Begin Rant: Where art thou, Barnaby?
RK Crosby says if Barnaby Joyce is too busy campaigning for One Nation to fight for New England, we deserve better.
LATEST >
Begin Rant: Where art thou, Barnaby?
Opinion: Is democracy the worst form of government – apart from all the others?
OPINION >
Opinion: Is democracy the worst form of government – apart from all the others?
James Ley asks five experts about the strengths and weaknesses of democracy, the face evidence that trust in democratic institutions is declining.
Denise’s Desk: Why flirting with One Nation is bad for Farrer — and worse for New England
Denise says the Farrer by-election might seem a long way from New England, but the political warning signs it is sending should concern regional communities everywhere.
Begin Rant: Sometimes the best thing a man can do is step aside
Opinion: Will the social media ban impact NAPLAN results?
Opinion: A landmark moment for Australian agriculture
Opinion: The Great Debate of the Great Northern Line
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: Childcare centres have staffing rules, but many find loopholes
Opinion: Ever-Growing Costs of Fast Rail and Inland Rail: Is There a Better Way?
Letter: 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 readingLetter: 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 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 >
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.
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 >
Tips+Tricks: Why Brand Soul is Not Sentimental, It’s Commercial
Georgie Scott says that “brand soul” in founder-led businesses isn’t just sentimental; it’s a crucial commercial asset. She explains how scaling often dilutes this magic and why codifying founder instinct is key to long-term value creation.
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.