Mercury (Hobart)

1000 HOMES PLAN

Army land at Glenorchy’s Dowsing Point could be redeveloped into up to 1000 homes under a state-federal deal announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. While state housing bodies welcomed the news, RSL Tasmania say they were blindsided by the...

This is OUR time

For decades, Tasmania stood poised, waiting patiently for the realisation of its football destiny. Part of that dream came true in March when the AFL-bound Tasmania Football Club men’s side took its first on-field steps in a VFL clash at North Hobart...

MUM’S THE WORD

A three-year inquiry into maternal health services across Tasmania heard harrowing stories of birth trauma, nonconsensual medical interventions, and bureaucratic cover-ups, but the state government is yet to confirm whether it will adopt all of the...

SATURDAY AFTERNOON FEVER

Clubbers, ravers and party animals of yesteryear are invited to step back in time at Hobart’s Grand Poobah this month, when Tasmanian DJ Track + Field hosts veteran revellers at a nostalgia-filled dance party that won’t affect their bedtime.

SHOOT TO TRILL

Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ 2026-27 federal budget has thrown a fiscal lifeline to Tasmania – with a healthy increase in GST payments to flow into state coffers as it wrestles with its own budget crisis. The federal government will take in $789bn in...

GETTING OUR KIDS ACTIVE A NET GAIN

Taassmmaanniiaa’ss kkiiddss aarree gglluueedd ttoo ssccrreeeennss ffoor nearly twice as long as they spend playing sport, but a communityy club is working to change that. .

CITY RUNS FOR A CURE

A Hobart father has joined hundreds of Tasmanians taking part in this year’s Mother’s Day Classic, running alongside his children in support of his mother’s cancer battle after she recently underwent surgery in Tonga. Aisea Taulava brought his kids to...

TIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

A Sydney-based consulting firm will conduct a review of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, suggesting the cultural institution could be further commercialised after the state government directed it to “investigate all reasonable opportunities” to...

THAT WAS A DEVILISHLY COLD DAY

Narina, a 12-monthold female Tasmanian devil, experienced her first decent snowfall of the year as much of the state struggled to rise above single-digit temperatures yesterday.

BIG SHOES TO FILL AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Caroline Wells is a former nurse and chairwoman of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania... and she is about to become our latest Governor, following formal approval from His Majesty King Charles III

MARGOT’S MET GALA MAGIC

SEE PAGE 5

FREE HEALTH CHECK PUSH FOR KIDS

Stephanie De Campo lists continuity of care, cost-of-living pressures and lack of sleep that can impact the health of the whole family as some of the reasons she supports a proposal by GPs to offer free annual health checks for all children until the...

OUR KIDS, OUR FUTURE

Top doctors have warned the future of Australian children is at a critical crossroads and in dire need of worldleading medical research to reverse a situation where an entire generation’s health is now, for the first time, worse than their...

SMELTER FUNDING SPENT

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has held urgent talks with the federal and South Australian governments in a bid to shore up a new assistance deal for Nyrstar.

START DIGGING

A road tunnel under the Derwent River costing up to $3.5 billion should be considered by the Tasmanian government, awardwinning engineer Tony Peach says. He says the mooted road tunnel between Risdon Road and Flagstaff Gully would have advantages over...

$40K ZONE

The future of one of the state’s top mountain bike parks hangs in the balance with the government threatening to cancel the operator’s lease because of missed rental payments. The Mercury understands Department of Natural Resources and Environment...

Quiet reflection

Survivors, families and community members gathered to mark the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur Massacre. Thirty years ago yesterday, a lone gunman killed 35 people and injured 23 at the site and surrounding areas. About 160 people attended...

NEW $1000 TAX BREAK FOR TASSIE WORKERS

Almost 145,000 Tasmanian workers will be able to claim a $1000 instant tax deduction without receipts in a cost-ofliving measure announced by the federal government – but there’s a catch. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the move would deliver “lasting...

TMAG TO THE RESCUE

A packed museum schedule will keep idle hands busy during the school holidays with a range of free familyfriendly activities. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery will transform into a vibrant hub for creativity, play and discovery for the first week...

Burning the midnight oil

The fire at the Viva Energy refinery will have an impact on Tasmania “in due course” as the opposition takes the government to task over fuel contingency plans. Energy Minister Nick Duigan and Deputy Premier Guy Barnett said Tasmania would develop its...

BUCKLEY'S A CHANCE

Former Collingwood mentor Nathan Buckley has made his most direct public pitch to become the inaugural coach of the Tasmania Devils, insisting he would accept the role if he was offered it.

PUMPED FOR INFO

The state government has attempted to dispel concerns about fuel supply shortages, despite criticism over its communication falling short. Governments around the country are being urged to improve messaging on fuel supply pressures amid ongoing...

ISLAND HIGH AND DRY

King Island fuel supply issues have left locals fearing a return to the “horse and cart” days, with one of the island’s two petrol stations running dry twice in a day, and its owner calling for greater state government assistance to navigate the...

DOG DAYS OVER?

A former governor, two former premiers and prominent actors are among more than 1000 who have signed an open letter urging the Legislative Council to vote to end greyhound racing in Tasmania. It comes as Tasmanian greyhound racing families say they...

DIESEL AND THE DUST UP ALP’S LEGAL POT PUSH

HOBART 13C SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026 $4.50

SMELL OF AN OILY RAG

The dire state of Australia’s fuel shortages can be revealed today with less than a month of petrol, jet fuel and diesel available. An exclusive new tool, which monitors supplies in real time using official government data, shows the country is down...

STAYING CHATTY

While donning a pair of shorts might be the last thing you want to do as the temperature drops, Tasmanian charity SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY is asking the public to “brave the cold” while having a conversation about mental health.

MAPPING OUT ZOO’S FUTURE

NEW JEWEL IS BASKETBALL ROYALTY

The 6’4” daughter of NBL legend Darren Smith and younger sister of WNBA star Alanna Smith has carved her own path by joining Tasmania’s newest professional basketball franchise as a foundation player.

MATES RATES

Former Liberal senator Stephen Parry’s appointment as the chair of the Tasmanian Heritage Council is set to come under fresh scrutiny after it was revealed he personally sent his CV to Minister Madeleine Ogilvie’s office before the position was...

LIFE IN A TAILSPIN

A Supreme Court judge has condemned the destructive impact of ice addiction during sentencing submissions this week for a Hobart couple whose lives have spiralled into a life of crime and poverty. Justice Stephen Estcourt said the decline of...

ROLL UP FOR LA RONDE

Performer Adam Malone describes La Ronde as “the Miss Universe pageant of circus”. The Australian will be among an international cast of the world’s most impressive circus artists performing in the headline show for Hobart’s Spiegeltent. Fellow...

IT’S TIME TO TRADE UP

The government is being urged to act to train workers ahead of the Macquarie Point stadium project, or risk driving up housing costs. A Housing Industry Association report, released today, says the state’s building strength is already near full...

CHOC-FULL OF GOODIES

A beloved Hobart chocolatier has been “pushed to the limit” producing tens of thousands of eggs in preparation for this Easter long weekend. Seventy-year-old Nutpatch Chocolates owner John Zito has handcrafted his own delicacies since 1988, opening up...

Crushed by the weather

At Puddleduck Vineyard in the Coal River Valley, John Schuts is still waiting to bring in this season’s grape harvest. But the experienced winemaker is far from alone in dealing with the delayed vintage, after a summer triple threat of cool, wet and...

PINBALL QUEEN CROWNED

Pinballing her way to the top step of the podium, a Hobart local has been crowned as women’s national pinball champion, enduring a 16-hour-long competition to snatch the title. West Hobart’s Lily McShane has brought home the national title after...

SHUT THE GATE

The iconic Hobart Farm Gate Market – rated one of the top 10 farmers’ markets in the world – is likely to relocate from its current site due to increased wind conditions causing safety concerns. A report on the proposed relocation, prepared by Hobart...

TASSIE’S DARKEST SECRETS ARE OUT

Spirit of Tasmania V will transform into an artistic wonderland as part of this year’s program for Tasmania’s premier music and arts festival, Dark Mofo. The iconic midwinter festival will return in full bacchanalian glory on June 11, bringing...

HIKES BITE FOR FOOD DELIVERIES

Meals on Wheels will appeal to the federal government to be recognised as an essential service as spiralling fuel prices threaten the organisation’s ability to make vital food deliveries to those in need.

LATE TO CLASS

Striking teachers attacked the timing of a refined wage offer by the state government as schools closed in the North West on Tuesday. The new offer followed weekend negotiations that hammered out the finer details attached to conditions surrounding...

FUEL FRICTION

A supply squeeze and soaring petrol prices have sparked calls for Tasmanian public servants to be allowed to work from home, as local tourism operators report a wave of cancellations with people staying off the roads to save money. Some like...

UNIQUE SHOW PACKS PUNCH

A national touring exhibition tracing the unique place of boxing in Australia’s cultural life has opened at twin locations in Hobart. Using nationally significant portraiture, photography and archival film footage, Fighting Spirit: The Art of Boxing...

Spirit of our Devils... past, present and future

12.05pm, Saturday, March 21, 2026: When the siren sounds at this hour around historic North Hobart Oval today, it will signal the beginning of a new chapter in the celebrated story of Tasmanian football. From our first representative team of 1887...

TasMarymania

From the Agrarian Kitchen, to Mona, Incat, Hunter St crowds and Alum Cliffs Marine Reserve off Taroona – which included an encounter with a very healthy-sized lobster – everyone wanted to get up close and personal to Queen Mary and King Frederik X in...

FUEL CRISIS CABINET

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used a visit to Burnie to outline new steps to manage fuel security. Mr Albanese announced a snap national cabinet meeting to be held virtually from Hobart today to co-ordinate states and territories on fuel security and...

HAIL MARY AT THE ‘G

Might the Tasmanian Devils sign up Queen Mary as their number one fan for their 2028 debut in the AFL competition? Mary herself appeared to promote the possibility after she kicked a goal, with grace, at the MCG on Tuesday. A long-time Carlton...

IN PEAK FITNESS

After almost a year of training, Tasmanian father-and-son duo Blake and James Repine are set to depart for Nepal to tackle two Himalayan summits in a bid to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation following wife and mum Shannon’s diagnosis with...

DOUBLE DELIGHT AS STRESS MULTIPLIES

For Ella Helman it is pure magic to watch her identical twin sons playing together. She and husband Michael never planned on having three children, so she was surprised to be told she would be having twins. Ms Helman said it was a “big balancing act”...

CREATURE COMFORTS

The scientist leading a push to resurrect the thylacine expects to make a major breakthrough in the ambitious project this year, saying a complete genome could hold the key to “de-extincting” the famous Tasmanian marsupial. Colossal Biosciences, a...

JEWEL IN THE TOWN

Incoming Tasmania JackJumpers and Jewels boss Trent Jacobs says the establishment of the state’s WNBL team was a key part of why he was attracted to the role. On Tuesday, Mr Jacobs – the former CEO of A-League giants Melbourne Victory – was confirmed...

TRANSPORT TANGLE

Plans for a new Derwent ferry terminal at Lindisfarne have sparked warnings nearby streets could become commuter car parks if dedicated bus links aren’t introduced. Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley says the popular ferry service risks worsening...

TASTES AND COLOURS OF THE VALLEY

The celebration of some of the Apple Isle’s best produce, art and entertainment continues today at A Taste of the Huon in Ranelagh, including a performance by a hit Aussie rock band of the ’70s and ’80s.

MINISTER’S $300K BILL

The government has revealed that Racing Minister Jane Howlett (right) has racked up a taxpayer-funded legal bill of more than $300,000 in the past 32 months – but will not disclose what the bill is for. Opposition parties have called on the under-fire...

TIME TO PEDAL HELMETS

Free coffee, discounted helmets and lifesaving advice are all on offer in Hobart this weekend as Kidsafe Tasmania launches a fresh push to stop preventable head injuries in children. The safety body will kickstart its “Helmet Up. Helmet On.” crusade...

TEACHER NAP-BAN

Tasmanian teachers have slapped a ban on conducting NAPLAN testing across the state’s public schools as their wage dispute with the state government intensifies. The national assessment program, which aims to measure literacy and numeracy progress...

ROCKY SWINGS AXE FESTIVAL SAVVY B VISION OF SOUNDS IS BACK LUXURY

$3.50 hoBarT 25C WedneSday, MarCh 4, 2026 The Department of State Growth will be scrapped and replaced by a new “Building Tasmania” agency, with 250 jobs cut as the state government focuses a pared-down bureaucracy on driving economic opportunities...

UNLOCK TASSIE’S FUTURE

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says surplus defence land at Hobart’s Dowsing Point has the potential to ease the housing crisis and has called on the federal government to work with him to build the city’s newest suburb. More than a dozen Department of...

TWIRLY JUNGLE PICNIC

Beloved children’s entertainer Emma Memma will sing and dance her way across Tasmania as part of her upcoming Jungle Picnic tour. Tickets are selling fast for an epic island adventure Emma is “so excited” to bring to the Apple Isle.

TRACKING A BRILLIANT CAREER

The Hobart Track Classic is set to make its highly anticipated return to our shores on today after a 10year hiatus with Tassie sprinter Jacob Despard and 17 other Olympians poised to headline a packed line-up of track talent. It is one of four track...

GREEN SHOOTS

Work has begun on an ambitious $300m project to transform a city block into a thriving cultural and commercial hub, as Mona offshoot DarkLab endeavours to complete the Hanging Garden precinct in time for the arrival of the Macquarie Point stadium in...

A FULL CUP OF GLAMOUR

Friends Mary Walters and Amelia Gleeson, racing royalty Gai Waterhouse and a huge crowd poured in for the 162nd Launceston Cup at Mowbray yesterday, to see Asva take out the 2400m signature event ahead of Zulu Angel and Distrustful Award.

LAWS IN CROSSHAIRS

The Tasmanian government is under increasing pressure from political opponents, police, and gun control advocates to sign up to Canberra’s new firearm reforms and buyback scheme, with states and territories given until March to commit to the...

WHISKY BUSINESS MOVES IN

Homegrown whisky producer Derwent Distillery has launched a Battery Point tasting room on Hampden Rd, showcasing the family-owned distillery’s liquor expertise locally. Founders Robbie and Emma Gilligan crafted their spirits on the banks of River...

IN 25 SAILORS RESCUED REGATTA EMERGENCY

Twenty-five young sailors were plucked from the River Derwent during a dramatic rescue effort after yachts capsized in strong winds on Sunday. Two rescue helicopters conducted grid searches as far south as Opossum Bay and to Blackmans Bay for the...

BETS ARE OFF

Greyhound racing has been suspended in Tasmania as a kennel cough outbreak afflicts dogs across the industry and the state’s racing regulator faces accusations of not responding quickly enough. On Thursday, Tasracing notified industry participants of...

NEW YEAR GALLOPS INTO VIEW

Students from Tasmania Chinese School will bring colour and movement to Sunday’s Lunar New Year celebrations, as the 12th annual event returns with equine flair. In the Year of the Fire Horse, 2026 Lunar New Year chairman James Lee said a cultural...