The firearms buyback starts 2 November, and Grafton Police Station is one of the first collection points. The Nationals say the rules aren’t even written yet, and Tamworth’s music festival is in the way.
Yasmin Catley
Posted inNSW Politics, Social issues and services
Gun buyback starts before rules are set
The NSW gun buyback starts next week, but the rules on who can keep extra firearms aren’t final. In Armidale, Tamworth, Moree and Inverell, you can’t hand anything in until January.
Posted inMining and Resources, NSW News
New authority to guide NSW coal regions
A new authority backed by more than $200 million will give workers and communities in NSW coal regions a direct voice in their future. Mines will have to plan for worker support before they close.
Posted inCrime, Legal, NSW Politics
Knife scanning powers made permanent
Police can now scan for knives at major entertainment venues, shopping centres, stations and sports grounds, with permanent powers and longer operations. Here is what the new laws change.
Posted inGunnedah, NSW Politics
Gunnedah petition calls for 24-hour police station
Gunnedah is petitioning for a 24-hour police station, but a council voice says the town already has 24-hour policing. Is a staffed station the best use of police?
Posted inAwareness Events, NSW News
Police blitz for Labour Day weekend
Double demerits, random breath and drug tests, and 261 lives already lost this year. Police have a blunt message for anyone hitting the road this Labour Day long weekend.
Posted inDomestic Violence, Legal, NSW News
More DV offenders before courts: new data
New BOCSAR data shows 6,128 more domestic violence defendants before NSW courts in two years, as the state government points to tougher bail laws and a $184.1 million funding boost.
Posted inCrime, Moree
Moree drone trial extended for two years
Moree’s Australian-first police drone trial has proven such a hit with locals that the government is extending it for two more years, and eyeing a rollout to other regional towns.
Posted inLocal politics and councils, Long Read, Moree Plains Shire, Politics
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.
Posted inLocal News, NSW News, Social issues and services
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.