By Steven Trask
Good morning Canberra
It's much of the same on the weather front today.
A low of minus 3 degrees to start the day and a maximum of 16 degrees. At least it's the weekend tomorrow, and you don't need to feel so bad about staying in bed a little longer to keep warm.
Here's the news.
John Lloyd faces inquiry
A second complaint has come to light concern outgoing public service boss John Lloyd. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
The federal government office responding to claims of misconduct involving the public service commissioner has decided to launch an investigation into a second complaint about John Lloyd.
In an email sent in June and seen by Fairfax Media, a complainant alleged Mr Lloyd breached a code of conduct when writing to the head of a right-wing think tank in October.
The complainant on June 3 asked the former acting merit protection commissioner Mark Davidson to investigate the email and alleged it breached the public service's code of conduct.
Giralang shops wait almost over
A 3D artist's impression of the Giralang shops redevelopment, which includes a supermarket and 50 residential apartments.
The 13-year wait for a shopping centre in Giralang is almost over.
Planning Minister Mick Gentleman has fast-tracked and approved a four-storey, mixed-use development at the site.
The old Giralang shops closed in 2005, with the site subject to four failed redevelopment bids since then. One proposal was approved in 2011, but later halted by High Court challenges from three surrounding supermarkets, and eventually scrapped.
Former NT chief sounds a warning on territory rights
Former Northern Territory Chief Minister Marshall Perron.Credit: Brendan Esposito
The former Northern Territory chief minister who was instrumental in legalising voluntary euthanasia has warned it could take years to lift restrictions on the territories if the latest push to repeal Andrews Bill falls over.
Marshall Perron has also urged the ACT's parliament to adjourn while the Senate debates restoring the territory's right to make laws on assisted dying next month, and head across to Parliament House to shake some trees.
He said while there was a lot going on behind the scenes ahead of the vote, those who felt strongly about restoring territory rights had only weeks to "badger" their federal MPs to support it.
Federal Labor takes over smear investigation
A new document making allegations against Kel Watt has surfaced.
The Labor party's national executive committee will appoint a solicitor to oversee an investigation into the smear campaign against one of the party's preselection candidates.
The decision replaces the original plan to have the distribution of flyers and documents making allegations against Kel Watt investigated by a panel of three former MLAs and MPs.
The smear campaign against Mr Watt stepped up a notch this week, after a flyer making personal allegations against the greyhound lobbyist was sent to female party members last week.
Keep your eyes peeled for this blood red moon
A blood moon will be visible in Canberra on Saturday morning. Credit: AP
Get set for a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event on Saturday morning.
It's worth getting up early for.
About 4.30am, before sunrise, a shadow will start to creep across the moon. Bite by bite, the white orb will be consumed in shadow – and appear to turn a dark, blood red.
Today's cartoon
David Pope editorial cartoon for Friday, July 27.Credit: David Pope