Family First Enters Farrer Race: Rebecca Scriven to Fight for “Family Values" in Post-Ley By-ElectionIn ShortNew Contender: Family First has preselected Albury-based candidate Rebecca Scriven to contest the Farrer by-election following Sussan Ley's resignation.Core Platform: Scriven’s campaign focuses on "defending family values," protecting faith-based education, and rolling back ideologically driven energy policies to lower power bills.Crowded Field: With the Nationals expected to run for the first time since 2001 and a strong Independent presence, the May 9 vote is set to be the most unpredictable in decades.Family First has officially entered the race for the upcoming Farrer by-election, announcing Rebecca Scriven as their candidate to contest the seat vacated by former Liberal leader Sussan Ley.Mrs. Scriven, who lives just north of Albury, enters the field with a campaign centered on "defending family values" and easing the financial "strain" she says is currently squeezing regional households.Originally from South Australia, she moved to the region several years ago and currently works at an independent Christian school.A seasoned operator in the political sphere, Mrs. Scriven brings a resume that includes stints in two state Ministerial Offices and the South Australian Legislative Council. "Rebecca is asking for support to give families a voice in our nation’s capital," a party spokesperson said. "She is ready to advocate for life, religious freedom, and the preservation of the family unit."She argues that her background in governance, paired with her active role in the local church community, provides the necessary grounding to represent the electorate in Canberra.The Family First candidate is running on a platform deeply rooted in what she describes as Judeo-Christian values. Mrs. Scriven has been vocal in her critique of the current political landscape, claiming that "leftist agendas" have captured government decision-making to the detriment of local communities.Key pillars of her campaign include:Education: Protecting the right of faith-based schools to operate according to their specific ethos.Cost of Living: Rolling back what she calls "ideologically based" energy policies that she claims are driving up power bills for families and small businesses.Housing: Advocating for practical measures to increase housing affordability.Social Policy: Strengthening laws to protect the unborn and the vulnerable, while seeking better resourcing for palliative care.The by-election, scheduled by the Australian Electoral Commission for Saturday, 9 May 2026, is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable contests in the seat’s history.With the Liberal Party facing a leadership transition following Ms. Ley’s resignation, the National Party is expected to contest Farrer for the first time since 2001.

In ShortVolunteers needed: Murrumbidgee Police District is actively recruiting for its Custody Support Program, which provides welfare and communication support to people held in police custody.Diverse backgrounds especially welcome: People from Aboriginal communities and non-English speaking cultural backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply, reflecting the region's community makeup.How to apply: All volunteers are fully vetted and trained. Interested community members can contact A/Inspector Lynch on 6969 4299.Being taken into police custody is, for most people, one of the most stressful and disorienting experiences they will ever face. Whether it is a language barrier, a lack of understanding of their rights or simply the shock of the situation, people in custody can quickly become overwhelmed, and that is exactly where the Murrumbidgee Police District's Custody Support Program steps in.Police are actively seeking volunteers from across the Murrumbidgee region to join the program, which places trained community members alongside police to help meet the welfare and communication needs of people in custody. Volunteers provide a calming, supportive presence and help ensure that detainees understand what is happening and that their basic needs are being met.Of particular interest to the Murrumbidgee Police District are applicants from diverse cultural and non-English speaking backgrounds, reflecting the rich and varied communities that make up the Riverina and surrounds. Police are also specifically continuing to recruit Aboriginal Custody Support Persons, who play a particularly important role in supporting Aboriginal people in custody, a group who are significantly overrepresented in the justice system and who can face unique barriers in a custody setting.Prospective volunteers should not be deterred by the thought of entering a police environment. All applicants undergo thorough background and suitability checks to ensure the safety and integrity of the program, and successful volunteers receive full training before they begin. The role is carried out in collaboration with police, not independently, providing a supportive framework for those taking it on.The program is a well-established part of policing across New South Wales and is designed to ensure that anyone held in custody, regardless of their background, language or circumstances, has access to a trusted support person who can communicate with them clearly and compassionately.If you are interested in applying or would like more information, contact Acting Inspector Lynch at Murrumbidgee Police District on 6969 4299.

IN SHORTThe NSW Government has placed the Wilcannia Weir replacement project on indefinite hold after the Australian Government declined to commit further funding, with costs blowing out from $30 million to $130 million following a controversial government-led redesign.The original weir, built in 1942, has been non-operational for decades — and Wilcannia's community has been waiting on a replacement since feasibility studies began in 1969.Critics including local councillors, federal and state MPs, and the Australian Floodplain Association have condemned the decision as a broken promise that threatens the town's fundamental right to sustainable water.A project more than three decades in the making has been placed on indefinite hold, with the NSW Government confirming it will pause work on the replacement of the Wilcannia Weir after the Australian Government declined to commit further funding.Central Darling Shire Council Chairman Bob Stewart said the community was "extremely disappointed" by NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson's announcement."We need to ensure that the weir project goes ahead. It has been needed for more than three decades for critical human water supply requirements," he said.The Council has indicated it expects to formally invite Minister Jackson to visit Wilcannia to explain the decision in person.The original weir, built by hand in 1942 using simple stone blocks, has long been non-operational. Feasibility studies for its replacement date back to 1969. Under the former Coalition governments, both the NSW and Federal governments had committed $15 million each toward a $30 million design that the community had been widely consulted on and supported.Following a change of government in NSW, that design was set aside and a redesign was initiated — one the community did not support — which ultimately drove the estimated project cost to $130 million.Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said the delays caused by that redesign process were directly responsible for the cost blowout."This is the remote north-western town of Wilcannia's source of sustainable water, and yet they have waited through feasibility studies, design processes, consultation processes, talkfests, and inspections — and still, no weir," he said."I will continue to call out the Federal Government and the NSW Government and urge them to work with the Wilcannia community to get this project off hold and back on track."NSW Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke described the announcement, which was made late on a Friday afternoon, as a deliberate attempt to avoid scrutiny."Late on a Friday afternoon, when newsrooms in the Far West were logging off for the week, the Minister for Water quietly announced the Wilcannia Weir project will no longer be going ahead," she said."Let's call this what it is — a broken promise and a failure of leadership."The chair of the Australian Floodplain Association said putting the weir "on hold" was "playing with people's right to water."Local independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler described the funding shortfall as a bitter blow, stating that the state's contribution should have been sufficient to compel federal action, and warning that without federal support, regional infrastructure projects like the Wilcannia Weir would continue to struggle.Minister Jackson said the NSW Government remained committed to improving water security in Wilcannia through other means, including a new water treatment plant, an emergency groundwater bore, and network upgrades to reduce leakage."We remain committed to transparency and to keeping our community informed every step of the way," she said.

By Hazel Dalton (Senior Research Fellow, Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University) and Karen Hayes (Occupational health researcher and lecturer, School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University)In ShortThe Proposal: One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce suggests requiring new doctors to complete a period of regional service to gain a Medicare provider number.The Risk: Experts warn that "coercive" service often fails to provide long-term continuity of care and could discourage graduates from choosing general practice.The Alternative: Critics argue for expanding existing incentive programs that reward doctors for staying in the bush rather than forcing them.According to the latest polling, the right-wing populist party, One Nation, is gaining significant political ground.But the party has also made headlines for its controversial proposal to make new doctors complete a period of regional or rural service, in return for getting a Medicare provider number. This number is essential for accessing Medicare services such as bulk billing, where patients pay no out-of-pocket expenses for seeing a GP.One Nation’s proposal is a blunt solution to a real problem. But could this policy actually work?What exactly is One Nation proposing?Earlier this week, One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce raised the idea of requiring doctors to work regionally before they can work in cities. If they don’t do a regional stint, they would essentially be blocked from practising under Medicare, Australia’s national health insurance scheme.As a result, they would not have the option to bulk-bill or refer patients for pathology tests, such as biopsies and blood tests. This means patients can’t get rebates for seeing a doctor. For a ten-minute consultation which costs about $90, for example, the patient would not get the $43.90 rebate back.At this stage, the proposal is short on detail. It’s unclear if it will apply to all medical graduates, and how long they will required to stay in a rural or regional location. But Joyce has suggested the length of service vary by remoteness. This would mean doctors who work in more remote locations would serve shorter terms.So, could this policy work in practice?Probably not. Australia has both a shortage of GPs and an unevenly distributed GP workforce. And a compulsory rural service policy does little to address either problem.While the number of GPs in Australia has grown, particularly between 2018 and 2023, this growth has not kept pace with the demand for doctors. And the gap is even wider in rural areas.A compulsory period of service might increase the number of newly qualified GPs in some rural communities. But research suggests they won’t stay long. Many forced service programs struggle to retain people after the service period ends. And even if existing doctors leave and are replaced by new ones forced to work in the country, this is a problem because local patients can’t benefit from continuity of care.One American study tracked 240 international medical graduates who, because of their visa requirements, had to work rurally for three years. It found most relocated to urban areas within two years of fulfilling that visa requirement.If you look at the distribution of our GP workforce, there is a clear pattern: GP numbers drop as remoteness increases. As a result, small rural towns have the fewest GPs relative to their population.This matters because these communities are often too small to sustain a private general practice. And they are usually too far from larger regional centres for residents to easily access care.Unfortunately, these are structural problems a coercive rural service policy are unlikely to fix. Instead, we should focus on programs which reward doctors for working in the regions.One example is the Workforce Incentive Program (Doctor Stream). This program offers medical graduates an annual payment which increases according to their year of service and level of remoteness.Funding is also available for rural doctors seeking professional development. These include the Rural Procedural Grants Program and the Australian General Practice Program. As of 2026, the Australian General Practice Program has an additional 100 places dedicated to training rural GPs.Are there any downsides to this policy?Yes. Here are three.First, this policy devalues regional communities. If we force doctors to go to rural communities, it reinforces the idea that rural places aren’t worth choosing. Medical schools already tend to frame metropolitan practice as the goal, and rural practice as the back-up plan. Forcing graduates into rural service may deepen that stigma. So instead of strengthening rural health care, this policy would discourage the long-term commitment rural communities actually need.Second, it may increase medical costs for rural patients. Based on Joyce’s comments to date, doctors without a Medicare Provider Number will not be allowed to bulk-bill. This means they will charge fees, shifting the cost of health care to patients.Third, this policy might discourage people from pursuing general practice altogether. Australia is already facing a GP shortage, which is only expected to get worse. For young medical students, a period of compulsory service scheme might become another barrier to pursuing a career in general practice.One Nation’s proposal may sound straightforward. But without considering the details and potential risks, it may just exacerbate our current shortage of rural and regional GPs. So to find a solution, we may have to go back to the drawing board.This article first appeared on The Conversation

Children will soon be banned from riding e-bikes in New South Wales, with the State Government moving to overhaul the rules governing the rapidly growing technology amid mounting concerns about safety and the surge of illegal high-powered models on public streets.In ShortAge limits coming: An expert review will recommend a legal minimum riding age of between 12 and 16 for e-bikes in NSW, with a decision expected after June 2026.Stricter standards from March: NSW is adopting the European EN15194 safety standard, capping e-bikes at 250 watts and 25 km/h — and reversing the former government's decision to allow 500-watt models on public roads.Three-year transition: Higher-powered e-bikes purchased legally under previous rules can remain on the road until 1 March 2029, after which only EU-standard bikes will be road legal in NSW.Under sweeping reforms, NSW will introduce a minimum riding age and adopt strict European safety standards, targeting bikes that critics say behave more like motorbikes than bicycles. An expert review led by Transport for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age of between 12 and 16 for riding an e-bike. The review will also consider whether children and teenagers have the skills, maturity and road awareness required to safely carry passengers.With an estimated 760,000 e-bikes already in circulation across the state, the rapid rise of the technology has sparked both a transport revolution and growing safety fears. Under current NSW road rules, a child of any age can ride an e-bike and riders of any age can carry passengers if the bike's design allows it. But unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes are heavier and faster, increasing the force involved in a crash, heightening the risk of serious injury and making them considerably more difficult to control, particularly for younger riders.The government will consult experts in child development and road safety as part of the review process, including the NSW Office for Youth and Young People, as well as seeking feedback from parents and young people directly. Advice will be provided to the Transport Minister and Roads Minister by June, with a final decision on the age threshold and passenger rules to follow.Transport Minister John Graham said the reforms were about striking a balance between encouraging active transport and addressing mounting safety concerns. "We want children outdoors and active but keeping them safe is paramount," he said. "I am concerned that we have primary school-aged children trying to control e-bikes that in some cases are heavier than them." He said community concern about teenagers riding together on high-powered fat bikes had also prompted closer scrutiny. "I acknowledge the concern in the community about groups of teens piling onto fat bikes — often three to a bike, and sometimes breaking simple road rules."The proposed age limits build on reforms already announced by the government, including new powers for NSW Police to seize and crush illegal e-bikes and a trial of portable dyno units to measure e-bike speeds during roadside compliance checks. The government has also reversed the former Coalition's 2023 decision to allow 500-watt e-bikes on NSW roads, and introduced tighter standards for lithium-ion batteries to reduce fire risks linked to e-bikes and e-scooters.From March, NSW will adopt the European safety standard EN15194, joining Western Australia in requiring the benchmark. Under the standard, e-bikes must have a maximum power output of 250 watts, with power assistance cutting out at 25 km/h. No power assistance can be delivered above 6 km/h unless the rider is pedalling. The standard also includes strict battery, electrical and fire-safety requirements, along with anti-tampering protections designed to prevent speed and power limits from being altered. "The community has spoken against souped-up motorbikes masquerading as e-bikes," Mr Graham said, "and this new standard makes clear that e-bikes must perform like bicycles, not motorbikes."Recognising that hundreds of thousands of higher-powered e-bikes were purchased legally under previous rules, the government will introduce a three-year transition period. From 1 March 2029, only e-bikes meeting the European standard will be road legal in NSW. The transition period reflects the typical lifespan of an e-bike and is intended to give households, retailers and manufacturers time to adjust. Following consultation, retailers will also be required to clearly specify whether a bike meets the EU standard and is road legal in NSW.Police Minister Yasmin Catley said officers were already seeing the consequences of misuse first-hand. "By introducing sensible age settings and cracking down on illegal, high-powered bikes, we are helping police prevent dangerous behaviour before more people are seriously hurt," she said.

IN SHORTThe Nationals have selected retired army colonel Brad Robertson as their Farrer by-election candidate after a preselection vote in Griffith on March 8, while One Nation named Narrandera agribusiness veteran David Farley at a rally in Albury on March 7.An early poll reported by the ABC's Insiders program on March 8 reportedly shows One Nation leading with independent Michelle Milthorpe second, with the Liberals and Nationals well behind — making preferences a critical factor.The Farrer by-election is scheduled for May 9, 2026, triggered by former Liberal leader Sussan Ley's resignation after 25 years representing the seat. Labor is not expected to field a candidate and the Liberal Party has yet to name its contender.The race to represent Farrer, a federal electorate that takes in Hay, Balranald, Griffith, Leeton, Deniliquin, Narrandera, Corowa, Wentworth and Albury, entered a decisive new phase over the weekend of March 7 and 8, with One Nation announcing its candidate and the Nationals confirming theirs from a preselection vote held in Griffith.The by-election, set for May 9, 2026, was triggered by the resignation of Sussan Ley, who held the seat for 25 years before losing the Liberal Party leadership to Angus Taylor in February and subsequently announcing her retirement from parliament.The Nationals selected retired army colonel Brad Robertson after the Griffith vote on Sunday March 8. Robertson was raised in Bathurst and spent 30 years in the Australian Army, with his final posting as commander of the Joint Logistics Unit at Bandiana in Victoria. He is currently a board member of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund. His selection marks the first time the Nationals have contested Farrer since 2001, when former Corowa councillor Bill Bott was defeated by Ley in a narrow three-cornered contest. Before Ley, the seat was held by the Nationals from 1984 to 2001 through former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer.One Nation moved the day prior, with Narrandera agribusiness veteran David Farley winning the party's preselection at the Albury Convention Centre on March 7. Farley, 69, is a former CEO of major beef producer the Australian Agricultural Company and current chair of water advocacy group Speak Up 4 Water. He was born and bred in Narrandera and has worked for agribusinesses overseas. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce — who defected to One Nation in December — appeared at Albury's QEII Square on Saturday to endorse Farley before a public rally.Farley said water policy and the cost of living would be central to his campaign, with Murray-Darling Basin reform at the top of his agenda."Why is water being managed as an environmental asset when it should be managed as a sovereign asset?" he said."The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has reached well beyond its remit."Farley also welcomed the decision by NSW independent state MP Helen Dalton not to contest the federal seat, saying it reflected well on her commitment to her Murray electorate."It's good for Farrer and Murray," he said. "On Helen's behalf, it shows that she is looking after her constituents. She has proved her capabilities; she has proved her tenacity and she has runs on the board."Just before his preselection was confirmed, Farley said he believed he had "the capacity, skills and tenacity to represent Farrer on the critical issues that are needed."The first poll of the Farrer contest, reported by the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday, reportedly shows One Nation leading with independent Michelle Milthorpe in second place, and the Liberals and Nationals well behind. With preferences likely to prove decisive, the question of how-to-vote card arrangements between the parties has already entered the debate.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighed in during a recent visit to Albury, urging the Coalition to put One Nation last on its how-to-vote cards."They can't just be One Nation lite, coming up with similar policies to One Nation. They need to be responsible going forward. John Howard always put One Nation last on the how-to-vote of the Liberal Party. We'll wait and see what decisions Angus Taylor and David Littleproud are prepared to make," Mr Albanese said.Farley responded by accusing the major parties of attempting to collude against One Nation. "What they're proposing is very disingenuous to the constituents and their rights under our democracy," he said.The Coalition parties have not yet made a decision on their preference arrangements.Milthorpe, who finished second on primary votes at the 2022 election and is backed by Climate 200, has confirmed she will contest the seat again. The Liberal Party — which has held Farrer for 25 years — is the only major party yet to name a candidate. Liberal state Albury MP Justin Clancy had considered running but withdrew from consideration last week.Labor is not expected to field a candidate. The Greens, Family First, People First and several other minor parties have also confirmed they will contest the seat.Enrolment for the by-election closes at 8pm on April 8, 2026.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives has officially set 9 May 2026 as the date for the Farrer by-election, prompting Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe to formalise her campaign for the seat.In ShortThe Date is Set: The Farrer by-election will take place on Saturday, 9 May 2026, following the resignation of Liberal Deputy Leader Sussan Ley.Key Policy Demands: Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe is centering her campaign on a Federal Royal Commission into Water Management and addressing the "triple-digit" spike in water prices.Service Gaps: The campaign highlights a "national crisis" in regional infrastructure, specifically calling for a new hospital in Albury and improved telecommunications in Hay and Wentworth.The by-election was triggered by the recent resignation of former Liberal Deputy Leader Sussan Ley. Ms Milthorpe, a Jindera-based educator and advocate, confirmed she will contest the seat for a second time after finishing in second place at the 2025 federal election.The 9 May poll will be the first major electoral test for the region since the 2025 general election.Regional Priorities and Water ReformDuring a campaign stop in Griffith, Ms Milthorpe addressed several issues she identified as critical to the western and central reaches of the electorate, including the local government areas of Hay, Balranald, Carrathool, and Central Darling.Central to her platform is a call for a federal Royal Commission into water management. Ms Milthorpe attributed recent financial pressures on primary producers to fluctuating water costs."The by-election could not come any sooner, because the people of Farrer have been forgotten," Ms Milthorpe said. "We are tough, and we get on with things, but everyone has their breaking point, and too many people across Farrer are reaching theirs.""We are the food bowl of Australia, we have given so much to this country, but party politicians in Canberra are too busy fighting each other to give us anything in return."Ms Milthorpe stated that the current economic climate for agriculture necessitated federal intervention."We need a federal Royal Commission Into Water," she said. "Generational farmers are selling up because the price of water has tripled in just the past year. This is a national crisis, and a national crisis demands a national response."Infrastructure and Essential ServicesMs Milthorpe’s campaign also highlights disparities in telecommunications and social services across the region. She pointed to specific connectivity issues in the Hay district and surrounding western shires as a primary concern for the community."Water is just one of many ways our electorate has been forgotten," Ms Milthorpe said."We need a new public hospital in Albury to give the growing regional city and its surrounding areas the modern medical care it deserves. We need proper phone reception out in Hay and Wentworth. We need more childcare staff, the waitlist in some towns is now more than 300 kids. And we have a dire need for more aged care support, so people can grow old with dignity in their own communities."The candidate argued that the historical status of Farrer as a safe seat has contributed to a lack of investment in regional infrastructure."These are problems that would be fixed if we lived in the cities," Ms Milthorpe said. "For too long, politicians have overlooked our community because we are a safe seat. Last election showed there was a real appetite for change, and this election we’re ready to finish the job."Candidate BackgroundMs Milthorpe, who was raised in Cootamundra, gained public prominence through her advocacy for child sexual assault survivors. Her campaigning previously resulted in a $64 million commitment from the NSW Government to expand court support services for children in regional areas.

In Short Fuel prices are likely to rise as global oil markets respond to the conflict — rural families are urged to fill tanks and jerry cans now as a sensible precaution.Australia's food supply is not under direct threat, but imported goods and freight-dependent groceries may become more expensive in coming weeks.A low-level risk of cyberattacks on Australian infrastructure exists — keeping cash on hand, torches stocked and a basic contingency plan is wise preparation.Life in our parts moves at its own pace, and for many communities, a military conflict on the other side of the world can feel abstract and distant. In one sense, it is. No bombs will fall here. No troops will mobilise in our paddocks. But in the practical, everyday ways that matter most to country families, what is happening right now in the Middle East is worth understanding clearly and calmly.The most immediate concern for rural Australians is fuel. Australia imports a significant portion of its refined petroleum products, and global oil markets reacted sharply on Saturday night to news of the strikes. Petrol prices were already elevated before this weekend; they are likely to rise further. For those of us who drive long distances to work, run farming equipment, or rely on diesel generators, this is not an abstract concern. It is a kitchen table issue.The practical response is straightforward. Fill your tank when you can. If you have jerry cans, fill those too. Store them safely in a shed or garage, away from heat sources, and add a fuel stabiliser if you intend to keep them for more than a month or two. A couple of twenty-litre jerry cans gives a family meaningful insurance against both price spikes and short-term supply disruptions at the bowser.Grocery prices are the second concern. Australia is one of the most food-secure nations on earth. We grow our own beef, wheat, dairy, fruit and vegetables in abundance, and a conflict in the Persian Gulf does not directly threaten our food supply. However, many imported goods rely on fuel to reach us, and freight costs tend to be passed on quickly at the retail level. Prices for some imported products and packaged goods may rise over coming weeks.Building a modest home pantry is sensible preparedness at any time, not just during a crisis. A two to four week supply of staples such as rice, pasta, canned protein, long-life milk, cooking oil and dried goods provides real peace of mind and costs less than most people expect. Buy a little extra each week rather than making one large purchase, which keeps costs manageable and avoids contributing to any shortages at the local IGA or supermarket.There is also a cyber dimension to this conflict worth understanding. Iran has well-documented offensive cyber capabilities, and Australian infrastructure including power grids, water systems and banking networks has been identified in the past as a potential target during times of heightened tension. The Australian Cyber Security Centre is actively monitoring this risk. A simple household precaution is to keep some cash on hand, ensure torches and batteries are stocked, and have a basic plan if power or internet access were disrupted for a day or two.Beyond the practical, it is worth acknowledging what is perhaps most important about living in rural New South Wales right now. Small towns look after their own. The same community networks that mobilise during a bushfire or a flood are the same ones that will carry people through economic stress or uncertainty. Know your neighbours. Talk to your local businesses. Stay connected to your community. That social fabric is, in the end, the most reliable form of resilience any of us has.The Australian Government has not indicated any direct military threat to Australia. Our Defence Force remains on standard alert. The advice from authorities is to stay informed through reliable sources, to take sensible precautions, and to go about daily life. Schools remain open. Businesses remain open. Work continues. This is not the time to panic. It is, however, a good time to be quietly, practically prepared.

IN SHORTNarrandera agribusiness veteran David Farley has won One Nation preselection for the federal seat of Farrer, defeating Leigh Wolki and Guy Cooper at a vote in Albury this morning before being announced at a rally this afternoon.Farley, 69, is a former cotton and cattle industry CEO with decades of experience across the Riverina and Murray-Darling Basin, and has been a prominent critic of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan as chair of Speak Up 4 Water.The Farrer by-election is scheduled for 9 May 2026, triggered by former Liberal leader Sussan Ley's resignation after 25 years representing the seat.A Narrandera agribusiness veteran has become One Nation's candidate for the federal seat of Farrer, winning a preselection contest in Albury this morning before being formally introduced to supporters at a rally this afternoon.David Farley, 69, defeated fellow contenders Leigh Wolki of Albury and Guy Cooper of Boeill Creek to claim the candidacy, emerging from a field that originally attracted more than 80 applicants. Only three made it through One Nation's vetting process, and this morning local party members cast their votes at the Albury Convention Centre before the winner was unveiled to the public.The by-election for Farrer is scheduled for 9 May 2026. It was triggered when former Liberal leader Sussan Ley resigned from parliament in late February following her defeat in a Liberal leadership spill by Angus Taylor. Ley had held Farrer for 25 years, but the seat is now considered genuinely contested for the first time in its history.Farley is no stranger to the region or to big decisions. He was born and raised in Narrandera, the grandson of a First World War Light Horseman and the son of a Second World War naval veteran who went on to work in agribusiness. Those roots run deep, and so does his professional track record.He started out as a jackaroo with FS Falkiner and Sons in Deniliquin back in 1975, working his way up through roles as overseer, station manager and irrigation development specialist. By 1982 he had been appointed to lead the development of a major irrigation enterprise in northern New South Wales. Over the following two decades he built Colly Cotton from 160 hectares to more than 27,000 irrigated hectares, eventually serving as Managing Director for 16 years as the company grew into one of the top ten cotton trading operations in the world. He later served as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Agricultural Company, one of the country's largest cattle enterprises, and has worked across the United States, Africa and the former Soviet Union in agribusiness roles. He owns Matrix Commodities, an agricultural commodity trading and investment company based in Narrandera.More recently, Farley has been a prominent voice on water policy, having been elected chair of Speak Up 4 Water, an advocacy group pushing back against aspects of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. He has long argued that the plan has hurt regional communities, stripped away agricultural jobs and handed too much power to city-based bureaucrats and foreign-owned corporations over water that regional families depend on.Farley joined One Nation roughly six months ago, well before Ley announced her resignation, and he has been direct about why. He said it was Ley's own governance of Farrer, particularly her failure to push back on water policy, that pushed him toward a party he felt had the courage to take on the fight."There are many issues affecting Farrer that are also national issues," he said. "We need to be represented by a party with courage and tenacity, which I don't believe has been demonstrated by the Coalition."The Farrer by-election field is shaping up to be one of the most competitive the electorate has ever seen. The Liberal Party and the Nationals are both contesting the seat, as are the Greens, the People's Future Party and the Freedom and Fairness Party, whose candidate is Rebecca Scriven. Independent Michelle Milthorpe, who actually outpolled Ley in Albury at the 2025 federal election and is backed by Climate 200, is considered one of the stronger challengers. Milthorpe has already been actively campaigning across the electorate.One Nation has been polling strongly nationally in recent months, and the party clearly views Farrer as a genuine opportunity. For Farley, the 9 May poll represents the chance to convert decades of fighting for the Riverina and Murray-Darling communities from the outside into representation from within the walls of parliament.

IN SHORTMaari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation has quit the Broken Hill Environmental Lead Response Group, citing the NSW Government's persistent failure to act on its recommendations.A NSW Chief Scientist report confirms Aboriginal children in Broken Hill carry a disproportionately higher burden of elevated blood lead levels than non-Aboriginal children, with progress in reducing exposure slowing in recent years.Maari Ma has long recommended greater program focus on Aboriginal children and improved housing quality — two key factors linked to the ongoing disparity.The withdrawal comes in the wake of a report by the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer which, consistent with numerous studies over many years, found that Aboriginal children in Broken Hill continue to carry a disproportionate burden of elevated blood lead levels compared to non-Aboriginal children. The report noted that progress in reducing lead exposure across the community has slowed in recent years.Mr Weston has long called for a new and targeted approach specifically focused on Aboriginal children and families."We have recommended for a long time that the community program here in Broken Hill has a greater focus on Aboriginal children, as it is Aboriginal children who are carrying the greater burden of high lead levels in Broken Hill," he has previously said."We have also been recommending that the government focuses on housing, as there is a strong link between blood lead levels and the quality of housing in Broken Hill for Aboriginal families."Maari Ma has provided lead testing, health education, and intensive case management for Aboriginal children under five years of age for many years. Despite that work, Mr Weston said the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children's lead levels remains unacceptably high.The Broken Hill Lead Program offers voluntary and free annual blood lead screening for all local children under five through the Broken Hill Child and Family Health Service and Maari Ma's Primary Health Care Service.

In ShortDawn raid on Argyle Street: Police executed a search warrant at a residential address on Argyle Street, Leeton, at around 7:40 am on Wednesday 25 February.Significant seizure: Officers allegedly found prohibited weapons, fireworks, illegal drugs, ammunition and items consistent with the supply of drugs at the property.Bail granted, court date set: A 45-year-old man was arrested, initially refused bail, then granted conditional bail to appear at Leeton Local Court on 10 March 2026.A 45-year-old man is set to face Leeton Local Court later this month after police executed a search warrant at an Argyle Street property in the early hours of Wednesday morning, uncovering a significant collection of weapons, drugs, ammunition and suspected drug supply materials.Officers from the Murrumbidgee Police District arrived at the property at around 7:40 am on Wednesday 25 February and, following a search, allegedly located prohibited weapons, fireworks, a quantity of illegal drugs, ammunition, and items police believe are consistent with the supply of drugs.The 45-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Leeton Police Station, where he was charged with multiple offences spanning weapons, drug and ammunition categories.He was initially refused bail and appeared before Bail Court Division 5, where he was subsequently granted conditional bail. He is due to appear at Leeton Local Court on 10 March 2026.Police have not publicly named the man at this stage of proceedings. The investigation is being handled by the Murrumbidgee Police District, which covers the Leeton, Griffith, Narrandera and surrounding areas of the Riverina.The execution of a search warrant at a residential address typically follows an investigative period in which police gather sufficient evidence to satisfy a magistrate or authorised justice that there are reasonable grounds for the search. The discovery of items consistent with drug supply — such as scales, bags or deal quantities — alongside drugs and weapons is frequently a factor in bail decisions.

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has officially ruled out contesting the upcoming federal by-election for the seat of Farrer, opting instead to remain in the New South Wales Parliament.In Short: The Decision: Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has officially declined to contest the federal by-election for Farrer, choosing to remain in the NSW State Parliament.The Focus: Dalton cited a need to hold the State Government accountable for "passing the buck" to Canberra on regional water rights and Murray-Darling Basin policy.The Ultimatum: She will only endorse a federal candidate for Farrer who commits to a Royal Commission into the Murray-Darling Basin and her seven-point reform plan.The announcement, released Thursday, clarifies Mrs Dalton’s intention to continue her advocacy within the state legislature, where she claims pressure must be intensified on governments regarding Murray-Darling Basin policies.For residents in the Murray electorate, the decision means their state representative Ms Dalton will maintain her current seat rather than seeking a move to the cross-border federal electorate.Mrs Dalton stated that her decision followed discussions with constituents who expressed a desire for a more aggressive approach to water rights."People across the Murray are beyond frustrated. They are watching their communities suffer while governments keep shifting blame and dodging responsibility," Mrs Dalton said."I have no intention of stepping away from this fight. If anything, the pressure is about to increase".State Government Held to AccountBy remaining in the NSW Parliament, Mrs Dalton argued she can more directly challenge the state government’s handling of regional water interests. She alleged that the current administration has frequently deferred responsibility to federal authorities."The NSW Government cannot keep passing the buck to Canberra while communities in the basin pay the price," she said."For too long, basin communities have been treated as expendable in political negotiations over water. That has to stop".The Member for Murray indicated her ongoing legislative priorities include a push for a Royal Commission into the Murray-Darling Basin and the implementation of her seven-point plan for reform."Let me be very clear. I am not going anywhere and I will not be backing off," she added."Until basin communities get the transparency and protection they deserve, this fight will only get louder".Potential Endorsements in FarrerRegarding the federal vacancy in Farrer, Mrs Dalton noted she would only consider endorsing a candidate who demonstrates a "genuine commitment" to her proposed water reforms."I won't be endorsing anyone who is weak on water," she said."If candidates want the trust of basin communities, they need to prove they are prepared to fight for a Royal Commission and real reform, not more political excuses".Residents seeking further information on the Member’s stance or the proposed reforms can contact her electorate offices in Griffith, Deniliquin, or Buronga.

57-year-old Hay man Grahame John Franks remains in custody following an appearance at the Griffith Local Court on March 5.Magistrate Pauline Wright ruled that bail should continue, with the next appearance scheduled for April 9Franks is facing a slew of charges, following his arrest in Hay last December. Charges include multiple counts of production, possession, and dissemination, one count of procuring a child under 14 for unlawful sexual activity, possession and dissemination of bestiality material and firearms charges.

In Short- A Broken Hill man in his 50s was threatened with knuckle dusters and a firearm during a late-night home invasion on Chapple Street on 1 March.- A 32-year-old woman and 40-year-old man were arrested the following day — police seized knuckle dusters and clothing during searches of two separate properties.- Both have been refused bail and are due to face Broken Hill Local Court on 28 April 2026.A Broken Hill man in his 50s has been left shaken after allegedly being threatened twice in a single night, first with knuckle dusters, then with a firearm, in what police are treating as an armed robbery at his Chapple Street home.The incident, which unfolded just before midnight on Sunday 1 March, has resulted in two people being charged and refused bail, with the matter now heading to Broken Hill Local Court.According to NSW Police, officers from the Barrier Police District were called to the Chapple Street address at around 11:45pm following reports of an armed intruder. When they arrived, they were told a man had forced his way in, demanded cash, ripped the home's security cameras from the walls, and threatened the resident with knuckle dusters before producing a firearm. A woman is also alleged to have separately threatened the victim on the same day.Police arrested a 32-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man at another Broken Hill address the following afternoon. A search of that property turned up a set of knuckle dusters. A subsequent search warrant executed at a Morgan Street address the next day yielded further items, including clothing, which police have seized as evidence.The woman has been hit with a string of charges; armed robbery, assault with intent to rob while armed with a dangerous weapon, contravening a restriction in an AVO, and breach of bail. The man faces a charge of armed robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon.Both appeared before the Bail Division on Tuesday March 3 and were formally refused bail. They are next due before Broken Hill Local Court on April 28, 2026.

In ShortCross-border arrest: A man wanted by WA Police on serious drug supply and stolen property charges was arrested in Griffith on Wednesday 25 February after being stopped in a vehicle with Western Australia number plates.Serious charges: Police allege the man was wanted for possessing stolen property, possessing a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine with the intention to supply, and failing to comply with a data access order.Extradited interstate: After being charged at Griffith Police Station, the man was extradited to Western Australia to face the outstanding matters before the courts there.Griffith police have arrested a man wanted in Western Australia on serious drug supply, stolen property and data-access offences, after pulling him over in a vehicle bearing WA number plates on Wednesday afternoon.The arrest was made at around 1 pm on Wednesday 25 February, when officers from the Murrumbidgee Police District stopped the vehicle in Griffith. The man was taken to Griffith Police Station, where he was charged on the outstanding warrants.Police allege the man was wanted by Western Australia Police on charges of possessing stolen property, possessing a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine with the intention to supply, and failing to comply with a data access order — an offence that relates to providing access to encrypted devices or accounts when required by law enforcement.Following the charging process at Griffith Police Station, the man was extradited to Western Australia, where he will face the outstanding matters before the courts there.The Murrumbidgee Police District encompasses a vast area of regional New South Wales including Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, West Wyalong and surrounds. Police across the district regularly cooperate with interstate law enforcement agencies to locate wanted persons who travel across state lines.

IN SHORT- Roads, rail and flights all disrupted: The Barrier Highway is closed in most directions, the Sydney-to-Perth rail line is expected to remain shut until at least Sunday, and fog from the weather system grounded both REX and Qantas flights at Broken Hill's Silver City Airport.- Communities isolated across a vast region: Dozens of roads across the Far West remain closed, with White Cliffs, Wilcannia, Tibooburra and surrounding station country among the most deeply cut off. The NSW SES has issued Prepare Now warnings for several of these communities with more rain on the way.-Help is on standby — but don't drive through floodwater: The NSW SES has deployed a high-clearance vehicle to Broken Hill and has air assets available for emergency resupply and rescue. The message from authorities is clear: do not attempt to drive through floodwaters under any circumstances.The Far West of New South Wales is in the grip of one of its most disruptive flood events in recent years, with communities across the Broken Hill, Central Darling and Far West regions dealing with road closures, damaged infrastructure, isolated homesteads and more rain still to come.The event began when a tropical low-pressure system pushed south across the network in South Australia, western Victoria and southern New South Wales in late February. Emergency warnings for life-threatening flash flooding were issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for vast areas of Victoria and New South Wales, with six-hourly rainfall totalling up to 100mm possible across a warning area stretching more than 650 kilometres — from Seymour in central Victoria all the way to Broken Hill in the far west. More than 65mm fell over the Broken Hill area across the weekend alone.Communities across Central Darling Shire, including White Cliffs and Wilcannia, found themselves even more deeply isolated, with Transport for NSW confirming the majority of local roads across the Far West remain closed due to flooding and slippery surfaces. The NSW State Emergency Service has issued a Prepare Now warning for Tibooburra, White Cliffs, Wanaaring, Tilpa and Milparinka, advising residents and property owners that heavy rainfall and flash flooding are forecast, arriving on top of ground that is already well beyond capacity.The road network across the region has taken a significant hit. Closures most directly affecting the Central Darling area include the Old Pooncarie Road, the Wanaaring to Wilcannia Road north section, Henry Roberts Road between White Cliffs and Cobham, which is open to four-wheel-drives only: Tandou Road, Netley Road and Loch Lilly Road. The Mutawintji Road is shut in both directions. Further west, the Cut Line is closed between Tibooburra, Borrona Downs and Wanaaring, and Cameron Corner Road from Tibooburra to Fortville Gate is also closed. On the state highway network, the Silver City Highway from Broken Hill to Packsaddle and from Packsaddle to Tibooburra remains open, but Transport for NSW is advising drivers to travel to conditions. The Wilangee Road between Broken Hill and Wilangee is open to general traffic with caution, though four-wheel-drive is recommended, and the section from Wilangee through to McDougals Well is closed entirely.The Barrier Highway, which is the main link between Broken Hill and the east, is closed in most directions after the weekend's downpour damaged the road surface and stranded travellers. The situation on the ground is described as severely deteriorated, with supply routes connecting stations, homesteads and townships to Broken Hill and Cobar among those affected.The rail network has also taken a major blow. The Broken Hill and Whyalla lines and sections of the east-west corridor are currently closed while detailed assessments are undertaken, including aerial inspections to verify damage. The Sydney to Perth corridor is expected to remain closed until at least Sunday, with reopening timeframes dependent on the outcomes of track inspections. With multiple highways currently disrupted, rail is playing a big role in maintaining the movement of supermarket goods and other critical freight between states. The Australian Rail Track Corporation said it was restoring critical rail links to keep Australia's national supply chain moving. Crews have been working around the clock to make repairs, but the scale of the damage means full restoration is still some days away.Adding to the pressure on an already stretched region, thick fog settled over Broken Hill and grounded flights at Silver City Airport, with services operated by REX and Qantas both delayed. For people in remote communities, air access is often the only option when roads close, so disruption to flights adds a serious layer of difficulty for those needing medical care, essential goods or a way out.The outlook remains concerning. With the ground already saturated and further rainfall in the forecast, authorities are warning that conditions are likely to deteriorate further before they improve. More road closures are considered a real possibility, and some communities may remain cut off for an extended period.The NSW SES has deployed a high-clearance vehicle to Broken Hill and has air assets on standby, and is prepared to assist communities with resupply of essential medical, food and water supplies, or rescue if required. Superintendent Watson from the NSW SES urged anyone likely to be isolated to stock up on essential items while it is still safe to do so.The message from every authority is the same: do not drive through floodwater. No matter how shallow it looks, floodwater on outback roads can be moving faster and be deeper than it appears, and roads beneath the surface may be damaged or completely washed away.HELP AND SUPPORT — KEY CONTACTS & RESOURCESFor emergency flood and storm assistance:NSW State Emergency Service — call 132 500 (24 hours, 7 days)Life-threatening emergency:Call Triple Zero (000)Road conditions:Live Traffic NSW — livetraffic.com or call 132 700Broken Hill City Council road conditions — 08 8080 3300Weather warnings:Bureau of Meteorology — bom.gov.auStay across warnings:Download the Hazards Near Me app and set your watch zone for real-time alertsSES information and updates:ses.nsw.gov.au

In ShortApplications open 10 March: A suite of NSW drought relief measures becomes available from 10 March 2026, including doubled loan limits, a new small drought relief loan and free feed and water testing statewide.Loans doubled to $500,000: The maximum loan available under the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund has been doubled from $250,000 to $500,000, with a new streamlined $100,000 loan option also introduced for immediate, low-cost assistance.Pest control and financial counselling funded: The package includes $1.2 million to reduce kangaroo populations in drought-affected western NSW, $2 million for feral pig and deer control, and $1.8 million for the NSW Rural Financial Counselling Service.With drought conditions still gripping parts of south-western NSW even as record rains fall across the Far West, the state government has announced a significant support package for drought-affected farmers, and applications open on 10 March 2026.The package, announced by the Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty, includes a doubling of the maximum loan available under the $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund, from $250,000 up to $500,000. A new small Drought Relief Loan of up to $100,000 has also been established, designed to provide immediate, low-cost finance with an upfront payment option, reduced documentation requirements and no requirement for property as security, making it more accessible for farmers who may not have significant assets to put up against a loan.The NSW Rural Financial Counselling Service will receive $1.8 million in funding to continue providing free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship. The Drought Adoption Officer Program will also be extended by $1.2 million, and the term of the Southern NSW Drought Coordinator, which was initially six months, has been extended to the end of 2026 and expanded to cover western NSW, where dry conditions continue to challenge farmers.Free feed and water testing is also available statewide through Local Land Services, backed by $250,000 in funding, a practical measure for farmers trying to manage the quality of what limited feed and water they have on hand.The package also addresses the well-documented problem of pest animals becoming more competitive and destructive during drought conditions, when limited food and water drive feral animals to congregate around critical livestock water points. $1.2 million has been allocated to reduce kangaroo populations in drought-affected western NSW, while a $2 million program will increase the targeting of feral pigs and deer for landholders in drought-impacted regions.Mr Butler noted that while the measures are welcome, loans ultimately slow recovery because they have to be repaid. A series of local information events will be held across southern and western NSW to help farmers understand what support is available and how to access it.Applications open March 10 2026. For more information visit raa.nsw.gov.au/loans/drought-assistance

Breaking: Farrer By-Election Date announcedSpeaker Milton Dick announced during question time today (Thursday, March 5) that writs had been issued for an May 9 by-election in Farrer.The official announcement has triggered what many say will be contest between the Liberals, Nationals, One Nation and an independent.The by-election was confirmed after former opposition leader Sussan Ley resigned from parliament, bringing an end to a 25-year career representing the vast seat in NSW.Close of rolls would take place on April 8, while nominations would close on April 13.Independent Michelle Milthorpe has already publicly announced her intention to run, and One Nation will select a candidate on Saturday, from three Party hopefuls.

In ShortFour-day tour underway: Roy Butler is hosting Dr Joe McGirr, Member for Wagga Wagga and Chair of the Legislative Assembly Select Committee on Remote, Rural and Regional Health, on a tour from the east of Barwon out to the Far West this week.Focus on rural health delivery: The tour will examine both the challenges facing medical staff and hospital administrators in Barwon and the things that are working well across the region.Committee context: Dr McGirr's committee is reviewing progress on the implementation of recommendations from the Rural Health Inquiry — one of the most significant examinations of healthcare in regional NSW in recent years.The Member for Barwon Roy Butler is this week hosting a four-day health tour across the electorate alongside Dr Joe McGirr, the Member for Wagga Wagga, travelling from the east of Barwon all the way out to the Far West to meet with the people on the front line of healthcare delivery across the region.Dr McGirr serves as Chair of the Legislative Assembly Select Committee on Remote, Rural and Regional Health, which has been reviewing progress on the implementation of recommendations from the Rural Health Inquiry, a wide-ranging examination of healthcare access and delivery in regional, rural and remote NSW. The tour will give Dr McGirr direct exposure to the specific pressures facing medical staff and hospital administrators in Barwon, as well as an opportunity to see what is working well and what lessons might be drawn from the electorate's experience.Mr Butler said the tour should prove informative for both of them. Barwon is one of the most geographically vast electorates in Australia, covering 44 per cent of the state, which means the healthcare challenges it faces, from recruitment and retention of staff to the tyranny of distance for patients, are among the most complex in NSW. The tour represents a direct effort to make sure the voices of those working and living in the region are heard at a parliamentary level as the committee's review progresses.