The Breaking News that Wasn’t
Jan Kleeman writes that all the huffing and puffing in the Coalition over the last six months has changed nothing.
LATEST >
In the fight for clean energy, regional voices deserve better
Denise’s Desk: City Racing Gets the Glory While the Bush Gets the Bill
OPINION >
In the fight for clean energy, regional voices deserve better
Regional communities support renewables, but misinformation is creating confusion and anxiety. After hearing farmers’ real experiences, I told the Senate that Australia urgently needs trusted Local Energy Hubs to give people clear, factual information.
Rail cheaper than trucks
Mal Peters says freight once arrived in Armidale by train, but government cuts shifted it to trucks and crumbling roads. He argues reopening the Armidale north rail corridor is vital for Australia’s freight competitiveness and environmental future.
When did ‘net zero’ become just another term for renewables?
QUICK WORD: OPINIONS IN LESS THAN 100 WORDS
QW: Mudgee stands with New England
Michael Sweeney from Mudgee says regional communities are united in the battle to restore their railways, after years of being dismissed by…
QW: Bring back the Armidale–Queensland rail line
Susan Moxon says: Please reinstate a rail line from Armidale to Queensland. It’s such a backward step not having it available for…
IDEAS >
Scaling Without Losing the Spark
Mark Palmer says the most dynamic FMCG, food and lifestyle brands are founder-led – driven by vision, belief and authenticity. His founderproof® approach helps businesses scale without losing the spark that creates lasting brand value.
Ask an ethicist: How much should politics influence my dating decisions?
Daniel Finlay from The Ethics Centre says dating is hard enough without apps, but there’s a few things to think about before you put your political preferences on your dating profile.
Boys are still in the grip of crippling masculine stereotypes
Michael Flood from QUT says rigid norms of manhood, based in manly confidence and toughness, are still influential for young men.
REGIONAL >
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
REGULARS >
Denise’s Desk: City Racing Gets the Glory While the Bush Gets the Bill
Between Nation Building and Commercial Project
Letter: Railway renewal as political spending equity
I refer to the Siri Gamage article; Merits of Regional Rail Renewal vs a Rail Trail: Failures of Decision-Making in New England (14 November 2025). I…
Keep readingLetter: Trains North’s current petition re rail
John Burrell from Armidale writes that the Trains North petition to reopen the railway north of Armidale is misguided – the line is derelict, bridges collapsed…
Keep readingLetter: Rail Line and REZ
Rick writes transport and energy are both highly important and the REZ and its associated transmission lines can assist with both.
Keep readingLetter: Rail trail a chance for community unity?
Scott Harrison writes it’s important for those who oppose the rail trail and want to use the rail corridor for something else, to come to the…
Keep readingLATEST COMMENTS >
[…] number of these questions were also asked in the lead up to the Federal Election earlier this year, see…
Well written thankyou. The LNP seem to have learnt nothing from their recent electoral result. They are continuing with the…
ENGAGE POLL >
EDITORIAL >
Engage Poll Results: Leadership and Candidates
Read all the numbers form the most recent Engage Poll on Joyce, candidates, and directly eelcted mayors.
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 >
Denise’s Desk: It’s Time to Give Our Community Preschool Teachers the Pay They Deserve
Denise McHugh writes that we need to be ensuring community preschool teachers are paid on par with primary teachers.
ENVIRONMENT >
COP 30 Shaping Up as a COP-OUT
Jan Kleeman says after 30 years of talk, denial and failure to act, the planet is still heating fast. With COP30 ahead, she calls on world leaders to stop the net zero talk and start cutting fossil fuels now through real renewable energy action.
SOLUTIONS >
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.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT >
How the world’s constant crises are quietly fuelling anxiety in Australians
Psychotherapist Diane Young says an increasing number of people, especially young Australians, are feeling perpetually anxious and trapped in a cycle of consuming distressing world events, yet powerless to make a change.