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.
Politics
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.
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?
F4CA report says farmers carry industry’s climate load
Farmers are already propping up Australia’s climate accounts for free, while coal, gas and oil buy their way out of cutting pollution at the source, according to a new report from Farmers for Climate Action.
Chaffey urges tobacco excise cut to break black market’s grip on New England
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey says a 30 per cent rise in tobacco use proves Labor’s approach has failed, as he pushes an 80 per cent excise cut to smash the New England North West’s black market.
Glen Innes Severn Council to consider response to state performance order
Glen Innes Severn Council faces a make-or-break meeting this week, as councillors decide how to respond to a state order over financial management failures dating back to 2022.
Three strikes and still not out: the weak council rules unable to deal with populist politicians
They run the same playbook as Pauline Hanson and Donald Trump: turn every sanction into persecution. Inside the NSW rules that still can’t make badly behaved councillors stop.
Moree Plains council releases confidential pool report, but reveals nothing new
Moree Plains Shire Council released the confidential report behind its pool decision – but it didn’t reveal anything the community didn’t already know.
Barraba pushes for health worker housing amid regional drive
Barraba says it’s missing out on health worker housing while Armidale gets a $200 million upgrade. The local MP wants that to change.
Barnaby Joyce fails to clear up One Nation migration confusion
Barnaby Joyce said his colleague was wrong on One Nation’s migration numbers, then confirmed that PALM workers don’t count. But he refused to say what skilled workers the New England would have to go without.
