Federal Liberal Leadership Ballot and Senate Sessions Headline Busy Friday in the Capital

High-Stakes Political Meetings Convene at Parliament House

Canberra serves as the center of intense political activity today, Friday, 13 February 2026, as the Federal Liberal Party prepares for a pivotal leadership ballot. A special party room meeting has been scheduled for 9:00 AM at Parliament House to decide the future direction of the opposition. The session follows a turbulent week in which high-profile frontbenchers, including Angus Taylor, resigned their positions to challenge the leadership of incumbent Sussan Ley.

The agenda for the morning meeting is expected to focus on a formal spill motion. Party insiders indicate that the vote comes amidst growing concerns over recent polling data and internal debates regarding the Coalition's policy direction. With at least ten shadow ministers having tendered their resignations in the lead-up to today's vote, the session represents a significant shift in the capital’s political landscape. Security and media presence around the Parliamentary Triangle have been heightened in anticipation of the result, which is expected to be announced shortly before noon.

Senate Committees Deliberate on Education and Foreign Affairs

Beyond the leadership drama, official government sessions continue in Canberra with two major Senate committee hearings taking place today. These sessions provide a platform for public inquiry and legislative scrutiny on national issues directly impacting the capital’s institutional and diplomatic sectors.

• Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee: Starting at 8:45 AM, the committee is holding a public hearing on the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025. This session is of particular interest to Canberra’s significant higher education sector, including the Australian National University and the University of Canberra, as it discusses the future of tertiary funding and oversight.
• Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee: At 8:00 AM, a hearing began regarding democracy and human rights in Myanmar. These deliberations, held in the heart of the capital's diplomatic district, involve testimony from various international observers and local advocacy groups.

Infrastructure Alert: Light Rail Stage 2A Construction

The ACT Government has also confirmed significant official activity regarding the city’s infrastructure. Starting at 8:00 PM tonight, a major construction blitz will commence on Commonwealth Avenue as part of the Light Rail Stage 2A project. This government-led activity involves the closure of the Parkes Way westbound ramp to Commonwealth Avenue southbound to facilitate essential bridge deck works.

Government officials have advised commuters to plan for detours via London Circuit East. These works are a critical component of the multi-year project to extend the light rail network to Commonwealth Park, reflecting the ongoing transformation of Canberra's central transport corridor. The activity is scheduled to continue throughout the weekend, with the site expected to be cleared by 6:00 AM on Monday morning.