Opinion: It’s the shared bonds that are our nation’s greatest strength
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese writes that Australia Day is a chance to celebrate the shared bonds and “fair go” spirit that unite the nation, while marking the 125th anniversary of Federation.


LATEST >
Opinion: Nationals can now really represent bush
Opinion: Is it too late for the National Party?
OPINION >
Opinion: Nationals can now really represent bush
Mal Peters argues the Nationals split is a welcome move, freeing them from the Liberal “handbrake” to truly represent the bush. He backs David Littleproud to lead a strong opposition while criticizing Barnaby Joyce’s superficial politics.
Opinion: Is it too late for the National Party?
Annabel Doherty from Armidale argues the National Party should have split from the Liberals earlier to stop the drift to One Nation. She questions if it is now too late for their survival or if they will bank on a One…
Marking the National Day of Mourning
Armidale Airport: Ratepayers urged to have a say
IDEAS >
Opinion: Cost doing business
Mal Peters says he has seen some pretty tough times, but for some reason it seems harder today than he can recall.
Macca’s weeds: Getting inoculation right for bumper yields
Macca discusses the critical importance of Rhizobia bacteria and correct inoculation techniques for maximizing nitrogen uptake and yields in legume crops like Mungbeans.
Chaffey’s Corner – Confronting antisemitism
Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey calls for a Royal Commission into antisemitism following the Bondi tragedy, arguing new gun laws are a diversion. Despite the sombre start to 2026, he looks forward to the Parkes Elvis Festival.
REGIONAL >
Do We Have Responsive Governments? New England’s Dilemmas as we approach end of 2025
Macca’s weeds: Lucerne Growing Tips
REGULARS >
Opinion: Be careful what you wish for
Letter: Joyce sideline
Rural people have always had conflict with the Nationals saying one thing in the bush and another when they went to Canberra. The perils of Coalition.…
Keep readingLetter: Your Coulda Woulda Shoulda stories
Deni McKenzie writes: A huge thank you! Just to be clear, ALL the subjects you tackled including the $400,000, Hospital figures and roads add up to…
Keep readingLetter: More voices added to call for better rural health
Jack Arnold writes that Dr McGirr is to be commended for acting on the rural health situation.
Keep readingLetter: Barnaby’s political manoeuvring has consigned the electorate to irrelevance
Jack Arnold writes that Barnaby Joyce has always put his personal ambitions before the best interest of voters.
Keep readingLATEST COMMENTS >
Nationals have feet of clay. They will end up with One Nation
Don’t threaten us with a good time.
ENGAGE POLL >
SOCIAL ISSUES >
Opinion: Morality, Law and the Question of Gun Ownership
Patrick Carr from Hillvue writes that the question of gun ownership is not just a legal issue – it’s a moral one.
ENVIRONMENT >
Native pollinators need more support than honeybees in Australia – here’s why
Scientists argue thousands of Australian bee species and other native pollinators don’t enjoy nearly the same support as European honeybees.
SOLUTIONS >
Macca’s weeds: How resistance travels on the wind
Recent research shows pollen from herbicide-resistant plants can travel kilometres on the wind or via bees to pollinate susceptible plants. Macca explains how resistance spreads and why Area Wide Management is vital.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT >
Governments are hiding data, threatening democracy. Here’s how it affects you
From being custodians of public knowledge, governments are turning to architects of manufactured ignorance. Amid disappearing evidence, citizens are struggling to hold power to account






