The 72-year-ol was convicted at Griffith Court"It's no joke for a young woman to be humiliated in that way."Those were the words issued by Magistrate Pauline Wright towards a 72-year-old convicted of sexually touching someone without their consent.Victorian resident Michael Ford was found guilty in Griffith Local Court on March 19.He was charged with sexually touching a woman at the 2024 Homebush Rodeo in Balranald.Ford plead not guilty to the charge on September 1, 2024, but changed his plea to guilty on March 4.Ford’s solicitor Paul Keane said the defendant had recently separated from his wife and while he had a criminal record, his rate of offences had “slowed down”."He has seriously slowed down in regards to criminal matters," Mr Keane said.Ford was fined $1500 for the act and placed on a community corrections order for 12 months.

“Fixing the scourge of unpaid super is urgent” Super Members CouncilIn the recent budget announcements, the Government confirmed crucial payday super reforms are on track to start from 1 July 2026, with Budget papers reaffirming the timetable and a MYEFO investment of $404 million to meet it.It also unveiled a surprise $9.7 billion super revenue windfall in extra tax due to stronger projected investment returns by super funds. The Super Members Council advocates this tax windfall should swiftly fund a $500 million-a-year super boost to strengthen retirement for 1.2 million low-income Australian workers.But while tonight’s Budget included several cost-of-living measures, lower-income Australian workers continue to miss out on the tax-breaks that would help lift living standards in retirement.The Low-Income Super Tax Offset (LISTO) has been frozen since it was introduced 13 years ago, effectively cutting the super tax benefit for some of the nation’s lowest-income workers.Almost two-thirds of LISTO recipients are women – making a push to lift the LISTO a targeted measure to help close the super gender gap.Super Members Council CEO Misha Schubert said delivering the historic payday super reforms on time will be a game changer to ensure $5 billion a year in unpaid super is paid and the law is upheld.“Fixing the scourge of unpaid super is urgent – the 2.8 million Australians who miss out on some or all of their super contributions each year cannot afford to wait a day longer for these reforms,” she said.“And for 9 million Australians, having super paid on paydays – not four times a year – will mean they start earning compound investment returns sooner, delivering an extra $7,700 on average by retirement.”“Strong bipartisan support for this reform will be crucial to its success and we urge the Opposition to also commit support for the legislation. We’ll continue to work closely with the Parliament, business leaders and other stakeholders to ensure these reforms are successfully implemented by 2026.”This Budget unveils an extra $50 million investment to continue a current Australian Taxation Office tax compliance taskforce covering both wages and super. It is expected to help return an extra $31 million in unpaid super to workers.SMC renews its urgent call for the Low-Income Super Tax Offset to be boosted, to ensure lower-paid Australians get a fairer tax break on their super.SMC analysis shows the lowest paid Australians have missed out on a combined $2.5 billion since 2020 because LISTO has not kept pace with changing tax brackets and Super Guarantee rate.By raising this payment from $500 to $810, and by paying the tax offset for workers earning up to $45,000 a year (the current income cut-off is $37,000), this Budget could have started to strengthen retirement for more of the nation’s lowest-paid workers.“Lifting the LISTO would make a big difference to the retirements of lower-income Australians – boosting the super balances of some of the nation’s lowest-paid women by 21%,” Ms Schubert said.“Giving 1.2 million low-income Australians a fairer deal on super tax will strongly boost their incomes in retirement – delivering more financial security after a lifetime of hard work.”“For a worker who stays in the second tax bracket throughout their career, this tax cut could add an extra $60,000 to their retirement.”Another super priority not addressed in tonight's Budget is removing an outdated law denying most teen workers up to $10,000 from their retirement savings.Under-18s currently are not guaranteed super contributions unless they work more than 30 hours a week, due to a discriminatory rule, which is also challenging for businesses to administer.Ms Schubert urged the Government to prioritise abolishing the 30-hour threshold and guarantee all young Australian workers get a super start to work.“Australians strongly support universal super – and know it’s a workplace right. Super should be for everyone, paid from the first hour of your first job. Fixing this outdated exclusion is long overdue.”“As every smart investor knows, it’s the dollars you invest earliest that work hardest to grow your compound returns. Every Australian worker, at every age, deserves the right to set themselves on the path to a dignified retirement,” she said.“Super is Australia’s economic stabiliser – the investment of the savings of millions of everyday Australians powers Australian business and creates new jobs. Securing the system’s fundamentals and making super even stronger and fairer is key to Australian prosperity.”

The Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) ended at midnight on March 31 for most of NSW. Fire agencies and land managers in these areas where the BFDP has ended will now turn their attention towards conducting hazard reduction works, which includes planned burning across many areas of the state where and when possible. Operational Officer MacKellar said all members of the public must still abide by the law when conducting their own hazard reduction burns. “From Tuesday April 1st, 2025, fire permits will no longer be required for the Narrandera, Leeton, Carrathool, Griffith, Hay and Murrumbidgee Local Government Areas,” Operational Officer MacKellar said. “Even though a fire permit is no longer required, residents must still notify their neighbours and the local fire authority 24 hours before burning. “Before lighting up, people should also check whether they need a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate and have sufficient equipment on hand to control and contain the fire to their property. “If fire services know about a planned burn, it can help prevent unnecessary responses from local firefighters when we know it is planned and controlled. “Despite these milder conditions, there is always the potential for fires to threaten life, property and the environment, if they are not managed correctly.” Operational Officer MacKellar said the local community should not become complacent to the danger of bush and grass fires, even with mild local conditions. “I urge all residents to take the threat of bush fire seriously and to prepare their families and home now,” Operational Officer MacKellar said. “Your local fire station or Fire Control Centre can provide advice on how to safely undertake hazard reduction work and how to best prepare yourself, your property and your family for the next bush fire season. “The first thing you should do is review your bush fire survival plan and discuss it with your household.” To notify of your intent to burn off, use the online burn notification tool at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify.

Far West power outage inquiryIn the first week back in Parliament, I gave evidence at the inquiry into the power outages in Broken Hill and other Far West communities. Conducted by the Committee on Environment and Planning, chaired by Clayton Barr the Member for Cessnock, the inquiry is looking into the preparation and mitigation strategies of electricity providers, and the response by government agencies. In my opening statement I talked about how in the initial phase of the emergency there were problems with people planning but not making decisions, also that communications - vital in a crisis when you need reliable, up-to-date information - were hampered by the lack of connectivity brought on by back-up systems failing. I also talked about how my team were able to provide response teams with contacts to reach out to the community, also how the community pulled together during the emergency, and I discussed some of what is currently in place but what more is needed for backing up power in the far west.I look forward to seeing the committee’s report. They are no longer taking submissions but you can read some of the evidence given and some of the submissions lodged here https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3084To hear some of my evidence you can go to my website www.roybutler.com.au/video_clips Volunteer of the Year AwardsOften we don’t think of how much volunteers contribute to society. Whether it be in emergency services, in schools, hospitals, charities, running big community events or taking part in a multitude of other unpaid roles, they are always there making the world a better place. They come from all walks of life and fulfil a vast range of roles, a lot of which most people don’t hear about. But they don’t do it for the glory and they often don’t get the recognition they deserve, so I am urging people to think of a volunteer they know or have heard about and nominate them for the Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominations close on May 23, 2025 at 5pm.Go to https://www.volunteering.com.au/awards/about-the-awards/Census Data is inaccurate.During the sitting weeks in March, I delivered a Private Member’s Statement on a not-too-sexy topic - census data. The last census was in 2021 and it was a bit of a dog’s breakfast. In Barwon there were people who never received their forms, some were delivered to the wrong places, there were people who due to poor connectivity were unable to fill out the form online. The last census was also conducted just before the economic upturn from the recovery of country areas after the drought, and the effects of people making a tree change because of Covid. The problem is that planning decisions are being made by government agencies based on the erroneous census data. Which is having some I have spoken about this before, but it is worth revisiting because nothing has changed. Government agencies still rely on outdated data to plan how to budget for and resource regional areas.In my speech I talked about some of the data that we could be looking at to tell us about how the population has changed since the census, including mobile phone connections, accommodation numbers, rental markets, even people filling up on petrol on the way to a particular destination. We need to get better at collecting this sort of data, none of which needs to identify individuals but will give us a sense of how many people are in a given place at a given time. Particularly during big events like the St Pat’s Day Races at Broken Hill, when thousands more people are in the city but there are no provisions made for putting extra shifts on for ambulance workers, for example.Big cities can usually absorb a few thousand extra people at a time, but it will often overwork the existing resources of a rural or remote town.We need to better, more accurate and up-to-date information so that we can properly plan, we can’t just wait for the next census.Notice of Motion on vehicle tax changeIt seems a bit of no-brainer to say that there are many aspects of life that differ for people living in the country, but it is always worth reminding Parliament of some of the specifics. For one thing, living in the bush means having to buy vehicles capable of driving on unsealed country roads and of negotiating the landscape on properties where there are no established byways.People in the country need mostly heavier 4WD drive vehicles, which also means they end up paying higher taxes and fuel costs.To help raise some awareness of this during the March sitting period, I moved a notice of motion in the NSW Legislative Assembly asking that the House:Acknowledges that many people in the bush need to drive heavier, 4WD vehicles just to get around.Agrees that people in regional NSW pay more fuel excise through driving bigger vehicles and driving longer distances.Notes that incomes in regional NSW are lower than in Sydney or most of the east coast.Asks that weight-based vehicle tax be capped for specific regional postcodes to reflect a standard sedan vehicle weight tax.But it won’t end with a Notice of Motion, I am also having a bill drafted to reflect this motion. Bush Babies MatterThis week I met with Jen Laurie, a mental health professional who runs HerHerd, a practice supporting rural women on the various stages of their motherhood journey. Jen’s practice is based in Armidale and Uralla, but she reaches out much further through Telehealth.Jen has recently launched a petition titled “Bush babies matter” asking for a restoration of maternity services in the bush. This is a cause that is of particular concern in Barwon, where there are few places that a woman can confidently give birth. It is something I have spoken on before in Parliament and I hope to see the petition gain enough signatures to bring it back before the Legislative Assembly. I will be helping Jen in any way I can, and I urge you to sign the petition: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/Pages/ePetition-details.aspx?q=9GuFd35ngbLKbL4bLXz0bwFirearms Notice of MotionFirearms are a fact of life in NSW, especially in regional areas where they are an essential tool for dealing with feral pests and for other purposes. But despite rarely being a problem in terms of gun related crime, law abiding firearms owners (or LAFOs) are often associated with criminal use of firearms. People’s perceptions are often influenced by a Hollywood view of firearms, what they see in films or in TV series, which can affect policy directed at LAFOs. My Notice of Motion asked Parliament for a fairer and more respectful deal for LAFOs.Wally Mitchell Community Recognition StatementLast week in Parliament I paid tribute to Wally Mitchell, the former Mayor of Bourke, who is a bit of a legend in the region. Wally was the longest serving councillor on Bourke Council for 38 years before his retirement in 2012, twelve of which he spent as Mayor.His life has long been dedicated to his community. He was a founding member of the Isolated Children’s Parents Association. Wally was a board member of the Rural Counselling service for 19. He is the last surviving inaugural committee member of Louth Turf Club and is still active in the club.Has been an active member, and still is, of Louth Chamber of Commerce for many years.Still carrying out voluntary community work in Louth Village.In recognition of everything he has done for Bourke, he was named Bourke’s Citizen of the Year in 2018 and in 2019 awarded an Order of Australia.There is probably not a person in the Bourke district whose life has not been affected positively in some way by Wally. I congratulate Wally on his lifetime of achievement. Thanks for your unselfish and tireless service to your community.Students and Youth Programs at NSW Parliament Festival of DemocracyThere was a recent news story saying that many Australians didn’t know the basics of how our political system operates. Civics is an important thing to learn, if only so you know which bit of government does what, and where your votes go at local, state or federal level. That is why I encourage people to visit NSW Parliament to learn about this level of government.These school holidays at Parliament of NSW is opening its doors for a jam-packed day of discovery, learning and hands-on activities that will bring civics and history to life for children aged five to 12 years old.The Festival of Democracy is a free, one-day-only event that is fun and educational for kids!They have guided tours, art and crafts, the opportunity to learn about voting, screenings and more.The event is on Tuesday April 15 9:30am to 3:00pm at NSW Parliament House, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney. Get your free ticket: https://education.parliament.nsw.gov.au/free-event-festival-of-democracy-2025/ School Parliament trip subsidyParliament has also long had a program of school visits, but for some children the distance they have to travel to parliament can be a bit prohibitive. Recently Parliament announced that schools more than 120 km from Sydney may be eligible for a subsidy. The subsidy is only $300 per school, I would prefer it if it were on a sliding scale offering more money to schools that are further away (because $300 wouldn’t even pay for a tank of petrol for a bus from Broken Hill, for instance, something I will discuss with the government) but I urge any eligible schools to apply.For details see https://education.parliament.nsw.gov.au/tour-parliament/nsw-school-tour-travel-subsidy Young Aboriginal Leaders ProgramParliament is also looking for young Indigenous people, who are emerging leaders in their communities, to take part in the Young Aboriginal Leaders Program at NSW Parliament. Young Aboriginal Leaders Program at NSW Parliament applications openThis will be a three-day fully-funded residential program, and will run from June 17 to 20. It is open to young leaders aged 18 to 25 to provide them with an experience focused on leadership, networking, and community impact, as well as providing participants with the opportunity to learn about parliamentary processes.Applications for the program, which is part of the Legislative Council's bicentenary celebrations, are open until 4 April 2025. For more information, email [email protected]  

⚠️ Advice: Willara Crossing and Wanaaring flooding ⚠️The NSW SES advises people in Willara Crossing and Wanaaring to stay informed about predicted Minor to Moderate flooding on the Paroo River:You should stay informed by monitoring warnings issued by NSW SES on their website, listening to your local ABC radio station, and checking the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.What are we expecting?The Bureau of Meteorology advises Moderate to locally heavy rainfall has been observed across the Paroo River catchment in Queensland over the past week. This rainfall has resulted in areas of significant major flooding along the Paroo River in Queensland.As these floodwaters arrive from the Paroo River in Queensland, significant flooding similar to the 2010 flood is possible at Willara Crossing from around Sunday 6 April, where minor flooding is currently occurring. Major flooding is possible at Wanaaring early in the week commencing Sunday 6 April, with further rises to the 2010 flood level possible.No significant rainfall is expected over the next couple of days. Further rainfall is forecast from the middle of the week and this rainfall is likely to prolong the flood peaks currently moving through the Paroo River system.Forecasts will be refined as upstream peaks are observed in Queensland.There is major flood warning current for the Paroo River (QLD).The situation is being closely monitored and this warning will be updated as required.Paroo River (NSW):Major flooding may occur along the Paroo River (NSW) at Wanaaring. Minor flooding is occurring at Willara Crossing.The Paroo River at Willara Crossing is currently at 1.64 metres and rising, above the minor flood level (0.70 m). The Paroo River at Willara Crossing may reach around 4.30 metres from around Sunday April 6, similar to the 2010 flood level (4.34 metres). Further rises are possible, peak predictions will be provided once upstream peaks have been observed.No latest observations are available at Wanaaring. Based on the upstream gauge, the river level is currently expected to be below the minor flood level (2.40 m). The Paroo River at Wanaaring is likely to exceed the minor flood level (2.40 m) from Tuesday. The river level is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (3.30 metres) towards the end of the week and may exceed the major flood level from the second week of April. The river may reach levels similar to the 2010 flood, further rises are possible. Peak predictions will be provided once upstream peaks have been observed.Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:Low lying areas adjacent to and along the river.Low-lying roads and bridgesLow-lying farming and rural areasAny unsealed roadsView the full warning: https://hazardwatch.gov.au/a/TUl3AXDownload the Hazards Near Me App and set up ‘Watch Zones’ to receive warnings in real time. https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-appFor emergency assistance during a flood or storms call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

“We remain hopeful that rural Australia will not be overlooked”The Federal Budget for 2025-26 is a mixed bag for rural, regional and remote Australia in terms of funding for healthcare, according to The National Rural Health Alliance. The peak body says while certain aspects of the budget benefit rural populations, there is a lack of a targeted strategy to address the unique health challenges these communities face.The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) said they acknowledge the contribution of rural populations to Australia’s economy in many areas including exports, tourism and agriculture. “We remain hopeful that rural Australia will not be overlooked and urge all parties to consider the needs of these communities and their major contribution to Australia’s economic wellbeing in the upcoming Federal election.”“We are encouraged to see some of the Federal Government’s pre-election healthcare promises reflected in the 2025-26 Budget,” said NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen. “We welcome the $8.5 billion investment to strengthen Medicare, which includes funding for an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits per year, 400 nursing 400 scholarships, and expanded GP training opportunities. “However, the benefits are mostly for city-based and corporate practices that have higher throughput. Not all rural practices are able to bulk bill every patient due to the depth, breadth and complexity of services provided and the higher cost-of-service delivery.“We call on the government to commit to ongoing Medicare reform, flexibility in funding and policy for thin and failing markets. This will ensure all rural healthcare providers including general practice, pharmacy and allied health services are able to sustain their multidisciplinary practices to meet population health need.”Ms Tegen also highlighted the $689 million pledge to reduce the maximum cost of many medicines listed on the PBS from $31.60 to $25. “This is good news for rural, regional and remote populations who are already facing financial pressures,” she said. NRHA says there are also some positive measures to help Close the Gap in Indigenous health by increasing the availability of culturally safe and qualified mental health supports and building the First Nation’s health and medical workforce. “We welcome the availability of more university medical places focused on primary health care, and the previously announced 100 Commonwealth Supported Places from 2026 increasing to 150 per year by 2028.“With a large increase in health spending overall in this Budget, we remain concerned that rural and remote Australia will not receive an equitable share, despite making up 30% of the Australian population.The NRHA remains disappointed by the lack of dedicated rural funding and of a comprehensive National Rural Health Strategy. “Such a strategy would coordinate Commonwealth, State, and Territory investment in health, disability and aged care service delivery for rural Australia.” Additionally, NRHA continues to call for the establishment of a National Rural Health Fund to support block and infrastructure funding which includes but is not limited to health facilities, housing and childcare, tailored to rural clinician and health student needs.Rural, regional and remote Australia already has worse health outcomes and die up to 13.6 years earlier than those in urban areas. Almost 18,500 Australians still lack access to essential primary healthcare services within an hour's drive from their homes. Despite these stark disparities, the annual healthcare underspend in rural Australia remains $6.55 billion.“With the Federal election on the horizon, it is not too late to prioritise rural health. “We owe it to the 7.3 million people who live and work in those communities,” said Ms Tegen. “We call on all political parties to commit to delivering specific health packages for our rural communities as part of their election campaigns. Rural Australians are integral to the nation’s socio-economic health and wellbeing. Without them, the rest of the nation’s economic health hangs in the balance.”The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) comprises 53 national organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the over 7 million people in rural and remote Australia. Our diverse membership includes representation from health professional organisations, health service providers, health educators, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector and students.

While the WIlcannia Weir project is on hold, work continues on the additional emergency underground bore for Wilcannia.This project is completely separate to the Weir undertaking and uses separate funds.After investigations, there are two potential locations which the NSW Water team plans to test drill to understand the water quality and yield of the sites.Water NSW ill be in Wicannia to meet with community, golf club, council and to conduct further assessments.They are welcoming people to come and discuss the project.They will be in Baker Park in Wilcannia Wednesday April 16 from 9am to 11am to provide updates and answer any questions.A hydrogeologist investigated a possible site for a bore in September.This will be an independent project to ensure a water supply for the town in a prolonged period of no flow in the river.The Wilcannia community made it clear to the Water department employees present at a community consultation in September that the community will not accept the revised design of the weir and will only accept exactly what was promised. Water has become quite a contentious issue, one spanning over two years as the Wilcannia weir project continues to stagnate.

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton MP has left parliament for the final time after deciding not to contest the May 3 federal electionHe issued a statement following his departure from parliament for the final time."With today’s announcement of a 3 May 2025 Federal Election, my time as the 1,029th member elected to the Australian Parliament and as the Federal Member for Parkes has now officially come to an end," Mr Coulton said.I thank my family, colleagues, staff and The Nationals for their unwavering trust in me to do this job. I will be forever grateful for the people of the Parkes Electorate and the support they have shown me over the past 17 years.I said in my first speech that I have a deep and unshakeable belief in inland Australia; and I still believe that to this day. There is no better place to live in the world than Australia, and no better place in Australia to live than in western New South Wales. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of the Parkes Electorate.Thank you."Jamie Chaffey has been pre-selected as the Nationals candidate in the upcoming election.

 Latest on flood-affected major roads in NSW:THE NEWELL HIGHWAY is closed to light vehicles in both directions between Narrabri and Coonabarabran due to water over the road at The Pilliga.Motorists should divert via Gunnedah using the Oxley Highway and Kamilaroi Highway.THE SILVER CITY HIGHWAY is closed in both directions from Broken Hill to the Queensland border due to flooding. Motorists should delay their journey as there is no suitable alternative route.The Castlereagh Highway is closed in both directions at Angledool, near the Queensland border, due to flooding at Fingerpost Road.From Walgett, motorists should divert via the Gwydir Highway to Moree and then use the Carnarvon Highway to Queensland. Vehicles over 26 meters must use the Newell Highway from Moree.Some other major roads also remain closed due to flooding:• The Kamilaroi Highway is closed in both directions between Curlewis and Willow Tree. Divert via the New England Highway and Oxley Highway.• The Kamilaroi Highway also remains closed in both directions between Narrabri and Wee Waa. Motorists travelling between Narrabri and Walgett can divert via Moree using the Newell Highway, Castlereagh Highway and Gwydir Highway. This diversion is suitable for all vehicles but will add considerable extra travel time.• The Newell Highway is closed to light vehicles in both directions between Narrabri and Coonabarabran. Motorists should divert via Gunnedah using the Oxley Highway and Kamilaroi Highway. Heavy vehicles are being allowed through at this stage, but should exercise caution.• The Silver City Highway is closed in both directions from Broken Hill to the Queensland border. Motorists should delay their journey as there is no suitable alternative route.In addition to state managed roads, some local roads managed by councils may also be affected Exercise caution travelling in areas that are affected by the adverse weather. There are other roads, including local roads affected, so check the Live Traffic website or the Live Traffic NSW app:Make sure you have 'Council supplied information' ticked.Use the Trip feature, enter your origin and destination to see any hazards on your chosen route, plan ahead accordingly.

The call is out: Young Aboriginal Leaders Program at NSW Parliament is looking for applicants, young Indigenous people who are emerging leaders in their communities.This will be a three-day fully-funded residential program, and will run from June 17 to 20. It is open to young leaders aged 18 to 25 to provide them with an experience focused on leadership, networking, and community impact, as well as providing participants with the opportunity to learn about parliamentary processes.Applications for the program, which is part of the Legislative Council's bicentenary celebrations, are open until April 4. For more information, email [email protected]

“The Budget lacks ambition and a thorough understanding of what business needs.”Household cost-of-living measures were front and centre of Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ pre-election Budget tonight, but the government has failed to deliver initiatives that would improve business productivity, innovation and growth, according to the country’s peak accounting body.“Businesses and their advisers will find little in the federal Budget that will help offset the pain all-too-many small businesses have been experiencing,” CPA Australia Chief Executive Officer Chris Freeland AM said.“The Budget lacks ambition and a thorough understanding of what business needs. Not enough is being done to slash red tape or create the conditions and improve policy development that would shift the dial on Australian productivity and competitiveness."Mr Freeland said new personal tax cuts from July 1, 2026, may capture the public’s attention but would fail to really help most Australians.“SMEs – many of which have thin margins – needed a Budget that would significantly alleviate the cost pressures they face every day,” Mr Freeland said.“The unrelenting rise in insurance premiums and the burden of utility bills, materials, wages, fuel and various other inflationary pressures are hard to manage.“Though the emphasis on relieving pressures on household finances was expected, a more business-centric Budget would have benefitted all Australians because small businesses are significant contributors to the economy and job creation.“The instant asset write-off is a prime example. Tonight, it should have been made permanent – but it remains in limbo. Making it permanent would provide the certainty and opportunity businesses need to invest and grow. They cannot make serious long-term financial decisions when the rules could change every year.”Mr Freeland said the $150 energy bill relief would assist businesses in managing soaring costs, and a national licensing scheme for electricians might serve as a template for other as-yet unspecified occupations.However, the Budget lacked support or incentives to help small businesses innovate and adopt new technologies. As research from CPA Australia released on Monday shows, Australian small businesses trail most countries in the Asia-Pacific region in these areas, and are ultimately less likely to experience growth.“The business community expects the government and Opposition will announce measures during the upcoming election campaign that would significantly reform regulation, taxes and incentives,” Mr Freeland said.

 Monthly Update from Hay Mayor, Carol OatawayCommunity Strategic Plan 2025-2035Hay Shire Council is in the planning stages of developing our Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035, a blueprint designed to guide our region's growth, development, and well-being over the next decade. This plan is the result of extensive consultation with our residents, ensuring that community voices shape our priorities and future direction.A recent community survey highlighted what matters most to our residents. The results showed that a strong sense of belonging, the success of locally owned and operated businesses, the excellent condition of our public open spaces, and a feeling of personal and neighbourhood safety are the top priorities for our community. These values will be at the heart of our strategic planning.To ensure we captured the views of all our residents, Councillors took the draft plan out to the communities of Maude, Booligal, and Hay. We also conducted dedicated consultation sessions with our youth, people living with disabilities and senior citizens. Their insights were invaluable, reinforcing the importance of inclusiveness and shared responsibility in shaping our Shire's future.Based on this feedback, a draft Community Strategic Plan has now been formulated. In the coming months, we will once again take this draft out to the community during April and May. We encourage everyone to engage with this process, share their thoughts, and help refine the plan to ensure it reflects the hopes and aspirations of all who call Hay Shire home.Your participation is crucial as we build a stronger, more connected community for the future. Keep an eye out for upcoming consultation sessions and have your say in shaping our Shire's next chapter. Together, we can ensure Hay Shire continues to thrive as a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place for all.

Coolabah Metals will formally enter the binding joint venture agreement for mining operations at the Pinnacles silver-lead-zinc mine in Broken HillBy Olivia Thomson via Australian MiningCoolabah exercised its option under its heads of agreement (HOA) with Pinnacles Mines and Broken Hill Pinnacles by paying the second option fee worth $600,000.Coolabah will now become the exclusive operator of Pinnacles, which currently has a mineral resource estimate of six million tonnes at 10.9 per cent zinc equivalent.Originally announced in September 2024, the binding joint venture agreement aimed to gather two of the three companies controlling all current silver-lead-zinc operations in Broken Hill, an iconic mining region.Simultaneously, Coolabah revealed it would acquire 100 per cent of the issued capital in Broken Hill Mines, which held a binding agreement to acquire the Rasp silver-lead-zinc mine and associated assets alongside the binding BOA for Pinnacles.The company confirmed it had completed the acquisition of Rasp and its associated assets in October 2024.Mined ore from Pinnacles will now be transported and processed at the Rasp processing plant located 15km away and, in honour of the Rasp and Pinnacles transactions being finalised, Coolabah will soon be renamed to Broken Hill Mines.Under an agreed net smelter return calculation, Coolabah will receive 70 per cent of the profits generated from Pinnacles’ operations, while Pinnacles Mines and Broken Hill Pinnacles will receive the balance.Coolabah, Pinnacles Mines and Broken Hill Pinnacles are now progressing a standard operating agreement to document future mining operations at Pinnacles.

Road closure map - Central Darling ShireUpdates: Live Traffic

With another election campaign unofficially underway, voters may feel it hasn’t been long since they were last at the voting booth.By Jill Sheppard, Senior Lecturer, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University, via The ConversationAustralia’s Constitution dictates: every House of Representatives shall continue for three years from the first meeting of the House, and no longer, but may be sooner dissolved by the Governor-General.This allows the sitting government to call an election sooner than three years after taking office, but recent norms are for governments to use the full term length available to them.But how do politicians and the public feel about this format, and could this change anytime soon?Early electionsIn 1998, the John Howard Liberal government called an early election seeking voters’ support for its ambitious plans to introduce a goods and service tax. It came very close to defeat, but clawed its way to victory and nine more years of power.In 2016, the Malcolm Turnbull Liberal government took a similar punt, calling an early double dissolution election ostensibly on the issue of union corruption. Again, it came very close to defeat but clawed its way to victory (and six more years of power).Despite their reasons for calling early elections, both Howard and Turnbull faced declining global economic conditions and arguably moved tactically to avoid campaigning in the worst of the headwinds.Most governments have less appetite for capitalising on external events – like interest rate cuts – when calling an election. Voters already largely distrust politicians, and cynical early elections will only confirm their beliefs.Fixed versus non-fixed parliamentary termsThe ability of a government to unilaterally decide the election date is unusual.The political systems most similar to Australia – New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States – all have fixed election dates. Australian states and territories have also increasingly moved to fixed dates, where the government of the day has no discretion over election timing.As prime minister, Julia Gillard effectively relinquished her right to manipulate the 2013 election date in her favour. She announced it more than seven months ahead of time. Her government lost the subsequent election.Unsurprisingly, there is little political will to move to fixed dates for federal elections. Only current Special Minister of State Don Farrell has expressed even passing support for the idea (and then, only if voters were clearly in favour).Fixed terms would undoubtedly benefit voters, who could plan their calendars well in advance. They would also benefit non-government parties and independent candidates, who could budget and plan campaigns around a known election date.Who wants longer terms?Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supports four-year terms, reflecting long-term Labor Party policy.The Liberal Party has generally been more ambivalent. Howard was supportive but “not mad keen” in 2005 and supportive, but resigned to failure in 2024.Current leader Peter Dutton also backs longer terms, but observes that, among voters, “generally, there is a reluctance to do anything that makes the life of a politician easier”.Beyond voters’ reluctance to grant a one-year extension to politicians’ tenure, the issue of senate term lengths is an obstacle to reform.Current tradition sets senate terms twice the length of House of Representatives terms, however, Penny Wong has argued that eight-year terms are too long.Both New South Wales and South Australia have experience with eight-year terms in their upper houses, but no other states have yet followed.How could (and will) terms be changed?Any change to federal parliamentary terms would require a successful referendum. The question has been put to Australians once before, in 1988. Only 33% of voters supported the proposal, and no state achieved majority support.Polling from April 2024 finds only 38% support, with 18% unsure. Independent and minor party voters – the fastest growing group in Australian politics – were also the most strongly opposed to longer terms.As Dutton noted, voters have been reluctant to support “politician-friendly” referendums in the past. There seems almost no chance the 48th parliament would consider a referendum on the issue.Would 4-year terms make politics better?David Coleman, recently promoted to the Liberal Party’s frontbench, has confidently declared “businesses and consumers tend to hold off on investment during election periods and the phoney war that precedes them”, and so longer terms would improve the domestic economy.The business sector seems to agree.Are they right? And what about non-economic outcomes?Academic research backs up the assumption governments are less likely to announce major tax reforms in the months leading into an election. Shorter terms might also make governments less likely to introduce austerity (strict cost-cutting) measures.The weight of academic evidence suggests that whichever party is in power matters far more than the length of the electoral cycle.Researchers have struggled to find differences in how politicians with longer terms (usually four years) behave from those with shorter terms (usually two years). Activity levels for the shorter-term politicians appear slightly more frenetic – more fundraising and expenditure, more campaigning – but the outcomes are similar.Longer terms do not seem destined to fix Australia’s political malaise.

Multiple roads across the Back Country are closed due to rainfall and localised flooding. Motorists are encouraged to visit https://www.livetraffic.com/ for individualised updates.

Sussan Ley is travelling the electorate promising community projectsMember for Farrer Sussan Ley MP is announcing a series of project funding promises, if the Liberal Nationals Coalition wins government in the upcoming federal election.Among the pledges Ms Ley said an elected Dutton Liberal Government has committed to deliver upgrades to the Corowa and District SHE Shed – a local haven for women to learn, create, and connect.First established in 2017 by utilising a generous local’s garage, the SHE Shed opened its doors to a permanent home in Corowa’s western industrial area in 2023 and now hopes to add a mezzanine floor to its facility.Ms Ley said a $14,000 commitment will cover the majority of an estimated $18,000 project.Other pre-election commitments announced include:$480,000 to upgrade the lighting around hockey pitches at Alexandra Park, Albury.$230,000 to help the Holbrook Golf Club build new female-friendly changerooms.$180,000 towards lighting, fencing and resurfacing Albury’s St Patrick’s Tennis Club.

Milthorpe: A great commitment is needed.Commonwealth Governments need to make a greater commitment to public education, according to Independent candidate for Farrer Michelle Milthorpe. She says the Albanese Government’s pledge to deliver adequate funding by 2034, although a step in the right direction, is still “not good enough”. Mrs Milthorpe met with members of the NSW Teachers Federation to discuss the Albanese governments’ commitment to fully fund every Public school in the country. Whilst the promised implementation is welcome, Mrs Milthorpe is disappointed with the timeline proposed. Having trained and worked as a school teacher, Mrs Milthorpe understands the inadequate funding in our public education system and if elected to represent the seat of Farrer in Federal Parliament, she says advocating for education funding will be a priority. “Education is the foundation of opportunity, yet our public schools remain chronically underfunded,” Ms Milthorpe said. “Despite the critical role public schools play in shaping Australia’s future, they continue to receive inadequate financial support compared to private schools.“The recent agreement to increase federal funding to 25 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 2034 is a step forward, but it does not address the immediate and pressing needs of public schools today. “We must act now to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or postcode, has access to a high-quality education,” Mrs Milthorpe said. She explained the Gonski Review, released more than 14 years ago, recommended a needs-based funding model to ensure all students receive the resources they need to succeed. “Yet the stark disparity remains: only 1.3 per cent of public schools are funded at the SRS, compared to 98 per cent of private schools. The slow pace of implementing these recommendations has widened the gap between public and private education, exacerbating inequalities in student outcomes,” Mrs Milthorpe said. “Governments must be held accountable for delivering promised funding and ensuring that public schools reach 100 per cent of the SRS,” Mrs Milthorpe continued. If elected, Mrs Milthorpe has committed to advocating for: Accelerating Full Funding to Public Schools by 2028 A Fair and Transparent School Funding Model based on needs Ending the Disparity Between Public and Private School Funding Growth Accountability in Federal and State Education Spending Mrs Milthorpe said recent statements from the Liberal Party suggesting that “if you don’t pay for something you don’t value it” raise serious concerns about their commitment to public education. “Education must remain a right, not a privilege. I will stand against policies that devalue or underfund our public school system,” she said.

An invasive weed known as Spiny Burrgrass has been found in Wilcannia Cemetery, Central Darling Shire Council has advised.The Council warns the weed has a sharp and clingy burr with ability to spread rapidly and tendency to develop into dense infestations in favourable conditions. It is easily spread due to the small sticky burr which become attached to animals, vehicles and clothing.It poses risks to both people and animals including:Injuries to animals such as swelling and ulcers in the mouth;The weed poses a risk by clinging to sheep’s wool and in worst scenarios penetrating the skin of sheep;Causing Inconvenience and discomfort to agricultural workers when harvesting crops, vegetables, fruits and when shearing sheep.The weed has been sprayed by biosecurity officers. However, people visiting the cemetery are being asked to still keep an eye out for the weed and take precautions including:Park in designated areas at the cemetery;Do not bring pets to the cemetery;Do not touch any plants whilst at the cemetery;Check shoes and clothing before leaving the cemetery to ensure no burrs have become attached;Any burrs should be removed whilst wearing appropriate gloves, wrapped up in a bag and disposed of in a bin at the cemetery;Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after visiting the cemetery.The Council says it will continue to monitor the situation.