Senate hearings into how a $560 million community grants program picked its winners – including the Marrickville Golf Club – start today in Canberra. Watch live online on Wednesday and Thursday.
Bridget McKenzie
Nationals slam Federal road toll data
882 lives lost on Australian roads so far this year. The federal Coalition says it is the worst result since governments vowed to halve the road toll, and Labor still has no plan to replace.
NSW gun buyback announced amid state and federal repeal push, black market warning
NSW is first to sign onto the national gun buyback after the Chanukah terrorist attack. Local MP Jamie Chaffey and Shooters Union Australia say the scheme is unfair, unworkable and will fuel a black market.
Budget leaves regional councils facing impossible choices
Regional councils say the federal budget still leaves country communities behind, warning shrinking grants and rising costs are forcing councils to “operate on the smell of an oily rag”.
Local leaders testify to “human cost” of Inland Rail axing
Regional mayors, farming leaders and senior Nationals MPs have taken the fight over Inland Rail directly to Parliament House, accusing the Federal Government of abandoning communities that invested years preparing for Inland Rail.
Coalition launches ‘Rescue our Rail’ campaign over Inland Rail cuts
The Coalition has launched a “Rescue our Rail” campaign as anger grows over the decision to halt Inland Rail at Parkes.
Inland Rail axed, local projects in limbo
The federal government’s cost cutting ahead of the budget will include axing of the Inland Rail project already under construction, with the shocks to be felt keenly in the New England.
Chaffey adds to responsibilities in “posse of patriots”
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey has taken on additional responsibilities in the Nationals’ newly announced shadow ministry
“Untenable”: Nats leader says coalition over with Libs
The coalition has split for the second time in less than a year, with Nationals leader David Littleproud saying the partnership with the Liberals is untenable.
Nationals trio resign from shadow cabinet after split
Three National senators have resigned from Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s front bench after a split from the Liberal Party over hate speech laws.
