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Articles by Patrick Bell
Liberal MP Simon Kennedy says anti-gambling changes contain streaming 'loophole'
Liberal MP Simon Kennedy has argued the federal government's proposed changes to gambling advertising laws contain a loophole that would allow ads to be shown "in every break" during live sport events streamed online. This week marked three years since the report of the parliamentary inquiry chaired by late Labor MP Peta Murphy, which called for a total ban on gambling advertising.
Boil order issued for City of Farmington
FARMINGTON (25News Now) - The City of Farmington is still under a boil order as of Monday evening. Illinois American Water officials said workers are increasing sanitation because of low chlorine residuals. Company leaders asked residents to refrain from using water for cooking or drinking. However, they said the water is safe if left to a rolling boil for five minutes. Water used for washing or bathing is okay, they said. Illinois American Water hopes to have the issue fixed by Tuesday.
Papua New Guinea may sit out potential conflict between Australia and China despite Pukpuk defence treaty
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says there is a "high possibility" the country would not enter a potential conflict involving Australia and China, despite having signed a mutual defence treaty with its southern neighbour. The Pukpuk treaty is Australia's first new military alliance in more than 70 years, and includes a provision that an armed attack on either country would be considered "dangerous to each other's peace and security".
Bruce Lehrmann's lawyer seems to have forgotten one key detail: the defamation case was his idea
Bruce Lehrmann's bid to overturn the damning findings of his failed defamation case made for intensely awkward viewing. The former Liberal staffer was back in court this week, more than a year after Federal Court Justice Michael Lee dismissed his case against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson, over the blockbuster interview with Brittany Higgins on The Project in 2021.
Live: Bruce Lehrmann's appeal against defamation ruling resumes
On day one of the appeal, we heard from Mr Lehrmann's solicitor Ms Burrows. We also heard from Lisa Wilkinson's barrister Sue Chrysanthou and Matthew Collins for Network Ten. The day got off to rocky start for Ms Burrows, who told the court her client was not able to afford his preferred barrister, Sydney silk Guy Reynolds. She apologised to the court for this and said she was "not as prepared" as her opposing counsel.
Bruce Lehrmann's appeal against his failed defamation case enters its second day in the Federal Court
Bruce Lehrmann and his lawyer Zali Burrows will return to the Federal Court this morning after a bumpy start to his appeal against the result of his failed defamation case. Mr Lehrmann sued Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson over an episode of The Project in February 2021, in which Brittany Higgins detailed her rape allegation, though they did not name the man she accused.
Lehrmann defamation appeal underway - ABC listen
Former Liberal party staffer Bruce Lehrmann's appeal against the judgement in his failed defamation case is underway in the Federal Court. Last year, Justice Michael Lee found Mr Lehrmann was not defamed when Network Ten program The Project broadcast an interview with his former colleague Brittany Higgins who alleged she had been raped in Parliament House in 2019. In his judgement, Justice Lee ruled it was more than likely than not that Bruce Lehrmann had raped Ms Higgins.
Bruce Lehrmann appeals against defamation ruling - ABC listen
Bruce Lehrmann has returned to the Federal Court in Sydney today for an appeal he hopes will overturn the finding that, on the balance of probabilities, he raped Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in Canberra in 2019. That finding was the result of a failed defamation case brought against Network Ten and Journalist Lisa Wilkinson over an interview with Ms Higgins. Mr Lehrmann maintains he is innocent and there have been no criminal findings against him after his 2022 trial was abandoned.
Bruce Lehrmann appeal live: Hearing begins in the Federal Court
Hello, I'm Niki Burnside and I'm a reporter at the ABC. Bruce Lehrmann's appeal hearing is set to begin at 10:15am in the Federal Court today. Mr Lehrmann is appealing the ruling that, on the balance of probabilities, he did rape his former colleague, Brittany Higgins, at Parliament House in 2019. Mr Lehrmann sued Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson for defamation over an interview with Ms Higgins in 2021.
Helensburgh Coal loses High Court bid to avoid unfair dismissal claims
A coal company that shed 90 workers at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic has lost a High Court bid to head off unfair dismissal claims. Helensburgh Coal sacked the workers from its Metropolitan Coal Mine north of Wollongong in June 2020, after a significant drop in the price of metallurgical coal.
Almost $40,000 in jewellery allegedly stolen from Canberra store in apparent fake receipts scam
ACT police are investigating an apparent scam in which tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewellery was allegedly stolen from two Nepalese jewellers in Canberra. Small business owner Amrit Sunar said the ordeal began when a group of people came into his jewellery store in the suburb of Phillip last Tuesday. "They were like regular customers. They did not look like thieves.
Helensburgh Coal loses High Court challenge to rulings it breached Fair Work Act by sacking workers
A coal company which sacked 22 workers at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic has lost a High Court challenge to rulings that the sackings breached the Fair Work Act. Helensburgh Coal sacked the workers from its Metropolitan Coal Mine north of Wollongong in June 2020, after a significant drop in the price of metallurgical coal. The workers argued their dismissal was unfair because some work at the mine was being performed by contractors, and theirs was not a case of genuine redundancy.
Walter Sofronoff knew material shared during Bruce Lehrmann prosecution inquiry was confidential, Federal Court hears
Lawyers for the ACT Integrity Commission have rebuffed claims that some of its findings about Walter Sofronoff's conduct during the inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution were legally unreasonable. The Federal Court has concluded a hearing into Mr Sofronoff's bid for a judicial review of the commission's report into his contact with journalists during the inquiry in 2023.
Federal Court hears Walter Sofronoff's actions during Bruce Lehrmann prosecution inquiry were 'genuine and honest'
Lawyers for the former judge who chaired the inquiry into the prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann have argued while his conduct may have been wrong, it did not amount to corruption. The ACT Integrity Commission made a finding of serious corrupt conduct against Walter Sofronoff, over his contact with journalists during the inquiry in 2023.
Victim’s family horrified convicted double-murderer Scott Alexander McDougall could be released
Queanbeyan man Scott Alexander McDougall was given two life sentences for the 2008 murder of Struan Bolas and Julie Tattersall with a meat cleaver. Ms Tattersall's family were informed this week McDougall has applied for a program which could see him given short-term release, to assist with reintegration into the community. The family will enter a written submission against his release.
Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian petitions High Court over 150 ballots
The defeated Liberal candidate for Bradfield has lodged a petition in the High Court asking for the result to be overturned. Gisele Kapterian is questioning around 150 "line ball" ballots. It is not yet known when the Court of Disputed Returns might hear the case. The defeated Liberal candidate for the federal electorate of Bradfield has raised doubts about more than 150 ballots, in a petition asking the High Court to overturn the result.
As federal parliament returns, here's what was promised to ACT residents in the election
Much of the federal election campaign in the ACT was focused on the Coalition's plan for cuts to the public service. Now that Labor has been re-elected, what exactly is the party promising for Canberra over the next three years? Parliament will resume next week, but the government's commitments will not require much in the way of legislation. For the most part, it is money on the table, from new civic infrastructure to improved health services.
Jury finds man guilty of choking and assaulting partner despite victim withdrawing complaint
A jury has found a man guilty of assaulting and choking his partner despite the victim withdrawing her complaint. An initial victim statement was recorded by police on the night of the attack, but the victim later changed their story. The man will be sentenced in September. A Canberra jury has found a man guilty of violently assaulting and choking his partner, despite the fact she withdrew her complaint saying her injuries were accidental.
ACT opposition leader's first budget reply speech upstaged by Greens' health levy opposition
Despite her long career in show business, Leanne Castley may never have been upstaged quite like she was in the ACT Legislative Assembly on Thursday. But the last week may have provided material for some new country songs. The Canberra Liberals leader rose to her feet for her first budget reply speech; a major set piece event for someone who admits she's not a "typical politician".
Trial of man accused of sexually assaulting 11-year-old hears girl's mother was shocked by allegations
The ACT Supreme Court has heard a mother was in disbelief to find out her 11-year-old daughter had allegedly been sexually assaulted.
CFMEU loses High Court bid to overturn federal government's takeover, putting it into administration
The CFMEU has lost a High Court challenge to changes to the Fair Work Act which forced the construction arm of the union into administration. The takeover was announced in August last year with immediate effect, removing 270 union officers, mostly from volunteer positions, and 11 from paid jobs after allegations were raised about bullying, corruption, and criminal infiltration.
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias brings ‘A Fluffy Celebration’ to Peoria Civic Center
PEORIA (25News Now) - Gabriel Iglesias, the famous comedian known for his “fluffy” comedy and recent Netflix special, is headed to Peoria Civic Center. He is bringing his “The 1976 Tour: A Fluffy Celebration” to the River City on Oct. 18. Iglesias is known for being the 3rd highest-grossing comedian on Billboard. He has also starred in films like “Magic Mike” and “A Haunted House II.” He has various specials on YouTube, Comedy Central, and other platforms with over billions of views.
Blues & Heritage Music Festival returning to Peoria
PEORIA (25News Now) - Once again, blues, soul, and southern rock return to the heart of Central Illinois. The Blues & Heritage Festival is celebrating its 35th Annual Celebration in 2025. Festivities are set to take place at the Peoria Riverfront Festival Park on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29-30. The fabulous lineup includes Grammy-award-winning blues artist Ruthie Foster. Rock legend Gov’t Mule, blues rocker ZZ Ward, and Tommy Castro & the Painkillers will also be featured.
Federal Court considers if 'corrupt' findings against Walter Sofronoff protected by parliamentary privilege
The Federal Court has heard arguments a report by the ACT's corruption watchdog into Walter Sofronoff is protected by parliamentary privilege, and immune from a legal challenge.
Contest for Bean leaves David Smith confronted with something few of Canberra's federal MPs have to deal with
It was the last thing ACT voters expected before this election. Few thought the outcome in any of the contests would remain in doubt for more than a week. But first-time independent Jessie Price brought the result in the electorate of Bean down to the closest ever margin for an ACT House of Representatives seat, currently less than half of one per cent. The previous record was a one per cent margin in the seat of Canberra in 1977.
Passengers lose High Court appeal against Air Canada over injuries claimed from turbulent 2019 flight
Two Air Canada passengers who were allegedly injured on a flight to Australia have lost a High Court appeal, in which they argued there should be no limit on the potential compensation owed by the airline. Mother and daughter Renae and Stephanie Evans claim they suffered spinal and psychological injuries during a flight from Vancouver to Sydney in July 2019. At the time, Air Canada said the aircraft hit "unforecast and sudden turbulence" which caused it to drop suddenly.
Few votes separating Labor's David Smith and independent Jessie Price as final pre-poll envelopes counted
The vote count for the southern ACT electorate of Bean looks set to drag on for days, as the margin between the Labor incumbent and the independent challenger remains exceptionally close. The ABC has stopped using a projection from its election computer, given how advanced the count is, and is now reporting the raw figures provided by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).
Bean counting continues as independent candidate Jessie Price eyes a 'not-so-safe' Labor seat
Counting is continuing in the southern ACT electorate of Bean, where independent Jessie Price is on the cusp of an upset win over two-term Labor incumbent David Smith. Based on the reported preference flows so far, the ABC's election computer projects Ms Price will finish on a two-candidate preferred vote of 50.4 ahead by 801 votes.
ACT voters show once again there's no such thing as a safe seat
For the second federal election in a row, ACT voters have shown there really is no such thing as a safe seat. Labor has had few blemishes on its electoral record in the history of ACT federal representation. But last night, a fresh independent wave swept over Canberra. Once considered an outside chance of transitioning from the rugby pitch to the Senate, David Pocock has entrenched his position as one of the country's most influential politicians.
Pretzel-like twists in Coalition public service policy leaves Canberra voters bewildered
Election campaigns are often so stage managed, one wonders how much really changes over the course of five weeks. But the number of twists in the Coalition's public service policy has, frankly, resembled a giant pretzel.
ACT Liberal Senate candidate calls Coalition's plan to cut public service jobs 'not realistic'
The Liberal Senate candidate for the ACT Jacob Vadakkedathu has broken ranks with the Coalition over its plan to reduce the size of the Australian Public Service (APS). Opposition Leader Peter Dutton last week revealed all 41,000 jobs he has proposed cutting from the APS would come from Canberra-based departments and agencies.
What are ACT border residents looking for this federal election?
Communities in the region surrounding Canberra are urging candidates not to forget their specific needs as the federal election approaches. Despite their proximity to the nation's capital, many residents in these areas continue to report poor internet connectivity and road quality, among other issues with basic services. In Wamboin, about half an hour's drive from central Canberra, a Communications Action Group has been running for seven years.
Dutton confirms public service cuts limited to Canberra, which Labor says is 'impossible'
The Coalition's plan to cut 41,000 public service roles will be limited to Canberra, Peter Dutton has confirmed, raising fresh questions about how the downsizing could be achieved without hitting frontline or security-related roles. Mr Dutton told reporters on Thursday that no jobs would be lost outside of Canberra, even though only one in three public servants is based in the national capital.
Conservation group cleared to take legal action against NSW Forestry Corp
Conservation group cleared to take legal action against NSW Forestry Corp By Patrick Bell ABC News, Australia April 9, 2025 Category: Forestry Region: International The High Court has cleared the way for a conservation group to proceed with a civil case against the Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) over its biodiversity assessment of of areas of native forest logging in NSW.
Conservation group cleared to take legal action against NSW Forestry Corp
South East Forest Rescue group has been cleared by the High Court to take legal action against NSW Forestry Corporation. The conservation group alleged the corporation did not conduct a broad area habitat search for features of habitat for three species of glider. The Federal Court initially ruled in the Corporation's favour, but this was overturned on appeal.
Patients left 'devastated' as Canberra fully bulk-billed GP and allied health clinic enters voluntary administration
A fully bulk-billed GP and allied health clinic in Canberra's south has closed its doors, making what it called a "deeply difficult and disappointing decision" to enter voluntary administration. The Interchange Health Co-operative (IHCO) in Tuggeranong, which had almost 5,000 patients on its books, went into administration after a board meeting yesterday.
Coalition's retreat on 'unpopular policy' cutting public service workforce criticised
The federal opposition's assurance it would not pursue forced redundancies to reduce the size of the public service has been met with scepticism from its political opponents in the ACT. The Coalition has confirmed it will implement a hiring freeze in the APS, and argued natural attrition will lead to a reduction of 41,000 public servants over five years.
Canberra has one of Australia's lowest bulk billing rates. Is that about to change?
Federal government figures have cast doubt on whether a national target to bulk bill nine out of 10 GP visits will be met in the ACT, the jurisdiction with the lowest bulk billing rate in Australia. Labor has made cheaper doctor visits a cornerstone of its re-election campaign with a Medicare funding package the opposition has also adopted.
ACCC loses High Court appeal over anti-competitive behaviour in $600 million project Original
The High Court has dismissed an appeal by the competition watchdog, in which it claimed a builder had colluded with the construction union to engage in anti-competitive behaviour. The ACCC launched a Federal Court case in 2020, arguing Hutchinson Builders and the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) had breached competition law by agreeing to exclude a subcontractor from work on a Brisbane project in 2016.
ACT Senators criticise Coalition for plan to cut public servant jobs in federal election campaign
When political parties plot where to send their leaders and key figures during an election campaign, they don't often plan many visits to Canberra. It is perhaps ironic, given they spend almost half their time there, but the campaign trail tends to lead anywhere but the nation's capital. That is unlikely to change this year; in the race to 76 seats, Labor's prospects in all three ACT electorates still look pretty good. That does not mean, however, that Canberra won't come up during the campaign.
Bruce Lehrmann prosecution inquiry head rejects corruption findings, saying he could not 'commit a contempt of himself'
The retired judge who led an inquiry into the criminal prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann has sought to legally skewer findings that he engaged in "serious corrupt conduct" with journalists, arguing that he could not "commit a contempt of himself". Walter Sofronoff has asked the Federal Court to overturn the ACT Integrity Commission's conclusions that he acted corruptly by giving journalists early access to material, including draft and final versions of his own inquiry report.
'Serious corrupt conduct': Findings from report into Walter Sofronoff released
The ACT Integrity Commission has found the man who led the Board of Inquiry into the prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann engaged in "serious corrupt conduct". The corruption watchdog had investigated former Queensland judge Walter Sofronoff over his contact with journalists during the 2023 inquiry, and his delivery of the final report to two journalists before it was officially released by the ACT government.
Commonwealth loses High Court battle in landmark native title compensation claim over Gove Peninsula
The Commonwealth has lost a High Court battle over whether it should be liable for compensation of up to $700 million for lost or impaired native title rights over a mining lease on the Gove Peninsula in North East Arnhem Land. The case was begun by the late Dr Yunupingu on behalf of the Gumatj people in 2019, as bauxite mining operations began to wind up and the local people began to look for a future economic base.
Strata managers come under the spotlight as apartment living becomes more popular
Thomas Ockenfels has struggled to get his strata to address an issue with a leak in his apartment, an example of what some say is a growing problem as high-density living becomes more common. The ACT government has pledged to appoint a Building and Strata Commissioner to oversee the sector, but it's unclear how effective it will be at preventing disputes between owners and strata managers.
Clive Palmer loses High Court fight to re-register United Australia Party before federal election
Clive Palmer has lost his High Court bid to re-register the United Australia Party for this year's federal election. The ruling means the party's candidates will not be identified with the UAP on ballot papers for the House of Representatives and the Senate. The United Australia Party was voluntarily deregistered after the last federal election, and under the law could not re-register within the same electoral cycle.
After a chauffeur scandal in NSW we checked if other state politicians had similar perks. Here's what we found
Being chauffeured to wineries and weekend sport on the public purse led to the sudden downfall of a senior NSW minister this week. The ABC set out to discover if there were any other covert ways politicians could have their private travel paid for by the taxpayer, because it hasn't been explicitly prohibited. From chauffeuring pet pooches to a country home to having petrol paid for while on holidays, there were scandals aplenty. Here's what we found about the rules and entitlements where you live.
'I am sorry': ACT Health Minister apologises for Canberra Hospital failures leading to Rozalia Spadafora's death
The ACT Health Minister has apologised for the failures at the Canberra Hospital that led to the death of a five-year-old girl in 2022, acknowledging the family's "inconsolable grief". Rozalia Spadafora died from myocarditis as a consequence of contracting influenza A on 5 July 2022, the day after her fifth birthday. She had presented to the hospital's emergency department more than 24 hours earlier.
Liberal Senate candidate denies branch stacking claims
The Liberal Party's lead Senate candidate for the ACT has broken his silence over allegations of branch stacking, after a push to disendorse him failed at the weekend. The Canberra Liberals called the special meeting after enough party members signed a petition calling for a fresh vote, in a bid to oust Jacob Vadakkedathu. Party members speaking on condition of anonymity told the ABC there was evidence the Indian business community leader had signed up allies as members to win preselection.
Some ACT private schools facing between 15 and 30 per cent fee increases as costs rise
Parents of students attending Catholic and independent secondary schools in the ACT are facing increased school fees in 2025, including some of as much as 15 and 30 per cent compared to last year. Schools have pointed to inflation and changes to government funding models as the main factors behind the increases. The largest increase is at St John Paul II College in Nicholls, where parents of year 10 students will pay a total of $12,068, an increase of 29 per cent on last year.
ACT chief minister concedes government should have postponed MyWay+ rollout by at least a week
The ACT chief minister has conceded the government should have waited several more days before rolling out the MyWay+ ticketing system for public transport. The new system went live last Wednesday but was soon plagued by a range of problems. Some commuters struggled to tap on and off, while others had difficulty scanning QR codes to register a trip. The introduction of live travel data has also been delayed. Transport Canberra says many of the issues have since been resolved.
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