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.
Regulars
Denise’s Desk: A Profound Betrayal of New England
Denise McHugh writes that Barnaby Joyce has profoundly betrayed the trust of New Englanders.
Macca’s weeds: Paul Macca’s Twelve Days of Farming Creed
Whilst the festive season is upon us and my rainfall predicting is not going so well, I thought it may be a better idea to recite Paul Macca’s “Twelve Days of Farming” creed.
Denise’s Desk: A Day Wrapped in Lace and Love
From the moment we gathered, it felt like a day suspended in time. Dress after dress, champagne and laughter, until the one appeared. It wasn’t just about lace; it was the extraordinary privilege of being a mother watching her child begin a new chapter.
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.
Tougher gun laws will be written in Sydney – but they will land here
Dean Foley says we need to be sure tighter gun laws don’t just mean more red tape for people who were never the threat.
Chaffey’s Corner – Final for the year
Our nation mourns the tragedy at Bondi. We stand with the Jewish community and honour the heroes who risked their lives. As the year ends, I reflect on our values and my first seven months as Member for Parkes.
Denise’s Desk: Our Youth Are Leading the Way in Innovation and Compassion
Denise has been thinking about how inspiration comes from the most unexpected places.
Who you know can’t be the qualification
Dean Foley says when jobs, grants and contracts keep circling the same small group, people stop debating policy and start debating trust.
Denise’s Desk: Stop Ranking Our Schools! Why League Tables Harm Students and Communities
Denise McHugh writes that NAPLAN league tables have a real human cost – and we deserve better.
