Big figure in Australian music-making slams ANU plans

One of the big figures in Australian music-making has slammed the proposed changes at the Australian National University as "Mickey Mouse". Steve Evans spoke with Larry Sitsky, after whom a room at the ANU school of music is named, who slammed the proposal as "useless". And if you haven't been paying close attention to the ANU story this week, Nieve Walton has an explainer to help you catch up.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr has defended ACT trade missions against an opposition attack he said amounted to little more than "rank political opportunism". Jasper Lindell reports Mr Barr led a four-person trade delegation to Japan this month dubbed a "junket" by the Canberra Liberals.

In opinion, Jack Waterford writes about this week's coronial inquest into the death of Northern Territory Indigenous man Kumanjayi Walker, shot by policeman Zachary Rolfe. The systemic racism identified among the NT police is nothing new, Waterford writes.

The Canberra Raiders are rallying around a club legend who is battling a rare tropical disease. Melanie Dinjaski reports on the plight of Sam Backo, one of the club's early heroes.

After an overnight low of 6, today looks to be a sunny one with a top of 13.

Have a great weekend.

John-Paul Moloney, managing editor