Denise says in a region like New England, where politics is often shaped by personality and protest rather than policy, engagement matters.
Opinion
Posted inPolitical, Something to Think About
Begin Rant: Or, we could just stop talking about them…
RK Crosby says the way to defeat the likes of Hanson and Joyce is to stop talking about them.
Posted inOpinion, Political, Regional
Opinion: Ever-Growing Costs of Fast Rail and Inland Rail: Is There a Better Way?
Siri Gamage questions the $90 billion price tag of the Sydney–Newcastle fast rail, arguing that investment should instead focus on regional corridors like the Great Northern Railway to unlock inland economic potential.
Posted inNational, Opinion, Political
Opinion: Are we the baddies?
Annabel Doherty reflects on the recent political discourse in the New England Times, arguing that while populist rhetoric creates engagement, the real work lies in challenging the structures that divide us.
Posted inIdeas, Opinion, Something to Think About
Opinion: Do positive affirmations work? A psychologist unpacks the evidence
While popular on social media, repeating positive affirmations isn’t a cure-all. A clinical psychologist unpacks the evidence behind self-affirmation, warning against the risks of “toxic positivity” and offering more effective alternatives like self-compassion.
Posted inOpinion, Political, Regulars
Begin Rant: Hey Angus, we’re the problem
RK Crosby says Angus Taylor is very wrong in pointing the finger at immigrants for the hate and violence… it’s coming from Australians.
Posted inOpinion, Political, Regulars
Denise’s Desk: Barnaby Joyce’s political midlife crisis comes at New England’s expense
Watching the rise of Pauline Hanson and the renewed chatter about One Nation as a plausible alternative government, it is worth applying a simple test of reality.
Posted inNational, Opinion, Something to Think About
Opinion: What the RBA wants Australians to do next to fight inflation – or risk more rate hikes
The RBA has raised the cash rate to 3.85% to combat sticky inflation. Meg Elkins explains the psychology behind the decision and what the central bank hopes Australians will do next: spend less, save more, and temper wage demands.
Posted inEnvironmental, National, Solutions, Something to Think About
Opinion: Renewables over 50%, wholesale prices down – is the energy transition… succeeding?
Australia’s energy transition is finally paying off. For the first time, renewables and storage supplied over 50% of the grid’s power last quarter, driving wholesale prices down by 40%. Experts predict this could lead to lower household bills by mid-2026.
Posted inLetters, Political
Letter: Bush short-changed on populist rubbish
Former NSW Farmers President Mal Peters argues that complex government policy requires fact-based solutions, not “populist rubbish.” He predicts the “Barnaby Joyce train” will lose steam and warns that One Nation preferences could inadvertently keep Labor in power.