Chaffey’s Corner: There’s one thing everyone is talking about.
Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey says There is one thing everyone is talking about across all of Australia, and that is the access and cost of fuel.
OPINION >
Denise’s Desk: Discontent is fertile ground for One Nation — but it is not the answer
Denise says One Nation’s performance in South Australia’s election is less of a breakthrough and more of a symptom.
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.
Begin Rant: We never dealt with COVID and it shows
Opinion: A conversation our community needs
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 >
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.
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.
REGIONAL >
Opinion: The Great Debate of the Great Northern Line
Opinion: Childcare centres have staffing rules, but many find loopholes
REGULARS >
Begin Rant: Where art thou, Barnaby?
Letter: Reopen the Great Northern line
Ken Slater writes that there are many benefits to reopening the train line.
Keep readingLetter: 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 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 >
Begin Rant: Sometimes the best thing a man can do is step aside
RK Crosby writes that every time International Women’s Day rolls around somewhere, somehow, a man decides that what the day really needs is… him.
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.
