Denise says in a region like New England, where politics is often shaped by personality and protest rather than policy, engagement matters.
Political
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 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 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.
Posted inNational, Opinion, Political
Opinion: Can One Nation turn its polling hype into seats in parliament? History shows it will struggle
One Nation’s meteoric rise in the polls has sparked speculation about them becoming the official opposition. However, history shows the party often struggles to turn hype into seats due to internal dysfunction, scandals, and poor candidate vetting.
Posted inOpinion, Political, Regulars
Opinion: How right wing populism is damaging your brain
RK Crosby says right wing populist simple slogans and cheap lines are cognitively easy to process, deliver a nice dopamine hit, and make scared people feel safe. And we have to fight it.
Posted inOpinion, Political, Regulars
Denise’s Desk: Why backing One Nation is an experiment Australia can’t afford
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.