WEEKEND LONG READ: Medically ready to leave, but nowhere to go. Older people are stranded in New England hospitals, while families are left footing the bill, and politicians squabble.
Mark Butler
Posted inFundraiser, Grants and funding, Health, Youth
Push to lower Young Australian of the Year age after Dusty’s Canberra walk
A 12-year-old walked 540km to Canberra for sick country kids, and came home with $2 million and a push to change the rules for Young Australian of the Year.
Posted inCrime, Federal Politics, National News
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.
Posted inAged Care, Uralla
Home care funding certainty welcomed, but a bigger rethink required
Four more years of funding certainty for Uralla’s home care service sounds like good news, but the mayor says the money still doesn’t match demand. Here’s what he wants fixed.
Posted inBusiness, Crime, Glen Innes Severn Shire, Long Read, Politics
The tax that built a black market
WEEKEND LONG READ: A federal tax has turned main streets into a battleground for organised crime, insurance hikes and arson. Canberra is still dismissing calls to cut the tobacco excise as a thought bubble.
Posted inEducation, Health
Local students in line for paid prac boost
Ten more health courses just got paid prac, good news for UNE and University of Newcastle students on placement across New England. But is $338.60 a week enough
Posted inArmidale, Disability
NDIS overhaul to kick 160,000 people off, hit regions hardest
Up to 160,000 people could lose NDIS support under sweeping reforms — with regional communities expected to feel the impact most.
Posted inDisability, Money, National News
Disability cuts on table as treasurer eyes cost spiral
State officials will be briefed on the federal government’s plans to overhaul spending on the NDIS, expected to be announced within days.
Posted inArmidale, Parenting and kids, Tamworth
Have your say: community consultations in Armidale and Tamworth on supports for children
You’re invited to have your say on a new initiative designed to give young children with developmental delay or autism a stronger start in life.
Posted inHealth, National News
Calculator tool to help doctors in bulk-billing push
General practitioners are being encouraged to adopt a full bulk-billing model via a calculator to show the financial rewards.