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”.
Bridget McKenzie
Posted inFederal Politics, Local News, Narrabri, Roads and Infrastructure, Transport and Freight
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.
Posted inFederal Politics, Local News, Roads and Infrastructure, Transport and Freight
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.
Posted inFederal Politics, Grants and funding, Moree, Narrabri, Roads and Infrastructure, Transport and Freight
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.
Posted inFederal Politics, Local News
Chaffey adds to responsibilities in “posse of patriots”
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey has taken on additional responsibilities in the Nationals’ newly announced shadow ministry
Posted inFederal Politics, Local News, National News
“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.
Posted inFederal Politics
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.
Posted inFederal Politics, NSW Politics, Roads and Infrastructure
Labor abandons controversial plan to drop speed limits on rural roads
Federal Government has quietly abandoned its proposal to cut default speed limits on unsigned country roads, following overwhelming backlash from regional Australia.
Posted inAustralia Votes 2025, New England Electorate, Workers and Unions
Barnaby legacy vs Dutton ideology: Regional public servants under threat
Coalition policy of cutting public servants is sharply at odds with Barnaby Joyce’s legacy on fighting for public service jobs, with no sign regional public servants will be spared from the proposed cuts.
Posted inAustralia Votes 2025, Grants and funding, Parkes Electorate, Regional Development
Nationals offer regions a ‘fair go’ with $20b fund plan
An incoming coalition government would use commodity windfalls to set up a regional investment fund to address crises in health, infrastructure and childcare.