Begin Rant: We never dealt with COVID and it shows
RK Crosby writes that according to a One Nation fan, she is responsible for fuel prices, his unemployment, whatever was wrong with his car, a court decision denying him custody of his children, the lack of staff at the front desk, the war with Iran, the general state of the world, and some sprawling conspiracy…
LATEST >
How should Australia handle ‘sovereign citizens’ clogging the courts?
Begin Rant: We never dealt with COVID and it shows
OPINION >
How should Australia handle ‘sovereign citizens’ clogging the courts?
Former magistrate David Heilpern writes so-called “sovereign citizens” are using nonsense legal arguments to tie up court systems. Here are some ideas about how to deal with it.
Opinion: What is it about the hat?
Kath Jacobs writes that a disturbing number of people are obsessed with Barnaby’s hat, and are missing the real issues.
Opinion: A conversation our community needs
Begin Rant: Where art thou, Barnaby?
Opinion: Is democracy the worst form of government – apart from all the others?
Editorial: Navigating the fuel crunch together
The fuel crunch is affecting daily life across our region, so lets work together to get through this.
IDEAS >
Macca’s Weeds: The resilience of Lucerne and the aphid threat
Paul McIntosh reflects on the evolution of Lucerne in Australia, from the devastating aphid outbreaks of the 1970s to the importance of choosing the right crown height for modern paddocks.
Opinion: Why ‘Micro Stays’ might just be the biggest travel trend of 2026
Nick Baker from Reflections Holidays says the ‘micro’ trend has made it to holidays.
Opinion: X’s algorithm can shift political views in weeks – and the effects last
A new real-world study reveals that X’s “For You” algorithm nudges users toward conservative content and following right-leaning accounts, with effects that linger even after the algorithm is turned off.
REGIONAL >
Opinion: The Great Debate of the Great Northern Line
Opinion: Childcare centres have staffing rules, but many find loopholes
REGULARS >
Begin Rant: Sometimes the best thing a man can do is step aside
Letter: Relying on one type of transport is risky
Siri Gamage writes that recent fuel supply concerns highlights that relying almost entirely on diesel-powered road transport is risky.
Keep readingLetter: Potential amalgamation of councils should not be initiated by Armidale
Rob Richardson writes that any amalgamation of councils around Armidale should not be initiated by Armidale.
Keep readingLetter: Bush short-changed on populist rubbish
Former NSW Farmers President Mal Peters argues that complex government policy requires fact-based solutions, not “populist rubbish.” He predicts the “Barnaby Joyce train” will lose steam…
Keep readingLetter: New England BESS projects get certainty with government contracts
Max Doogood argues that Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are not as green as portrayed and pose safety risks to regional communities. He warns against foreign…
Keep readingLATEST COMMENTS >
Doug Erskine yes and the steep grades plus meandering alignments are why freight stays on our roads ! As our…
Geoff Bensley Sydney to Newcastle has 1 in 40 grades, as has Sydney to Melbourne. The main west to Lithgow…
SOCIAL ISSUES >
Denise’s Desk: Low ATARs aren’t the teaching crisis. Why high achievers are walking away
Denise says if we are serious about teacher quality, the conversation needs to move beyond cheap ATAR panic and towards making teaching a profession that high-achieving students actively choose.
ENVIRONMENT >
Opinion: Renewables over 50%, wholesale prices down – is the energy transition… succeeding?
Australia’s energy transition is finally paying off. For the first time, renewables and storage supplied over 50% of the grid’s power last quarter, driving wholesale prices down by 40%. Experts predict this could lead to lower household bills by mid-2026.
SOLUTIONS >
Opinion: Firefighters face repeat trauma. We learned how to reduce their risk of PTSD
First responders face high risks of PTSD, but new research shows it isn’t inevitable. A trial of the “SOLAR” mobile app – a confidential, self-led program teaching practical resilience skills – significantly reduced depression and trauma symptoms in firefighters.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT >
Begin Rant: Or, we could just stop talking about them…
RK Crosby says the way to defeat the likes of Hanson and Joyce is to stop talking about them.