Opinion Archives - Page 2 of 14 - New England Times Engage

Why grants and rail trails miss the mark

2 October 202520 October 2025

Deni McKenzie says councils are too focused on chasing grants and tourism dollars while neglecting real needs like rail. Rail trails may sound good, but they bring high costs and little benefit. Proper rail service should be the priority.

Featured, Opinion

Metadata that matters: NSW leads the way in safer data sharing

26 September 202527 September 2025

Metadata.NSW is setting a new benchmark for government data use in Australia. By improving discoverability, trust, and secure sharing, NSW is showing how metadata can drive smarter services and stronger outcomes.

Columns, Environmental, Featured, Political

Why I no longer support Net Zero

22 September 202522 September 2025

Last week, RK Crosby came to the realisation she no longer supports the goal of Net Zero emissions – but not because of anything Barnaby said.

National, Something to Think About

Too many Indigenous Australians die before getting to claim the age pension. We need to make retirement fairer

15 September 202527 September 2025

Indigenous Australians face a stark challenge: with a median age at death of just 63, around four years below pension eligibility, many never live long enough to claim the age pension, exposing deep retirement inequities.

National, Opinion

Australia will soon have its own ‘centre for disease control’. Let’s not repeat the chaos of the US

12 September 202527 September 2025

Australia is moving toward a national CDC set to launch in 2026. To succeed, it must learn from the US by staying independent and transparent while protecting public health from political influence and bureaucratic chaos.

National

Reforming Australia’s migration to favour skilled workers, not family reunion

10 September 202527 September 2025

Australia’s migration programme has failed to deliver what it promises. It brings in relatively few genuinely skilled workers, while favouring family migration.