Opinion Archives - New England Times Engage

COP 30 Shaping Up as a COP-OUT

22 hours ago2 November 2025

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.

Featured, Political, Regular columns

Compassion, Not Cruelty, Should Guide Our Parliament

3 days ago2 November 2025

Denise McHugh writes the Barnaby Joyce and Andrew Hastie are exploiting heartbreak for political gain.

Environmental, Opinion, Political

Barnaby’s Net Zero Rants: Right for the Wrong Reasons

27 October 202527 October 2025

Jan Kleeman says the idea of net zero has been hijacked – twisted from a scientific goal into political spin. Real climate action, she argues, means cutting emissions to zero now, not relying on future promises or unproven technology.

Political, Regular columns

We need to stop over-reacting to rumours and nonsense

26 October 20251 November 2025

RK Crosby writes that the reaction and over-reaction to a made up story about Barnaby and Hanson is not worthy of the New England.

Political, Regular columns

Real change starts here — How Labor’s branches give country people a voice

25 October 20252 November 2025

Denise McHugh writes that real change starts in places like Tamworth, Armidale, and Gunnedah, around tables where everyday people come together with big ideas.

Environmental, Featured, Political

EnergyCo’s New Transmission Route – A New Route, the Same Old Problems

24 October 20251 November 2025

On 1 October, EnergyCo quietly revealed a major change to the proposed transmission corridor linking Bayswater to the so-called Central South Hub near Walcha.

Political

Barnaby Joyce’s exit marks a turning point for New England

23 October 20251 November 2025

Emily Longhurst writes Barnaby Joyce has left everyone guessing about what comes next, and New England deserves leadership that looks forward, not back.

Political

Barnaby’s Revenge

21 October 20251 November 2025

Jan Kleeman writes politics overall has not been kind to Barnaby Joyce but he has made his bed and now must lie in it.