Too many Indigenous Australians die before getting to claim the age pension. We need to make retirement fairer
Indigenous Australians face a stark challenge: with a median age at death of just 63, around four years below pension eligibility, many never live long enough to claim the age pension, exposing deep retirement inequities.
LATEST >
Letter: Barnaby Joyce’s Comments Undermine Parliamentary Standards
Too many Indigenous Australians die before getting to claim the age pension. We need to make retirement fairer
1 in 8 households don’t have the money to buy enough food
Australia will soon have its own ‘centre for disease control’. Let’s not repeat the chaos of the US
OPINION >
1 in 8 households don’t have the money to buy enough food
Around one in eight Australian households, or 1.3 million people, could not afford enough food in 2023. Rising housing and energy costs are cutting into food budgets, forcing families to buy less nutritious food or skip meals.
Australia will soon have its own ‘centre for disease control’. Let’s not repeat the chaos of the US
Australia is moving toward a national CDC set to launch in 2026. To succeed, it must learn from the US by staying independent and transparent while protecting public health from political influence and bureaucratic chaos.
A tale of two hospitals
Reforming Australia’s migration to favour skilled workers, not family reunion
Video: You can now do videos! Plus PBS petition
You can now submit a video comment to New England Times Engage! RKC demonstrates…
IDEAS >
Tip: How to keep your cat’s litter box fresh and spring-ready
Freshen up your cat’s litter box this spring with simple, vet-approved tips from Breeder’s Choice. Keep odours away, your cat happy, and your home clean with sustainable, recycled paper litter.
Young food entrepreneurs are changing the face of rural America
Rural America is experiencing a culinary renaissance, with young, diverse residents driving growth in local food startups, shared kitchens, and innovative programs that connect agriculture, community, and entrepreneurship.
Why isn’t Australia securing its critical research?
UQ’s Dr Brendan Walker-Munro raises some questions about Australia lack of research security that has us left out of a new global network.
REGIONAL >
Begin Rant: Radiology deserts in regional NSW are a policy failure costing millions
An Open Letter to the Prime Minister – When the Bush Pays for the City’s Silence
COLUMNS >
Australia’s Tax System is Tilting Against the Young
Letter: Barnaby Joyce’s Comments Undermine Parliamentary Standards
Denise from Hillvue says: Barnaby Joyce’s crude, immature interjection during Question Time on September 4 was more than a poor choice of words. It was a…
Keep readingLetter: Trains’ needs need raising in parliament
Rick Banyard says the New England is being strangled by the lack of rail transport, yet Parliament raised barely a murmur. He urges MPs to get…
Keep readingLetter: business training offers inmates a fresh start
Patty Fulloon says training over 100 inmates at Glen Innes Correctional Centre has been the pinnacle of her 20-year career. She hopes community business leaders will…
Keep readingLetter: Thanks to our effective local member
I just wanted to say a quick thank you to our effective local member – New England Times. Certainly you’re achieving more than the blokes actually…
Keep readingLATEST COMMENTS >
Patricia C Worthington truth hurts.
Maureen DuckMedia: https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.1997-6/12809167_956512847731105_1216001380_n.png?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=23dd7b&_nc_ohc=u7sp71iTOs4Q7kNvwF8B77-&_nc_oc=AdmSrwWVoAKJ3KC3x5JVwQRpVrAiAphuATB3xyyPt4wt7WLylffm8fvc8RaVm0xsj78&_nc_zt=26&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&edm=AOerShkEAAAA&_nc_gid=Lc1G5hfa37hyKeNIZfVZ1g&oh=00_AfZQAUfU2oAN8uThK7n-qk7wOEDxv3ijCEos6Ry9KeHniw&oe=68D1EAC2
ENGAGE POLL >
EDITORIAL >
Engage Poll: Popcorn required for Parkes but Joyce easy retain in New England
The final Engage Poll is predicting a very similar result for New England as in 2022, but Parkes is hard to pick with significant regional variation and a huge anti-Dutton factor causing even loyal National supporters to rethink their vote.
Have your say in more ways on Engage
We’re improving the range of voices we have on New England Times Engage, and seeking regular contributors who would like to have their own column, as well as broadening the kinds of articles and letters.
SOCIAL ISSUES >
Mr Squiggle entertained Australia’s children for 40 years. Now, he’s back in the spotlight
For 40 years, Mr Squiggle turned children’s scribbles into magic with his pencil nose. Now, the beloved man from the Moon is back in the spotlight at the National Museum of Australia’s new exhibition.
ENVIRONMENT >
Independent inquiry must examine concerns with US beef import rules
Calls are growing for an independent review into US beef imports, with industry leaders raising concerns over biosecurity, testing, and transparency in the Government’s decision-making process.
SOLUTIONS >
How early testing for the flu could be the key to keeping families safe
Matthew Salihi, CEO of Touch Biotechnology says early detection at home can ease pressure on hospitals, reduce wait times, and help families manage flu, RSV and COVID-19 before symptoms escalate.
Childcare: When profit is the motivator, we should be worried
Erin Harper and Rachel Wilson argue a coordinated and cohesive approach to system design is needed deal with the issues in childcare.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT >
Begin Rant: We need fewer councils
RK Crosby argues that half the New England councils are too small to exist. Cue outrage… now.
Being on the right side of now
New England Greens member Elizabeth O’Hara argues that on Jillian Segal, antisemitism, and the Palestinian cause, it’s not a matter of being on the right side of history; it’s a matter of being on the right side of NOW.
QW: Tamworth nurse says management is the problem
Sammy from Tamworth says the reason nurses are miserable is the managers. A fish rots from the head. Why put more pressure on disillusioned nurses hanging in there by our teeth? It’s the bloody management!!
QW: Yaaay! Well done!
Deni from Armidale says: I can now say, on FB, that you are ‘open for business’…and ask if people would not only write to you, but hopefully donate a little. I’m sure there are many younger people than I who could afford a small weekly or fortnightly donation. 🤞🤞
QW: Why are we paying double for power?
Murray from Armidale says: Regarding electricity bills, is it fair that the daily service/connection fee of $2 for regional areas, including the New England, is double the $1 per day charged in urban areas such as Sydney and Newcastle? What are your thoughts?
QW: Why Does Barnaby Keep Winning?
Ray, who spent three decades working in regional Victoria and now lives in Melbourne, says the city–country divide is overstated and wonders why Barnaby Joyce continues to be re-elected.
QW: Quick wish for easier access to letters
As usual, my congratulations to your team for being first with the news. I was thinking last night that it would be amazing if you could put a link to Letters to the Editor just above the weather forecast. I often read down and forget to find the link to LTTE…a very important section of your paper. Is this possible?with many thanks, and keep up the good work. I’ll donate as often as possible. 👏👏Deni