Got something you want to say? Quick word comments can be on any topic relevant to the New England, up to 100 words.
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QW: As I see Barnaby’s defection
It’s fairly simple. If I’d been gagged at the last election from campaigning by my party leader and encouraged by the Coalition leader to resign, I’d get the message that I was no longer wanted!
I observed such behaviour regarding another politician when living elsewhere. Some personalities do not lend themselves to total subservience. Members of my family grew up with Barnaby and attest to a very unusual and intelligent man.
One Nation does not expect to form Government but, as many fringe parties aim, seeks to draw attention to issues they consider are damaging this country. I am still a member of the Nationals and will remain so, but I do not condemn all One Nation’s input.
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QW: Politicians need to stop talking and start doing
If it took us all 3 years to pass a suggestion at our workplace, nothing would get done. That is this Parliament now.
We know we are giving away our natural resources, we know we are selling our country out from under us so please, please politicians get off your soap boxes and change the rules for the betterment of Australians.
Stop talking and actually do something about what we all know needs doing. Most times actions speak louder than words so start to get off your overpaid seats and actually do some work that the Australian people are over paying you to do.
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QW: Blaming Albanese for the Coalition Split Is Political Delusion
The Nationals blaming Anthony Albanese today for the Coalition split is not analysis — it’s farce.
The Prime Minister didn’t walk into the Coalition party room. He didn’t force Nationals senators to defy their own shadow cabinet. He didn’t tell them to torch collective responsibility and then act surprised when the roof collapsed.
They did that themselves.
This wasn’t Labor dividing the Coalition. It was the Nationals once again choosing tantrum over discipline, spectacle over substance.
After a bruising election defeat, the Coalition needed seriousness. Instead, the Nationals delivered a public meltdown — and now blames Labor for the mess they created.
That doesn’t demonstrate strength. It demonstrates a party that is no longer serious about governing.
And a party that cannot manage itself, cannot honour its own decisions, and cannot tell the truth about its own behaviour does not deserve the automatic support of the bush.
Regional Australia deserves representation that fights for outcomes — not one that mistakes chaos for conviction and blame-shifting for leadership.
Anthony Albanese didn’t break the Coalition.
The Nationals did.
And pretending otherwise only confirms just how far they’ve drifted from being a serious political party at all.
Denise McHugh is an experienced educator in Tamworth. She is Chair of the NSW ALP Education and Skills Committee and Deputy President of the Independent Education Union (IEU).
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QW: Bondi massacre
As a woman of Irish/Cornish heritage, I am deeply aware of the shadows of generational ambiguous grief, and how this act will impact the future for our next generations.
To the brave Jewish people and others I know as friends: I bend my knees and ask, from the heart of my soul, to know how I can help.
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QW: Hooray for a healthy business community
It has been so wonderful to see such a flurry of news about new businesses, new later night shopping in Inverell, new chamber of commerce in Armidale, and so many other signs that our local business community is booming!
I know so many small businesses have struggled with the changes to tax and super payments and the cash flow crisis that has resulted. Here’s hoping that we won’t lose too many more and that our thriving local scene – and locals shopping locally – can continue to ensure a health business community throughout the New England North West.
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