Politics

Steven Eade is not easy to find in Hay. He moves through town quietly, keeps odd hours, and has spent most of his 11 years here trying to take up as little space as possible ... "People say, ‘I didn't know you were still here. Where have you been?'" he said. "And I tell them, I'm hiding under a rock where I belong." He is not entirely joking.

“I am deeply humbled and incredibly grateful… It’s a historic result, and I don't take this trust lightly. I’m ready to get to work.” That was the message from One Nation’s Jason Virgo after a stunning election result delivered a massive swing across the MacKillop electorate - with Naracoorte emerging as a key signal of change.

In a stunning act of betrayal, the Liberal and National parties have back-flipped on a commitment made in the Senate just seven days earlier and voted with Labor to scuttle a motion that would have relegated the Government’s problematic cash mandate regulations to history ... Senator Michaelia Cash stood up last Tuesday and, speaking for both the Liberals and National parties, ridiculed the proposal and accused One Nation of trying to “ban cash”.

Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest 2026 is fast approaching, with a packed program set to bring Maitland to life on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April. Alongside the headline ARTC Rail Program, there’s plenty happening across the city for all-ages.

Anyone trying to understand why regional Australians are turning their backs on the major parties need only look at what happened when a motion to disallow the Government’s problematic cash mandate regulations came up for vote in the Senate this week. Lodged by One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts, the motion had the numbers to pass...

The Malinauskas Labor Government is fast-tracking new heavy freight reforms to lift productivity and drive down costs, including by delivering a reduction in fuel usage of up to 18 per cent. The reforms will take effect immediately and will see 100 new network maps introduced across state roads in South Australia, unlocking access to more efficient truck and trailer configurations and providing increased operational flexibility.

April is 'Bee Blitz' month in Western Australia to highlight the importance of early detection and reporting to protect the State's bee industry and crucial pollination services from harmful pests and diseases. WA undertakes State and national bee pest surveillance programs...

Mallee residents can report fuel outages in their area using a new website, Dr Anne Webster MP, Federal Member for Mallee, said today, calling on residents to log fuel shortages on www.nofuelhere.com.au as communities across regional Australia feel the sting of the nation's fuel crisis.

More than 1.2 million litres of diesel every week could be back in the hands of our truckies and farmers if we had CopperString to Mount Isa, Robbie Katter, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader, and Member for Traeger has said. A survey of power-isolated mines in the North West Minerals Provence has revealed 13 triple road trains a week are needed to generate on-site electricity...

Tasmania’s peak body for farmers is warning that growers are now considering ceasing harvest as a lack of government planning, fertiliser shortages and high diesel prices make it increasingly unviable to continue this season ... “Given where fuel prices are at the moment, and with fertiliser becoming harder to access, farmers are seriously considering whether to harvest, “Mr Cox said.

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has formally called on the federal government to overhaul Medicare structures, claiming current policies are restricting equitable access to primary care for millions of residents in rural and remote Australia.

Germany is investing €50m ($58m) in a rare earth mine north of Alice Springs, near Aileron, in a bid to secure access to the crucial materials for German businesses, according to Economy Minister Katherina Reiche.

The City of Wanneroo, Shire of Gingin and WALGA have been asked if local governments have any concerns about not being able to provide services such as waste collection services as the fuel crisis potentially escalates in coming weeks.

Australia has just signed up to a free trade agreement with the European Union, which is being sold—predictably—as a great leap forward for the inner city consumer ... Out in the paddock, however, the mood is less celebratory. Because the small print tells a more familiar story. Australian once again, signed a deal where farmers pay the costs.

Ten million people now call regional Australia home, and Western Australia is leading the way with its regional population growing faster than the cities, according to a deep dive into the latest population statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 

The installation of Maldon Community Battery has been finalised, complete with its bold surface design by Dja Dja Wurrung artist Daikota Nelson. The TT [Tarrangower Times] has been in touch with Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters, who was a key champion of the project, to find out what she thought about the outcome.

The Scottish town in Australia will come alive this weekend when the Lower Clarence Scottish Association presents the 121st Maclean Highland Gathering. On April 3 and 4, the sights and sounds of pipe bands and solo piping featuring some of Australia’s and the world’s best, will be complimented by the beauty and grace of highland dancing and the spectacular athleticism of the highland games.

Families who use childcare and early education centres run by Central Coast Council are furious with the plan to raise fees by 10% and worried about what it means for their working future. One called it a cash grab, another said it was a rip off ... "disgusting cash grab from Council"...

Harmony Day was celebrated in Nhill on Saturday at Jaypex Park, with a number of countries represented through stalls and performances, including the Karen community, Samoan, New Zealand, Karen, Nepalese and Philippino. There were plenty of craft activities, including Samoan Lolly Lai necklace making, Maori Poi making for the Poi dance, pot painting, and free popcorn, all helping celebrate the rich cultural diversity within the shire.

Scenic Rim Regional Council has reaffirmed its support and commitment to agritourism across the region with a focus on community safety, responsible land use and long-term sustainability. A report presented at yesterday's Ordinary Meeting outlined significant progress made over the past year - including stakeholder engagement, compliance activities and collaboration with industry and government partners - concerning camping-related short-term accommodation.

TasFarmers welcomes the Tasmanian Government’s decision to update its gene technology policy, enabling farmers to access advanced plant breeding technology. TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said the decision reflects a practical, evidence-based step forward for the state’s agricultural sector.