forging ahead with Wilkinsons Point sale to JackJumpers' owner Kestelman despite advice
The Tasmanian government is pushing ahead with plans to sell land near the Derwent Entertainment Centre to NBL owner and property developer Larry Kestelman, despite receiving departmental advice to stop negotiations. The government announced last February that it had agreed to sell 15 hectares of Crown land at WIlkinsons Point to Mr Kestelman's LK Group, to allow him to build a $500 million development at the site, including a family holiday park, a hotel and convention centre, and retail.
The search for Celine Cremer, Belgian tourist who disappeared in the Tasmanian bush
For more than two-and-a-half years, the disappearance of Belgian tourist Celine Cremer has left searchers and her family desperate for answers. After human remains were found in the Philosophers Falls area today, members of an independent search group hope they have finally managed to solve the mystery. But how did Celine Cremer go missing? Belgian tourist Celine Cremer pictured during her Australian adventure, prior to her going missing in Tasmania.
Helen Burnet has defected from the Greens but voters may still be wondering exactly why
During a press conference that went on for more than 20 minutes, Clark MP Helen Burnet struggled to give a clear answer to one key question. Exactly why it was that she'd decided to quit the Greens and sit as an independent instead? She served up a series of long-winded answers about a growing frustration with the party she'd been a member of for more than 20 years, and how she wanted to "amplify" key issues she felt the Greens had not focused enough on. Those issues?
Tasmanian government faces questions over Pulse advertising spend after it asked for an election
The Tasmanian government spent more than $13,000 on media advertising spruiking its budget after a motion of-no confidence in Premier Jeremy Rockliff passed state parliament, new documents show. The documents, released under right to information laws and obtained by the Tasmanian Times, show the Department of Premier and Cabinet purchased two separate "full digital takeovers" with media organisation Pulse Tasmania to advertise the budget after the no-confidence motion passed.
Tasmania's proposed short-stay levy 'unjust', tourism industry argues
Tasmania's tourism industry says it remains opposed to an "unjust" short-stay accommodation levy, after the state government finally released draft laws for public consultation. The Tasmanian government announced a 5 per cent levy on people who use short-stay accommodation, such as Airbnb and Stayz, during the 2024 state election campaign.
After leading JackJumpers to NBL glory, club boss Finnegan says time is right for her to move on
Christine Finnegan's always had a voice. But after years of working quietly behind the scenes to champion the next generation of stars make their mark in sport, the Tasmania JackJumpers chief executive is making it heard. Finnegan was speaking at the Tasmanian Menopause Summit about her personal health challenges, after a year that's knocked her around, and has ultimately led her to depart Tasmania and the JackJumpers, and return to Melbourne.
When will construction begin on the new Hobart stadium?
After three and a half years, the question of whether Tasmania is getting a new stadium — and with it an AFL team — has been answered. But now that the parliamentary fight is over, how does the stadium actually get built? And when exactly will the Macquarie Point precinct transform from an industrial wasteland to an elite sporting hub? Let's take a look. The official timeline has the Devils starting to play at the new stadium in 2029.
Hobart's AFL stadium vote to pass Tasmania's upper house, but at what cost?
More than three and a half years after the Tasmanian government first announced plans to build a new Hobart stadium, it has finally got the parliamentary numbers to make it a reality. And fittingly for a project that has been hard to sell to politicians and characterised by constantly shifting cost estimates, there needed to be one more government concession to get undecided upper house MPs over the line.
Tasmanian politicians feel the pressure ahead of Macquarie Point Stadium vote
Three independent upper house MPs say they have been under "intense pressure" ahead of a vote on whether a proposed stadium on Hobart's waterfront should be built. Members of the Legislative Council will this Wednesday start debating an order to approve the Macquarie Point stadium, last estimated to cost $1.13 billion. For the stadium to go ahead, the government needs eight of the 15 MLCs — including three independents — to vote in favour of the project.
Labor and Greens agree on extra ABC funding for kids' programs
The ABC will receive an extra $50 million in funding as part of a deal between Labor and the Greens to pass legislation forcing streaming services to produce a minimum amount of Australian content. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the party had obtained the $50 million funding commitment from the government as part of negotiations over the local content requirement, which she said would allow the broadcaster "to invest in Australian stories, in our kids' content, in our local drama".
Governments strikes deal with Greens on environmental laws
The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's announced his government's struck a deal with the Greens to overhaul the nation's outdated environment laws. Mr Albanese says the laws with pass the Senate today, more than five years after Professor Graeme Samuel handed down a review into the legislation. Sabra Lane: The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has announced his government struck a deal with the Greens to overhaul the nation's outdated environment laws.
Environment laws deadlock to shape final week of federal parliament
A stand-off over environment laws will shape the final week of the parliamentary year, as Labor continues to insist it will deal with either the Coalition or the Greens to overhaul the decades-old legislation.
Questions raised after key election pledge TasInsure fails to appear in Tasmanian budget
There were hats, jackets and a shop front, but when it came to budget day, there was no money for the government's state-owned insurer. Creating TasInsure was the Liberals' key pledge during this year's state election campaign, with Premier Jeremy Rockliff estimating it could save households $250 a year, and small businesses 20 per cent off their annual premiums. During the election, Mr Rockliff proposed that the Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB) would be expanded to create TasInsure.
Tasmanian Liberals won't want to take too slow a path back to financial stability
The story of Eric Abetz's first budget is more about what's not in it. The treasurer spent a fair chunk of budget day reassuring Tasmanians that he knows the state's financial situation needs fixing, and that he's committed to "significant action". But the "interim" document he handed down on Thursday doesn't contain many measures to do that.
Tasmanian budget 2025 shows lower forecast state debt, few new savings measures
Tasmanian Treasurer Eric Abetz has vowed to take "decisive action" to rein in the state's ballooning debt — but his first "interim" state budget contains few major initiatives. The post-election budget projects a slightly improved financial position, including a net operating surplus in 2028-29, plus a slightly lower level of debt — peaking at $10.4 billion in 2028-29 — than what former treasurer Guy Barnett unveiled in May's budget that failed to pass state parliament.
Sparks fly in Senate over transparency stoush
The Senate is normally pretty sedate, but on Thursday it was home to a heated three and a half hour Question Time, after an unlikely coalition of MPs from across the political divide took a stand over their concerns with government transparency.
Inflation rise no cause for panic: business
The business community and economists were shocked by a much higher than expected rise in the inflation rate. But they say there's no reason to panic.
Secrecy surrounds Nauru deal as first member of 'NZYQ' group is deported - ABC listen
The first member of a group of non-citizens in immigration detention - known as the N-Z-Y-Q cohort - has been quietly deported to Nauru. But mystery surrounds much the deal that led to their arrival
Albanese government blasted over 'secrecy' after NZYQ cohort member deported to Nauru
Political parties and human rights groups have blasted "secrecy" over the Albanese government's deal to send hundreds of former detainees to Nauru following the first deportation to the Pacific island. Little is known about the arrival of the first member of the so-called NZYQ cohort, revealed in Nauru's parliament by President David Adeang last Friday.
Climate policy debate to dominate federal parliament
The government will introduce legislation overhauling national environment laws in federal parliament this week. But can they negotiate a deal with the Greens, or the Coalition, which already has its hands full with a debate about net zero?
Labor rejects 'mad' Coalition idea to cut environmental reforms in two
Labor has rejected a Coalition plea to split its incoming environmental law reform into two parts to prioritise fixes to the approvals process while leaving the more contentious environmental changes for later. Opposition leader Sussan Ley wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday to raise "serious concerns" about elements of Labor's rewrite of Australia's environmental laws.
AI only going to make cyberattacks more dangerous
Cybersecurity experts say it is going to become harder for us to avoid becoming victims of online attacks and phishing scams. That warning follows hackers releasing the details of more than 5 million Qantas customers on the dark web over the weekend.
ABC spent more than $2.5m defending legal action from Antoinette Lattouf
The ABC has already spent more than $2.5 million on external costs defending legal action from journalist and broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf, managing director Hugh Marks has told Senate estimates. A Federal Court judge last month ordered the ABC to pay $150,000 to Lattouf, finding it breached the Fair Work Act by terminating her employment after she shared a Human Rights Watch post about the war in Gaza. She had already been awarded another $70,000 in compensation for non-economic loss.
Labor backbencher calls for action to stop countries onselling Australian gas
Labor backbencher Ed Husic has called for stronger action to prevent foreign countries that buy Australian gas from onselling it to other countries and for Australia to "assert ourselves", a position that is at odds with the resources minister.
Telcos face Canberra grilling as Triple Zero Custodian legislation is set to be introduced
Australia's three major telecommunications networks will be hauled before the communications minister as she "lays down the law" following two outages of Optus's mobile network and introduces new laws improving oversight of the triple-0 system.
Andrew Hastie quits frontbench
The federal Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has quit the Shadow Cabinet because of a disagreement about immigration policy. He had been appointed the Shadow Home Affairs Minister by the Opposition leader Sussan Ley. In a statement, the Member for the WA seat of Canning said Sussan Ley deserves to lead "unencumbered by interventions" from frontbench colleagues.
Thriving Kids autism service causing 'significant anxiety', Labor MP warns, and may need changing
A Labor MP has put the government on notice that a proposed support scheme for children with mild autism is causing "significant anxiety", after a parliamentary hearing into the scheme delivered few details about its cost or how it will work.
Thriving Kids autism service causing 'significant anxiety', Labor MP warns, and may need changing
A Labor MP has put the government on notice that a proposed support scheme for children with "mild to moderate" autism is causing "significant anxiety", after a parliamentary hearing into the scheme delivered few details about its cost or how it will work.
Federal politics: PNG's PM says landmark treaty with Australia will strengthen its security - as it happened
Sussan Ley likes a letter — so much so she added an extra one to her name. In a world in which we're constantly reminded not to put things in writing, the Coalition leader is showing little opposition to putting pen to paper. And look, if Optus's recent record is anything to go by, the old snail mail is really rising in the ranks of reliable forms of communication (and yes of course she's not literally sending her letters in the post but you get the point).
Federal politics: Labor's 5pc first home buyer deposit scheme a 'sick joke', Greens say - as it happened
Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston has weighed into the dispute between states and territories and the Commonwealth over public hospital funding, calling on both sides to focus on patients and reach an agreement. In 2023, the Commonwealth agreed to increase its share of public hospital funding to 42.5 per cent by 2030 and 45 per cent by 2035. It recently offered states and territories an extra $20 billion — but state and territory leaders claim that amounts to only about a 35 per cent share.
Tasmanian MPs to receive $30,000 pay rise against government's wishes after upper house tussle
Tasmanian politicians will receive a 22 per cent pay rise after upper house MPs voted to accept a determination by Tasmania's Industrial Commission. Tasmania's Industrial Commission in June determined that MPs — whose pay has been frozen since 2018 — should have their base pay rise to $171,527, up from $140,185.
Labor reaffirms support for Hobart's proposed AFL stadium, in wake of Planning Commission report
Tasmania's opposition has formally declared it supports the proposed Macquarie Point stadium despite a scathing assessment by the state's Planning Commission, meaning the fate of the controversial project rests on a handful of independent Upper House MPs. The Planning Commission last week recommended the roofed stadium not proceed, ruling it was too big for its inner-city site, would have " irrevocable and unacceptable" impacts on Hobart's historic cultural heritage, and the economic benefits...
Hobart stadium proponent dismisses planning commission key issues as 'matters of opinion'
The Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC) says a stadium can and should be built at Sullivans Cove, despite the state's planning commission recommending it not go ahead. MPDC's Anne Beach says the three key issues raised by the planning commission were "matters of opinion and choice", pointing out the report finds the stadium can be built.
Fourteen Tasmanian government schools to close for a day due to staff industrial action
Fourteen Tasmanian public schools will close their doors on Wednesday as a result of industrial action by kitchen workers, cleaners and grounds staff. About 800 educational facility attendants across the state will walk off the job to protest increasing workloads, and call for the government to urgently increase resource funding in November's state budget. United Worker's Union (UWU) secretary Amy Brumby said funding had not increased for 28 years.
Cricket Tasmania seeking ways to make proposed Macquarie Point stadium 'compatible' for matches
Cricket Tasmania says it "will not be holding this stadium up" and is confident its concerns about the roof design of the proposed Macquarie Point build can be resolved. Earlier this year, the sport raised concerns about the impact of shadows cast onto the playing surface by the roof's supporting structure, and flagged some fixtures would not be able to be played at the new venue as a result. The Tasmanian Planning Commission will hand down its final report on the stadium on Wednesday.
Tasmania to slash 60 councillors, boost pay, under proposed council reforms
The number of Tasmanian councillors would be cut by 23 per cent under a state government plan. A discussion paper released for public comment by the Tasmanian government on Monday proposes reducing the number of councillors from 263 to 203, but increasing councillors' annual allowance by at least 14.25 per cent, at "no net cost" to the community.
When the Tasmanian parliament returns, it will be reminiscent of the first day of parliament in 1989
On Tuesday, Tasmanian MPs will decide a debate that has raged for months: Who should govern the state? A motion of no-confidence in Premier Jeremy Rockliff's Liberal minority government, and confidence in a Labor minority government, will be moved on Tuesday. The motion will resolve weeks of uncertainty following a snap state election in which both major parties failed to secure a majority: the Liberals claiming 14 seats, Labor 10, and the Greens five.
Dean Winter hopeful he will become Tasmanian premier, despite stalled negotiations with the Greens
Labor leader Dean Winter is still hopeful his bid to become Tasmania's premier will be successful, despite the Greens saying they cannot support a Labor government "at this stage" due to a lack of policy compromises. A motion of no confidence in Premier Jeremy Rockliff's government, and confidence in a Labor minority government, will be moved when state parliament resumes on Tuesday, August 19.
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