Moree Plains has its leadership locked in for another two years, with Mayor Susannah Pearse and Deputy Mayor Wayne Tighe both returned unopposed. Next week, four more New England councils go to a mayoral vote.
Politics
Posted inGunnedah Shire, Local politics and councils, Narrabri Shire
Fuller returned in Gunnedah as Tiemens unopposed in Narrabri
Councillors in Gunnedah and Narrabri have selected their leadership teams for the next two years, but the neighbouring councils took markedly different paths to their results.
Posted inLegal, NSW Politics, Social issues and services
Gun debate gagged, motion to disallow buyback fails
A motion to scrap the state’s gun buyback failed after debate was gagged, with the mover accusing government MPs of not understanding firearms and warning the laws will push voters to far-right parties.
Posted inEducation, NSW Politics
Screen time caps coming to NSW schools
NSW public schools will cap daily screen time from next year, after new research found teenagers spending up to seven hours a day on devices and literacy results going backwards.
Posted inLiverpool Plains Shire, Local politics and councils
Youth takes the helm at Liverpool Plains
At 38, Charlie Simkin is Liverpool Plains Shire Council’s new mayor. He’s flagged waste, housing and infrastructure as priorities for the next two years, working alongside new Deputy Mayor Jason Allan.
Posted inAgriculture, Federal Politics, Immigration, Workers and Unions
Cotton industry calls for visa clarity
Cotton growers are being warned visa uncertainty could hit the seasonal workforce needed for picking and ginning, as industry leaders demand answers from Canberra.
Posted inEducation, Federal Politics, Good News, Workers and Unions
Free qualifications on offer for tradies
Up to 6,000 experienced tradies could get a free, faster pathway to formal qualifications, as a new national training program launches first in NSW.
Posted inNSW Politics, NSW Votes 2027, Tenterfield Shire
Saffin defends regional ministers after confirming administrative error
Janelle Saffin says the numbers back up what she told budget estimates all along, it was never misuse, just a mix-up over which budget line her Sydney travel came from.
Posted inNSW Politics, NSW Votes 2027, Tenterfield Shire
Coalition ramps up attack on Saffin over expenses
“One night, out of a year,” she said of a Ballina hotel stay. Now the Coalition is dragging Minister Janelle Saffin to the Auditor General to explain that and dozens of other travel claims that may not be right.
Posted inLocal News, Local politics and councils
One down, 10 to go: Webb re-elected Mayor in Tamworth
Eleven New England councils choose their mayor within a month. Tamworth’s result is in — the 5-4 split that’s ruled council for two years just held again. A challenge is confirmed for Gunnedah. Who’s next?