UNE researchers Tammy Williams and Marg Rogers explore how “under-the-roof” loopholes in childcare staffing ratios are compromising child safety and driving educator burnout across Australia.
New England Times Engage
Posted inQuick Word
QW: Lack of transport to Coffs/Brisbane
Seems to me that Transport NSW need to get out from behind their desks and computers and do some “ground-truthing” by personally trying to navigate their theoretical routes out of Armidale. I also think our Council should start working on practical benefits to the Community and stop wasting our very expensive rates on pie in […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
Opinion: Four years on, where are the homes and the flood mitigation?
Federal Member Kevin Hogan reflects on the four-year anniversary of the 2022 floods, questioning the lack of housing delivery and engineering work to reduce future flood levels.
Posted inQuick Word
QW: No Doctors, no policy, no numbers
Tenterfield resident Mark Boyd questions how Hunter New England Health facilities maintain accreditation despite failing safety standards, while proposing mandatory rural rotations for Junior Medical Officers.
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
Opinion: Can you afford a dog’s love?
Eric James writes that the high fees charged by Councils are making it hard for people to adopt and rehome dogs, which may be contributing to our mental health crisis.
Posted inSocial, Something to Think About
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.
Posted inFeatured, Ideas, Opinion, Political
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.
Posted inPolitical, Regulars
Chaffey’s Corner: Fighting for a fair go
Jamie Chaffey has spent the past week in the stunning Far West including Broken Hill, Menindee, Wilcannia and White Cliffs meeting with organisations about a range of important matters.
Posted inOpinion, Political, Regulars
Denise’s Desk: Discomfort, debate and why engagement matters in New England
Denise says in a region like New England, where politics is often shaped by personality and protest rather than policy, engagement matters.