Qatar Airways has announced it will begin flights to Canberra.
TODAY'S TOP STORIES
- Canberra is set to get a new direct international flight, with Qatar Airlines announcing the capital as one of its new destinations.
- An imminent tightening of security at Parliament House threatens to deny public access to its signature sloping lawns, as authorities worry about the building's vulnerability to a terrorist attack.
- As the government moves to a compromise on the backpacker tax, a decision to force backpackers to provide pay slips has already affected the flow of workers to local farms.
- Consumer and Competition Commissioner Rod Simms has pleaded with the 800 public servants in his agencies to forget about the unfair treatment they have received and accept a pay deal.
- A Canberra lawyer has gone on trial in the ACT Supreme Court, accused of fraudulently obtaining thousands in legal fees for a murder conspiracy case.
- In Sport, Anna Flanagan's family and teammates have rallied behind the popular Hockeyroos defender as she takes a break from the overwhelming "surveillance" she is said to endure.
TRAFFIC
9.15am: After some investigation, it seems a pesky automatic fire alarm was likely to blame for that building evacuation on Marcus Clarke Street this morning.
8.30am: There are three fire engines on Marcus Clarke Street in the city and people appear to have been evacuated from nearby buildings. We're chasing details.
8.35am: Police tell us there has been a two-car crash on Kellet Street and Isabella Drive in Gowrie. They don't think it's causing much trouble with traffic as both cars are off the road.
8.05am: Police say Tuggeranong Parkway is clear after that two-car crash and believe the traffic build-up should be easing.
7.32am: We've had reports that a two-vehicle crash on the on-ramp between Cotter Road and Tuggeranong Parkway is causing significant delays. Police say it's blocking two lanes: one on the on-ramp and another on Tuggeranong Parkway, northbound. They urge people to choose another route if possible.
If you see any accidents or have any info on the morning commute, let us know whenever it is safe to do so. Email morningblog@canberratimes.com.au or tweet us @canberratimes.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Sections of Parramatta Street in Phillip will be closed until tomorrow.
The southbound lane of Flemington Road in Gungahlin will be closed from Well Station Drive to Morriset Road until December 3.
WHAT'S ON TODAY:
See original works by celebrated author-artist Jeannie Baker from her new book Circle, which follows the migratory route of the Godwit from Alaska to Australia and New Zealand. Showing at CMAG until February.
Head to Nishi Gallery to see a new exhibition explore our planet from an aerial perspective. South Coast artist Nicole Grimm-Hewitt's down_to_earth is open until December 11.
Memory of the World in Canberra is an opportunity to learn about the long history Canberra shares with the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme for safeguarding documentary heritage. Canberra Museum and Gallery, runs until March 2017.
TODAY'S CARTOON:
Touch or click through for the most recent David Pope.
WEATHER
Today: Partly cloudy. Medium (40%) chance of showers this afternoon and evening, as well as the chance of a thunderstorm. Max 26.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Slight (30%) chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and early evening. Min 10, max 29.
Thursday: Slight (20%) chance of a shower in the morning. Mostly sunny afternoon. Light winds. Min 12, Max 30.
