Politics coverage
Feline Felons
THE phrase “like trying to herd cats” will take on a whole new meaning if the Greens get their way with a proposed law effectively making people responsible for keeping cats at home. New laws to be proposed by the Greens in the NSW Parliament in October will give New South Wales councils the discretion [...]
Northern Tablelands
The events which occurred in my hometown of Moree at the weekend are shocking and disgraceful. Police allege a group of teenagers broke into a motel and stabbed the 52-year-old owner of the motel who was airlifted to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. I have been in contact with the victim’s family. He came through surgery [...]
Crime Crisis
THE Minns Labor Government has walked away from protecting regional communities dealing with the youth crime crisis, voting against the Opposition’s strong bail reforms in Parliament today. NSW Nationals party leader Dugald Saunders said the Nationals has been pushing for swift and calculated action since a letter signed by the entire party room was sent [...]
Opinion
Four weeks ago, I received a call from my friend and colleague Steph Cooke who was attending the ED in Moree. She is the Cootamundra MP and as Shadow Water Minister, was visiting for work. She had been taken to the ED in an ambulance and was waiting to be assessed by the doctor. I [...]
Northern Tablelands
I was back in Parliament last week for the first of the September sitting weeks. I delivered Community Recognition Statements on the Uralla Community Spirit, Transport to Treatment, Sweetie Pie’s Bake Shop, ASC’s Nyla Chemane, Glen Innes’ Judy Vivers, Walcha’s Friends of Riverview, Special Olympics North West New England – Polar Plunge, Gather for Gwydir [...]
Northern Tablelands
Bonshaw Rural Fire Brigade’s new and modern facility was officially unveiled on Saturday after a fire destroyed the previous shed in January, 2024. The $230,000 shed features two bays, new toilets and showers and will also serve as an emergency point for the local community. At the official opening, 30 members of the RFS received [...]
Local Government
NEW rules for council meetings will soon be in place as the State Government spearheads a change of culture to boost transparency and community confidence in local government. A new Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils, released on Friday, will come into effect in councils from January 1 next year. The changes to [...]
Northern Tablelands
The emergency department at Moree Hospital has been left without a doctor on numerous occasions over the last few weeks. During those periods, Hunter New England Health have continually failed to inform the community of around 8000 people when there is no doctor on-hand. Instead, patients who present to emergency are forced to use an [...]
Northern Tablelands
Last Friday, the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour came into Walcha. It was a fantastic event for the Walcha community with one of Australia’s most iconic sporting trophies in town. There was a colourful street parade with schools, clubs and local icons taking part. Knight’s Choice’s breeder Norm Bazeley paraded Midnight Pearl, who is the [...]
Public Speaking
THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick, and Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey have launched the My First Speech competition for students in the Parkes electorate. The national competition challenges students in years 10, 11 and 12 to envision themselves as newly-elected Members of the House of Representatives and write a 90-second speech, [...]
