Rising costs and a slow economy are biting local businesses. Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has a simple ask for October: shut the laptop and shop in town.
Politics
Posted inArmidale, Crime, Indigenous, Long Read, Moree, NSW Politics, NSW Votes 2027
Tough on crime, weak on details: how emotion rather than evidence drives justice reform
WEEKEND LONG READ: The NSW election is less than six months away, and both sides are selling ‘tough on crime’. The evidence says their tough slogans don’t make us safer. So why do they keep doing it?
Posted inAgriculture, Federal Politics, Workers and Unions
Farmers back labour hire crackdown, but warn shearers and harvesters must not be caught
Labor wants every labour hire firm in NSW licensed. Farmers agree rogue operators must go, but warn the shearing team and harvest contractor could get caught in the net.
Posted inFederal Politics, Housing, National News
100,000 first home buyers in a year
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.
Posted inGunnedah, Indigenous, Local politics and councils
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 inLocal politics and councils, Walcha
Eric Noakes stands down after a decade as Walcha’s mayor
Eric Noakes has handed Walcha’s mayoralty to Hyde Thomson, as his deputy steps aside amid questions over a tourism venture.
Posted inFederal Politics, Local News, Parkes Electorate, Workers and Unions
Chaffey says backpacker visa cuts leave tourism operators short-staffed
Motels, cafes, and tourist attractions across the north west could be short of staff this summer. The local MP says backpacker visa cuts are to blame, and industry figures put the cost at $1.65 billion.
Posted inFederal Politics, Money, National News
Please explain: One Nation donations diverted to a liquor company
$56,000 of One Nation money. A shed on James Ashby’s private land. A distillery owned by Ashby and Pauline Hanson. Now the party is rushing to explain itself to members.
Posted inGlen Innes Severn Shire, Local politics and councils
Glen Innes Severn Council sacks GM, takes control of PIO
Glen Innes Severn Council has sacked its general manager, and the Mayor says councillors will now hold the organisation to account. Here’s what else changed at a pivotal meeting.
Posted inFederal Politics, NSW Politics, Torrington
Blessing family says Keith’s gun licence not revoked, as Joyce joins in misinformation
Politicians say Keith Blessing lost his gun licence. His family says that’s not true. Now Barnaby Joyce has joined in spreading the misinformation as part of election campaigning.