More than 100,000 first home buyers have used the expanded 5% Deposit Scheme in its first year, including more than 28,000 in NSW, according to new figures from Housing Australia.
Kath Jacobs
Kath Jacobs is a senior journalist.
Posted inGunnedah, Indigenous, Local politics
NSW Aboriginal Land Council supports Gunnedah community in flag debate
“This man knows nothing about segregation.” A Gomeroi Elder and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council have hit back after Gunnedah councillors voted to fly just one flag in the chamber.
Posted inAgribusiness, Agriculture, Armidale
Armidale regulator’s slow approvals slammed
A new global study says slow, costly approvals are cutting Australian farmers off from new technology, reigniting scrutiny of the Armidale-based APVMA’s slumping performance.
Posted inFederal Politics, National News
Joyce denies One Nation are ‘a pack of homophobes’
“You can absolutely bet I will not go.” Barnaby Joyce denies One Nation are homophobic, but won’t say if he backs Mardi Gras, only saying he won’t be there and he doesn’t have an opinion.
Posted inNSW Politics
NSW Premier, Energy Minister face NSW Farmers conference
Fuel, crime, renewables and land maps took centre stage as Premier Chris Minns and Energy Minister Penny Sharpe faced NSW Farmers delegates, pledging action while farmers pressed them on infrastructure and regional concerns across NSW.
Posted inGrants and funding, Housing, NSW News
New England cut out of $54m housing infrastructure fund
MidCoast Council was the only council north of the Hunter Valley included among the 30 successful councils in the first round of the Faster Assessments Incentive Program.
Posted inEnergy, Walcha
Barnaby Joyce called out over false highway closure claim on wind farm
Barnaby Joyce said “someone’s gonna get killed” over a highway closure that was never actually planned. Now Vestas, Channel 7 and a fact-checking page have all called it out. Will he correct the record?
Posted inIndigenous, Legal, NSW News, NSW Politics
NSW extends consultation on Crown land bill after land rights warning
Consultation has been extended on a Crown land bill after Aboriginal land councils said amendments were dropped too late to properly consult with the network. The Law Society wants a key clause scrapped entirely.
Posted inLocal politics, Tamworth
TRC votes to sell Ray Walsh House after hour-long debate
After four years of uncertainty and more than an hour of heated debate, Tamworth Regional Council has voted 5-3 to sell Ray Walsh House — but the sale isn’t final yet.
Posted inMoney, NSW Politics
NSW budget offers rego relief, hospital investment, and drought support
The NSW Budget cuts $100 off rego, commits nearly $3 billion to regional hospitals, funds drought support for farmers, and puts $1,000 in the pockets of public servants. Here’s what it means for the New England.