+ No word from department over coroner's drowning report—The Education Department is still preparing its response to a coroner's findings in relation to the death of grade 9 student Rene Levi. [Link to media...

+ Opposition pledge to stop power bill rise—Households and small businesses would be spared a rise in electricity bills due to the carbon tax under the state Liberal budget to be announced on Tu...

+ Big turn-out expected at protest rally—Circular Head Mayor Darryl Quilliam expects at least 3000 people to attend a rally at Smithton today protesting against the closure of 15 tracks in th...

+ Chopper crash survivors remember—It has been almost 10 years since Kelvin Howe and Pat Frost miraculously survived a helicopter crash in the Central Plateau. [Link to media]

+ 71 kmh in school zone: Driver given a caution—A mainland driver caught travelling at almost twice the speed limit in a school zone has been let off with a caution. [Link to media]

+ 71 km/h in school zone: Speeding driver given a caution—A MAINLAND driver caught travelling at almost twice the speed limit in a school zone has been let off with a caution. [Link to media]

+ Indigenous round talk of the town—THE Tasmanian Aboriginal community was determined to enjoy a full day of celebrations in Launceston yesterday by combining Aurora Stadium hosting the ...

+ Chloe's way back—When Launceston girl Chloe Cunningham was suddenly struck down with a severe illness and was paralysed from the waist down, her family was baffled. Ho...

+ Fire razes vacant Mayfield house—A FIRE destroyed a vacant Mayfield house on Friday night leaving an estimated $130,000 damage bill. [Link to media]

+ Looking back in wonder—It has been almost 10 years since Kelvin Howe and Pat Frost miraculously survived a helicopter crash in the Central Plateau. They spoke to MATT MALONE...

+ Love comes full cycle for local lad—REIGNING Olympic and world champion sprint cyclist Victoria Pendleton is Britain's glamorous golden girl, an athlete who graces Britain's sporting and...

+ Quilliam expects big turnout at protest rally—CIRCULAR Head Mayor Darryl Quilliam expects at least 3000 people to attend a rally at Smithton today protesting against the closure of 15 tracks in th...

+ Bears inspired by pet shih-tzu—MINIATURE bear maker Karen Alderson says the tiny characters that she creates are inspired by one of her dogs - a shih-tzu. [Link to media]

+ Opposition promises to stop bill rise—HOUSEHOLDS and small businesses would be spared a rise in electricity bills due to the carbon tax under the state Liberal budget to be announced on Tu...

+ State wine industry ripe for investment—A LEADING international wine magazine has named Tasmania the second best place in the world to invest in the industry, strengthening a government init...

+ Hawks soaring after a stunning victory—AN eight-goal, unanswered, second-quarter burst by Hawthorn blew the game wide open in yesterday's AFL clash against Fremantle and set up a convincing...

+ Footy fever in Franklin's blood—AS AFL superstar Lance Franklin celebrated his 150th match in Launceston yesterday, his slightly more publicity-shy namesake father was among the many...

+ NTFL reigns supreme over SFL—THE Northern Tasmanian Football League has regained the mantle of the top regional competition in the state after a 24-point win against the SFL at Ul...

+ Losing Blues suffer more injuries—LAUNCESTON lost its second game of the State League season and suffered injuries to two more key players after going down to Clarence by 20 points at ...

+ Demons still undefeated after win—PERENNIAL grand finalist Motton Preston is the only unbeaten team left in the North Western Football Association competition, after beating Forth by 3...

+ Hawthorn beats Fremantle by 56 points—Hawthorn has put in a dominant display against Fremantle today to win by 56 points in front of 12,959 people at Aurora Stadium. [Link to media]

+ Hawthorn leads by 51 points at half time—Hawthorn has blown Fremantle out of the water with a dominant eight goal to two second quarter in their AFL match at Aurora Stadium this afternoon. [L...

+ Franklin after a 'bit of polish'—Hawthorn coach Alistair Clarkson is more upbeat about Lance Franklin's goalkicking after a week of focus on the star forward's accuracy for today's m...

+ Premier hits back at budget criticism—The Premier has hit back over criticism of her budget by challenging the Opposition to match her commitment of returning the state's finances to surpl...

+ $130,000 house fire in Mayfield—An overnight fire in Mayfield has caused damage estimated at $130,000. [Link to media]

+ 'Business as usual' in North as Retravision nears collapse—Northern Tasmania's Retravision stores say it is "business as usual'' despite the electrical retailer's buying arm being on the brink of collapse. [Li...

+ Former Bass MHA vying for Liberal Senate spot—Former Bass MHA David Fry and former senior Liberal adviser Don Morris are among the party's Senate candidate nominations for the next federal electio...

+ Government divided over forestry—Minority government partners Labor and the Greens appear divided on how money set aside for the state's ailing government business Forestry Tasmania s...

+ Burglary probe led to $50,000 drug haul—The investigation into an alleged burglary at Latrobe led police to a $50,000 cache of methylamphetamine, Devonport detectives have said. [Link to med...

+ 'One last chance' for forestry peace—A KEY industry group is giving the forestry peace negotiations "one last chance'' after peak environment groups distanced themselves from anti-logging...

+ Tough TCCI audience for Premier—Premier Lara Giddings faced tough questions about her second budget at yesterday's TCCI luncheon in Launceston. [Link to media]

+ Graveside tributes must go—A ceramic angel stands watch over one plaque at Launceston's Carr Villa Memorial Park, and another is decorated with a simple coloured glass vase. The...

+ Gun feud: the suburban showdown—It's the feud that has seen shots fired into a suburban house while two adults and two children were inside. The same feud continued as two of the pro...

+ Tough TCCI audience—PREMIER Lara Giddings faced tough questions about her second budget at yesterday's TCCI luncheon in Launceston. [Link to media]

+ Burglary inquiry led to $50,000 drug haul—THE investigation into an alleged burglary at Latrobe led police to a $50,000 cache of methylamphetamine, Devonport detectives have said. [Link to med...

+ `One last chance' for forestry peace—A KEY industry group is giving the forestry peace negotiations ``one last chance'' after peak environment groups distanced themselves from anti-loggin...

+ Government divided over FT funding—MINORITY government partners Labor and the Greens appear divided on how money set aside for the state's ailing government business Forestry Tasmania s...

+ Former Bass MHA vying for Liberal Senate spot—FORMER Bass MHA David Fry and former senior Liberal adviser Don Morris are among the party's Senate candidate nominations for the next federal electio...

+ Elective surgery gloom deepens—NORTHERN Tasmanian elective surgery patients' hopes of their day in a theatre slipped further away with the state budget, says Launceston General Hosp...

+ Retravision `near collapse'—NORTHERN Tasmania's Retravision stores say it is ``business as usual'' despite the electrical retailer's buying arm being on the brink of collapse. [L...

+ Plibersek meets with Wilkie in Hobart—FEDERAL Health Minister Tanya Plibersek flew to Tasmania yesterday to talk about how to reverse state budget health cuts. [Link to media]

+ More drugs and labs but less arrests—POLICE uncovered a record number of drug labs in Tasmania last year, but commentators say the busts only had a temporary effect on illicit drug use. [...

+ Franklin after a `bit of polish'—HAWTHORN coach Alistair Clarkson is more upbeat about Lance Franklin's goalkicking after a week of focus on the star forward's accuracy for today's m...

+ Injury forces Finch to call it quits—LAUNCESTON full-forward Brian Finch has announced his retirement due to a lingering back problem. [Link to media]

+ Clarence to be crucial test—LAUNCESTON'S State League clash against Clarence at Bellerive Oval today will be its biggest test since a round 4 thrashing by Burnie. [Link to media]

+ Rebels bounce ahead with win over Devils Black—UNBEATEN LSBL leaders Rebels pulled further ahead of the pack with a 13-point win against second-placed Devils Black at the Elphin Sports Centre this ...

+ Launceston Tornadoes face talent-packed opponent—THE Launceston Tornadoes face a Dandenong side packed with WNBL talent at the Elphin Sports Centre tonight. [Link to media]

+ Record drug lab busts—Police uncovered a record number of drug labs in Tasmania last year, but commentators say the busts only had a temporary effect on illicit drug use. [...

+ Giddings faces budget grilling—Premier Lara Giddings faced tough questions about her second budget at today's TCCI luncheon in Launceston. [Link to media]

+ Labor, Greens split on Forestry Tas—Minority government partners Labor and the Greens appear divided on how money set aside for the state's ailing government business Forestry Tasmania s...

+ Libs name Senate contenders—Former Bass MHA David Fry and former senior Liberal adviser Don Morris are among the party's Senate candidate nominations for the next federal electio...

+ Industry returns to forest peace talks—A key industry player has returned to the forestry peace negotiations. [Link to media]

+ Timber industry returns to forest peace talks—A key industry player has returned to the forestry peace negotiations.

+ Men on burglary, drug, firearm charges—Two North-West Coast men have been charged in relation to an alleged burglary at the Axemen's Hall of Fame at Latrobe earlier this week. [Link to medi...

+ Schools closing, but $1 million to reduce carbon footprint—Schools prepared to close, merge or co-locate are being enticed with $3.5 million over the next two years.

+ Quarantine from cuts 'half a win'—The Police Association of Tasmania has described the State Government's decision to spare police from any further budget cuts as a ``half win''. [Link...

+ Baffling Mia pulls off hairy escape—Doctors were baffled when four-month-old Mia Jackman presented at the Launceston General Hospital with unexplained red and swollen toes. [Link to medi...

+ Eslake: Giddings abandons austerity—LARA Giddings's second budget marks a retreat from the austerity that was the defining characteristic of her first.

+ Baffling Mia pulls of hairy escape—Doctors were baffled when four-month-old Mia Jackman presented at the Launceston General Hospital with unexplained red and swollen toes. [Link to medi...

+ Giddings abandons austerity—LARA Giddings's second budget marks a retreat from the austerity that was the defining characteristic of her first.

+ No pathway to better times: Libs—A BAD budget for Tasmanians with no pathway to better times - that was Opposition Leader Will Hodgman's verdict. [Link to media]

+ Carrot for schools to close or merge—SCHOOLS prepared to close, merge or co-locate are being enticed with $3.5 million over the next two years. [Link to media]

+ Brace for 1000 more job cuts, says union—UNIONS representing public sector workers are bracing for further jobs cuts. [Link to media]

+ Quarantine from cuts `half a win'—THE Police Association of Tasmania has described the State Government's decision to spare police from any further budget cuts as a ``half win''. [Link...

+ More taxes and cuts with a dose of debt—Bigger taxes, deeper cuts and net debt are spelt out in the 2012 Tasmanian budget as the state government struggles to deal with plunging revenues and...

+ Assumptions for budget don't add up—IT is no surprise that Premier Lara Giddings has attempted to sugar coat her budget for battlers and ease up slightly on the austerity drive.

+ $110m for Forestry Tasmania—MORE than $110 million has been set aside to help Forestry Tasmania as the state decides what to do with its ailing government business enterprise.

+ Residents blast traffic confusion—THE Launceston City Council's black spot program along Talbot Road has been criticised for exacerbating rather than fixing traffic problems. [Link to...

+ Council makes its rubbish go further—LAUNCESTON'S rubbish has a new home. This week will see the completion of the first stage of a $33 million expansion at the Launceston City Council ti...

+ Docker adjusts to coach Lyon's style—LIFE is certainly different at Fremantle under Ross Lyon. The arrival of the former St Kilda boss has seen a new defensive focus for Freo. [Link to me...

+ Blues hope scan clears key defender—LAUNCESTON hopes a scan on Gary Shipton's knee injury next week will reveal medial ligament damage rather than a torn anterior cruciate. [Link to me...

+ Crichton looming for a spot with Dockers—GREG Broughton believes his Tasmanian teammate Jesse Crichton will be a chance for a senior game at the Dockers sooner rather than later. [Link to med...

+ Veteran swimmer warms to cold waters—LAUNCESTON veteran swimmer Rod Fenner braved the waters of Lake Trevallyn yesterday for this photo - but it was nothing compared to his swim in the fr...

+ Tassie hurdler clears path to relay glory—TASMANIAN athlete Tristan Thomas ran ``like a man possessed'' to take a giant leap towards the Olympic Games yesterday. [Link to media]

+ State Budget: Join in our live blog!—Join in our live blog from 4pm today with representatives from the three major political parties and Professor David Adams. [Link to media]

+ Premier's precarious balancing act—Premier Lara Giddings says her 2012 budget strikes the right balance between dealing with diving revenue and protecting the most vulnerable Tasmanians...

+ State Budget: At a glance—Today's state budget at a glance. [Link to media]

+ 2012-13 State Budget speech—The full text of the 2012-13 budget speech delivered in the House of Assembly by the Treasurer Lara Giddings. [Link to media]

+ 2012-13 state budget speech—The full text of the 2012-13 budget speech delivered in the House of Assembly by the Treasurer Lara Giddings. [Link to media]

+ Taxes on the way up, public sector job cuts—Tasmania is headed for net debt for the first time in nine years as the state government continues to deal with falling revenues and rising costs in i...

+ How will today's budget affect you?—Coverage of today's State Budget online from 3pm today.

+ Clumsy gunman takes a hit and runs—A pub patron allegedly pulled a gun on another man and then dropped it when he was punched in the mouth at a Ravenswood hotel yesterday afternoon. [Li...

+ Tasracing a 'burden' on state: inquiry—Supporting the state's racing administration body is a "significant and ongoing cost burden'' on taxpayers, a parliamentary inquiry has concluded. [Li...

+ No prize for you, you're Tasmanian—Competition fineprint has robbed Punchbowl man Chris Atkins of a $5000 dream trip to Los Angeles. [Link to media]

+ Four-term school year in 2013: McKim—Tasmania is a step closer to moving to a four-term school year following a ruling from the Tasmanian Industrial Commission yesterday. [Link to media]

+ State set to move to four-term school year—Tasmania is a step closer to moving to a four-term school year following a ruling from the Tasmanian Industrial Commission yesterday. [Link to media]

+ Challen tells of state cash drain—Former state Treasury head Don Challen has questioned the running down of cash reserves normally set aside for public sector pensions to instead fill ...

+ School terms victory claimed—THE state government has claimed a Tasmanian Industrial Commission ruling _ that it has no power to rule _ is a victory in its push for four school te...

+ Winner loses prize for being Tasmanian—COMPETITION fineprint has robbed Punchbowl man Chris Atkins of a $5000 dream trip to Los Angeles. [Link to media]

+ Water divide shows no sign of receding—A $7 MILLION pipeline is closer to becoming a reality for Lilydale but consensus on the treated water it will pump is still a long way off. [Link to m...

+ Energy jury out over price shifts—Time will tell if the state government's energy plan will drive down Tasmanian power prices, according to one of the experts who provided advice. [Lin...

+ Demand election date now, says Gray—FORMER Tasmanian premier Robin Gray has urged the Legislative Council to seek an immediate meeting with Premier Lara Giddings to demand a firm electio...

+ Jobs could be lost in council's cost drive—THE Launceston City Council's cost cutting exercise could see positions dissolve as staff leave but no ``massive redundancy'' program, Launceston Mayo...

+ Funds raised for LGH specialty equipment—SERVICE clubs have joined forces to provide Northern lymphoedema patients with access to specialised treatment equipment not usually found in the stat...

+ West has no regrets on forestry—PROFESSOR Jonathan West does not regret getting involved in the forestry peace process, despite the personal attacks being worse than he expected. [Li...

+ Financial stress creates distance from society—FINANCIAL strain is leading to social exclusion and worry about the future, according to new social data released yesterday. [Link to media]

+ Tasracing a `burden' on state: inquiry—SUPPORTING the state's racing administration body is a ``significant and ongoing cost burden'' on taxpayers, a parliamentary inquiry has concluded. [L...

+ AFL Tasmania recruits new board faces—TWO high-profile Tasmanian administrators have been appointed to the board of AFL Tasmania. [Link to media]

+ Healy pushes tennis goal—TENNIS Australia president Stephen Healy believes there is still plenty to do to promote the game to reach its target of having four million playing b...

+ Queechy to take on city players in tough game—QUEECHY Penguins take on their Launceston rivals this weekend in the Women's Greater Northern Hockey League. [Link to media]

+ Tough job looms for Launceston City—LAUNCESTON side Queechy Penguins has moved to the top of the Greater Northern Hockey League ladder on percentage after its solid win over South Launce...

+ Sulzberger sees early success—TASMANIAN cyclist Bernard Sulzberger has had a podium finish in the first round of the tour series in Great Britain. The series involves 10 criteriums...

+ Forestry talks likely to fail but stick with it: West—ALL parties to the fragile forestry negotiations should continue to persevere with the talks even though they are likely to fail, Professor Jonathan W...

+ Government to tackle 'secretive' child protection—GREATER collaboration between government agencies, reform of out-of-home care and legislative changes form part of the government's plan to continue i...

+ Yeandle's got talent—He's waited more than five years, auditioned for five different reality television shows and had countless knock-backs.

+ Minister outlines major energy shake-up—Resources Minister Bryan Green has today outlined how a major shake-up of Tasmania's energy market will work.

+ Police release armed robbery video—Police have released video footage of Sunday night's armed robbery of Davies Grand Central.

+ Gunns boss extends tenure, shares still on hold—Gunns Limited managing director Greg L'Estrange will stay on with the struggling forest company until at least the end of the year.

+ 'Sacked' police officer to return to work—A Hobart police officer who was sacked for drink driving while off duty last year will return to active duty soon.

+ Energy, child protection announcements due—The state government will make long-awaited announcements on its energy and child protection policies in Parliament today.

+ Fatal house fire in Rokeby—A 41 year-old woman has died in a house fire in the state's South this morning.

+ Man pleads not guilty to killing mother—A Newnham man has pleaded not guilty to murdering his mother at their Alanvale Road home last month.

+ Man pleads not guilty to mother's murder—A Newnham man has pleaded not guilty to murdering his mother at their Alanvale Road home last month.

+ Labor, Libs support falls, but Opposition still leads—Support for the state government has fallen marginally, according to an EMRS poll released this morning.

+ Council pauses on cuts to events funding—The Launceston City Council is likely to alter its proposed budget, which cut $130,000 from its events funding program.

+ Tasmanians to get choice on power supplier—Tasmanians will be able to choose their power supplier under sweeping reforms expected to be announced today by the state government.

+ Dean to table Regent Square petition—Windermere MLC Ivan Dean will today present a petition with about 1400 signatures to the Legislative Council against the proposed Regent Square develo...

+ Nod for demolition of Invermay wool store—Launceston aldermen have voted unanimously to demolish the former Tasmanian Woolgrowers agency store and the awning structures attached to the grain s...

+ Franklin to celebrate milestone at Aurora—LAUNCESTON will once again play host to a significant AFL milestone when Hawthorn takes on Fremantle at Aurora Stadium on Saturday.

+ How Tassie police cracked drug ring—Tasmanian intelligence led to a raid on a Victorian clandestine drug lab, busting an alleged cross-state drug ring and preventing $2 million in methyl...

+ Industry award to North's Chromy—JOSEF Chromy was recognised for his significant contribution to the state's hospitality industry at Wrest Point in Hobart last night.

+ Green light for irrigation scheme—THE $104 million Midlands Water Scheme has received final approval.

+ Council nod for demolition of Invermay wool store—LAUNCESTON aldermen have voted unanimously to demolish the former Tasmanian Woolgrowers agency store and the awning structures attached to the grain s...

+ Education spared from harsh budget—EDUCATION Department cuts in the state budget this week are expected to be limited because Tasmania received additional designated funding from the Co...

+ Dean set to present petition—INDEPENDENT Windermere MLC Ivan Dean will today present a petition to Parliament with about 1400 signatures to the Legislative Council against the pro...

+ Application filed on Gay insider trading charges—COUNSEL for former Gunns chairman John Gay have filed an application for preliminary proceedings on his trial for insider trading charges.

+ Hunt on for alleged armed robber—POLICE are still searching for a man who allegedly robbed a Launceston 24-hour store at gunpoint on Sunday night.

+ Police confirm man shot in Devonport—TASMANIA Police has confirmed an incident at the intersection of James and Gunn streets in Devonport on Saturday was a shooting.

+ Workers seek help to protect children—CHILD protection workers will begin industrial action this month unless the state government commits to hiring at least another 20 staff.

+ Franklin backed to find the goals—MELBOURNE _ Hawthorn utility Shaun Burgoyne has defended star AFL teammate Lance Franklin, describing him as a ``one-off'' who will fix his goal-kick...

+ Avoca to reminisce about `good old days'—FORMER players, supporters and committee members of the Avoca Football Club are invited to attend a reunion at Evandale on Saturday.

+ Olympic dream on hold for Fry—LAUNCESTON mountainbiker Rowena Fry's Olympic dream remains on hold after she finished outside the top 50 in the penultimate round of the cross-countr...

+ Speedy Saints blow away the Blues—MELBOURNE _ St Kilda goalsneak Stephen Milne led a pacy attack which cut Carlton apart last night as the Saints capped a round in which the AFL's pa...

+ Runners put best foot forward at cross-country titles—THERE were nerves, adrenaline rushes and muddy shoes as about 350 budding young running stars stood at the start line at the Northern Midlands cro...

+ Council reviews events funding budget cut—THE Launceston City Council is likely to alter its proposed budget, which had cut $130,000 from Launceston City Council's events funding program.

+ Power reforms to give Tasmanians more choice—TASMANIANS will be able to choose their power supplier under sweeping reforms expected to be announced today by the state government.

+ New party role for White—LYONS Labor MHA Rebecca White says she wants to improve her government's relationship with party members in becoming the ALP's youngest ever state pr...

+ Alleged killer faces court—A Waverley man charged with murder has appeared in the Launceston Magistrates Court this afternoon.

+ Gay fronts court on insider trading charges—Former Gunns chairman John Gay appeared at the Supreme Court in Launceston this morning on insider trading charges.

+ Go-ahead for $104m Midland water project—The $104 million Midlands Water Scheme has been given final approval with construction ready to begin.

+ Green light for $104m Midland water project—The $104 million Midlands Water Scheme has been given final approval with construction ready to begin.

+ Major crime operation cracked: police allege—A police task force has allegedly disrupted a major crime operation, resulting in the seizure of more than $2 million worth of drugs, a large cache of...

+ Man charged with murder—Police have charged a Waverley man with murder for allegedly fatally stabbing a man at Kings Meadows on Saturday night.

+ Police hunt armed robber—Launceston Police are hunting a balaclava-clad man who robbed Davies Grand Central in Launceston at gun-point last night.

+ Plea against events funding cut—Launceston aldermen are being urged to vote against the Launceston City Council's proposed $130,000 cut to events funding in the 2012-13 budget today.

+ Senator-in-waiting seeks Launceston HQ—Peter Whish-Wilson will today begin searching for a Northern headquarters as he prepares to take over from retiring Tasmanian Greens Senator Bob Brown...

+ Coles deal on yoghurt allows expansion—Family business Tamar Valley Dairy will grow by 40 per cent after it signed a five-year contract with Coles to provide yoghurt for its home brand line...

+ Timing everything for bub in a hurry—ANNA Groves, of Prospect, was only 37 1/2 weeks pregnant and not expecting to give birth until May 30 so thought nothing of a planned Mother's Day lun...

+ Man stabbed to death, police allege—POLICE have yet to lay charges in the case of a 37-year-old Kings Meadows man who died yesterday after allegedly being stabbed in the chest following ...

+ Suspicious blaze findings go to police—THE Tasmania Fire Service says it has determined the cause of a suspicious house fire that resulted in $150,000 damage to a Ravenswood property on Sat...

Last new 20/5/12 8:41am.