Opinion Archives - New England Times Engage

Between Nation Building and Commercial Project

1 hour ago18 November 2025

Siri Gamage says the debate over restoring the Armidale–Queensland rail line is trapped between nation-building ideals and commercial realities, urging governments to see it as vital regional infrastructure rather than a costly local project.

Featured, Political, Regular columns

Denise’s Desk: Barnaby Joyce’s Tamworth Fantasy: A Masterclass in Blame, Hypocrisy and Delusion”

23 hours ago18 November 2025

Denise McHugh says Barnaby Joyce’s performance at the Tamworth Business Chamber’s State of the Nation forum was less a “vision” for regional Australia and more a foghorn blast of hypocrisy, denial, and political opportunism.

Environmental, Featured, Opinion

Rail cheaper than trucks

4 days ago18 November 2025

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.

Featured, Political, Something to Think About

When did ‘net zero’ become just another term for renewables?

6 days ago13 November 2025

RK Crosby says the term ‘net zero’ does not mean ‘renewable energy’ and we’ll continue to be stuck on these issues until we’re talking about the same thing.

Environmental

COP 30 Shaping Up as a COP-OUT

4 November 20252 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.

Political, Regular columns

Compassion, Not Cruelty, Should Guide Our Parliament

2 November 202513 November 2025

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