An archaeological excavation is approved at the site where one of Tasmania's most divisive colonial figures once lived, sparking concerns Aboriginal "spirits" will be disturbed by the dig.

In a matter of weeks more than 50,000 virtual signatures have been added to an online petition supporting the formation of a Tasmanian AFL team, but it is unlikely to be enough to sway the AFL executive, writes Chris Rowbottom.

With the September deadline for practical completion of the Royal Hobart Hospital's new K-block redevelopment expired, the Government "needs to be upfront with Tasmanians" as to when it will be operational, Labor says.

The Liberals' plan to open up World Heritage Area and national parks to more tourism developments has been contentious from day one now, it has attracted the attention of Tasmania's auditor-general.

Jorgen Jorgenson visited Van Diemen's Land when it was first settled 20 years later he would return as a convict and former self-proclaimed king of Iceland.

DAILY BRIEFING: A motorist is fined $963 and has had his car clamped for 28 days after allegedly being caught driving 172 kilometres per hour, and the University of Tasmania engages a "reputation protection" consultancy group.

DAILY BRIEFING: A Tasmanian architect releases concept plans for an AFL stadium at Mac Point, and Hobart's Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds survives a no-confidence vote during a heated meeting.

DAILY BRIEFING: More Nazi Nazi memorabilia goes under the hammer, and Tasmania becomes the second highest performing state in the country economically.

When Molly Sandford's construction worker ex-husband was told to have a "cup of cement" and "harden up" it was the last thing he needed. After losing him to suicide, she's determined to help others in the sector get the support they need.

A bushfire burning north of Hobart could pose a threat to the city's suburbs and critical infrastructure if uncontrolled, a fire officer warns, as Tasmania prepares for hot weather and strong winds over the next few days.

A public servant improperly awarded, or attempted to influence, millions of dollars' worth of government contracts for the benefit of a close friend, an inquiry finds.

DAILY BRIEFING: A fire that started north of Bothwell two days ago has been upgraded to emergency level, with firefighters pulling out because it is too dangerous.

DAILY BRIEFING: Firefighters downgrade the alerts for four bushfires which are burning out of control north of Hobart and in a shack area of the Central Highlands.

The redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital continues to be beset with problems, the latest involving $1 million in construction damage.

DAILY BRIEFING: Almost 30 tourism operators have received breach notices for missing parks passes, and a Tasmanian Senator acknowledges "shocking" aged care findings.

A woman has been left in shock and with a deep distrust of cyber security laws after her ex-boyfriend used an app to control her car and stalk her.

Paramedics will return patients to ambulances for care if they are waiting more than half an hour in the ramping area of the Royal Hobart Hospital.

South Australia's fishing industry is "banding together" to make sure the WA Government's plan to take control of a portion of the rock lobster catch does not also happen in its state.

The South Australian Government is looking at banning single-use plastic products such as straws and cutlery in a bid to lead the nation in another anti-littering cause.

FOI documents also reveal the Federal Government knows the process is creating division in small towns and causing some businesses to be boycotted.

AFL star Eddie Betts again becomes the target of "abhorrent and disgusting" racial abuse on social media, with the Crows releasing a strident statement demanding an end to what it said was the cowardly behaviour.

Survivors of sexual assault in regional Australia are driving for hours to access forensic medical examinations, even though any GP or nurse can be trained to administer them.

Power is being restored to Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia as authorities consider shutting off power to the Mount Lofty Ranges in response to extreme fire danger conditions in the area.

It has been described as "a little peculiar" but the 18-hole Nullarbor Links outback golf course is growing in popularity with tourists and golfers from all corners of the globe.

Ground-penetrating radar technology has discovered multiple unmarked graves at an old Aboriginal mission cemetery in south-west Victoria.

Regional Express Airlines says a video of what is claimed to be a rusty propeller shaft on one of its planes does not actually show corrosion, with CASA saying it had "no current issues" with the safety of Rex aircraft.

South Australia's Treasurer announces the Government will lower the land tax rate by more than planned but will continue with its controversial plan to raise more money from large property owners.

The Barossa Valley is recognised for its wine and tourism, but some bird species are beginning to disappear because of habitat fragmentation and noisy miners.

Two fire incidents in regional South Australia are under control after temperatures soared across the state. A fuel tanker rolled on the Eyre Highway earlier today, and CFS crews have contained a grass fire at Lewiston.

Hundreds of thousands of eggs are removed from the shelves of supermarkets across four states following an outbreak of salmonella cases linked to an exotic strain of the bacteria.

Authorities could order the destruction of hundreds of thousands of chickens at a Victorian poultry farm, after the detection of a rare strain of salmonella at the property sparked a massive supermarket egg recall.

A Federal Court ruling in the United States in favour of a man suffering from cancer has turned the spotlight again to one of the most commonly used global chemicals.

This year's Budget reflects a horrific summer of natural disasters, with increased support for natural disasters and drought relief.

Accompanied by police, Premier Daniel Andrews takes part in a sod-turning ceremony at the site of the future Bendigo Islamic Community Centre, declaring goodwill had won out over "some pretty dark views".

The lockdown of a youth correctional facility in central Victoria continues after two alleged violent attacks on staff in as many days saw workers walk off the job.

Costs are eroding Australian dairy farmers profit and hitting confidence, with the number of farmers positive about the industry the lowest in 15 years. Poor seasonal conditions are mostly to blame, with high feed and irrigation water costs.

As congregations dwindle in small country towns, priests and ministers are taking to the road to service multiple small communities.

Wellington Shire Council in Victoria's Gippsland region gives eligible farmers $700 pre-loaded debit cards to provide some financial relief and stimulate the local economy.

A Victorian vet believes he has found a solution to one of the wool industry's biggest hurdles: surgical mulesing.

Emergency services are continuing to search for a young man and woman who went missing in eastern Victoria almost a week ago.

Crucial cattle herd genetics have been lost in a fire that destroyed 100 cryogenic cylinders of cattle semen in south-east Victoria overnight.

An offshore wind farm proposed for regional Victoria will power almost a fifth of the state's electrical needs, but coastal residents says they are concerned about rising costs and fishing exclusion zones.

Victoria finally has a permanent kangaroo pet food program, but farmers are concerned red tape will result in carcasses left to rot in paddocks.

A proposal to build a lead battery smelter in the Latrobe Valley has sparked health concerns among the local community. The nearest house is little more than a kilometre from the site, as is a school.