New Zealand’s “Simplifying Local Government” proposal aims to abolish regional councils for efficiency. However, the plan risks reducing democratic representation, eliminating Māori constituencies, and failing to fix underlying funding issues.
Opinion
Posted inPolitical
Australia needs to get real about Trump’s changing America
Mark Carney’s Davos speech warns American leadership is no longer a reliable anchor for the US-Australia alliance. Australia must now move beyond comforting myths, hedge with regional partners, and invest in independent capabilities to ensure security.
Posted inPolitical
Opinion: Nationals can now really represent bush
Mal Peters argues the Nationals split is a welcome move, freeing them from the Liberal “handbrake” to truly represent the bush. He backs David Littleproud to lead a strong opposition while criticizing Barnaby Joyce’s superficial politics.
Posted inNational
Opinion: It’s the shared bonds that are our nation’s greatest strength
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese writes that Australia Day is a chance to celebrate the shared bonds and “fair go” spirit that unite the nation, while marking the 125th anniversary of Federation.
Posted inPolitical
Opinion: Is it too late for the National Party?
Annabel Doherty from Armidale argues the National Party should have split from the Liberals earlier to stop the drift to One Nation. She questions if it is now too late for their survival or if they will bank on a One Nation implosion.
Posted inSocial, Something to Think About
Opinion: Cost doing business
Mal Peters says he has seen some pretty tough times, but for some reason it seems harder today than he can recall.
Posted inEnvironmental
Native pollinators need more support than honeybees in Australia – here’s why
Scientists argue thousands of Australian bee species and other native pollinators don’t enjoy nearly the same support as European honeybees.
Posted inPolitical, Social
Opinion: Morality, Law and the Question of Gun Ownership
Patrick Carr from Hillvue writes that the question of gun ownership is not just a legal issue – it’s a moral one.
Posted inPolitical, Social
Opinion: One hard truth and one simple message
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Atchison writes that someone is dying on the roads in our state almost every day, and the message of how to fix it is clear.
Posted inNational, Political, Something to Think About
Governments are hiding data, threatening democracy. Here’s how it affects you
From being custodians of public knowledge, governments are turning to architects of manufactured ignorance. Amid disappearing evidence, citizens are struggling to hold power to account