Federal politics

Here’s an idea for you: Australia has around 15 million taxpayers, but only 50 per cent are net contributors, meaning they actually pay more than they receive back in rebates and deductions ... Now, with the government forecasting a surplus ... wouldn't it be nice if those of us contributing more than our fair share had a say in how that surplus is spent—or, dare I say, saved?

After the Albanese Government recently announced a proposal to introduce new laws to prohibit youths aged 16 and under from accessing and using social media, citing the changes are aimed at mitigating the harm social media is inflicting on Australian children, the Clarence Valley Independent decided to conduct a street survey.

Farming families and small business owners across the country have been left speechless by the Agriculture and Small Business Minister Julie Collins’ response in question time ... regarding proposed changes to superannuation. When asked whether the changes would result in a tax bill on unrealised gains even in years with zero or negative income, the Minister confirmed farmers would have to find the cash – potentially forcing the sale of family farms.

Sarah Herrmann. The Federal Government is set to follow the South Australian Government in introducing a bill to ban political donations this week. SA’s legislation was discussed in the Upper House last week, and the government said it had secured support from the Liberal Party, minor parties and other MPs.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the latest detection of fire ants in northern New South Wales shows the former Queensland Labor Government was too slow to act on the Senate inquiry report "Red imported fire ants in Australia – ‘don’t let this come back to bite us’" … the Clunes discovery … comes after previous findings of fire ants in Murwillumbah and Wardell.

For the many people who have spent years working on this issue, culminating in the senate inquiry being called in 2023, the failure to respond officially to the final report and subsequent behavior of the federal treasurer, is highly disrespectful ... Jim Chalmers needs to recognise the democratic processes of government and stop white-anting the findings of this inquiry.

The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) is calling on Australians to understand the growing dangers of ageing and deteriorating asbestos, particularly as the summer season approaches, and home renovation projects kick off. Despite a complete asbestos ban more than 20 years ago, an estimated one in three homes across Australia still contain asbestos.  

As bracket creep pushes more and more people into the top tax rate ... it is only a matter of time before Australians who are mobile enough decide they don’t want to pour an ever-greater part of their annual income into funding Albanese's political priorities. For those who can pick up and leave the country to escape our high tax rates I thought I would give you a quick world tour of where you can park yourself ...

Payroll tax on GPs, increasing costs for GP visits, and a complicated Medicare scheme—is our health system failing our communities and the most vulnerable?... We asked the SA Health Minister Chris Picton, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, SA Shadow Regional Health Services Minister Penny Pratt, and Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, what needs to be done to reduce the burden of increasing healthcare costs on people in country towns, where access to various health services is already limited?

Tens of thousands of Australian farmers have shown adaptability and sustainability this National Agriculture Day by taking part in programs under the Future Drought Fund (FDF) that are helping stock, pasture and native wildlife … provides an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of farmers like Cindy and Steven Scott from the NSW Riverina, who are looking at new ways to manage drought...

Kerry Cain. For rural communities across Australia, local post offices play an invaluable role, providing essential services that go beyond just sending mail ... Newstead’s post office shares its space with a local pharmacy and support for the pharmacy directly benefits the post office. Revenue from the pharmacy helps offset operational costs, ensuring both services remain available to the community.

GrainGrowers has welcomed Treasurer Chalmer’s announcement ... that as part of a broader $900 million package to cut red tape, there will be a specific focus on consumer right to repair. “When agricultural machinery breaks down, it’s more than an inconvenience – it’s a significant financial loss for growers,” said GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel.

The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ renewed emphasis on right to repair … but urged the Federal Government to commit to including agricultural machinery in proposed reforms ... the organisation was committed to a scenario where manufacturers and farmers could work constructively on a right to repair framework for farm machinery.

Little movement at the station Local Member for Groom Garth Hamilton is deeply concerned with the progress of the Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail business case project … "It is damning that after nearly two and a half years, we still cannot confirm whether the Minister has been briefed on such an important report and that the full report has not been released."

“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen,” wrote George Orwell in the dystopian classic 1984. We, on the other hand, had a temperate day in November, and the masses appeared more worried about the outcome of the US election than an authoritarian coup by the Albanese Government ... Would you consider it wise to enshrine a profession famous for lying as the sole arbiter of truth?

Global carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) emissions from fossil fuels have reached a record high in 2024 but total emissions from fossil fuel and land use changes over the last decade have stabilised, according to the Global Carbon Budget ... The report is produced by leading research international organisations, including CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, as part of the Global Carbon Project.

The Albanese Labor Government has placed Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory on the National Heritage List in recognition of the site’s outstanding heritage value to Australia ... The site has been recognised for its remarkable living cultural landscape which is a physical manifestation of the Tjukurrpa and is protected by the songs, ceremonies, and culture of Anangu ngurraritja.

Sam Freeman. I wanted to personally share with you today’s news that the Australian Government announced an $80m financing facility to support the continued operations of the Rex network and their intention to extend the Federal Government Regional Flight Booking Guarantee. This is great news for Rex.  It provides resources for investment needed to improve the business and the operational performance of the regional network including increasing the size of the active regional Rex fleet.