Good morning, Canberra. There's a very high chance of rain this afternoon, with a top temperature of 18 degrees. Here's what's making news in the capital.

Budget's Curtin diplomatic estate funding puts government at odds with Canberra Liberals

Subscriber only: $600,000 has been earmarked to plan for a new diplomatic estate in Canberra, despite the local party promising to scuttle the deal.

The journalism you trust to keep you connected

Featured

Fast start key for Raiders says re-signed Soliola

Subscriber only: Canberra has received a major morale boost ahead of Friday's NRL sudden-death final against the Sydney Roosters.

Five things to do in Canberra this weekend

Our pick of what's happening - from Coin-Operated Queens to the Italian Film Festival, and a cultural dip into Lake Burley Griffin.

When private schools go rogue, who protects kids?

Opinion: The regulation of non-government schools is far too complicated. Let's streamline the system, writes Sarah Lansdown.

Ondine is a very welcome French bistro in Deakin

Restaurant review: We will head back to Ondine frequently and happily. It's a good addition to Canberra's dine-in scene.

Times Past

It's that time of the year again when Canberrans prepare for bushfire season. On this day 66 years ago, forestry workers and graziers were fighting bushfires in the Captains Flat area. The Canberra Times reported that one fire about 15 kilometres east of Captains Flat had burnt over 500 acres of the Tallaganda State Forest. The forester in charge at Queanbeyan, Mr Hyland, described the bushfire outlook as "very bad for this time of year". READ MORE