Denise McHugh says the Act review is a long overdue chance to fix a system that’s favoured the city while country clubs struggle. Racing NSW’s power has gone unchecked for too long, and regional racing deserves transparency and a fair go.
Opinion
Posted inOpinion, Regulars
Between Nation Building and Commercial Project
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.
Posted inPolitical, Regulars
Denise’s Desk: Barnaby Joyce’s Tamworth Fantasy: A Masterclass in Blame, Hypocrisy and Delusion”
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.
Posted inEnvironmental, Opinion
Rail cheaper than trucks
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.
Posted inPolitical, Something to Think About
When did ‘net zero’ become just another term for renewables?
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.
Posted inRegulars, Social
Denise’s Desk: It’s Time to Give Our Community Preschool Teachers the Pay They Deserve
Denise McHugh writes that we need to be ensuring community preschool teachers are paid on par with primary teachers.
Posted inSocial
Merits of Regional Rail Renewal vs a Rail Trail: Failures of Decision-Making in New England
Train advocate Siri Gamage says we are stuck between a rock and a hard place: dependent on governments to meet our transport needs, yet repeatedly let down by their inaction.
Posted inSocial, Something to Think About
Boys are still in the grip of crippling masculine stereotypes
Michael Flood from QUT says rigid norms of manhood, based in manly confidence and toughness, are still influential for young men.
Posted inPolitical, Regulars
Compassion, Not Cruelty, Should Guide Our Parliament
Denise McHugh writes the Barnaby Joyce and Andrew Hastie are exploiting heartbreak for political gain.
Posted inSocial, Something to Think About
How the world’s constant crises are quietly fuelling anxiety in Australians
Psychotherapist Diane Young says an increasing number of people, especially young Australians, are feeling perpetually anxious and trapped in a cycle of consuming distressing world events, yet powerless to make a change.