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.
Political
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 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 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
Posted inPolitical, Regulars
Tougher gun laws will be written in Sydney – but they will land here
Dean Foley says we need to be sure tighter gun laws don’t just mean more red tape for people who were never the threat.
Posted inEnvironmental, Political
We don’t need or want the Narrabri Gas Project
Pat Schultz says: “For fourteen years I have been listening to Santos spin. We do not have a gas shortage problem; we have a gas export problem. The Pipeline Project through the Pilliga will further devastate the forest and poses a threat to water.”
Posted inPolitical
Nationals still working for New England
NSW National chairman Rick Colless says Barnaby Joyce will achieve nothing as a team of one, but The Nationals will still work to represent New England.