Loretta Lohberger
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Reporter at ABC Hobart, TSO chorister, crocheter & tea drinker. Still some ink in my veins after years in newspapers. Views my own.
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Articles by Loretta Lohberger
Tasmania's peak medical body calls for independent commission of inquiry into failing health system
An independent commission of inquiry into Tasmania's health system is needed to get to the bottom of system-wide problems and find evidence-based solutions, doctors say. "We want to know why after so many reviews, after so much money, after so many good people working extraordinarily hard to fix our health system, why are we still in a state of perpetual crisis," the Australian Medical Association's (AMA) Tasmanian branch president Meg Creely said today.
Orchid conservationists help photographers snap great pictures with minimal impact on native flora
Loretta Lohberger, main picture by Mitchell Woolnough Native orchids are a sought-after subject for photographers. "They're very variable but they're also really cryptic and so you have to really know your landscape and your place, so it's like a special discovery," Landscape Recovery Foundation chief executive Josie Kelman said. But with the joy of photographing orchids comes dangers to the more than 200 species recorded in Tasmania. Of those, 77 are listed as threatened under state legislation.
Susan Neill-Fraser says she's determined to keep fighting to clear her name
Convicted murderer Susan Neill-Fraser has given her first interview since a parole condition preventing her from speaking about her case was lifted, saying she "can't remain quiet" as she continues her fight to clear her name. Neill-Fraser, now 72, was convicted in 2010 after a jury found her guilty of murdering her partner, Bob Chappell, 65, on board their yacht, the Four Winds, which was moored off Hobart on Australia Day 2009. Mr Chappell's body has never been found. Nor has the murder weapon.
Orchid conservationists help photographers snap great pictures with minimal impact on native flora
Native orchids are a sought-after subject for photographers. "They're very variable but they're also really cryptic and so you have to really know your landscape and your place, so it's like a special discovery," Landscape Recovery Foundation chief executive Josie Kelman said. But with the joy of photographing orchids comes dangers to the more than 200 species recorded in Tasmania. Of those, 77 are listed as threatened under state legislation.
Glenorchy council alderman up for re-election suspended after panel finds he touched female staff, made inappropriate comments
A Tasmanian council alderman who is seeking re-election engaged in inappropriate behaviour, including touching female council employees, according to a report made public this week. A local government code of conduct panel investigated a complaint made against Glenorchy City Council Alderman Peter Ridler last year by the council's former chief executive, Tony McMullen.
Customer 'lucky to be alive' after 4WD smashes Shearwater Food Company cafe frontage
Sandy Powell and Loretta Lohberger Two people remain in hospital with serious injuries after a car smashed into a shopfront in northern Tasmania yesterday evening. Two people sitting outside and a staff member inside the Shearwater Food Company, at Shearwater near Devonport, were all injured. Tasmania Police Inspector Michelle Elmer said a 26-year-old woman was taken to the Launceston General Hospital (LGH). "She remains in the LGH with serious injuries," Inspector Elmer said.
Tasmanian victim-survivor had to wait 23 months for her own school and foster records to be released
For years, Sam Morgan kept the memories of the abuse she allegedly experienced while in foster care and at a Tasmanian government school buried. When she was ready to seek justice, Ms Morgan made a Right to Information (RTI) request to have her foster care and school records, held by the state's education department, sent to her lawyer so she could start a civil court claim against the state. It took 23 months for the documents to arrive.
Tasmanian minister declares he will vote no to banning conversion practices amid Liberal conscience vote
Tasmanian Liberal MPs will be allowed a conscience vote on a Greens' bill to ban conversion practices in the state, Police Minister Felix Ellis says. The bill, which would ban attempts to suppress or convert a person's gender or sexual identity, is expected to be debated in the state parliament this year. Mr Ellis posted on social media this morning that the Liberals "will have a conscience vote" on the Greens' bill. "And I'll be voting no," he said.
Some paid campsites in Tasmania will require booking from November
Campers will be able to book a site at some of Tasmania's most popular campgrounds from early November, under the first phase of a new online booking system for national parks. "Only those campgrounds that currently attract a fee to stay are included in the first phase of the system," Parks Minister Nick Duigan said.
Flower lovers learn how to judge daffodils at shows
Judging daffodils at flower shows is not something Robert and Kerrie Goudsouzian ever thought they would do. "It never crossed my mind, but now that we've dipped our toe in the water I guess we're learning so much more. "And it just gives you a different appreciation for nature, for the flowers, the people who are involved in this," Ms Goudsouzian said.
Spirit IV arrives in Devonport for two days of testing ahead of October sailings
After years of delays and cost overruns, there was cause for celebration in Devonport today as one of the two new Bass Strait ferries arrived at its home port for the first time. Premier Jeremy Rockliff was among the crowd welcoming Spirit of Tasmania IV to the north-west coast. "I was here around 7am and I was with thousands of other Tasmanians … people of all ages," Mr Rockliff told reporters. "I got the real sense there that this was a dawn of a new era for tourism, for freight, for Tasmania.
Rushy Lagoon sale to be probed by parliamentary committee
The sale of Tasmania's largest farm to a UK investment firm will be probed by a state parliamentary committee. Rushy Lagoon, a 21,745-hectare property in the state's north-east was sold to Gresham House after the sale was vetted by the Foreign Investment Review Board and approved by federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers last month. Gresham House plans to plant about 12 million radiata pine seedlings across 9,000 hectares of the farm over the next five years.
Tasmanian racing minister working 'diligently' to progress greyhound racing ban
Loretta Lohberger and Sophie Jaggers Tasmania's new racing minister is said to be working "diligently" to get a ban on greyhound racing through parliament, as some racing participants express interest in the compensation scheme to leave the industry by the end of the year. In April, the government deferred debate on legislation to ban greyhound racing when it appeared to be headed for defeat in the Legislative Council.
Nostalgia, sadness and hope as Hawthorn plays its last Launceston game of the year
As Hawthorn's penultimate season in Launceston draws to a close, there's a mix of sadness, nostalgia and hope within the club and the northern Tasmanian community. Sitting third on the AFL ladder going into the match against 13th-placed North Melbourne at York Park — and with just three rounds remaining of the home and away season after this weekend — the Hawks are well placed for finals action.
Brother tells of 'unimaginable pain' family is living through following doctor's death in Tasmania
The brother of a doctor killed following in a car crash in southern Tasmania says his family is living through "unimaginable pain". Artyom Avetisyan, a cardiothoracic surgery registrar at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH), died following a single-vehicle car crash at Pontville in southern Tasmania on June 12. The 42-year-old is being remembered as a kind and compassionate colleague. His brother, Artak Avetisyan said Dr Avetisyan "devoted his life to helping others".
Nude swimmers take chilly plunge in Dark Mofo solstice swim
Hobart's coldest morning so far this year has not deterred swimmers from stripping off to their birthday suits and making a splash at Long Beach for the annual Dark Mofo Nude Solstice Swim. The air temperature just before sunrise was 4 degrees Celsius, while the water temperature was 12C. 3,000 swimmers registered to take part in the event. (ABC News: Sophie Jaggers) The Bureau of Meteorology's Urshla Connor, however, said the apparent temperature was -1C.
Federal minister-turned Catholic priest Michael Tate farewelled in Hobart
Michael Tate was an academic, a politician, a diplomat and, for the past 26 years, a Catholic priest. "It would be easy to stand here and simply recite that record … it reads almost like four different lives," his friend Jeffrey McGee told the hundreds gathered for Father Tate's funeral in Hobart on Tuesday.
Former Tasmanian senator and Catholic priest Michael Tate dies aged 80
Former Tasmanian senator and Catholic priest Michael Tate is being remembered as a compassionate and generous man. The South Hobart parish priest died in Hobart yesterday aged 80. His friend and colleague Fr Mike Delaney said Fr Tate was loved. "[He was] the real sign of a priest — someone who gives himself to his people," Fr Delaney said.
Antibiotic florfenicol detected at 'low level' 14km from fish farm site where it was used
A "low-level" amount of an antibiotic used to treat farmed salmon in south-east Tasmanian waters was found in wild seafood 14 kilometres away from where it was administered, Tasmania's Natural Resources and Envrionment Department has confirmed. "The detection was within an area already subject to a temporary precautionary closure, established in consultation with the seafood industry," an NRE spokesperson said.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff faces estimates scrutiny after resignation of minister Madeleine Ogilvie
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has refused to provide any information about cabinet's decision to pay for Liberal MP Madeleine Ogilvie's legal fees, on the basis of legal confidentiality. Ms Ogilvie was accused of misleading parliament after she first told an estimates committee in November that she was not a party to any Supreme Court proceedings, but then last week revealed in parliament she was in fact involved in Supreme Court matters she initiated.
Two Tasmanian primary health services receive funding reprieve after budget cuts
Two southern Tasmanian primary health services that had their funding cut in last week's state budget have been given a one-year lifeline. After cutting funding for Moreton Group Medical Services's mobile GP program and the Cygnet Family Practice's urgent care and after-hours service, the state government yesterday said it would now provide "one-year transitional funding", extending the funding agreements with both services until the end of June next year.
Tasmanian Anglican Church to consider 'far-reaching' options to fund increasing redress obligations
Tasmania's Anglican bishop says "everything is on the table" as the church grapples with how to fund an expected $80 million bill for compensation payments to victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse. The revised dollar figure is more than double the church's estimate from 2023 on what it expected to pay.
Kingborough Deputy Mayor Clare Glade-Wright wins Huon Legislative Council seat
Kingborough Deputy Mayor Clare Glade-Wright will move to state parliament, winning the Legislative Council seat of Huon. The Tasmanian Electoral Commission this evening declared Ms Glade-Wright elected. She has unseated fellow independent Dean Harriss, who has represented the southern Tasmanian division since 2022. Ms Glade-Wright said during the campaign, cleaning up waterways and making it easier for people to build tiny homes were two of her priorities.
Teaching positions, courses to go under TasTAFE cuts
The Tasmanian government has confirmed at least 44 jobs will be cut from TasTAFE as the training provider attempts to find $45 million in savings. Several creative courses, laboratory operations courses and a meat safety will also be scrapped as part of the savings push. In a document tabled in the state parliament today, Skills and Jobs Minister Felix Ellis provided details of the planned cuts.
$150 million 'chocolate experience' proposal approved by Glenorchy council
A "chocolate experience" to be housed in a building inspired by foil chocolate wrappers has been approved by Glenorchy City Council's planning authority. The $150 million proposal, which includes a chocolate lab, chocolate lounge, emporium and tasting opportunities, would be built at the Cadbury factory site in Claremont, Hobart's northern suburbs.
Man facing rape charge ordained as deacon in Tasmanian Seventh-day Adventist church
A man with criminal convictions for family violence who is also facing a rape charge has recently been ordained as a deacon at a northern Tasmanian church. Mathew Murray Harrison, 41, was convicted in the Launceston Magistrates Court in October 2024 of three family violence charges, and was sentenced to four months' jail, wholly suspended for two years. Magistrate Evan Hughes found the three counts of common assault proven.
National Institute of Dramatic Art's former director John Clark dies aged 93
A giant of Australian theatre who helped launch the careers of some of the country's biggest names of the stage has died aged 93. John Clark was director of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) from 1969 until 2004 and was instrumental in establishing the Sydney Theatre Company in 1979.
More than 300 Tasmania Fire Service volunteers to be terminated after failing to complete child safety training
More than 300 volunteer firefighters will have their membership of the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) terminated after failing to complete mandatory child safety training. Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Jeremy Smith said organisations were required by law to "ensure that their staff and volunteers have the knowledge, skills and awareness to prevent, identify and respond to child safety concerns".
Walking Tasmania's Overland Track - how it's changed over the years
When Ron walked the Overland Track for the very first time, back in 1987, his gear was bulky and heavy and there were days where he never saw another hiker. Thirty-eight years later, he decided to do it all again with his daughter, Maren. From scrappy track to Tasmania's most iconic hike, the decades' gap reveals how the experience has changed. Whether you're an avid bushwalker or down for more of a low-intensity stroll, chances are you've probably heard of the Overland Track.
Hero teenager tells of rescue at Blackmans Bay Beach that saved two from drowning
Angus Mayes was with friends at Tasmania's Blackmans Bay beach on Saturday afternoon when they heard screams. "First off, we saw this mum and she seemed a bit frantic on the rocks and she was screaming out for help," Angus said. "Then we looked out into the water and there was this boy who was about 30 metres off the rocks, about 50 metres off the beach, and he was screaming out, 'help'." The two swimmers have thanked the four boys who rescued them.
Glenorchy City Council knocks back a proposal from Hobart to merge
The Glenorchy City Council has voted unanimously to reject an amalgamation process proposed by the Hobart City Council. At tonight's meeting, Glenorchy councillors raised concerns about the cost of the proposed merger, a lack of community support for it, and the way it was proposed. Tasmania has one of the highest numbers of councillors per person in the country, with 2,120 people per councillor across its 29 councils.
Victim-survivor of child sexual abuse reveals identity in hopes it will give strength to others
For decades, Nicholas Taylor lived with the impact of child sexual abuse. Last year, he told the Supreme Court in Hobart about the abuse he experienced while he was a student at St Virgil's College in Hobart in the late 1970s and early 1980s. "For me it was so I could take a little more power back from my abuse," he said. "It'd been a long time to get to trial — 38 years.
First homebuyer schemes help Tasmanians get into the market but may expire on June 30
Alison McNeice's home is her sanctuary — in many senses of the word. As a wildlife carer, she regularly has a number of rescued birds in and around her house. As a first-time home owner, it's something she doesn't take for granted. Ms McNeice can care for birds at her home without worrying about landlords. (ABC News: Kate Nickels) "It's fantastic because I've been able to take some birds on and help them get homed and have the space to do that without worrying about landlords," Ms McNeice said.
Mothers, lawyer raise concerns about Tasmanian government's handling of forced adoption redress scheme
Robyn Cohen says she felt "unworthy" when her newborn daughter was taken from her after she gave birth at the Royal Hobart Hospital in 1969. Now, she says she feels "worthless again" after the Tasmanian government released more details about a redress scheme for mothers who were subject to forced adoptions in the state from the 1950s until the 1980s.
Celine Cremer search party given hope by mobile phone find, as they wait for improved weather conditions
Emotions were running high after the phone belonging to missing Belgian tourist Celine Cremer was found on the first day of a renewed search for her in the wilderness in Tasmania's north-west. One of the key searchers, adventure filmmaker Rob Parsons, said it was a like a twist of fate. "I don't think there was a dry eye in the area," Mr Parsons, who has been cataloguing his own private searches for Ms Cremer on You Tube, said. "Everyone was so emotional.
China's seafood import rules behind a partial closure of Tasmania's rock lobster fishery
China's rules for imported seafood are among the reasons for a snap partial closure of Tasmania's rock lobster fishery, in an area where salmon farms are using the antibiotic florfenicol. Just hours after the commercial rock lobster season opened on Friday, the Natural Resources and Environment Department (NRE) closed two sections of the fishery south of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel in the state's south-east "until further notice".
No plans to change Tim Tam recipe after rival UK biscuit can no longer be called chocolate
The UK's rival version of a Tim Tam, the Penguin, is now labelled as "chocolate flavour" because it no longer meets the UK's definition of chocolate. Rising cocoa prices have led to some manufacturers changing the recipes of chocolate products to the point they can no longer be legally defined as chocolate. Tim Tam maker Arnott's says it has no plans to change its recipe. Cocoa commodity prices are starting to fall but retail chocolate prices are expected to remain high for some time.
LIVE: Anti-immigration rallies and counter protests held across the country with lower numbers
Two years since Tasmania's commission of inquiry, report reveals which recommendations are still underway
The Tasmanian child sexual abuse commission of inquiry released its final report, and 191 recommendations for reform, two years ago. One of the commissioners, Robert Benjamin, has been appointed to the role of child safety reform implementation monitor. Katrina Munting, who gave evidence to the commission about the abuse she experienced as a high school student, says she remains hopeful but is concerned not enough progress is being made in the government's response to the report.
Rod Barwick has international fame as a daffodil breeder, but what matters to him is a love of gardening
A self-described eccentric, daffodil breeder Rod Barwick started growing bulbs at his property in Hobart's northern suburbs in the 1970s. It's a passion that has never left him, and he has been recognised internationally for his daffodil breeding work. Mr Barwick continues to inspire and encourage family members, his local community and daffodil lovers at home and abroad to enjoy growing and showing the favourite springtime flower.
Judge finds Queensland businessman Dave Hodgson had 'magic pudding' approach to valuing company
A Queensland businessman who had a "magic pudding" approach to valuing the worth of one of his companies has been disqualified from managing corporations for five years. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) took Dave Hodgson and two of his companies of which he was the sole director — Macrolend and Great Southland (GSL) — to the Federal Court, alleging they were operating without the required financial services licence, and that they made misrepresentations to investors.
Body parts taken for decades without consent, for display at UTAS museum, coroner finds
Pathologists working in Tasmania between 1966 and 1991 may have "actively sourced" body parts from coronial autopsies to give to a museum without the knowledge or consent of families — or of the coroners who were responsible for the bodies when the specimens were taken — a coroner has found. Coroner Simon Cooper has released his findings from an investigation into 177 specimens held in the collection of the R A Rodda Museum of Pathology at the University of Tasmania in Hobart.
Family members consider legal action over UTAS pathology museum's collection of body parts without consent
Several families are considering legal action after a University of Tasmania pathology museum retained and displayed body parts from loved ones collected without consent from coronial autopsies. One man requested the specimen from his mother be returned after he was given 10 days to reply to a letter on the disposal of remains, but the Coroner's Office then denied his request. The coroner is expected to publish a formal finding over the situation this year.
Spirit of Tasmania IV in Hobart for now, but will be moved to Victoria until it can be used
Spirit of Tasmania IV has docked in Hobart, where it will remain for two months before it's moved to Victoria. While in Hobart, the ship will have a final fit-out done, but operator TT-Line says it's more cost effective to lay the ship up in Victoria until it can be used on the Bass Strait crossing. It's expected Spirit IV and its sister ship Spirit V, will be operating in October next year, replacing the smaller current two ferries.
Anthony Ireland installed as Archbishop of Hobart, with shift in style likely after Julian Porteous
Tasmania's new Catholic archbishop, Tony Ireland, has been installed at a mass in Hobart. Archbishop Ireland replaces Julian Porteous, who has been the Archbishop of Hobart since 2013. The 68-year-old has told the congregation he comes with "open ears and a listening heart". Tasmania's new Catholic archbishop has been installed, starting a new chapter for the church in the island state.
Jeremy Rockliff vows to push ahead with forming minority government following Tasmanian election
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says while he would welcome confidence and supply agreements with independent MPs, he does not need them to form a minority government. Last month's state election — triggered by a successful no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff brought on by Labor — has returned a largely similar parliament. While some faces have changed, the Liberals, Labor and the Greens hold the same number of seats they did before the election.
Liberals call on Labor to concede Tasmanian election
The Tasmanian Liberals are calling on Labor to concede defeat as both parties continue discussions with crossbenchers to form government following Saturday's state election. Speaking on ABC Radio Hobart, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Labor leader Dean Winter and his party "have completely gone to ground". "Nobody knows about the secret dealings with the Tasmanian Greens. He's said he would not do a deal with the Greens, he can only be in government with a deal with the Greens," Mr Rockliff said.
Tasmania election: Hung parliament tipped as voters return to the polls
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Skip to timeline Tasmanians are voting in their fourth state election in seven years. The Liberals, having been in power since 2014, are hoping to stave off Dean Winter and his Labor party, which successfully ran a no-confidence motion against Premier Jeremy Rockliff in June. When will we know the result? Hopefully tonight, but it may take longer. The first numbers will hopefully start arriving before 7pm, but whatever time they do, we will let you know here.
By James Dunlevie Verified, Daniel Miller Verified, Clancy Balen Verified, Loretta Lohberger Verified
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ABC News (Australia)
Verified
Class action planned over alleged 'serious physical abuse' at Hobart's St Virgil's College in the 1970s and 80s
A law firm is planning to launch a class action in the Supreme Court of Tasmania against the Christian Brothers, over alleged "serious physical abuse" of students at Hobart's St Virgil's College in the 1970s and 80s. During a civil trial in the Supreme Court in Hobart in March, former students gave evidence about alleged harsh corporal punishment. Lawyer Angela Sdrinis says she hopes to launch the action by early next year.
Terry Hayes was sexually abused by his school athletics coach in the 1970s, and he lives with it every day
Terry Hayes was sexually abused in the 1970s by school athletics coach Paul Ronald Goldsmith at Marist Regional College in Burnie in Tasmania's north-west. Goldsmith, who died in 2016, pleaded guilty in 2005 to 42 child sexual abuse crimes, including the abuse of Mr Hayes. Mr Hayes wants to help people better understand the lifelong impacts of abuse.
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