Canberra could face 'prolonged recession'

Chief Minister Andrew Barr says the ACT will not be able to guardrail the city's economy against plans to axe 41,000 public service jobs in Canberra, warning cuts proposed by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton could trigger a prolonged recession, Eleanor Campbell reports.

Voters in neighbouring Eden-Monaro are among those turning their backs on the Coalition, according to exclusive polling commissioned by ACM and AAP.

Peter Dutton could be at risk of losing his own seat after a slide in support among his own Dickson constituents.

Labor is promising to boost funding for language schools if re-elected, reports Brittney Levinson, who has been travelling with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the campaign trail.

Rain looks set to return this weekend, with up to 8mm predicted for Saturday and a further 3-25mm on Sunday.

Scott Hannaford, The Canberra Times deputy editor