FlowNews24: Recent Episodes
Flow News24
FlowNews24 is an independent, Australian news network covering breaking news, politics, sport, world events, agriculture and more
Wayne Flowmans speaks with Senator Alex Antic South Australia Politician representing the Liberal Party on the Voice To Parliament fallout, full term abortion and gender therapy.
Dan spoke with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on The Voice to Parliament Referendum 2023.
Federal member for Greenway Michelle Rowland joined Dan Crouch to announce free internet access for 10,000 eligible South Australian families who are currently not connected. Ms. Rowland, Minister for Communications, outlined all the finer details of the plan, which was made possible by the South Australian Education Department, on Flow FM.
Sarah Furnari, who stars in BBC & Stan's new original series Ten Pound Poms which just premiered May 14, 2023.
Sarah is luminous as the outspoken and strong willed Maria, an Italian migrant who arrives in Australia in 1956 as part of the Assisted Migrant Passage Scheme. With integral and gripping scenes in the original series, she is a character not to be forgotten! Like the other migrants, when she arrives, what she finds is far from what she has been promised, with the migrant camp falling to pieces. In a time when many women were expected to defer to men, Maria is bold and isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants or stand up for what she believes is fair. She speaks up on behalf of the other Italian families in the camp and finds a friend and ally in Annie Roberts, who shares her struggles with the living conditions at Galgownie.
Sarah has a very interesting parallel with the story through her grandparents' experiences of migration to Australia from Sicily in 1952. She even plays a character with the same name as her Nonna, Maria.
Ripley Atkinson from Meat & Livestock Australia updated Flow listeners on the latest movements in the meat markets on this week's Country Viewpoint Market Day edition.
Andrew Partridge from Michell Wool on a week of 'normalising' for Australian wool markets.
The biggest factor as to why the markets slowed marginally was down to currency movements, making many sellers were reluctant to accept the prices on offer.
Everybody’s Home spokesperson, Maiy Azize, told Flow FM on the Country Viewpoint program that the current housing crisis is worse in reality than what is currently being depicted in some sections of the media, with increased levels of homelessness resulting in metro and regional Aussies, who have families, sleeping in their cars.
Azize claimed that more financial support was needed for low income earners struggling to keep a roof over their head.
Stability is the overriding feeling as Andrew Partridge updated Flow listeners on the latest from the wool markets on the Market Day edition of the Country Viewpoint.
The market recorded an overall rise for the second consecutive series, with fleece wool attracting the most buyer attention this week.
The national offering was smaller than the sum total of bales originally rostered, due in part to the
6.1% withdrawn prior to sale.
Dr Elizabeth Jackson from Curtin University provided the details of transport company Scott's Refrigerated Transport and the knock-on effect it has had and will continue to have on regional businesses.
Dan Crouch speaks with Dr Jade Murray on world-first app aiding sleeping patters for shift workers.
Murray's work has been published in the journal, Digital Health, it focused on the importance of sleep for shift workers who play critical roles in enabling the nation to continue functioning.
The research honed in on 27 shift workers who trialled the app over a fortnight.
Those who participated in the trial mainly consisted of intensive care and emergency department nurses at high risk of shift work disorder commonly experiencing insomnia and excessive sleepiness.
Rob Moffatt, generational butcher and Co-Founder of ButcherCrowd speaks with Dan Crouch on the Country Viewpoint on the importance of organic meets and supporting Aussie farmers.
Rob grew up surrounded by farming communities, having a heritage of four generations before him working in some capacity with Australian cattle. His parents, in addition to being cattle farmers, were also able to give him further insight into logistical and business operations, having interests in transport businesses. Married with two boys, Rob has a strong commitment to his rural communities, dedicated to providing his customers with the highest quality meat and wild caught seafood, while supporting Australian farmers.
Andrew Partridge from Michell Wool phoned in for his Country Viewpoint Market Day edition market report after a positive week on the market front.
After two successive weeks of losses and three without an overall increase, the Australian wool market recorded an overall rise in this series.
Leading war historian and battlefield guide Mat McLachlan joined Flow FM to talk all things ANZAC Day. Mat detailed his experiences with those close to him being involved in war, the things which sparked his interest in war history, and his plans for ANZAC Day. Mat also expressed his happiness with the willingness by the younger generation to honour the ANZACs.
Dan Crouch caught up with Dr Ray Kerkhove on the Country Viewpoint, who authored How They Fought: How They Fought: Pioneering research reveals ingenuity and forgotten successes of Aboriginal resistance.
One of the key focus areas of the segment brings to light the historical significance of the Rufus River, one of the catchment areas of the Murray-Darling Basin in the Flow FM network.
Kherkove specialises in Indigenous history and culture and has worked for almost four decades with First Nations groups. He's written a dozen books, a score of peer-reviewed articles, and numerous heritage reports. He mostly works as an independent consultant with groups including universities, local governments, art organisations, museums and Aboriginal groups.
Lecturer in Animal Nurtition and Metabolism at the University of Adelaide, Dr Mariana Caetano, discusses on FlowFM the initiative to add seaweed and other supplements to cattle feed to reduce methane emissions, and the methods that may be used to help farmers monitor emissions.
University of Adelaide Associate Professor Kristin Cason-Chahhoud talks with FlowFM listeners about a world first initiative backed by research into financial incentives to help people quit smoking - and vaping, announced by the South Australian government on Thursday 13 April 2023. We discuss the health impacts and prevalence of smoking and vaping, and how the $500,000 trial scheme to help people quit will work.
Dr Susan Close (pictured left with Marion mayor Kris Hanna) announced on Thursday a stormwater recycling pipeline extension project which will be credited towards saving water for the Murray-Darling Basin. We discuss whether desalination could be worked into that sort of water accounting in future, and recent grants for conservation across the state including to preserve aquifer and groundwater environments - and farm water supply - in the south east of South Australia.
A group of local farmers have organised a town hall meeting in St Arnaud on Monday regarding the VNI West transmission line project that local farmer Jason Barrett says could go right through his farm. He says the local community doesn't want the project, and if undergrounding is an option - even if costly - it should be considered given the amount of taxpayer money spent in metropolitan Melbourne.
The member for Lowan Emma Kealy (pictured right) in western Victoria talks about the protests at a Benalla pig abbatoir that saw at least 7 arrests on Thursday 13 April 2023, the state of farm and agribusiness trespass laws and the comments from Premier Daniel Andrews about his own background in agriculture. The shadow agriculture minister also encourages the public to make submissions to the inquiry into duck hunting which she argues is stacked with MPs likely to recommend against future duck hunting in its current form.
Meat and Livestock Australia Senior Market Information Analyst Ripley Atkinson joins us again on Flow to inform listeners on the latest market movements and what they mean for Australia's cattle and sheep producers.
The chief executive of Wool Producers Australia recently returned from India on a trade mission to promote closer relations between the wool sectors in our two countries, and sums up the latest work on exploring additional wool processing capacity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Zachary Whale, the general manager of policy and advocacy at GrainGrowers Limited, speaks with Flow listeners on the positive news from Australia's trade and foreign ministers that China will be reviewing its imposts on Australian barley with a possible end to tariffs in sight. We discuss whether this might impact 2023-24 planting intentions.
Important health checks such as eye and hearing tests have fallen off the priority list for Aussies according to Specsavers optometrist Michael Angerame. New research revealed 52 per cent of Australian parents aged 18-50 are forgoing health appointments due to the increasing cost of living.
Grain Producers SA CEO Brad Perry joined us in March discussed the record grain harvest which produced 12.8 million tonnes worth $4.6billion and smashed the previous record of 11 million tonnes set in 2016-17.
Perry also expressed disappointment with the decision by Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal to increase charges on export containers by 30 per cent and urged them to reconsider the decision.
A study by the Regional Australia Institute showed childcare users in regional parts of the country have waited more than 12 months to access services. CEO Liz Ritchie said regional Australia suffers a gap in the provision of available childcare in many areas which is impacting regional workforce availability.
Coorong Council CEO Bridgette Mather appeared on the Country Viewpoint program to outline some of the reasons for declining volunteer numbers among Coorong District Council community groups and sporting clubs. According to the council's 2022-23 Annual Business Plan, there is a succession plan for the implementation and sustainability of long-term community volunteer programs.
The general manager of Rabo Research, Stefan Vogel, joins us on Flow to run through Rabobank's April update on how the farming sector is travelling across a range of commodities, including positive news on China's barley sanctions and the falling gas and fertiliser prices despite the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The member for Frome was pleased to hear for barley growers in the state's mid-north in her electorate the positive signs that China is reviewing its sanctions on Australia's barley growers, as we discuss the state of local roads and regional health needs in the Liberal MP's shadow portfolio areas.
The local MP and shadow police minister discusses police resourcing needs in Ceduna and Port Lincoln after recent criminal activity, water security for the Eyre Peninsula and the northern parts of the state and how the lack of child care in the western South Australian electorate impacts local communities.
Ceduna-born Greens SA State Co-convener, Brenz Saunders, chatted with Ellis Gelios about his professional background, his advocation for the Voice to Parliament, heading the Crows Foundation, his political aspirations and his views on antisocial behaviour in his hometown on the West Coast of South Australia.
Brenz is a sharp operator with a big future and serves on a multitude of boards for such a young individual.
We discuss with the Chief Executive Officer of Sheep Producers Australia an imminent trip to Western Australia to share first-hand what happens on a sheep live export vessel as the Albanese Labor government forges ahead with banning the practice, with cattle producers anxiously watching on. We also update listeners on the progress - or lack thereof - of state funding commitments towards electronic traceability of sheep.
Episode3.Net's Matt Dalgleish joins us on FlowFM to discuss the latest movements in cattle, sheep, mutton and protein markets in Australia and around the world.
South Australia's primary industries minister speaks with Flow listeners about the re-opening of Goolwa's pipi (cockle) fishery as e.coli concerns diminish, recipients of carbon farming grants including Mallee Sustainable Farming and a new grant round to promote agricultural technology and innovation, focused on sustainability and resilience.
The Nationals MP for Riverina reacts to Wednesday morning's tragic news that a woman and three related boys aged 10-12 years of age have died in a single vehicle accident at Yanco, near Leeton in the NSW Riverina. We discuss the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to end 10 consecutive hikes of the cash rate to assess their impact on the economy, cost of living and energy price challenges, a local Lockhart legend commemorated for ANZAC Day and the efforts of local women and girls leading up to Thursday 6 April's footy grand final.
Agricultural Analyst at Profarmer Australia, Sean Hickey talks about the latest movements in China and Russia and how they might affect Australia's cropping sector and prices, as we discuss planting intentions and the latest price movements in barley, grain and canola.
The shadow minister for road safety Vincent Tarzia says he's written to the police minister Joe Szakacs to address a very concerning rise in South Australia's road toll to listen to experts and develop solutions to reduce road trauma and deaths on the state's roads.
The senior botanist and mycologist at the State Herbarium in Adelaide talks with FlowFM listeners about the dangers of death cap mushrooms already detected this season in the Adelaide Hills and provides tips on identifying and avoiding risk when foraging for mushrooms, and symptoms to watch for and be aware of longer-term for adults, children or animals that have eaten them
The National Party federal leader talks about efforts of the former Coalition government to adequately fund biosecurity for the long term after federal officials detected 38 tonnes of meat and other products in western Sydney recently. The shadow agriculture minister discusses initiatives to combat Queensland fruit fly in South Australia and Victoria's Sunraysia region, questioning what will be in the May federal budget to preserve biosecurity for productivity and export market access.
Solar Citizens' Ajaya Haikerwal has been showcasing an electric ute in Canberra and lobbying politicians on fuel efficiency standards, driving the ute from Sydney to Melbourne and back including a visit in mid-April at Mulwala in southern New South Wales. We discuss the features of the LDV ute he's driving, charging opportunities and fuel efficiency.
The member for Mallee says she's been informed that Bendigo Bank will close agencies in Warracknabeal and Sea Lake among other locations in her north-western Victorian electorate, and says she spoke at a migration forum in Sydney recently about a proposal to set a minimum annual salary for temporary and permanent skilled visa migrants into Australia.
Australia's shadow sports minister speaks with FlowFM listeners about how taxpayer money is being spent on the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games both being hosted in Australia in the next decade, as the Coalition opposition succeed in launching a senate inquiry into various aspects of the Games' preparations
Andrew Partridge from Michell Direct Wool talks about the finer detail of a market where the Eastern Market Indicator stayed, in the final washup, the same as last week as we look at the slow progress on shearing and an emerging solution to the backlog on containerising wool as a replacement dumping capacity approaches coming online later in 2023.
The consumer affairs minister talks with regional South Australian FlowFM listeners about an imminent blitz of regional petrol stations' compliance with the realtime pricing scheme so that motorists locally and on holidays can find the best prices in popular holiday locations
Founding director of Grainwise (www.grainwise.com.au) Fabian Devereux speaks with FlowFM listeners about local harvest outcomes and planting intentions in the Mallee and north-west of Victoria, how the lentil crop went locally and chatter about how long the Russia-Ukraine grain corridor might remain open.
The shadow minister for health in South Australia and member for Schubert, Ashton Hurn, speaks with Flow listeners about the ramping of ambulances in metropolitan Adelaide, what the Code White situation in metropolitan hospitals means for regional SA listeners, and why the state government launched an audit of pillow availability in hospitals.
The South Australian primary industries minister commends South Australia's grain growers who weathered challenging conditions to smash the previous 2016/17 record for their grain harvest. We discuss the impact the 12 million plus tonnes had on South Australia's regional roads, particularly on the upper Yorke Peninsula.
The shadow agriculture minister claims the federal agriculture department is being left to foot the bill for biosecurity whilst it is a shared responsibility with the environment portfolio, as we discuss the newly opened DAFF consultation into the proposed biosecurity cost recovery model
In late March the water minister Tanya Plibersek announced a buyback program from irrigators of water for the environment in the Murray-Darling Basin, largely in New South Wales waterways, including a 10 gigalitre recovery program in the NSW Murray. We speak with the CEO of the NSW Irrigators Council about her organisation's view on that proposal, reaction to the snap consultations on the buyback program in the affected river valleys, and what they expect from an incoming Minns Labor government on water policy.
The re-elected Liberal MP for the southern New South Wales seat of Albury speaks with FlowFM listeners in the western part of the electorate about achievements late in the last term of the Perrottet-Toole Coalition government, and the challenge of advocating for community under a Minns Labor government.
South Australian senator Alex Antic explains why he took up the cause first raised in federal parliament by George Christensen to pursue life support for babies born alive during pregnancy termination, and we discuss recent claims the senator made in parliament about excess deaths reported in Australia and how the COVID-19 pandemic has been handled.
The New South Wales Farmers have a new government to deal with, and their president Xavier Martin was fulsome in his praise for the former government and the incoming one, after the state faced biosecurity threats among other challenges. We discuss the federal-state traceability of sheep and goats initiative, the future of buybacks of Murray-Darling Basin water from farmers, and independent oversight for agriculture in the form of special commissioners promised by state Labor in opposition.
The independent member for Murray is tickled pink to be re-elected for another term, representing the south-western New South Wales seat in the lower house with a strong endorsement from the electorate ahead of Nationals candidate Peta Betts. We discuss with Helen Dalton her top topics to raise on Macquarie Street in Sydney with the first new government in the state in 12 years as Chris Minns' Labor wins the 25 March state election.
Driver distraction and the use of mobile phones in cars are some of the key concerns highlighted by South Australia's police minister after a shocking start to the 2023 calendar year on SA's roads, particularly with a significant spike in regional casualties with many country people dying not far from where they live.
The Nationals MP for Mildura speaks with FlowFM listeners in the state's north-west about the challenges collecting firewood due to government regulation, grants that have been received or are available to the local community - and the expediting of work on a vital rehabilitation service.
There's plenty of peculiar elements to pick through in this week's wool market with differing outcomes across the merino wool categories and various elements at play in supply and demand, as we discuss with Michell Wool's Andrew Partridge.
Episode3.Net's Andrew Whitelaw cautions farmers about diving into long-range carbon sequestration deals as we also discuss planting intentions this coming season, where the weather's heading and getting some transparency on fertiliser use ... and how carbon itself is accounted for against the social good any given product provides, such as food security.
The National Party leader outlines why his party decided in Canberra this week to push for cigarette-style regulation of vaping products, and responds to a criticism from health minister Mark Butler seeking to link a donation from Philip Morris International to the announcement. We also discuss with the shadow agriculture minister the future of live exports in Australia for sheep and cattle and the position the RSPCA expressed to Mr Littleproud about an out of sight, out of mind approach to the issue.
Australian Monarchist League spokesperson Alessandro Rosini joins us from Melbourne to talk about the possibility of a public holiday for some Australians in recognition of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III in May, after the Western Australian premier indicated some interest in doing so. We discuss a number of other precedents from the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 that haven't been followed for this event, even though Australia's system of government remains a constitutional monarchy.
There are moves by some energy retailers through the Australian Energy Regulator (or equivalent authority) to allow south eastern Australian rooftop photovoltaic panel owners to be charged for generating energy at peak times. We discuss this and a claim by a University of South Australia academic on Tuesday 21 March 2023 that there may need to be a levy to address the cost of recycling an estimated 80 million panels, or approximately 100,000 tonnes, of panels going into landfill at the end of their effective lives.
The shadow health and ageing minister Anne Ruston (pictured, right) joins FlowFM listeners across regional south-eastern Australia to discuss the admission by Aged Care minister Anika Wells on Monday that the legislated May target, one year from the election, to have registered nurses available continuously in every aged care facility in the nation, will not be reached. The South Australian senator questions which of the other legislated goals will also fail to be reached as a consequence, including key July and October benchmarks - and we discuss the impact the goverment's implementation of Royal Commission recommendations is having (and will have) in regional Australia.
The shadow minister for regional roads Jenny Aitchison joins us on FlowFM in the NSW Riverina across to Wentworth in the state's south-west to discuss how the Parliamentary Budget Office's analysis of election pledges by the Liberal-National Coalition government and Labor opposition stack up when it comes to regional road upgrades and repairs.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its latest Synthesis Report overnight Monday Australian time, and we speak with one of the IPCC members, the Australian National University's Mark Howden on what specifically the recommendations might spell for Australian farmers
The Nationals member for Mallee Anne Webster speaks with FlowFM listeners in north-western Victoria and across regional SA and southern NSW about the challenges the aged care sector faces as the federal Albanese Labor government implements Royal Commission recommendations in regional Australia. First, we discuss this week's debate in Canberra's parliamentary sittings about energy prices and the safeguards mechanism proposed by the federal government, with an eye to another International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report coming out Monday evening Australian time.
No it's not Scooby Doo and Shaggy but maybe the next best thing, as Andrew and Rikki explore the mystery of a shorter week of Australian Wool Exchange trade where prices took a hammering.
Rabobank's regional manager Roger Matthews joins us again on FlowFM to update the latest changes in farmer sentiment across regional South Australia into the north-west of Victoria.
Australia's trade and tourism minister, Clare Valley resident and South Australian Labor senator Don Farrell joins us on FlowFM to talk about how trade relations with China are going, with the potential the 'freeze' is over, and how the recent India trade mission went. We discuss personal anecdotes appreciated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a Mrs Ebert from Goa, India who taught the Australian trade minister in year 1, and a commemoration on 22 March 2023 in Terowie, South Australia of the moment the US general Macarthur uttered the famous promise to The Philippines: "I Shall Return". Also on the menu is a discussion on cherished European terms like prosecco, feta and parmesan and how the Australian trade minister has pushed back on the European Union's claims these could be reserved under an Australia - EU trade deal; we reflect upon an Australian Grape and Wine request for revived export market grant assistance and a meeting on Friday 17 March 2023 with Australia's tourism ministers about further invigorating a market that has been battered, shown resilience and is bouncing back.
Founding director of The Livestock Collective and Western Australian merino farmer, Steven Bolt, chats with FlowFM listeners across regional Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia about how the federal Labor government's move to phase out live exports of sheep will affect the broader livestock industry, why the ban is based on an outdated perspective on live exports, and how the refrigerated alternative won't go down well in some destination markets.
Across regional South Australia, Victoria and southern NSW, we speak with Meat and Livestock Australia's Jenny Lim about the latest trade in sheep and cattle in Australia amid increased supply, consistent processing availability and a clear pricing difference in both commodities between south-eastern Australia and Qld / northern NSW.
Rabobank agricultural analyst Dennis Voznesenski is visiting South Australia through to the weekend and has been chatting with farmers about a range of their concerns and interests, including barley trade with China, what to do with stored lentils, the growing amount of on-farm storage and soil moisture across FlowFM's audience areas in regional South Australia, Victoria and southern New South Wales.
The Murray-Darling Basin Plan isn't a contest between the interests of irrigators and the environment, river ecologist and UNSW professor Richard Kingsford tells FlowFM listeners in southern NSW and across regional Victoria and South Australia, as we discuss river health after recent flooding, forecasts of drier conditions to return, carp infestation, cold water pollution, NSW's water sharing performance and buybacks.
Jo Hall the chief executive officer of Wool Producers Australia speaks with FlowFM listeners across southern NSW, regional Victoria and South Australia about the latest efforts to promote Australian wool abroad, find a diversified source of processing in an expanding market, and continuing efforts to address labour shortages in shearing and woolsheds.
The New South Wales Labor candidate for the seat of Albury, Marcus Rowland, joins us again on FlowFM to discuss what he's been hearing in the western part of the electorate taking in local communities like Corowa, Urana, Oaklands and Mulwala, and we speak in detail about how Labor is looking to address the shortage of nurses and housing in the region and across regional NSW. Early voting opens on Saturday 18 March, then from Monday through to Friday prior to the Saturday 25 March 2023 election day.
The Liberal MP for Grey who has been an advocate for the Napandee low level spent nuclear fuel storage facility near Kimba on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, Rowan Ramsey, talks with Flow FM listeners across regional South Australia about the new nuclear submarine deal under the AUKUS (Australia - United Kingdom - United States of America) alliance and talks down the prospect of any waste arising from that deal, many years into the future, finding its way to Napandee (if the storage proposal goes ahead).
Voters in electorates like Murray in southern NSW but also to the north want politicians to represent their local community views across the Great Dividing Range on Macquarie Street in Sydney, the deputy director of the Institute of Public Affairs, Daniel Wild, tells flow listeners in the NSW Riverina.
On Wednesday morning 15 March 2023 the Australian Energy Regulator released its draft Default Market Offer determination with significant price increases for South Australian, New South Wales and south eastern Queensland energy customers. We discuss the impact of the draft, if it comes to fruition from 1 July, with South Australia's shadow minister for energy and net zero, the SA Liberals' Stephen Patterson.
The federal member for Barker including Truro in the northern Barossa Valley (pictured left with state Liberal MP for Schubert, including Truro, Ashton Hurn) says he's disappointed to learn there is no plan for the Sturt Highway bypass at Truro to be built at first instance as a dual carriageway to handle freight.
Apologies for the poor line connection in this interview, we are working to resolve this at the Flow studios.
We discuss with the independent MP for Murray, Helen Dalton, housing and health spending among other topics in this chat just before the 25 March 2023 state election. Mrs Dalton questions the Nationals candidate's future as Edward River mayor if she defeats her to regain the Murray seat for the National Party.
Troy Grant discusses with Flow FM listeners across regional NSW, Victoria and South Australia, some of the key Murray-Darling Basin states, the compliance work on water taking and use undertaken in the Basin, including his role in calling out the NSW Government's progress on water sharing plans key to his office's compliance activities.
The ANZ's head of agribusiness insights Michael Whitehead checks in for the Friday Country Viewpoint program on FlowFM from our Colac broadcast region (90.9FM) on how the cattle and sheep markets are travelling for Australian producers.
The Australian Wool Exchange has been doing a roaring trade with large offerings for weeks and no sign it will abate, particularly with a Melbourne public holiday on Monday stifling trading opportunities. We discuss the latest with Michell Direct Wool's Andrew Partridge.
... and as the federal member for the seat of Grey including Port Lincoln, we hear Rowan Ramsey's reaction to the state government decision on Thursday to ignore the Site Selection Committee's preference and instead prepare to situate a desalination plant at Billy Lights Point, adjacent to the Port Lincoln city centre and Boston Bay.
Rowan Ramsey has called on Westpac to resume operating its Coober Pedy bank branch, closed for a couple of weeks, due to the significant impact the closure has on that local community and the current senate inquiry into bank closures. The NAB have indicated to the Grey MP they will proceed with their closure of the last bank in Roxby Downs, despite committing to pause other closures in regional Australia pending the inquiry's report due at the end of 2023.
Winter croppers might be looking more favourably towards planting barley this season but not necessarily due to rumours of a cooling in Australia-China relations and thereby the tariff case between the two countries, as we discuss planting intentions and market forces including the Russia grain corridor deal renewal in March 2023 with ProFarmerGrain's Sean Hickey.
David Beatty, group manager of productivity and animal wellbeing at Meat and Livestock Australia talks about a new project in South Australia's northern arid lands aiming to reduce wild dog activity by 80 per cent.
The South Australian MP covering the southern Eyre Peninsula and Port Lincoln, Sam Telfer, speaks with Flow listeners the day after water minister Susan Close told FlowFM the government would situate a desalination plant for water security for the region at Billy Lights Point adjacent to the city centre, not at Sleaford West, the site chosen by an independent site selection committee chaired by the now retired member for Flinders, Peter Treloar.
A horrific early 2023 run of crashes brings road safety into the spotlight for federal assistant minister for transport and infrastructure, Tony Pasin who says duplication of highways including the Dukes and Sturt Highways in his Barker electorate of South Australia, and the Augusta highway in neighbouring Grey, should be priorities. However, Mr Pasin argues, a $5 billion pricetag for the final section of North-South Corridor works on South Road in Adelaide potentially deprives regional South Australians of road safety improvements on their roads.
We discuss with the South Australian environment and water minister why the government intends to proceed with a desalination plant in Boston Bay despite an independent site selection committee commissioned by the former Marshall Liberal government preferring Sleaford Bay on the southern Eyre Peninsula. We cover SARDI's research on the environmental impacts in Boston Bay, how a future desalination solution at Whyalla could interface with the Eyre Peninsula's water security needs, and what prospects there are in future for more desalination for instance for West Coast communities.
The federal assistant minister for regional and rural health, Emma McBride shares with FlowFM listeners how the Albanese Labor government is working towards the May 2023 budget to assist remote, rural and regional communities accessing better primary health care. A pharmacist before her election, the assistant minister also discusses the rural multidisciplinary practice model recently discussed on FlowFM with rural health commissioner Dr Ruth Stewart, and how we might improve the number of medical students studying general practice - or a rural generalist practice program in future.
Australians are shopping around to beat inflation pressures by looking for private label or 'home brand' supermarket milk, China has bolstered its own milk production and Australian dairy farmers will get better farmgate prices in a falling supply environment - these insights and many more in our chat with Dairy Australia's industry analyst Eliza Redfern
The big four banks' proposed or actual closures of branches in regional towns such as Junee NSW, Sale and Robinvale Victoria and Coober Pedy, Kingston SE & Kapunda has sparked an inquiry moved by Queensland LNP senator Gerard Rennick. The chair of the senate rural, regional and transport references committee tasked with the inquiry, Matt Canavan, speaks with FlowFM listeners in regional NSW, Vic and SA about the first hearings of the inquiry in Sale, the likelihood of hearings in SA and NSW, and how the banks have responded to the call to postpone closures until the committee concludes its work.
Adelaide residents and visitors are being encouraged to report sightings of tagged ibises as they are sighted more frequently in South Australia's capital after their spread into urbanised centres on the eastern seaboard - more information: https://www.greenadelaide.sa.gov.au/news/2023-monitoring-white-ibis
... and we discuss the multi-disciplinary approach already used in regional areas as a model to alleviate strain on doctors practising in regional Australia. Dr Tonkin says AHPRA has been streamlining approvals processes and believes the fees charged for approvals are not a substantial barrier to securing doctors in rural Australia.
Could a Viterra and Aurizon proposal to re-open Eyre Peninsula railway lines take the strain off local roads after some bumper winter crop harvests? We discuss with the CEO of Grain Producers SA how such a proposal might be viable, what role they envisage government might need to play, and how other commodities - such as mineral resources - may need to be part of the mix to make it viable.
Lee McLean the chief executive officer of Australian Grape and Wine calls for a rethink on the Export Market Development Grant program criteria with some producers already exhausting their opportunities there, as the challenges re-entering the Chinese export market continue. AGW welcomes the improved relations between Australia and China but reflects on ABARES data out today showing just how hard Australia's wine and grape producers have been suffering in recent years.
Sarah Strachan is the Group Manager - Adoption and Commercialisation at Meat and Livestock Australia and shares with Flow listeners how MLA has been working to achieve consistency across Australia's cattle producing regions on how their stock are described through new guidelines.
The Western Australian government recently announced it would require mandatory mental health checks for firearms owners. We speak with the president of the Shooters Union of Australia, Graham Park, about this departure from the National Firearms Agreement, Western Australia's tendency to go it alone, and where policing activity should focus when it comes to gun crime.
Dr Anne Webster speaks with Flow listeners in north western Victoria from Canberra during the sitting week, reflecting upon the two-day regional health forum she staged as shadow assistant minister for regional health at Mildura, Victoria in her electorate. We discuss what role the regulator AHPRA could play in helping alleviate the regional health doctor, nurse and skills shortage, as well as cover the Senate inquiry into regional bank branch closures (such as Robinvale in her electorate) and the concerns of Australia's trucking industry in attracting and training labour.
The chair of Australia's new peak body representing cattle producers, David Foote, speaks with Flow listeners about their membership model and debate at the end of last year about the body's formation, their focus on biosecurity threats particularly Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease in Indonesia, and how cattle producers are placed amid the herd rebuilt and the EYCI cattle price 'ski slope'.
The state member of parliament for Mackillop representing the South East of South Australia joins us on FlowFM to discuss recent fires in the Lucindale area, the upcoming South East Field Days, the dire need for housing supply particularly in Bordertown in the upper south east and at Robe on the Limestone Coast, and we reflect on a new parliamentary inquiry into duck hunting and what that could spell for the south east recreation drawcard.
Rhys Turton, GrainGrowers' Chair, discussed all important roundtable event featuring Agriculture Minister Murray Watt, on the Country Viewpoint last week.
The increasing impact of farm inputs on grain farming profitability and productivity is the focus of attention at the roundtable in Canberra on the 6th of March.
Organised by GrainGrowers, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, along with other government dignitaries are attending the event.
Political veteran Graham Gunn discussed taking up the interim position as Streaky Bay Mayor on the Country Viewpoint.
Gunn explained how it came to be that he was recently installed as the town's mayor in a caretaker capacity following the recent disclosures scandal that has engulfed a number of South Australian mayors.
Gunn also reflected on his unrivalled political career as one of the nation's longest serving parliamentarians.
Buloke Mayor Alan Getley appeared on the Country Viewpoint last week to discusses a range of issues, including the disruptive in-principle aged care decision and upcoming Buloke events.
The Mayor, who was elected late last year, shared his agenda for the upcoming year in a wide-ranging interview.
CEO of Vistaprint Australia Marcus Marchant, discusses the risks Aussie business owners in the regions are taking to get ahead in a difficult climate.
Marchant unpacks research revealing that we’re a nation of risk-takers when it comes to small business ownership, especially in the early days of setting up a business.
Prior to his role, Marchant, an expert in digital transformation, worked in a number of high-profile roles, including Director of Digital & Onboarding at Optus.
A coalition of concerned groups are protesting outside the Federal Court hearings in Adelaide launched by the Barngarla people, native title holders over Kimba and surrounds. Their concern is that a survey relied upon by the federal government to approve proceeding with the Napandee nuclear waste storage facility did not include the views of native title holders who are resident outside the area, who overwhelmingly oppose the facility going ahead. Uncle Harry Dare tells Flow listeners the Woomera facility is leaking, and says the waste should continue to be stockpiled at Lucas Heights, near Sydney, saying federal government claims the site would soon fill up should be questioned.
We discuss with Michell Wool's Andrew Partridge strong pricing for wool producers despite high numbers of bales up for auction, and also touch on the labour shortage in classing that could be hurting crossbred producers.
Roma based doctor and the national rural health commissioner Dr Ruth Stewart speaks with FlowFM listeners in regional Australia about her role and advocacy, including on addressing health workforce needs being keenly felt in regional areas. Regional Australians continue to have generally poorer health outcomes, particularly in remote areas, than their metropolitan counterparts and we discuss the strategies being deployed to attract a health workforce, entice country kids to consider careers in medicine and train closer to home - and promote the rewarding career that a rural GP or nurse can be in a modern, world-leading multi-disciplinary practice environment.
The NSW Farmers Vice President spoke with FlowFM about the increasing concern amidst an election campaign about transmission line projects and other renewable energy installations impeding on prime agricultural land and potentially exacerbating bushfire risk.
The Greens' spokesperson for the environment, water and communications joins us on FlowFM to discuss the health of the Murray-Darling Basin and reactions to talk of buybacks as the Plan reaches fruition in 2024. We also discuss NSW's performance under the Plan and an 11th hour proposal by the state's Nationals agriculture minister to release carp herpes on the dawn of a stateelection.
On communications, the South Australian senator talks about the scale of the Murdoch media and other corporate media heavyweights and what that spells for media diversity, and expressed concern about the corporatisation of Australia Post.
Dr Constantin Seidl, applied water and agricultural economist from the University of Adelaide’s School of Economics and Public Policy speaks with FlowFM listeners across regional South Australia, Victoria and southern NSW in the southern Murray-Darling Basin. We discuss the local reaction against talk of buybacks from irrigators in the Basin, the work of the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and New South Wales' performance - or lack therof - on their obligations under the Basin Plan.
We discuss with South Australia's flood recovery co-ordinator Alex Zimmermann the clean-up from the River Murray flooding of 2022-3, in particular the impact on Mid-Murray Council and its communities including shack owners, the caravan parks and public amenities. The Council in early March 2023 issued a press release indicating it was well short of the money it had budgeted for flood clean-up and would need state and or federal funding assistance with the huge task. Recent indications from locals are that the caravan parks will not be back open for the important March-April public holiday and Easter holidaymaking period, and there is talk of a fundraising event to show support for the region.
We catch up with the Primary Industries minister in South Australia for regional FlowFM listeners about the calls from the state opposition for transparency on the cost and views on sheep (and goat) traceability, the extension of the PIRSA trial removal of fruit trees in Waikerie to combat fruit fly - and Minister Clare Scriven responds to what farmers are saying about when they should be forced to stop harvesting in hot weather in the name of fire prevention.
On Wednesday and Thursday 1-2 March 2023, assistant minister for regional health and member for Mallee Anne Webster called together a summit in Mildura in her electorate about the state of regional health services and shadow minister Anne Ruston was on the scene to hear from the community about their concerns. On Friday 3 March both shadow ministers travelled to Maryborough in regional Victoria to hear about concerns on the future of aged care, with shadow minister Ruston critical of the government applying guidelines inflexibly from the Royal Commission on Aged Care without regard to labour shortages in regional Australia.
The shadow minister for regional roads discusses the hundreds of millions the NSW Labor Party is pledging for regional road repair and improvements at the March 25 state election, including what's on offer for local councils - and how the Opposition's pledges differ from the $1 billion pledged by the NSW Liberal-National government
We discuss reinvigorating the Gawler Christmas tradition and potentially the Barossa Tourist Train as Concordia is earmarked for the next round of urban expansion for the Malinauskas Labor government. The Labor MP for Light discusses in studio with FlowFM the provisions to stop urban sprawl between Gawler and Roseworthy, and how the electorate's boundaries and community has changed over his 17 years representing the electorate.
Warren Clark, CEO of the National Road Transport Association, reacts to news that Scott's Refrigerated Logistics is in receivership.
Clark told FlowNews24 on the Country Viewpoint that he was "shocked" to hear of the news that Scott's Refrigerated Logistics, a widely-recognised Australian company founded in 1952, has entered voluntary administration.
Clark also stressed that there is no relief in sight for the freight industry in the current climate, which is being plagued by soaring costs and a workforce crisis.
For FlowFM listeners on the west coast and Eyre Peninsula of South Australia we discuss the local government election fiasco that will likely see 45 disqualified councillors get a 13th hour chance to get back into office, including Streaky Bay's mayor and deputy mayor. We also discuss with the shadow minister for population growth getting the settings right to capitalise on a strong move away from capital cities into the regions, including Port Pirie, as indicated this week by the Regional Australia Institute's Regional Movers Index.
The shadow treasurer tells regional listeners on FlowFM that the Albanese Labor government may be saying their superannuation tax change on balances over $3 million will only come into effect after the next election (due 2025/6) but the bill to legislate it would be introduced before then. We discuss whether that $3 million level is indexed and the shifting of the goalposts on taxation of retirement assets - and what was (or wasn't) promised before the May 2022 election.
South Australian Mallee based MP for Hammond and shadow minister for emergency services responds to the formation of a working group chaired by former Liberal leader Rob Kerin on determining when farmers can be forced to stop harvesting on fire hazard days, after an 11th hour intervention via Grain Producers SA saw the existing code maintained for another year during the bumper 2022/23 harvest.
The member for Frome Penny Pratt (pictured centre) speaks with us about upcoming events in the Clare and Gilbert Valleys and we discuss with the shadow minister for regional health services the recent SA government announcements particularly improving facilities at the Clare Hospital.
We discuss the rise and fall of a poster-child for Australia's plant-based meat industry, the recent discussion on FlowFM about adding insects to the Australian palate and track the recent domestic and export market news for cattle and sheep producers.
A significant proportion of Australians profess a belief in Christianity in each census and we discuss with the Australian Christian Lobby's director of national politics Wendy Francis what they'd like to see change or reviewed about the questions asked of the Australian public to get a clearer picture on the personal lives and preferences of Australians.
South Australia's shadow primary industries minister calls for more transparency from the Malinauskas Labor government on how it proposes contributing to the state's sheep and goat producers' costs of implementing mandated electronic traceability.
The Nationals member for Riverina praises the candidacy of Murray candidate and Edward River mayor Peta Betts as we discuss the recent meeting of Murray-Darling Basin state and federal ministers and the impact of water buybacks. We also discuss the NSW Nationals' record on building dams and the upcoming Lockhart Truck Show.
The federal member for Riverina responds to comments from the Australian Banking Association's Anna Bligh about the future of banking in regional Australia.
Trader Andrew Partridge joins us for Friday's Country Viewpoint program from 12 noon on FlowFM across regional NSW, Victoria and South Australia to update wool growers on how the wool market went this week and predicts some 'sideways' movement for the market in coming weeks, but perhaps some upside after that.
The Australian Banking Association's Anna Bligh recently highlighted the growing role Australia Post is playing in providing banking services via contracts with many banks in Australia Post outlets. We discuss with the general manager of retail services Josh Bannister what Bank@Post presently covers for regional Australians.
There's plenty more B-words in this chat with the Barker MP in south eastern Australia as we discuss some hot topics in the electorate from Mt Gambier and the Limestone Coast to the Riverland, Barossa and Mallee including regional bank branch closures and Kingston SE's BankSA temporary reprieve. We unpack the approach of the SA and federal Labor water ministers Close and Plibersek on the Murray Darling Basin Plan and buying water from irrigators contrasted with Victorian Labor minister Harriet Shing and NSW Labor shadow minister, possibly soon the minister, Rose Jackson. One thing Tony Pasin isn't buying is the communications minister Michelle Rowland's explanation to FlowFM listeners why a recent 'targeted' mobile black spot funding round overwhelming favoured Labor electorates. We also reflect on recent commentary from treasurer Jim Chalmers about superannuation and whether Labor was up front with the electorate before the May election, like Bill Shorten was in 2019, on its plans for retiree savings.
This week in South Australia the David Speirs led SA Liberal opposition declared it would oppose the Malinauskas Labor government's bill to legislate a voice to parliament for indigenous South Australians. We talk with the shadow attorney general Josh Teague about why that is the case, and how the state constitution will be changed if the bill passes with the support of the South Australian Greens in the Legislative Council.
The vice president of the New South Wales Farmers Association, Rebecca Reardon, joins us to talk about 'ground truthing' the locking up of farming land - some of which has been identified as state strategic agricultural land - for ecological preservation, mining & gas or renewable energy purposes - if or a combination of them all. The NSW Farmers want a fully independent Agriculture Commissioner to help farmers work through these land use conflicts.
The federal agriculture minister Murray Watt was in Adelaide this week for a major regional agricultural technology conference and talks about South Australian and nationally strong agricultural production returns despite challenges like the weather and the farm labour shortage. We discuss clearing the visa backlog to find more workers on farm, the cost of electronic traceability of sheep and how much the Commonwealth is contributing. We get the low-down on the chats with Europen Union representatives on what they had to say about Australian farmers' sustainability and right to use terms like prosecco, feta and parmesan as the fine print of a potential trade deal is hammered out.
A Bill to provide more time for mayors and councillors that failed to provide disclosure returns has passed the House of Assembly and is due for debate in the Legislative Council in late February 2023. The local government minister Geoff Brock is adamant the candidates received plenty of notice of their donation disclosure obligations but says the extension of time proposed by the Bill is not a precedent for other disclosure failures by elected representatives. Some 45 mayors or councillors presently are declared invalid winners from November's local government elections until - or if - the Bill passes, but will again be invalid if they fail the 13th hour bid to clear up what donations, if any, they received during the election campaign.
The researchers at Flinders University have done their own mythbusting about previously believed levels of nutrients in the Great Australian Bight and associate professor Jochen Kaempf explains the significance of their discovery of a vital marine food chain component, phytoplankton and why it has turned previous beliefs about the Bight's nutrient structure on its head.
We review with agricultural analyst Dennis Voznesenski Australia's huge grain and canola harvest, storages, pricing and potential destinations such as China - and how the market is factoring the Ukraine-Russia conflict as we pass 1 year in since the Russian invasion.
Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association's Belinda Heinrich appeared on the Country Viewpoint discussing all things Clare Valley Gourmet Week as the highly anticipated May event looms closer.
The region is widely considered one of the country’s most quintessentially Australian wine regions, with the event bringing to the fore the spectacular and award winning local wines and produce; celebrated chefs from across Australia and a diverse entertainment line-up not to be missed.
We speak with the politican who could soon be the minister for water, housing and homelessness in New South Wales about their stance on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan leading up to Friday's Ministerial Council meeting of Basin ministers, where NSW Labor stands on buybacks of farm water in the Basin, floodplain harvesting in the northern Basin and the dire shortage of housing in regional New South Wales.
Appearing on the Flow FM Country Viewpoint, internationally acclaimed, award-winning Australian musician Craig Giles discussed the upcoming Lameroo Country Music Festival and how much he's looking forward to heading back to regional South Australia.
The Best Country Male Entertainer in A.C.M.L.A. People's Choice Awards from the year 2000 also discussed his Canada and Alaska cruise ship tours, his honorary plaque in Finlay and why he is known as 'Mr versatile'.
We speak with veterinarian and leader of the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council, Nicola Centofanti within her portfolio areas of agriculture, water, the River Murray and regional South Australia about a new duck hunting inquiry proposed by her opposite number, environment minister Susan Close. We also cover the Minister's comments on the impact of buybacks in the South Australian Murray under the Murray Darling Basin Plan, South Australia's incredible $17.3 billion farmgate earnings in the last reporting year, what return on that might come back to regional SA and tracking progress on a desalination plant for the Eyre Peninsula.
... we also discuss the NSW government's handling of its obligations under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan - 'moving from one foot to the other' according to Mrs Dalton - and the terrible stories of homelessness and impacts of housing shortages in the electorate of Murray, as we build up to the 25 March state election.
... and we discuss transparency on ministerial travel through a private member's bill South Australia's first One Nation MLC is moving today. Sarah Game MLC gives her initial reaction to a state government push for an inquiry into duck hunting in South Australia, the most permissive state in the nation for the practice and with Victoria the only two states that permit duck hunting at all. We also discuss the State Opposition's decision this week to join One Nation in opposing the Premier's push for a Voice to Parliament for indigenous South Australians as the detail emerged on what is being proposed.
A recent bespoke set of mobile black spot funding was to address gaps in funding by the former Coalition government and was pledged before the election, the Communications Minister Michelle Rowland tells Flow listeners, as another major funding round looms that listeners can submit their views on where the major black spots are.
Meanwhile, the federal government has given dating app providers some time to clean up the safety risks in the sector before it considers further action, as the minister queries why some safety features are hidden behind a paywall.
In February and March 2023 South Australians will have an opportunity to try out - via augmented reality - what an insect-based meal might look like, on these dates:
Tonsley: 11am-2pm, Tuesday 28 February 2023. The Tonsley Pod, Tonsley Innovation District
* Willunga Farmers’ Market: 8am-11.30am, Saturday 4 March 2023. Willunga High School, Main Road, Willunga
* Adelaide Farmers’ Market: 8:30am-12pm, Sunday 5 March 2023. Adelaide Showground, Rose Terrace, Wayville
* Mount Gambier:* 10am-1pm, 2pm-4pm, Monday 6 March 2023. The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre
We discuss with PhD candidate Ishka Bless how it works, and why the universities are exploring insect diets for human health and environmental benefits - and why what we call insect-based food matters.
We speak with the federal shadow minister for health and ageing on the labour and housing shortages in regional Australia and the potential impact on the health workforce in aged care, particularly nursing. We review the Royal Commission on Aged Care recommendations that may not have contemplated a labour shortage and discuss the South Australian senator's visit to the Yorke Peninsula. The Riverland resident and former irrigator also hits out at claims from the South Australian Labor water minister that voluntary buybacks had not negatively impacted river communities.
The South Australian water minister wants to take a united front to the Murray Darling Basin Ministers' meeting on Friday and crticised the South Australian Liberal Opposition for not backing voluntary buybacks as a means to return water to the River Murray environment. We listen to comments earlier on Tuesday morning from Riverland resident and former irrigator, now Liberal senator Anne Ruston, on the impact buybacks had, discuss progress on securing desalination for the Eyre Peninsula, and a new joint federal-state voucher program to help flood affected SA Murray residents remove waste from their premises.
The Mildura Rural City Council has floated as many as 14 possible future rating proposals for revenue in future, one of which would hike farmers' council rates to help deliver rate relief to those living in Mildura. The state MP Jade Benham encouraged ratepayers to have their say on the proposals, and reflected on Labor premier Daniel Andrews clocking 3,000 days in office, earning him the right to a bronze statue at the state administration centre under a Kennett-era policy commitment that has immortalised former premiers.
The Victorian Nationals member for Mallee in north western Victoria is unclear at this stage whether a statement received by FlowFM over the weekend from the ANZ means curtains or salvation for the Robinvale branch closure as we discuss a busy first sitting fortnight of federal parliament. The Nationals moved a fresh inquiry into regional bank branch closures, the secretariat writing to the 'big four' banks urging them not to close branches while the inquiry was underway. The Commonwealth, Westpac and ANZ banks have agreed albeit ANZ are proceeding with closures announced during 2022. We also discuss Labor's mobile black spot funding round and whether the Albanese government has breached their own rhetoric against the Coalition when they were in government when it came to impartial grant distribution.
Andrew Partridge from Michell Wool joins Friday's Country Viewpoint program on FlowFM after a couple of positive trading weeks for wool producers - and after predicting worrying signs of decreased buying interest from China - the market fell early in the week, but recovered some ground by week's end.
The Family First Party's lead candidate for the NSW Legislative Council Lyle Shelton talks with Flow listeners in southern New South Wales about:
* why they're making a principled decision to preference One Nation whilst potentially getting nothing in return,
* the recent attack on Premier Perrottet's Catholic faith from a now former Clubs NSW spokesperson
* the apparent Coalition-Labor bipartisanship on banning conversion practices towards LGBTIQA+ individuals modelled on interstate approaches via key crossbench MP for Sydney, Alex Greenwich and
* why Christians don't stage pride or activist campaigns that secure political commitments during their festivals.
The South Australian tourism minister joins FlowFM from the Yorke Peninsula after the third Malinauskas Government regional community cabinet meeting in 6 months since Labor returned to office at the March election. Zoe Bettison talks about the region's great tourism assets, the resilience in the sector's domestic demand, challenges growing the international tourism numbers post-pandemic, selling SA to target international markets and encouraging South Australians to pursue careers in tourism.
Jo Hall the CEO of Woolproducers Australia speaks with Flow about the latest advocacy the industry's peak body has undertaken for the nation's wool producers including on sheep traceability, a consultation on the Wool Declaration (more information here) and encourages farmers to report livestock theft after 700 sheep were taken from Victoria's goldfields between October and February, detected recently by the farmer and reported to Victoria Police.
Episode3.net's Matt Dalgleish goes through the latest data on export markets, the herd rebuild for cattle and sheep producers and which competitors overseas have fallen out of love with sheep production. We also discuss how the live export market is travelling and the price correction in the saleyards for cattle.
Primary Industries, Forest Industries and Regional Development minister Clare Scriven joins FlowFM from Wallaroo, Yorke Peninsula where the third Community Cabinet meeting in regional SA in less than a year is occurring to talk about a new regional housing initiative. With regional labour in short supply, South East SA based Minister Scriven describes how the housing initiative is targeted at first at essential workers like health, police and other emergency services staff but a new Office for Regional Housing will be established within Renewal SA to work with the local government sector on bringing more land to market for housing. We also discuss the resumption of community cabinets in the regions that ceased under the Marshall Liberal government and the value of ministers and departmental heads hearing first-hand from locals and their representatives on the issues that matter to them.
Those wanting to reach out from regional SA to engage with the new office for regional housing within Renewal SA can do so at http://officeregionalhousing.sa.gov.au
The Regional Australia Institute this week highlighted the Yorke and Clare Valley combined region as a job vacancy hotspot rising 33 per cent on the latest monthly data and as the Malinauskas Labor Government's cabinet visits Wallaroo to listen to the local community, we spoke with the local MP Fraser Ellis about local labour and housing demands and a disturbing incident this week at the Wallaroo hospital
The MP for Flinders covering the Eyre Peninsula says the ball is now in SA Water's court on selecting a desalination plant for water security to relieve a time-limited Uley Basin, after the Marshall Liberal government appointed site selection committee wrapped up its work. We discuss the recent interview on FlowFM by the local government minister Geoff Brock and clear up the history of what the Local Government Association and sector handed over to the Electoral Commission of SA to do in what the shadow minister Sam Telfer describes as a shambles of a process that has seen 43 councillors and 3 mayors disqualified due to disclosure failures.
Agricultural analyst Sean Hickey shares the latest data on the grain and canola harvest, easing input costs, whether exports to China are lifting and more in a comprehensive wrap for the cropping sector.
We discuss with the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Banking Association, Anna Bligh, the commercial reasons banks are closing regional branches, whether they will self-impose a moratorium like the Commonwealth Bank have on branch closures as another political inquiry occurs and the growing role Australia Post is playing in banking services. We explore whether Australia Post alter its shopfronts to provide more confidentiality for regional bank customers and why bank customers are entitled to vote with their feet if another bank or other institution is offering better services in their town.
Some voices in the Ceduna community have expressed concern that anti-social behaviour has been on the rise and one of those is the former mayor, Alan Suter who outlines his concerns particularly for women and children from indigenous communities.
South Australian local government minister Geoff Brock navigates the history and current situation where 3 mayors and 43 other councillors' November elections have been vacated and, while supplementary elections are currently underway for unfilled positions at November's polls, some ratepayers will have to vote for a 3rd time potentially to fill freshly vacated positions due to a disclosure compliance failure.
A statement from premier Peter Malinauskas on the issue is available here.
Queensland senator Gerard Rennick successfully moved for a senate inquiry last week into Australian banks closing regional branches. The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs committee will investigate the closures and visit regional areas, and at the senator's initiation wrote to the major banks asking that they halt closures until the inquiry was complete. The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) have agreed with that request, which the senator welcomes, and calls on the other banks to follow. Meanwhile, we discuss the handling of COVID-19 by Australian governments and which would be best - a royal commission or a senate inquiry.
The independent member for Murray in south western New South Wales says federal water minister Tanya Plibersek needs to listen to the likes of herself who have solutions other than buying farm water, to improve environmental outcomes. Helen Dalton is calling for the capacity of Burrinjuck Dam near Yass, NSW to be quadrupled to 4,000 gigalitres as one solution. Mrs Dalton attacks the NSW Nationals and government for their record on dams and floodplain harvesting, and responds to the Australia Institute's report out today highlighting very poor health outcomes for voters in the far west part of her electorate. The independent MP acknowledges a $30 million redevelopment of Wentworth Hospital is getting underway soon but says staffing is a major challenge, sourcing and retaining doctors and nurses in the region.
A court case outcome on sustainable logging in Victorian native forests may come too late for woodchopping competitions in regional Victorian agricultural shows, shadow agriculture minister Emma Kealy told FlowFM listeners on Tuesday. With the state and nation's paper supply also squeezed by the impasse, the Victorian Nationals deputy leader highlights that carbon sequestration is at its strongest with younger trees. We also discuss with the western Victorian MP for Lowan how prepared the state is for avian flu and other biosecurity threats after the first Question Time for 2023 on Spring Street and the minister's answer on that topic drew Ms Kealy's concerns. The deputy leader talked up the strength of the enlarged Victorian Nationals team and impressive new rural women now representing several electorates.
The South Australian shadow minister for water and regional South Australia speaks with FlowFM about the recent Malinauskas Labor government announcement of three periurban sites including Concordia (near Gawler north of Adelaide) where tens of thousands of prospective housing opportunities will be created through local government planning changes. The Opposition say the three locations' proximity to Adelaide highlights a city-centric focus for the government and is calling on planning reform to enable regional councils to also make land available for housing. Regional South Australia is burdened with an inability to fill jobs due in part to a lack of appropriate housing. As shadow minister for water, Mrs Centofanti also tackles the very slow progress on getting a water security solution for the Eyre Peninsula through desalination as the federal government recently confirmed with FlowFM there are no current funding requests from the SA government before any federal agency to help with the cost of a desal plant.
The Regional Roads minister recently committed on FlowFM to explore extending a northern New South Wales betterment trial elsewhere in the state and on Friday at the NSW Nationals' March election campaign launch, the Coalition government announced $1 billion in spending on regional roads including a $300 million pledge to better flood and disaster-affected roads across the state if they win the election. The Nationals' Sam Farraway called upon the Albanese government to match the $300 million commitment to double the impact of betterment for southern New South Wales councils.
Victoria's shadow water minister called on the state minister to oppose buybacks (purchasing water entitlements from farmers) at the next ministerial meeting of the Murray Darling Basin state and territory ministers.
In a statement provided to FlowFM, water minister Harriet Shing said:
“Victoria does not support buybacks – our regional communities have been dealing with the impacts from previous Commonwealth buybacks for over a decade.”
“We will continue to work in the best interest of Victorians by allowing for improved environmental outcomes through on-ground works and delivering water by upgrading inefficient systems.”
“We will work with the Commonwealth Government and other jurisdictions at the upcoming ministerial council meeting to ensure our Basin Plan obligations are met without any negative social, economic and environmental outcomes in Victoria.”
The South Australian Liberal senator Alex Antic moved in parliament last week his private member's bill to hold organisers of disruptive protests accountable where the protest activity involves committing criminal offences such as trespass. We discuss whether that might extend to feeding pork to livestock bound for the Middle East or women exposing themselves to protest on climate change at the Santos Tour Down Under.
The Chief Executive Officer of the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy recites the mining minister's own words from 2019 back at him in response to his ministerial veto of a mine proposal in the Adelaide Hills due to amenity, groundwater and safety concerns.
The Australian wool market lifted again this week but next week's trade is looking a little rocky according to Michell Wool's trading manager Andrew Partridge as Chinese demand appears, for now, to have dried up.
The member for Mallee calls for a moratorium on the big four banks closing more branches as a new senate inquiry begins into the closure of regional bank branches. Anne Webster calls on the Australian Banking Association to speak up on implementing recommendations from the Coalition's Regional Banking Taskforce.
The South Australian mining minister Tom Koutsantonis outlines the amenity, groundwater and safety grounds for why he used his power as minister to block Terramin's gold mine proposal in the Adelaide Hills wine region close to three significant wineries Bird In Hand, Petaluma and Art Wine. We discuss the reactions by the local independent MPs Dan Cregan and federal MP Rebekah Sharkie and that of the Liberal opposition and SA Chamber of Mines and Energy to the decision. The minister rejects the possibility this decision sets a precedent for mining-farming conflicts elsewhere in the state, saying each decision is made on its merits.
Cattle prices have corrected to a more business-as-usual pre-pandemic level in 2023 but sheep prices remain resistant to increased supply in the market. Cattle export numbers are up as we discuss the latest with Meat and Livestock Australia's senior market information analyst Ripley Atkinson.
On FlowFM across regional South Australia, Victoria and southern New South Wales we speak with the ANZ's Michael Whitehead about the positives and challenges facing the cropping sector and the likely strong interest in farm real estate in 2023.
The Finance Sector Union say the Coalition's Regional Banking Taskforce was beholden to the banks and others with vested interests and didn't listen to their union. The South Australian state secretary says the Union hopes the new Senate Rural and Regional Affairs committee inquiry will listen to their views and that of bank workers in regional Australia.
The regional South Australian Liberal senator says rural, regional and remote Australians will feel let down by a government visa decision prioritising filling workforce gaps in metropolitan areas first. In Question Time earlier this week, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt representing Health Minister Mark Butler said the Albanese government had cut the national visa backlog from 1 million to 600,000 cases.
The independent MP for Stuart and minister in the Malinauskas Labor Government was the former local government minister prior to 2018 and retraces the history of Coober Pedy's administration challenges, questions the efforts of the SA Liberals in government and the Local Government Association's assistance to Coober Pedy and defends the government's efforts on the water supply challenges since it was elected in March 2022.
The man appointed by the then Marshall Liberal government to administer Coober Pedy during the suspension of the council's elected representatives has responded to criticisms of his now concluded tenure as administrator by the returned local government minister Geoff Brock (full statement from Minister Brock in this story here: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/brock-attacks-jackson-s-coober-pedy-record), Mr Jackson has expanded his call made on Flow recently regarding the town's essential services, saying both power and water utilities should be taken over by the state utilities and Coober Pedy council rates increased to cover its costs. Mr Jackson assures listeners the amount they would save under SA Water's statewide pricing policy would offset the potential $1,000 increase per annum to their council rates. However Minister Brock told Flow in his statement the situation is not as simple as Mr Jackson has put forward.
For FlowFM listeners in the NSW Riverina and western NSW, through to northern, western and south coast Victoria and across regional South Australia, we speak with the marketing manager and private dietician Glenys Zucco from Dairy Australia about the benefits of dairy and milk products and increased consumption in Australia.
The shadow minister for local government in South Australia, Sam Telfer, responds to the written attack minister Geoff Brock launched on the now former Coober Pedy administrator and the Liberals' handling of the town's water supply (read the full Ministerial comments here: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/brock-attacks-jackson-s-coober-pedy-record). As the member for Flinders including the Eyre Peninsula, Mr Telfer also responds to the latest advice to FlowFM from SA Water regarding the progress of selecting a site and then building a desalination plant to address water security for the lower Eyre Peninsula
The shadow assistant minister for infrastructure and transport Tony Pasin tells FlowFM 'the drums are beating' on politicians' return to Canberra for an attack on the diesel fuel tax rebate. The South Australian MP for Barker talks about his motion in parliament this week calling on the government to spend 100% of its revenue from fuel tax on road improvements and repair, discusses the contribution electric vehicles aren't making to the road network and the inflationary pressures for Australians the Reserve Bank of Australia is trying to address by again raising the cash rate by 25 basis points on Tuesday.
James Roberts , General Manager - Group Fraud Management Services at Commonwealth Bank appeared on the Country Viewpoint to discuss scams sinking regional Aussie businesses and unsuspecting online users.
The conversation comes off the back of a recent interview with cybersecurity expert Stephen Kho a week ago on the Flow, along with new research highlighting over half of Australians are more concerned about scams compared to four months ago.
To add fuel to the fire, more than one in four Australians have also reported being contacted by scammers at least six times a week.
The NSW Labor shadow minister for regional transport and roads says the Opposition has been waiting for today's (Tuesday 7 February 2023) budget update from the Coalition government before releasing their funding pledge for regional roads, saying poor budget management in Sydney contrasts with the now $2 billion plus they say needs to be spent on the road maintenance backlog across regional New South Wales. We discuss betterment - building damaged roads to a better standard to be more resilient to future disasters, and the long process of enabling councils to hand roads back to state government to manage.
On his first day of his own planned breakaway from administering the Coober Pedy Council, Tim Jackson talks about what's great about living in the town, his recent concerns about anti-social behaviour by visitors to the town - and calls for SA Water to buy the estimated $12 million dollars worth of council water assets to wipe out the in-trouble council's $10 million in debt. The Council has been under administration for four years and was blocked from electing a new council by state parliamentarians just prior to November's local government elections due to continuing governance concerns.
One Nation's first MLC elected to the South Australian parliament, Sarah Game, says she's the only opposing the Malinauskas Labor government's Voice to Parliament bill for indigenous South Australians. She says the bill is thin on detail and could give the right to representatives elected solely by indigenous people to speak on any issue in the State Parliament.
Zachary Whale from GrainGrowers appeared on the Country Viewpoint this week.
The General Manager of Policy and Advocacy at GrainGrowers, who says he is 'passionate about grains and ag policy', discussed the peak body's pre-budget submission on the show - calling on federal government support for the industry.
Several talking points were outlined including: a significant upgrade in funding for freight networks and regional roads, including $1 billion over four years through the Regional Infrastructure Recovery program. Implementing the National Biosecurity Strategy and establishing a sustainable funding
model for biosecurity. Increasing opportunities for domestic manufacture of fertiliser, chemicals, fuel, and spare parts and more.
The NSW Farmers' head of policy and advocacy Annabel Johnson farms at Murringo and knows from first-hand experience the importance of being able to get a farm firefighting unit out to a fire, sometimes due to the tyranny of distance well before other firefighting units can arrive. The NSW Farmers are calling on the NSW government to give conditional licensing to the units as this summer's bushfire threat grows, also calling for public land managers to do their part to prevent catastrophic bushfire.
Michell Wool's Andrew Partridge shares the good news from the trading floor of a strong market for wool producers flat out shearing at the moment as the Australian Wool Exchange does a roaring trade.
The man who could be the next New South Wales treasurer says the premier has it wrong on how the state economy is travelling, and despite yesterday's attack on Labor's alleged lack of a small business policies, some have already been announced and more are coming. With the Reserve Bank of Australia meeting on Tuesday and expected to raise interest rates another 25 basis points to contain inflation, Daniel Mookhey says the land tax policies of the government will hurt householders' personal budgets.
The northern Victorian Nationals MP and leader of the state party raises alarm at the state of regional Victorian roads prior to the pandemic and flooding, let alone now and calls for the state authorities to repair roads. Peter Walsh MP for Murray Plains says past Victorian Electoral Commission reviews into representation structures in regional councils haven't always worked out how councils wanted, and encouraged residents in Yarriambiack, Gannawarra, Northern Grampians and Buloke shires to have their say. We discuss the influx of new Nationals MPs into state parliament, what that means for the coalition agreement and shadow cabinet, and the new responsibilities Peter Walsh and his deputy, member for Lowan Emma Kealy, now have.
The Liberal Party's MP for the state's largest federal seat, Grey, talks with Flow listeners about a recent federal government funding announcement for William Creek residents near Oodnadatta with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the state of regional roads and addresses concerns voiced by others from Coober Pedy to Ceduna about alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour as federal parliamentary sittings resume this coming Monday.
We get the latest from the Wagga Thursday sheep sales with James Tierney from Riverina Livestock Agents and whilst there's positive news there, Monday's cattle sales were in the doldrums. Why? We pick James' brain on what might be going on and where there might be positives for livestock producers in the region during 2023.
Senior climatologist at the Bureau of Meteorology Dr Andrew Watkins updates FlowFM listeners in south-eastern Australia particularly farmers and other regional listeners on what their current long range forecast is indicating concerning the recently dominant La Nina and negative Indian Ocean Dipole pattern and what the Bureau is observing in long-term changes in those dominant weather systems due to climate change.
A lot of the hot topics from 2022 are still with us in early 2023 including the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and high input prices, but as Episode3.Net's Andrew Whitelaw explains, it's a mystery why some international easing on input price costs doesn't necessarily flow straight through to Australian producers. We also discuss the high cost of diesel squeezing returns for Australian cropping farmers.
Tracing sheep and lambs using electronic identification got a leg-up during 2022 due in no small part to the concerns Foot and Mouth Disease could find its way into Australia via Indonesia, and the implementation work continues involving Sheep Producers Australia's CEO Bonnie Skinner. We talk about where the costs of that plan might ultimately be borne, what the peak body has been supporting in research and development into preventing lamb mortality, discuss potential processing bottlenecks due to a backlog of visa processing ... and did Bonnie get some lamb on her fork during Australia Day celebrations?
The member for Flinders in South Australia's west already had a lot on his radar as a local MP including growing antisocial behaviour concerns in Ceduna, but with new shadow responsibilities for policing Sam Telfer talks with FlowFM about alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour concerns in Coober Pedy, the encouraging SA population growth data reported recently by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and why he's pushing for an additional Doppler radar in the Eyre Peninsula 'black spot' so local farmers and emergency services can better prepare for and respond to adverse weather conditions.
We speak with the shadow agriculture minister Mick Veitch MLC on the extent to which NSW Labor's pledges for a fully independent agriculture commissioner would match what the NSW Farmers Association are seeking this election, but how they would stop land use conflicts such as those seen in Gunnedah recently between farmers and miners, and with the HumeLink project.
From the Wagga aerodrome improvements to a tourist-attracting light show, the deputy premier was in Wentworth sharing a host of government announcements investing in the south western NSW town in the electorate of Murray, held by independent Helen Dalton. We discuss with NSW National Party leader Paul Toole (pictured centre) where the NSW Nationals are at on pokie reform and how - and why - that differs from their coalition partner, the NSW Liberals.
With a state election on 25 March 2023 we speak with the member for Albury Justin Clancy, his electorate includes the Federation Council and we discuss the impacts of local flooding, the impending likely recess of the Corowa Rutherglen Football and Netball Club for 2023 due to flood damage, and grants received and now available for community groups, councils and others to improve community facilities and programs.We also discuss the challenging cropping harvest farmers have been completing, the potential for mouse numbers to rise again and when it comes to roads, ensuring they are built back to a better standard a.k.a. 'betterment' so they don't go out during the next flood.
The South Australian Liberal Party's shadow cabinet is visiting the South East based in Mount Gambier this week and we caught up with the shadow minister for regional health services, ageing, preventative health and wellbeing about her new portfolio roles, mental health and suicide prevention. We discuss the potential hidden mental health struggle under the recent record grain harvest, the New Year change to the Patient Assisted Transport Scheme rebate and what regional South Australians are telling her their health policy concerns are.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (and SMS service 0477 13 11 14) Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - www.beyondblue.org.au
The Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific speaks with local broadcaster in his Riverina electorate, FlowFM the morning of the comments by the Australian Foreign Minister in The Guardian in a thinly veiled attack on his former government's diplomatic efforts in the Indo-Pacific. Michael McCormack, member for Riverina (pictured centre) talks about the state of local roads, farewells a local footy icon and says local business owners should be very worried about federal treasurer Jim Chalmers' recent essay to recast the federal government's approach to the economy.
Read more: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/mccormack-defends-coalition-s-indo-pacific-diplomacy-after-wong-s-dig
Grain Producers South Australia CEO Brad Perry discusses new project exploring future options for grain silo bags, the need for farming practices to take on more recycling initiatives and how harvest has progressed for many producers across the state.
Stephen Kho, cyber security expert, discusses the latest scams to look out for in 2023. Hackers have carried the same form into the new year with online scams continuing to evolve and appearing more legitimate than ever. Kho elaborates on how to safeguard vulnerable online users from particular online threats, such as the new MyGov scam, which many Australians are currently being duped into engaging with.
Brodie Bush, an Australian Defence Force veteran, with a service career spanning nearly 13 years, discusses the topic of no more medication mix-ups for Australian Veterans with a new program that is aiming to improve outcomes for Australian Veterans.
The CSIRO's mouse expert Steve Henry (pictured left) joins FlowFM to talk about the recent cropping conditions and concerning signs from early trap inspections in regional South Australia, the problem with crop abandonment in parts of eastern Australia and the safety of baits used by farmers as opposed to the retail-sold baits that can pose serious risks to family pets.
Naracoorte in South Australia's South East region was one shining light for property price growth in the latest data from the South Australian Valuer General, according to REISA CEO Andrea Heading in our chat about the positives from the data across regional SA.
South Australian senator and shadow minister for health and sport Anne Ruston (pictured, centre) joins us on Flow to outline whey the Coalition Opposition want oversight on how the Queensland state government spends public funds to build facilities for the 2032 Olympics, responds to assistant minister for health Ged Kearney's formation of a panel to investigate what the Labor MP calls 'medical misogyny' and discusses efforts by shadow assistant minister for health Dr Anne Webster to draw attention to reform in regional health service provision.
David Landini is an advocate for reviving historical pushes for a separate Australian state west of the Great Dividing Range to give greater autonomy for those living not just in his own state of New South Wales, but prospectively those in northern Victoria if not even adjoining parts of South Australia. The Wakool local is running in the NSW state election for the seat of Murray, currently held by former Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party MP Helen Dalton, and has strong words in support of independents - and against the Shooters and his own former party, the National Party.
The federal assistant treasurer and minister for financial services Stephen Jones joins us on FlowFM to talk about global ratings agency S&P Global's tick of approval for Australia's cherished Triple-A credit rating and their expectation Australia may stave off the worst of recession. The minister isn't being complacent, saying inflation and cost of living relief are a delicate matter to be addressed including in the May budget.
We speak with the shadow treasurer Angus Taylor about the essay published in the Monthly by federal treasurer Jim Chalmers which his shadow says aims to put the government at the centre of the economy, not everyday Australians.
Kathryn Taffs speaks with southern NSW listeners on FlowFM about the updated River Condition Index, the latest status of the data available and what recent flooding events might mean for river health in the indicators.
'Completely bogus' is the way the South Australian health minister Chris Picton describes claims made on FlowFM this morning by the shadow minister, the Liberals' Ashton Hurn, about ramping figures from last February compared with now. Ms Hurn told Flow listeners that over almost 12 months the wait times to get into emergency departments in Adelaide had almost doubled. Minister Picton points to the cancellation of elective surgery at that time 12 months ago as a cause for the increased ramping numbers quoted by his shadow but not disputed by the Minister.
The South Australian Liberal shadow minister for health and member for Schubert Ashton Hurn joins us to talk about the ramping situation she says is worse now than it was when the former Marshall government left office. Yet the ambulance union is conspicuous by its silence. The MP for the regional electorate for Schubert including the Barossa Valley also talks about her latest regional trips including to Mount Gambier today, and what regional people are telling the opposition about their health needs.
The shadow education minister explains why his government didn't ban mobile phones in high schools outright during the Marshall Liberal government's term in office (2018-2022) and attacks the Malinauskas Labor government's measures leading up to the start of the South Australian school year on Monday 30 January 2023. The former education minister says his government didn't promise or impose a ban, so he is 'embarrassed' for the now government that it pledged a ban but has not, in the Opposition's view, imposed one.
The South Australian education minister hopes for a 2023 school year without the interruptions due to COVID-19 measures in recent years and talks about the modern bullying that can occur in schools through the use of mobile phones and social media. Minister Boyer responds to the Opposition's claims on Wednesday 25 January 2023 that the government's measures restricting mobile phone use in high schools is not as comprehensive a ban as that promised by then Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas 2019, now the state Premier.
Threatened species such as the short-fin mako shark and smooth hammerhead shark have been identified via DNA testing for sale in South Australian fish and chip outlets in a dilemma for shop owners as well with the challenge tracing back to what is caught, processed and sold wholesale as 'flake' for general public consumption. Professor Bronwyn Gillanders from the University of Adelaide's School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute tells Flow listeners their DNA testing also identified species for sale as 'flake' not even found in Australian waters.
The mayor of the Edward River Council centred on Deniliquin, NSW has been endorsed as the NSW Nationals candidate for the south-western seat of Murray at the March state election. We speak for the first time with the fledgling candidate on various policy concerns in the large regional seat.
The southern NSW seat of Albury hasn't been in ALP hands for 35 years but that's not deterring young Thurgoona teacher Marcus Rowland from aiming to unseat incumbent Liberal Justin Clancy from his safe seat. With a particular emphasis on the Federation Council area, we speak about roads, teachers and supporting our farmers.
Before heading to Leeton NSW campaigning to retain the seat for a second term, independent MP for Murray Helen Dalton talks Carp, Roads, local clubs and problem gambling - and how she might lean if the March state election delivers, as she hopes, a hung parliament.
The South Australian Liberal Party leader speaks with FlowFM listeners about the minister for water, Dr Susan Close, 'dithering' over a decision on where to situate a desalination plant on the Eyre Peninsula for future water security. The former water minister who initiated the consultation process on the controversy over a site calls for the minister's resignation as we also discuss state and regional population growth and broadening access to subsidised Japanese encephalitis vaccines.
During a visit to South Australia the deputy leader of the federal Liberal Party and FlowFM regular as the member for Farrer in western NSW, Sussan Ley talks about the challenges in healthcare and roads facing regional people she is meeting in SA - and in her own electorate. We also discuss with the shadow minister for women the Communication Minister Michelle Rowland's Wednesday 25 January summit on the risks of online dating and what regulatory steps the federal government might need to take to improve online and personal safety.
From regional roads and rail through the recent biosecurity challenges to the farm labour workforce, the NSW Farmers Association president Xavier Martin shares with FlowFM listeners in southern NSW the organisation's areas of focus for the March state election.
The federal assistant minister for education joins us on FlowFM to talk about the way those already working in remote areas or those accepting offers to work there can have their higher education study debt covered by the federal government to support them relocating to those regions.
The former head of the Australian Christian Lobby speaks with FlowFM about why he's running as an independent at the head of a voting ticket supported by the fledgling reborn Family First Party. Lyle addresses a host of policy topics from gender ideology in schools to the World Economic Forum's Davos event this week, measures taken in the name of COVID-19 and whether a royal commission is needed, and what his party is offering southern NSW regional voters. He also speaks about the demise of Fred Nile's Christian Democrats party and what that means for the Christian voting constituency in NSW this election.
Note: as disclosed in the interview, the interviewer worked with the past incarnation of the Family First party from 2006 to 2017.
The Australian wool market finished 2022 on a high and is off to a flyer in its first two weeks, we look into the driving factors including Chinese demand with Andrew Partridge from Michell Wool.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway speaks with southern NSW FlowFM listeners about a road repair fund with applications closing today, Friday 20 January 2023, as well as responding to shadow minister John Graham's comments regarding a potential state takeover or reclassification of council roads. We discuss betterment - 'building back better' - flood or disaster affected roads and a funding boost for a cattle underpass scheme.
South Australian Riverland winegrape growers are battling very poor returns for their grapes amid a triple-whammy of challenges from China's trade restrictions to freight costs and, for a select number of growers, inundation from recent flooding. We speak with Riverland Wine executive officer Lyndall Rowe about the welcome injection of $100,000 from the South Australian government to help the industry chart a 10-year blueprint for better outcomes for one the nation's most significant wine growing regions.
The State Opposition has welcomed the easing of restrictions on recreational boating, fishing and the like on the River Murray but says it will pursue answers on how, when and why the government made the decisions to impose restrictions in the first place given their impact on local tourism and tourism operators.
After visiting South Australia's Riverland and mid-Murray on Thursday and en route to lower Murray communities on Friday, the federal leader of the Liberal Party and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton speaks with FlowFM listeners again about making good on his pledge to them to visit late in 2022. We discuss building back better roads, bridges and levee banks to mitigate future flooding, the Liberal Party's position on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and on celebrating Australia Day on 26 January.
The NSW Irrigators Council's CEO talks about the recent survey in a stretch of the Darling River that failed to find a single Murray cod as an opportunity to rethink water recovery as the pre-eminent means of environmental restoration in the Murray-Darling Basin.
The shadow roads minister says the NSW government has poorly handled the policy of signage before encountering mobile speed cameras, contrasts the two policies announced by the Labor Opposition then Coalition Government this week to incentivise good driving behaviour - and calls for the release of a plan to take back some regional council roads into state ownership.
The ANZ's Head of Agribusiness Insights Michael Whitehead speaks with us about the beginning of 2023 and planting decisions for cropping farmers considering the market, climate and a range of other factors.
The South Australian Climate, Environment and Water Minister Dr Susan Close joins us on FlowFM to share the status environmentally of the River Murray flows out through the Murray Mouth, saying she has concerns about the impacts on the marine environment.
The Deputy Premier says the state government is looking for federal funding support to build a desalination plant on the southern Eyre Peninsula for water security, but acknowledges the Albanese Labor Government's timelines could be so long that a decision might need to be made sooner.
We also discuss with the Labor environment minister the discovery recently of the Western Whipbird in the Mallee region of Victoria-South Australia in the Ngarkat forest, a species that had previously been thought extinct.
The Wool Producers Australia chief executive officer Jo Hall responds to comments by shadow agriculture minister David Littleproud here on FlowFM earlier that morning regarding the European Union's view on the sustainability of wool, describing their stance as 'a joke' - and outlines the efforts the peak body is making not just to change the EU's stance, but to improve the shearer supply in Australia via possible British and Indian pathways. We also discuss what will be happening soon on progressing electronic traceability of sheep in Australia.
... and the shadow agriculture minister also shares just how far short the meat processing and other agriculture workforce supply is despite the efforts of the Albanese Labor government.
The federal National Party leader discusses how the European Union's view that synthetic fibres are more sustainable than wool or cotton poses a risk for Australian fibre producers.
The Malinauskas government announced on Wednesday that former Liberal MP for Flinders Peter Treloar is the new presiding member of the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board. It's a return to what was called a Natural Resources Management Board when Mr Treloar was previously involved.
We also speak with the EP farmer about the closing stages imminent of his role appointed by the former Liberal government chairing a site selection committee to determine where a new desalination plant might be placed on the lower Eyre Peninsula for water security. We discuss the possibilities of water security via desalination on the West Coast at places like Ceduna and Elliston, but the potentially prohibitive construction and piping costs.
A Coalition government pledge to expand the financial level of compensation available to emergency service volunteers if re-elected at the March 2023 state election has been welcomed by the president of the NSW Rural Fire Service Association representing volunteers, Scott Campbell.
Could the continuing farm and processing labour shortage cause problems at the farmgate for Australian cattle and sheep producers? We chat with Episode3.net analyst Matt Dalgleish on the activity in the cattle and sheep markets, a serious price correction but low supply in cattle in early January 2023 and where he sees the year going for our farmers' returns on their hard work.
Dairy Australia's Industry Insights and Analysis manager John Droppert joins us on FlowFM to share the broad outlook for Australia's dairy industry and discusses the past, present and future challenges and prospects in exports and imports including what Australian dairy farmers could anticipate out of potential UK, EU free trade deals
We discuss the challenge of flood recovery and road repair - and upgrade - in the Riverland and Mid-Murray down to Mannum in the electorate of Chaffey, as the Department of Infrastructure and Transport's director of road maintenance on Tuesday morning expressed support for making a business case for improving the flood resilience of the Bookpurnong Road between Loxton and Berri. The local state MP also responds to the challenges facing caravan parks such as Waikerie and Renmark's after levee banks were built between their accomodation and 'million dollar views' of the River Murray.
We speak with Dr Sarah Butcher about the latest approaches by social media platforms and policy makers to protect children and teens online from harmful content - and how parents and other adults concerned about youth online privacy, data security and safety can interact with what young people are doing online to mutually bolster their digital literacy and security.
We discuss the process for re-opening South Australian state roads now emerging from beneath receding floodwaters, caution and requests to motorists regarding how or when they travel on those roads and anticipated management of ferries and access roads.
The member for Lowan in Western Victoria says corellas are damaging local infrastructure and natural assets again this breeding season and called on the state government to release its corella management strategy.
The newly appointed shadow assistant minister for regional health, Dr Anne Webster, speaks about concerns in her north western Victorian electorate of Mallee about potential closures due to an inflexible approach to implementing aged care reforms, the shortage of regional doctors and nurses and an imminent summit she is organising to address regional health concerns.
We head off the beaten track with South Australian Liberal senator Alex Antic to see what's being hidden from public debate, including a possible digital identity being implemented in Australia, the reduction of public concern about government surveillance and erosions of privacy, and what concerns we might have about the World Health Organization seeking new powers in the name of public health initiatives.
Tim Gurney, the manager of T-Ports, appeared on the Country Viewpoint and discussed the current harvesting period and how receivals are tracking for grain handlers. Gurney also elaborated on the importance of competition in the field and how grain handlers are the beneficiaries of export companies consistently forcing competitors to raise their levels.
Emily Riggs, creator of SA fashion label Iris and Wool, tells her triumphant and inspiring story after becoming the overall winner of the 2022 Shine Awards. Riggs, from the SA town of Burra, also discusses her professional background.
Police minister Paul Toole (pictured, right) promotes both joining the NSW Police Force and volunteering as farmers face a tough harvest after heavy rain and flooding, and the potential for grass fire risk including in the NSW Riverina. We discuss with the Deputy Premier and Nationals Leader the condition of roads and importance of locals and tourists alike driving safely around farm machinery and heavy vehicles active during the protracted harvest.
We've been chatting up the market on FlowFM with Andrew Partridge from Michell Direct Wool and it's worked a charm in the last dance for 2022 with big sales volumes and great prices for sellers. We cast our eye forward to the other side of the three-week break as shearers go hell for leather working through the backlog of fleece on the sheeps' backs.
Over 25,000 trucking positions are vacant requiring government intervention to fill the labour shortage in the nation's transport industry according to the National Road Transport Association's CEO Warren Clark, in a chat where we discover the legislative changes for trucking that NatRoad is pursuing in 2023 and the road and infrastructure improvements needed to accommodate more high performance vehicles in future - as well as the future and realistic potential of electric trucks
The federal opposition leader talks about Thursday's energy package and which parts the Opposition were willing to support, responds to NSW Premier Dom Perrottet and energy minister Matt Kean this week expressing support for 'the nuclear conversation' as part of our future energy mix, and says he's liaised with coalition MPs Tony Pasin in Barker (SA) and Anne Webster (Vic) on flooding in the Riverland and Sunraysia respectively, saying he wants to visit at an appropriate time and not get in the way.
The shadow assistant minister for transport and member for Barker attacks the Malinauskas Labor government's cost blowout on the final section of the North-South corridor on South Road, saying it puts at risk the prospect of his hopes for future duplication of parts of the Dukes and Sturt Highways in the Barker electorate. The MP taking in parts of the flood affected SA Murray talks about whether and when Peter Dutton might visit flood affected communities, and says Thursday's energy debate and legislative package passed through a recalled federal parliament was a waste of an estimated $1 million of taxpayer money getting MPs to Canberra to pass it.
There may be one last cattle sale next week but its our last chat for 2022 with Riverina Livestock Agents' James Tierney fresh from the lamb sales on Thursday at Wagga Wagga, also reflecting on Monday's cattle sales throughput and buyer interest
The shadow assistant minister for regional development speaks with Flow listeners in north western Victoria on the day of the Albanese Labor government's sudden recall of parliament for an energy market intervention legislative package to hit back at Treasurer Jim Chalmers' claim the Opposition would not be on the 'right side' of the debate
The member for Flinders covering South Australia's west coast and the Eyre Peninsula discusses unfinished business for the region on water security, a big harvest and the impact it is having on the roads and holiday road traffic, the recent native title determination for the Wirangu people over Streaky Bay and surrounds - and celebrating the resilience of school children despite a COVID-19 affected couple of school years.
The One Nation leader is resigning his seat to contest the Legislative Council election in March 2023 in a move to bolster his party's stocks as the Christian Democratic Party folds and Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party struggles to retain its MPs. The former federal Labor leader described as a 'stunt' the opposition leader Chris Minns' call for state parliament to be recalled to debate energy prices - the same day the Albanese Labor government federally recalls politicians to pass its own energy market intervention.
From wheat, barley and canola to outlooks for cattle, sheep and wool, the ANZ's head of agriculture insights Michael Whitehead shares the bank's outlook for farmers across the nation heading into 2023
The South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board is conducting trials in kangaroo management (https://www.landscape.sa.gov.au/saal/news/new-trials-to-manage-roos-in-the-rangelands) and we speak with the general manager Jodie Gregg-Smith on misconceptions and reasons behind kangaroo number control and the impacts over-abundant kangaroos can have both on farming and the environment.
The member for Mackillop covering South Australia's south east, southern Mallee and lower River Murray communities talks about the protracted and challenging harvest and growing conditions in cropping and horticulture - and continued advocacy for the vision of the Tolmer Speedway Bordertown
The Victorian Nationals' Member-elect for the seat of Mildura in north western Victoria speaks with Flow about the challenges facing the farming industry including horticulture and cropping, her imminent swearing in on Tuesday and the challenges facing the electorate under a re-elected Andrews Labor government
... and the Liberal federal member for Grey speaks about a great winter crop harvest underway in South Australia particularly in the western part of his large regional and remote electorate
The federal agriculture and emergency management minister Murray Watt speaks with Flow listeners across regional South Australia, Victoria and southern New South Wales on the common themes he's picked up visiting flood affected or threatened communities (like Mildura Vic, Berri and Renmark SA on Monday) including a desire from councils and shires to 'build back better' before future natural disasters, farmers fatigued by recurrent challenges and farm labour needs for future harvests amid a massive visa backlog.
From fertiliser to horticulture, wool to cattle we look forward to 2023 in Australian agriculture and Rural Bank's projections on how next year will go for Australian farmers with ProFarmer's Sean Hickey
Farmer and independent member for Murray talks about impacts on farmers like herself and local communities in south western New South Wales from heavy rainfall and flooding, water management in the Murray Darling Basin and water releases from dams that spilled, the NSW Nationals' aspirations to reclaim the seat she wrested off them in March 2019 - and meetings she secured in Canberra on water and farming policy with Water Minister Tanya Plibersek and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt.
After a big dive in the markets in recent weeks, we discuss with Meat and Livestock Australia's Jenny Lim a slight uptick for cattle and sheep producers as saleyards begin to wind up for a well-earned Christmas break.
Episode3.net's Andrew Whitelaw shares his thoughts on a huge harvest coming through despite the sad tales for some in the east and what that could mean on pricing for grain sellers going into 2023.
The wool market lifted for its second last week of sales with optimism that China's lockdowns would ease seeing some unprecedented buying activity, resulting in a huge number of bales listed for next week's final round of 2022 wool auctions
Flow catches up with the Primary Industries Forest Industries and Regional Development minister Clare Scriven MLC on the increased frequency of meetings for the nation's agriculture ministers and their deliberations on traceability and electronic tagging of sheep (and who pays for it), farm labour needs and visa processing and the promising future of ag tech and careers in agriculture
The South Australian Opposition leader agrees with federal Liberal colleague Tony Pasin's assessment that premier Peter Malinauskas has failed his first leadership test on River Murray flooding, also expressing the state Liberals' support for 'the nuclear conversation' in what was earlier this week a bipartisan support for small modular reactors in the future state energy mix, until Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the Premier he was 'wrong' and the latter retracted his support on ABC 7.30
The South Australian government has launched a website to promote produce from the Riverland and Mid Murray communities and book ahead future tourism opportunities for when floodwaters subside.
The South Australian MP whose state electorate of Chaffey covers the Upper Murray River communities expresses concern that flow levels equalling the 1970s flooding seem to be producing a higher river level than back then, as we discuss flooding and transport impacts in the region - and the importance of supporting River Murray tourism and commerce
As Australia's Agriculture Ministers have their last meeting of 2022 to tackle traceability and biosecurity in livestock, we check in for a pre-Christmas chat with Sheep Producers Australia's CEO Bonnie Skinner.
The member for Farrer Sussan Ley shares the view of inland flood-affected councils of the need to 'build back better' regional roads so they are more disaster resilient in future as concerns remain for communities affected by flooding in the Murray, Darling, Murrumbidgee, Lachlan and other rivers and creeks in Farrer and beyond
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas recently expressed an open mind on the role of nuclear energy in Australia's future energy mix - a position he backtracked from on national television earlier this week. With an energy 'crisis meeting' of the 'national cabinet' on Friday, the University of Queensland adjunct professor Stephen Wilson offers his views on the experience of Europe and what Australia should learn from it - and why the SA Premier should stick to his guns
The member for Frome shares concerns about the state of local roads and the farmers working hard to get their winter crop harvest in to receival sites so they can enjoy Christmas, as we also discuss her responsibilities as shadow minister for regional health services and visits to the West Coast and South East of the state recently
General Manager of the South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board Jodie Gregg-Smith updates listeners on the phenomenal accuracy and results of feral animal control of pigs and cats in the north-east of South Australia and the importance of the control activities
From singing the praises of expert marksmen using tools put in their hands by the former Coalition government to control feral pigs to three Victorian Nationals' wins in the state election, National Party federal leader David Littleproud weighs in on the hot topics including the energy debate and SA Premier Peter Malinauskas' very public backtracking on supporting the nuclear conversation for Australia's energy mix
We discuss with regional Australian listeners the significance of rising inflation, the past comments of RBA governor Phillip Lowe and calls for his departure, and what 2023 might hold for mortgage holders
Australian nuclear energy advocate James Fleay also responds to the Environment Minister's claims regarding small modular reactors in Australia - and points to the United Arab Emirates as a case study on how quickly, relatively speaking, a nation could include baseload nuclear energy in their decarbonised energy mix
The Australian Crop Report is out for December and it's mixed fortunes for many but good progress in the nation as a whole towards agreed $100 billion farmgate value targets by 2030
The independent MP for Narungga talks about improving regional health services, attracting and retaining doctors via a parliamentary inquiry - if he can initiate it with 10,000 signatures.
After a momentary price lift last week, the market resumed its doldrums but there were signs of fresh buying activity to lift producers into the final two trading weeks at the Australian Wool Exchange for 2022 where almost $1 billion worth of wool has sold again this year.
Viterra's South Australian grain production estimates are upward of 11.5m tonnes, potentially the second largest just under the 2016/17 harvest, close to the 12.1m estimated by PIRSA on Thursday - and quality remains up in many areas in a boost to rain-affected growers facing a Christmas and New Year season harvesting later than usual in the summer
Crop harvest conditions vary across southern Australia as prices shift internationally due to the Russia - Ukraine Black Sea export deal increases supply.
There's been a billion dollar lift in the expected South Australian 2022/23 grain crop as it comes in later, but fast on the west coast of the state
Both a little bleary-eyed from watching the Socceroos triumph over Denmark in Qatar, Matt and Flow's Rikki Lambert discuss the domestic market movements for Australia's cattle and sheep producers.
SA Power Networks' Paul Roberts outlines the preparations and scenarios the state's largest energy utility has been activating in response to inflows on the SA River Murray unseen potentially since the 1970s and responds to the federal MP for Barker Tony Pasin's criticisms of engagement with small towns on the Murray
We discuss for regional Australian listeners the challenges facing state governments and future expenditure, and where their debt ratios sit relative to comparable provinces or sub-national governments in other parts of the world.
Mildura snake catcher Terry Carstens talks about his busiest season in decades, which he attributes to the Murray River floods drifting snakes out of their natural habitats and closer to populated areas and profiles a new breed of snake that's recently popped up across the border in South Australia.
The federal member for Barker calls in from Canberra after visiting flood-affected or threatened towns in the SA River Murray over the weekend between sitting weeks to share concerns for small communities like Morgan, Cadell and Swan Reach and urges policy makers to better prepare or assist small communities
T-Ports Manager Tim Gurney discusses latest exciting collaboration between T-Ports and Fat Farmers on the Country Viewpoint. The initiative will focus on benefitting and assisting farmers in their fitness, health and wellbeing so they can operate better and make healthier decisions for their business, families and communities in which they live.
Could the Sporting Shooters Wodonga representative running for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party be dudded by preference deals delivering the last Northern Victoria seat to the Animal Justice Party? We discuss the situation leading up to the December 13 'button push' by the Victorian Electoral Commission for the state's upper house, and also the creative campaigning involving superhero costumes in the electorate.
"That was probably one of the most sarcastic pieces of satire ever created - I run a bit on sarcasm, it's a great form of communication" - Craig 'Macca' McGown responds to fact-checkers or 'fact controllers' in an Akubra hat-tip to Thomas the Tank Engine
The Nationals MP for Riverina talks about flooding impacts in communities in his electorate and the need for the state government to take stronger action in flood mitigation on the Lachlan River by raising the Wyangala Dam wall
We catch up with the peak South Australian grain body's chief executive officer Brad Perry about the state's graingrower harvest conditions, fire prevention, port logistics, hay challenges and more.
The member for Mallee in northwestern Victoria and shadow assistant minister for regional development talks about Nationals leader David Littleproud tasking her with investigating solutions on regional health services and outlines her concerns about the proposed referendum on an indigenous voice to parliament after the Nationals declared on Tuesday, spearheaded by indigenous NT CLP senator Jacinta Price, that they officially do not support the Albanese government proposal.
Senator Alex Antic (right, pictured with Jordan Peterson) speaks with Flow listeners from Canberra about the pursuit of evidence on vaccination injury and liability for pharmaceutical companies and governments, continued questioning of senior bureaucrats on gender and the industrial relations debate.
As of Monday morning after the close of polls Saturday night, the Nationals candidate Jade Benham was 900 votes ahead and the first-term independent MP Ali Cupper in a Sunday statement indicated it looked likely the seat was 'returning to the major parties'. We speak with the impending new MP for the Nationals
The 2022 Schoolies Festival begins Friday 25 November and Encounter Youth is on hand again to support school leavers celebrating successfully as it offers preventative programs with young people and advice to policy makers about young people's social, drug and alcohol experiences
Warmer Weather - tick - improved prices for wool producers - also tick - let's try keep it going after a long-awaited turnaround at the Australian Wool Exchange for Aussie wool producers. We start looking forwards to 2023 and what it might hold for producers.
The Liberal member for Polwarth on Victoria's south coast speaks with Flow about Labor's late claims in the state election campaign - concluding Saturday 26 November 2022 - on the Liberals' position on fracking, and discusses the Melbourne-driven coastal authority set up to control Great Ocean Road tourism and the way that has put locals offside. The local MP also responds to a petition before the Colac Otway Council to have the Colac Visitor Information Centre operate at regular hours, saying regional tourism has been underfunded after the Premier gave $15 million of taxpayer money on the final day before the caretaker period to fund Netball Australia after players offended Gina Rinehart, the principal of then-sponsor Hancock Prospecting
The big dry in the USA sees a liquidation underway in cattle stocks which could deliver upward movement in the market for Australian producers, as we review the latest trading data from Meat and Livestock Australia in the sheep and cattle markets
Jo Hall CEO of Wool Producers Australia speaks with FlowFM listeners about Deloitte's Domestic and Diversified Processing Report, improving supply chains for the benefit of Australian wool producers and the challenging growing conditions wool producers currently face in many parts of Australia
Police officer and Liberal candidate for the independently held seat of Mildura, Paul Matheson, talks with Flow about the impacts of lockdowns on local communities and sport, the Opposition's pledges to remove pandemic powers, the independent MP Ali Cupper's talk about minority government and his views on law enforcement needs in north-western Victoria
ProFarmer Grain (www.profarmergrain.com.au) agricultural analyst Sean Hickey updates Flow listeners on the latest winter cropping output estimates as some farmers battle the elements, the possible upside of the India free trade agreement if it is ratified before the end of this year - and positive news for food security and fertiliser on the Russia Black Sea deal
Farmers are adept at adapting to climatic changes and the nation's chief science agency is equipping them on efficient ways to use and save water and the latest climate information as the CSIRO State of the Climate report states Australia's average temperatures continue to warm amid current heavy rainfall, flooding and cold weather events
The first-term Liberal regionally based MP for Western Victoria takes aim at the Andrews Labor government and western Victorian rival, the Animal Justice Party's Andy Meddick as tensions reach fever pitch in the November 26 Victorian state election.
The State Opposition say their efforts to promote practical solutions based on local feedback have in some instances been accepted by the South Australian government, whilst also pushing for more frequent SA inflow updates for River Murray communities after the Premier told FlowFM there were inconsistencies between the MDBA and BOM modelling.
The Nationals' deputy leader from western Victoria spoke with Flow about the Nationals' $10 billion pledge over 10 years to repair and improve regional roads, and improvements to health services in her electorate in our final chat before the Saturday 26 November state election. Ms Kealy says she senses a statewide mood for change of government.
Long-time Mildura Rural City Councillor and 7-time mayor Glenn Milne has thrown his hat into the race for the state seat of Mildura, saying he is a 'conservative independent' unlike incumbent Ali Cupper - and addresses her comments on local motorsport facilities and the broader need for better roads and respect for north western Victoria from the Andrews Labor government
The South Australian premier joins Flow on the road to the River Murray to make further announcements regarding the flooding situation in the Riverland and Mid-Murray, discussing urgent levee works in Mannum, the state of emergency declared, the recent failure of the interconnector with Victoria, green hydrogen, nuclear energy ... and whether the Port Districts player will pull the boots on for a cameo appearance for Kangarilla in 2023
The NSW Farmers Association say there's an inequity in the funding initially provided to some farmers and what is now being made available to farmers elsewhere in the state experiencing flooding as president Xavier Martin talks with Flow listeners in the Riverina about the very challenging season and ways the Albanese federal government could provide practical support
The federal MP for the electorate taking in most of the South Australian Murray says preparation for the flooding has been inadequate in a failure for Peter Malinauskas' first big test, he claims, as the member for Barker urges tourists to visit the Riverland to witness the historic flood event
We discuss Aboriginal heritage impacts on the stalled motor race the Sea Lake Mallee Rally, Murray Basin Rail, a pledge for the Donald sporting community, funding committed to Birchip Cropping Group and the need to prevent future damage to local roads by upgrading them to a better standard
The new Reconstruction Authority Bill has now passed on the final sitting day of the NSW Parliament, rising for 4 months prior to the March state election - Emergency Services Minister and Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke spoke with us about why the bill was necessary to rebalance the spending towards flood mitigation and preparation in future.
Paul Matheson (centre) the Liberal candidate for Mildura at the November 26 election speaks with Flow listeners about pledges made in the electorate's south including the communities of Sea Lake, Ouyen and Wycheproof
A clash between Aboriginal heritage and a beloved local race at Sea Lake in north western Victoria has raised tensions during the November 26 state election campaign with the member for Mildura hitting back at critics allegedly claiming she had personally cancelled the race.
Sheep prices bounced back today in Wagga Wagga according to Riverina Livestock Agents' James Tierney while cattle on Monday were on the backwards slide as they were nationwide according to Meat and Livestock Australia's Eastern Young Cattle Indicator
The shadow minister for regional population growth and member for Flinders says work needs to be done on housing availability, health services and supporting GP doctors in regional communities after a recent Flinders University study on their poor work-life balance in regions
We look at the non-mulesed market, challenging producer conditions like flystrike and footrot, the differences in pricing between the indicator ranges and whether the ugly Christmas woollen jumper could be this year's must-have item in cooler Australian growing conditions
Fresh from a meeting with China's ambassador to Australia, the former deputy prime minister is visiting north western Victoria's state seat of Mildura supporting Nationals candidate Jade Benham. He tells Flow listeners the Prime Minister of Australia is 'terrorising farmers and regional communities' rather than helping them contribute to the food security task he told the G20 summit Australia wants to assist with. The former water minister also says emergency powers may need to be activated to upgrade or build dams for flood mitigation, criticising state governments 'of all persuasions' for their inaction for instance on the Wyangala Dam
Inundated crops are affected anticipated grain and canola supply and quality, but farmers in the western half of the nation largely are in the box seat to get their crops off with decent quality to get good prices - if everything else remains stable - as the Ukraine-Russia grain deal faces a critical deadline on Saturday
25% per cent of big businesses are taking over 4 months - 120 days - to pay small business invoices, according to the latest analysis by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman - we speak with ombudsman Bruce Billson about the data, how long the trend has been running and what it spells for the future of small business
The shadow assistant minister for regional development and National MP for Mallee in north-western Victoria talks with Flow listeners about the impact debates in Canberra have on local communities in industrial relations, the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and sourcing farm labour
From changing the recognised Israel capital from Jerusalem to locking up more regional land in national parks, the regional South Australian Liberal MP Rowan Ramsey discusses recent revelations in federal parliament on Labor's secret election pledges now being delivered upon - and the local implications of changes to industrial relations laws.
Michell Wool's Andrew Partridge discusses this week's trading activity at the Australian Wool exchange with Flow's Country Viewpoint program with prices still falling for wool producers while the Australian dollar has a slight upturn
Farmers at times can only get a few hours' work done in the paddock on getting the crop in before conditions turn sour, Grainwise's grain broker account manager Fabian Devereux tells Flow listeners.
We catch up on the latest export numbers and local trade in cattle and sheep with Episode 3's Matt Dalgleish, as he warns a labour shortage in meat processing may be looming
We discuss with the NSW Irrigators Council's Claire Miller the latest in floodplain harvesting regulation and metering, the prosecution level from the relatively new Natural Resources Access Regulator in NSW and the status of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan with nature providing cause for pause on thoughts about buybacks versus efficiency measures
... responding to claims about her voting record in her first term in office representing the north western Victorian seat of Mildura, Ali Cupper talks with Flow about advocating for a greater share of state and federal funding for two regional councils in her electorate faced in one case with 90 roads needing repair. We also discuss the Murray Basin Rail Project and past inertia from the major parties on this priority project for north western regional Victorians.
The first farmer load has arrived at Wallaroo, SA and emerging port operator T-Ports' client relations and business development manager Tim Gurney discusses their unique system of grain handling that works well in South Australia's shallower ports
The peak grain grower representative body in South Australia announced on Thursday that it had secured a compromise with the Country Fire Service and SA government with a big harvest coming through, regarding compliance with codes designed to prevent harvesting equipment starting fires.
Australians have felt the pain across all demographics of an estimated doubling of scam losses in this reporting year to $4 billion, but those aged over 65 have been particularly hard hit as the outgoing deputy chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Delia Rickard shares with Flow listeners, also welcoming the funding injection into Scamwatch announced on Flow by the Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones on Monday
Coal communities in his electorate are livid over the shutdown of their industry while native forestry has a dim future as the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party's eastern Victoria MP says the new compact technology for nuclear energy should be considered in Australia's future energy mix in the rush to renewables away from baseload power like coal and gas.
The director-general of the global agency responsible for certifying disease free status and a key guide on animal welfare standards is visiting Australia in early November and Flow spoke with Australia's chief veterinary officer on the importance of that visit and updated listeners on Australia's efforts preventing or eradicating varroa mite, Japanese encephalitis, foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease
The northern Victorian MLC says she heard concerns at Ouyen Inc about plans for a big new public hospital at Mildura and whether local Mallee health services might be brought under it, and says for four years she's been talking about the Murray Basin Rail project as local roads are hammered in wet conditions and a big harvest on the way. We discuss drug detection and diversion at Mildura and the adequacy of health, doctor availability and ambulance response times in northern Victoria
T-Ports is receiving enquiries from growers from other states considering their export options and people in the logistics supply chain looking for work as the South Australian grain harvest gets underway in comparatively drier conditions to the eastern states as the Eyre Peninsula looks down the barrel at a record 4 million tonne grain harvest
No people or animals were harmed in the Struan Research Centre fire and the Minister wouldn't be drawn on the millions of dollars cost by the fire, but the historic Struan House was saved thanks to the dedicated work of volunteer firefighters.
... the Western Victorian MLC wasn't racing to tell us who he'd look to impose a levy on to pay for the animal equivalent of Medicare as he discussed initiatives for LGBTIQA+ youth in his electorate and the impact of flooding in the local community.
The Financial Services Minister speaks of the understaffed Scamwatch effort at the ACCC which will be bolstered by the federal government as more Australians than ever are fleeced by scammers, particularly in the area of cryptocurrency. The Albanese Labor Government intends to make social media companies act on advertisements and enticements to invest in scams.
Water should have been released earlier from dams, levee banks repaired sooner and regional Victorians deserve an apology from the Andrews government over the handling of COVID-19 are some of the points made by northern Victorian Member of the Legislative Council Tim Quilty in this chat with regional FlowFM listeners.
Another down market this week for the Australian Wool Exchange but perhaps there are signs it is about to turn a corner, as we talk currency, oddments and more with Michell Wool's Andrew Partridge
Could farmers be licensed in future at 30% less production than current values? That's one concern the South Australian member for Barker covering the south-east agricultural and horticultural areas of the state raises in response to questions about Labor's true aspirations on methane emissions, climate change and environmental water recovery as we look across to the Ardern NZ government's methane tax plans and Albanese Labor's buyback intentions as examples.
Flooding dominates the discussion amidst the markets with one of the nation's largest markets, Wagga Wagga, still doing strong trade as cattle and sheep producers keep getting produce to market and processors keep up demand with solid slaughter numbers.
It's Groundhog Day - again - as we have to talk with Episode 3 grains analyst Andrew Whitelaw about the latest in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the will-they, won't-they be able to move grain out of the region. Also discussed are Australian cropping conditions amid eastern states' flooding and the ceasfire in Ethiopia alongside food security.
The shadow local government minister encourages South Australians to return their postal votes in the November elections and discusses 'blindsided' Grant and Mt Gambier councils on amalgamation - and the new president of the peak body of SA councils, Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Erika Vickery OAM
Sheep Producers Australia's CEO Bonnie Skinner says the organisation is taking methane emissions from the growing national flock very seriously as the federal government invests in a South Australian trial to place additives in sheep troughs to reduce methane emissions. We discuss an imminent trip to return to the international scene liaising with fellow peak sheep bodies and the federal budget's investment in biosecurity as the sheep industry grapples with implementing electronic traceability.
'Like dracula in charge of the blood bank' claims the NSW Nationals MP for Riverina describing the unspecified amount of money in last Tuesday's federal budget set aside for buying water off of farmers in the Murray-Darling Basin to meet 2024 environmental water recovery targets, as Michael McCormack (right) also discusses mining and Riverina gold in the actual Melbourne Cup - and what farmers and others might wish to do as the instant asset writeoff's demise looms in 2023
Footage of kangaroos hopping through the snow at Mount Bryan in South Australia's mid-north draws attention to the Frome electorate hit by cold weather, frost, heavy rain and flooding - particularly the challenge this presents for farmers, horticulturalists and viticulture. We speak with local MP Penny Pratt and discuss our appreciation for emergency services volunteers assisting impacted communities.
ABARES' new Insights report proposes that countries should lower their protectionism of agriculture to promote more efficient farming practices that are better for the environment, aligning free trade policy with climate change https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/products/insights/emissions_agsupport_and_foodsecurity
The member for Eildon shares with Flow listeners on 106.3FM the local impacts of heavy rain and flooding including from Lake Eildon releases, as well as the Tuesday announcement of $10m pledged for gymnastics in Victoria if the Opposition succeed at the next election - and responds to the Monday announcement of the Andrews Labor government providing $15m to Netball Australia after it lost major sponsor Hancock Prospecting
South Australia's peak livestock organisation is seeking input from sheep and goat producers as its steering committee continues to stay on top of changes being driven nationally to implement electronic traceability for sheep and goats, as is in place for the cattle industry. Livestock SA CEO Travis Tobin discusses among other considerations the cost and practicality of the scheme for SA producers.
An information evening for Vineyard parents and potential new enrolments from 7:30pm Tuesday 1 November will give the Clare community an opportunity to hear more about the expansion of Vineyard Lutheran School's offerings as a new campus of Horizon Christian School in 2023
Fired for his faith, Lee Jones has decided to take a stand for religious freedom and family values as a lead candidate for the revived Family First Party at the 26 November state election.
DISCLAIMER: interviewer Rikki Lambert was a Family First member and candidate in South Australia during 2006 to 2016
... as the Greens also call for the Malinauskas Labor government to reinstate battery and PV solar grants axed in the government's first budget since winning office at the March election
The Australian wool market was going well for producers for a couple of weeks but has fallen back again this week, as we discuss demand and supply factors including the younger generation turning their hand to shearing
We look at cropping and market conditions in the USA, Argentina and the Black Sea whilst Australian grain and canola growers deal with wetter crops, delayed harvest and challenging conditions with wet soil and flooding preventing entry into paddocks
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole was at the Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct today and says there has never been a better time to invest in regional NSW as the state government puts $1 billion on the table in a Regional Investment Attraction Strategy to harness the full value of the regions’ potential and making them the location of choice for private sector investment.
By volume on the Meat and Livestock Australia indicators Wagga Wagga saw the highest number of cattle and sheep traded and we catch up again with Riverina Livestock Agents' James Tierney fresh from Thursday's lamb sales on the latest selling activity - and the impact flooding is having locally and on the market.
... and sourcing shearers and getting wool to market are among the other current challenges for wool producers discussed with the Woolproducers Australia CEO Jo Hall in this discussion with regional FlowFM listeners
The shadow assistant minister for transport and infrastructure spoke with FlowFM regional Australian listeners including in his own South Australian local electorate of Barker about the contrast of federal spending of $2.2 billion on the Suburban Rail Loop versus the truck freight burden and damage on regional Victorian roads that Murray Basin Rail might resolve, and regional South Australian road impacts such as in the Mallee without rail investment
Regional roads are copping a hammering from wet weather and with worse to come as a bumper harvest comes off thanks to a lingering La Nina cycle and Tuesday's Federal Budget offers plenty to unpack on disaster resilience, better freight movement - and better allocation of grants into regions after the end of the controversial Building Better Regions Fund. We speak with Transport Infrastructure Regional Development Local Government Minister and member for Ballarat, Catherine King
Outrage, horror are some of the expressions the north western Victorian federal MP uses to describe measures in Labor's first federal budget in 9 years. NOTE: The instant asset write-off mentioned in this interview Flow understands was a budget initiative of the former government scheduled to expire next June, not a measure in this Budget.
Farmers should be pleased to see funding committed in the next 5 years for mobile and internet coverage in regional areas, with faster internet speeds promised for 660,000 regional Australians - but they'll have to compete to get a share of that investment in funding rounds
The Victorian Liberal MP for the federal seat of Wannon in south-west Victoria and shadow immigration minister talks with Flow listeners about the federal government's budget pledges into Victoria including billions for renewable energy poles-and-wires and suburban rail loop, the minister's political appearance at an Andrews government re-election event and the mystery over returning jihadi brides
The Murray-Darling Basin Plan, Dams, water policy, Murray Basin Rail, renewable energy and the 'nuclear conversation' are all on the agenda as we catch up with The National Party leader David Littleproud the day before the Albanese Labor government's first budget in 12 years
Not long ago the talk in the Murray-Darling Basin and across Australia was about drought-proofing the nation but amid a major flood event with the river height at Echuca-Moama on the Vic-NSW border exceeding 1956 levels, now roadways and dams may need to be raised to flood-proof electorates like the southern NSW seat of Murray, held by independent Helen Dalton. We catch up with Helen fresh from visits to flood-affected communities
Recent University of Washington research (https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/966740) indicates La Niña could be with us for some time yet as Australian flooding and heavy rain impacts southern and eastern Australian communities, the South Australian senator questions whether alarm over climate has driven a surge into renewables when other investments might be prudent
Inflows to South Australia could reach 120,000 megalitres per day or more by December, so the State Emergency Service is encouraging shack owners in particular downstream of Cadell on the Murray River to prepare properties now for what minor to moderate flooding potential going into the summer. Chief of Staff at the SES Derren Halleday sets out the times the workshops are occurring this weekend in the mid Murray towns with 70,000 sandbags and 5 tonnes of sand being sent to the mid to upper Murray regions.
Jetties like his own as former mayor at Tumby Bay down to at Kingston South East were in the spotlight this week at state parliament in Adelaide for the member for Flinders and shadow minister for local government Sam Telfer - as well as claims of electoral involvement by members of the Local Government minister's own office in preference arrangements for council election candidates in Adelaide
Former regular Michell Wool correspondent with FlowFM for the Friday wool report Steven Read was tragically lost recently and Michell's correspondent since April, Andrew Partridge and Flow's Rikki Lambert express their gratitude for Steven's involvement in their lives and the wool industry on a sombre note at the end of an otherwise positive market report for Australian wool producers.
Rain and flooding impacts on Victorian and New South Wales grain crop harvest and quality heads the discussion as we look at the comparative situation for South Australian growers and the latest international market and crop harvest announcements
Episode3's Matt Dalgleish chats with Flow listeners about the latest movements in the Australian cattle and sheep markets and export market opportunities
Australians like to make light of tough situations and whether its snatch straps as the hot property for farmers this harvest or the Swan Hill KFC running out of chicken, Quambatook farmer and Graingrowers Ltd chair Brett Hosking helps us through a challenging harvest season with insights on how rain affected Australia's grain crop might be - and we return to the conversation of getting grain and other freight off the roads and onto rail such as the Murray Basin Rail project
The independent MP for the Yorke Peninsula based electorate hopes he can garner 10,000 signatures to spark a parliamentary inquiry into regional health services - and is calling for a fairer distribution of medical GPs in regional SA, and a dedicated Regional Health minister
Despite the regional population boom and ability to telework, regional bank closures continue with South Australian towns of Coober Pedy, Kapunda and Tailem Bend losing their last bank branches - the FSU state secretary Jason Hall fills Flow listeners in on the latest
The member for Riverina says flood mitigation via raising the Wyangala Dam wall is now critical and speaks about flooding impacts at Lockhart and Narrandera - also, frustration of emergency service volunteers at people driving through floodwaters going 'beyond the pale', a big challenge for grain growers with saturated cropping lands - and the value of Prime Ministers visiting electorates in times of distress
ABARES executive director Jared Greenville shares with Flow listeners in regional NSW, Victoria and South Australia the latest views on flooding impacts on Australia's grain harvest in terms of volume and quantity ahead of a formal update in December
Grainwise's Fabian Devereux speaks in particular about the growing conditions in the Mallee of north western Victoria and the sentiment among growers leading up to the 2022 Australian grain harvest
Metropolitan media have shared images of the high river at Loxton Caravan Park to imply flooding seen in eastern states could be heading South Australia's way but the Liberal MP for the upper River Murray seat of Chaffey says tourists should come and enjoy the high water event
The shadow minister for trade, tourism and investment and NSW Nationals federal member for Page expresses concern at the tight deadlines to ratify two major trade deals sealed by former trade minister Dan Tehan. A light sitting calendar put forward by the Albanese government means federal parliament must quickly ratify UK and India trade deals in time for farmers and other exporters to see the tariff reduction benefits
A recent Victorian Liberal-National Opposition public transport pledge for $2 fares state-wide and half-price V/Line travel if successful at the November election requires a 'bespoke' approach to locations like Ouyen and Sea Lake in the state's north west which have very little by way of public transport options, as Flow discusses with the Nationals' candidate for Mildura Jade Benham
Fresh from visiting the Charlton region on the weekend, the federal member for Mallee and Nationals shadow assistant minister spoke with Flow listeners about the great efforts of local people and value of local knowledge in combatting rising flood waters, particularly in Charlton
Burra Motor Inn manager Paul Henley speaks out on town's lack of rail services negatively impacting the township's morale since the last known Burra-to-Adelaide service was discontinued in 1986. Henley, in his impassioned remarks, also details how he sees the issue being addressed and potentially resolved over the next period of time.
SA deputy premier and water minister Dr Susan Close went to the Tuesday-Wednesday meeting of water ministers revoking support for the socio-economic test on water recovery, and wanting buybacks to return immediately to deliver 450 gigalitres of additional water for the river system. The Liberal Opposition's Nicola Centofanti speaks with Flow on the government's position - and criticism of the former Marshall Liberal Government's support for the triple-bottom-line water recovery test
The Victorian transport minister and member for Bendigo East takes Victorian Flow listeners on a railway journey through political history as a pointer on why the Opposition's Sunday announcement of capped $2 public transport fares across the state excluded V-Line passengers.
Plenty of Oysters shucked at Oysterfest, back after a couple of years off, and the local MP for the state seat of Flinders Sam Telfer caught up with FlowFM listeners in the region and beyond about how the major Ceduna event went, and talked about the role the SA government should play in helping to alleviate the dire shortage of general practice doctors in the region
The Victorian Liberal-National Opposition previously took issue with the state government claiming their farm trespass laws were the toughest, moving amendments to bring them into line with NSW laws they say are the toughest. On the day the new laws that passed the parliament come into force, whilst a good step, the Opposition say they'll be tougher if they win office at the November state election.
The shortage of teachers across Australia has been acute during the measures related to COVID-19 in 2020-22 and regional teacher training is one outreach some of the nation's top-quality ranked institutions from the Australian Christian Higher Education Alliance is undertaking, including the NSW Riverina in 2023 in conjunction with UNSW, to improve teacher retention in regional areas. We speak with the associate professor at Alphacrucis University College about the initiative - and the reason there's increasing interest in studying at faith based higher education institutions.
On the eve of a crisis summit in Canberra to discuss the shortage of general practice (GP) doctors across Australia, Adjunct Professor Karen Price the RACGP president speaks with Flow about the acute shortages and problems in rural and regional Australia
The shadow assistant minister for regional development (pictured centre) with Nationals deputy leader Perin Davey (left) and leader David Littleproud (2nd from left) heard concerns about housing affordability and healthcare in north-western Victoria during the listening post tour the day before a RACGP-led crisis Canberra summit on GP care across the nation
The shadow assistant minister for transport and infrastructure says the Mallee Highway in his own electorate is already crumbling before harvest, as he speaks about the September awareness campaign of rural road safety - and describes Labor's cost of living relief measures as laughable for delivering in the wrong areas, too little too late for immediate inflation pressures
The Shooters Union of South Australia are concerned about South Australian government plans to more tightly regulate hunting with bows in SA in what the government says fulfils an election commitment.
RLA's James Tierney breaks down the sales activity from the sheep yards at Wagga Wagga on Thursday 29 September 2022 and reflects on the trading on the cattle market there earlier in the week
The NSW Government has tried four times (at least) now to regulate floodplain harvesting in the northern Murray-Darling Basin - but it's not going hard enough according to non-government elements in both houses, including the independent MP for the NSW state seat of Murray, Helen Dalton. She's unapologetic that it's Groundhog Day - again - for the latest NSW water minister, who she wishes would agree to meet with her to work through the concerns.
From crop predictions to the latest concerns around grain output from the Black Sea region, Market Check's Tess Walch has the good oil on what's going on for Australian grain producers for the Country Viewpoint program on FlowFM
Plenty of wool trade originating from Geelong, Victoria where the sun is shining and Flow correspondent Andrew Partridge from Michell Wool is basking in the glory of a Geelong Cats AFL premiership, sunshine amid a gloomy wool market for Australian wool producers
On the morning the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) released their report card indicating a dire need for incentives to attract and retain general practice doctors to rural and regional Australia, the Liberal member for Grey in western South Australia spoke with FlowFM listeners about his efforts particularly in the northern Eyre Peninsula, and the imminent demise of mandatory participation in the Cashless Debit Card trial in Ceduna
(NOTE: The figure the RACGP indicated on Wednesday morning was in fact closer to $70-80,000 in cost to attract doctors to regional areas, not the $20,000 recalled in the interview)
... or more to the point "absolutely immoral and unethical, not only have they thrown their own people under the bus in terms of the Lower Darling, we've had farmers had to walk off after generations of farming, they've done it to neighbouring states which is quite frankly un-Australian." Strong comments from the Victorian state MP in north western Victoria on the NSW Government's handling of water policy in the Murray-Darling Basin, specifically floodplain harvesting
The Excelsia College based chair of the Australian Christian Higher Education Alliance talks with regional listeners on FlowFM about the fantastic quality rankings for faith-based universities in the latest independent data and the opportunities regional students have to study at those institutions remotely or in their own region
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) latest report on farm debt shows it is tracking upwards with farmer confidence with positive growing conditions - but the data relates largely to a period before the Reserve Bank of Australia started increasing the cash rate and, thereby, interest rates to contain inflation. Read the report here: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/surveys/farm-debt
The Senate resumed in late September after the memorial holiday for Queen Elizabeth II and began debating the Albanese Labor government's repeal of the mandatory cashless debit card in regional Australia including Ceduna in South Australia. FlowFM previously spoke with local MP Rowan Ramsey and minister Amanda Rishworth and caught up with shadow health minister Anne Ruston carrying debate in the Senate on what might eventuate with Labor needing the Greens Party's support to pass the repeal bill. Questions remain on what the repeal might signal for income management in the Northern Territory which, if also repealed, Senator Ruston says would see blood on the hands of the federal government.
FlowFM caught up with the superintendent of Yorke-Mid North SA Police, Mark Syrus, who has volunteered for decades with Operation Flinders, about his time supporting at-risk young people and his observations over time on resilience, mobile phone use and exposure to social media. Mark says its tougher for young people in some respects in the modern era where it's hard to switch off from social pressure
Sporting clubs and regional businesses were targeted across a wide range of the Flow FM South Australian broadcast areas in recent months and SA Police believe they've apprehended the same two culprits for many of them (https://www.police.sa.gov.au/sa-police-news-assets/yorke-mid-north-local-service-area/men-charged-over-rural-break-ins-crime-series) - Flow speaks with the superintendent of the Yorke Mid-North police service area Superintendent Mark Syrus about the arrests and preventing crime in regional areas
The Malinauskas Labor South Australian government attacked the National Party recently (https://mcusercontent.com/a0bf08278627d68257ad822a8/files/6e2e8ca5-fccc-de6a-985d-e9f5ddd414c4/CLOSE_Irrelevant_National_Party_too_cute_by_half_on_Murray_Darling_Basin_Plan.pdf) and the former water minister and Nationals leader hit back claiming the Labor state government doesn't understand the Plan, also addressing federal spending in regional Australia, the imminent Albanese Labor federal budget in October and challenges federal health minister Mark Butler on regional lives potentially being at risk due to changes to Medicare provider rules and a lack of incentives to attract medical and other professionals to regional Australia
After NASA's successful mission colliding the DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) satellite into Dimorphos, itself a satellite of the asteroid Didymos on Tuesday morning (Australian time) we also discuss with regional Australian listeners on Flow FM future mining of asteroids, space junk like bugs on our global defence windscreen and how collaboration on space and global defence is going amid geopolitical tensions with space powers Russia and China
South Australia's peak grain producer body is seeking dialogue with the Country Fire Service about a different arrangement on new rules on harvesting their crops during fire danger periods and welcomes the very strong interest in SA government grants for farm firefighting unit upgrades - and more would be welcome
From promoting sustainability, provenance and traceability to the long-wearing and all-climate comfort 100% Australian wool provides, Wool Producers Australia CEO Jo Hall discusses with regional listeners on FlowFM the value of promoting Australian wool particularly in a less than favourable trading conditions in the global apparel retail market
Some federal Labor government MPs have inserted into recent debate about a parliamentary code of conduct the need to control racism, sexism and 'micro-aggressions' - after he was shouted down in the senate by Victorian Greens senator Lidia Thorpe for 'racism' (which she later withdrew), the South Australian Liberal senator discusses with Flow listeners what future awaits us if parliament accommodates microaggression concerns
'Too little, too late' is the refrain from the NSW Farmers' Conservation and Resource Management Committee chair Louise Burge after the MDBA announced on Friday 23 September 2022 it would immediately increase Hume Dam releases https://www.mdba.gov.au/news-media-events/newsroom/media-centre/releases-hume-dam-increase-create-more-airspace - a day after the QEII Memorial Day call from the farming association that Dam levels were being maintained based on drought-era thinking https://mailchi.mp/nswfarmers/governments-risk-repeated-preventable-flooding?e=65ae4b78e7
It hasn't been the greatest week of all for Aussie wool growers but perhaps Geelong Cats AFL fans will have something to smile about on Saturday, as dyed in the wool blue-and-white fan Andrew Partridge is always on the ball and searching for light at home and far away for Aussie sheep farmers
Sean from Pro Farmer Australia (www.profarmergrain.com.au) updates FlowFM listeners for Friday's Country Viewpoint program on the latest developments for grain and canola growers in domestic and international markets
Great prices for producers in southern New South Wales and continued vigilance over biosecurity threats like Foot and Mouth Disease in Indonesia feature in Friday's Country Viewpoint interview on FlowFM with Thomas Elder Markets livestock analyst Matt Dalgleish
The Malinauskas Labor government reinstated a farm firefighting unit grant program with the first funding round seeing around 1,200 applications and over 260 farmers provided funding to assist with regional South Australian future firefighting response capacity
Rising interest rates in an attempt to contain inflation in Australia are potentially hitting retailers at a time when consumer demand is what is keeping them afloat, the National Retailers Association of Australia says as the first Tuesday of October RBA board meeting to further change the cash rate looms large
With regional Australia feeding commodities strongly into the Chinese economy, a recent projection from ratings agency S&P Global that China would not be returning soon to strong growth levels, but engaging in structural reform, had listeners intent on learning what factors might be driving that change and what it could mean for global and, indeed, Australian primary producers
... and outlines the Nature Based Tourism grants program on offer until mid-October for new tourism offerings in South Australia's national parks and natural assets
Derryn Hinch's Justice Party western Victorian MLC Stuart Grimley says his party has been calling for some time for the state government to listen to regional communities on strategies to alleviate the housing affordability challenges driven by a significant population shift into regional Victoria, and says the 4 October Creswick summit announced on Tuesday 20 September 2022 by the state government is better late than never
As farmers turn to automation and bigger machinery, Ramsey Bros' group wholegoods executive encourages farmers to talk with their dealer about their future plans amid long ordering timelines for some machinery.
The Nationals' shadow assistant minister for regional development speaks with FlowFM listeners about whether her electorate of Mallee in north-western Victoria might share in the 2032 RAI target of 500,000 additional Australians living in regional areas, and the investment regional Australia needs to keep growing
Another downward priced market for wool producers in Australia with the market affected by global macro-economic factors and strong domestic supply.
Bendigo-based senior agricultural analyst at Rural Bank, Michael Curtis discusses the latest movements on Meat and Livestock Australia's Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) and National Trade Lamb Indicator
The weekly market wrap on Flow this week with Thomas Elder Markets' Andrew Whitelaw discusses recent developments surrounding both output and input prices for cropping producers affected by Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and related energy and other blockades, but also the state of Australia's freight and port systems after a recent ACCC report questioning the regulation level in place
COVID-19 and Indonesia's Foot and Mouth Disease situation have heightened farm and general public awareness of the importance of biosecurity measures and keeping pests out of farms, and Biosecurity SA's Dave Hubbard explains the initiatives farmers can take to minimise public entry onto their farms - and the risks unlawful entry onto farms poses
From Ukraine's stunning push-back in mid September 2022 near Kharkiv to 'bully boy' tactics by the Putin Russian regime on energy, the Australian National University professor of international security and intelligence studies John Blaxland discusses with regional Australian listeners on FlowFM what lessons can be learned from the conflict - and what the eye-watering rebuilding cost already looks like, well before the conflict foreseeably concludes
... and Putin Russia's possible role in anti-fracking protests, also explaining why the Liberals and Nationals in opposition voted against the Albanese federal ALP government's net zero bill
The National Party's federal member for Mallee remains in Canberra for meetings scheduled to occur during what is now a cancelled sitting week and discusses her message commemorating the late monarch, her legacy in the Sunraysia region of north west Victoria and the ceremonies underway in Canberra marking the accession of King Charles III and how the PM will need to make up lost sitting time before the October budget
Michell's Andrew Partridge breaks down the areas of interest and concern for wool producers in this week's AWEX trading data
Thursday's report (https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/record-grain-harvest-in-2020-21-exposed-issues-with-regulation-of-grain-ports) drew into focus what long-standing grain advocate Andrew Weidemann says the biggest test post deregulation of grain exports Australia has faced. We begin by discussing how the season is looking in early spring 2022 for farmers in the Wimmera and Andrew's Rupanyup mixed farming region - and Andrew discusses the future of grain rail including the Murray Basin Rail project, and the unique South Australian situation with recent port operators providing competition and ultimately price premiums for SA farmers.
Investing in infrastructure in South Australia provides a case study in the premium it delivers to farmers in farmgate prices with increased competition for grains, Market Check's Lachlan Condon discusses with Flow listeners across regional Victoria, South Australia and southern New South Wales
Processors and feedlotters are well and truly back in action as prices rise for cattle and sheep in south eastern Australia. Flow catches up with MLA's Steve Bignell for the latest.
SA Liberal senator's contribution to the Senate on Wednesday afternoon was derailed by interjections by a Greens senator accusing him of being 'racist' and making her feel 'unsafe' at work - it served to reinforce his point on free speech - More: https://www.facebook.com/SenatorAntic/videos/783587849733625/
In an exclusive to Flow listeners, the shadow minister for mental health in Victoria shares a multi-million dollar initiative if the Opposition wins government in November to improve psychologist numbers across Victoria. The Deputy leader of the Nationals and member for Lowan in Western Victoria also talks on RUOK? Day, Thursday 8 September, on why it's important not only to have conversations about mental health, but to reduce stigma and be self-aware of your own mental health needs
Victoria's mental health minister Gabrielle Williams talks with Flow listeners about why RUOK? Day is so important, and what initiatives the state government is taking particularly in north-western Victoria to support mental health needs in the region
The Victorian Nationals leader speaks with FlowFM listeners about regional roads and Murray Basin Rail, farmers' seasonal conditions in regional Victoria, whether the state government acted adequately on recent biosecurity threats including varroa mite and foot & mouth disease, and the VicForests decision not to pursue environmental activists over now $2 million awarded to it for failed environmental lawfare
The member for Flinders covering western parts of South Australia - and former mayor of Tumby Bay - talks with Flow listeners about the number of candidates declared by the Electoral Commission of South Australia late on Tuesday 6 September 2022 for the November council elections, and the status of rate price monitoring by the Essential Services Commission of SA
A service in Clare within the member for Frome's own electorate is one example of community driven assistance for those in mental distress, as Penny Pratt discusses with FlowFM listeners the services available and importance of being open to conversations about mental health
Those in distress can contact Lifeline: 13 11 14 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the text line 0477 13 11 14 - or Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - www.beyondblue.org.au
Fresh from being dressed to the nines for the Agrifutures Rural Women's Awards at Parliament House, Canberra, the NSW Riverina MP Michael McCormack talks about the upcoming Lockhart Show, biosecurity, foot & mouth disease, local cropping conditions, bogged tractors - and the Riverina and Hume footy finals
From rail, freight and storage infrastructure to water policy in the Murray-Darling Basin with buybacks from farmers looming in 2024, FlowFM discusses with the National Farmers Federation CEO the NFF target for $100 billion farmgate value by 2030, on the day ABARES releases update data on national farmgate value at around $82 billion
The Executive Director of Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), the science and economics research division of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, joins Flow to share the latest insights from ABARES' cropping and commodity value data released on Tuesday 6 September 2022
The Shadow Assistant Minister for Transport and Infrastructure in the Dutton-Littleproud Coalition opposition talks from Canberra at the resumption of parliamentary spring sittings about Coalition grants programs now in limbo as the incoming Albanese Labor Government reviews those spending commitments, and whether a rural road safety spending initiative will continue as rural and regional road deaths are disproportionate to the regional-metropolitan population balance nationwide
The Australian wool market has come off the recess sluggish, perhaps with indigestion driven by gas-fuelled demand concerns in Europe as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and related energy challenges continue - and winter looms
Cheryl Kalisch-Gordon from Rabobank Australia speaks with Rikki Lambert for Friday's Country Viewpoint program on Flow about the latest movements in grain and oilseed prices worldwide, how that affects and compares with Australian farmers' fortunes, and input costs - particularly urea and fertilisers - likely to rise as energy scarcity and the European winter develops
Thomas Elder Markets' Matt Dalgleish (pictured left, with Rikki Lambert at the Growing SA conference in Hahndorf, South Australia on Tuesday 30 August 2022) speaks with Rikki about this week's action in the livestock markets in Australia and market factors like Foot and Mouth Disease, processor labour shortages and rebuilding herd and flock numbers
The Deputy Chief Officer for the West Region of Victoria for the Country Fire Authority, Adrian Gutsche, speaks with Flow listeners about being informed about the new nationally consistent fire danger rating system in force from 1 September
Australia has adopted a new, simplified fire danger warning system after recent tragedies and inquiries indicated clearer advice to residents and landholders on when to prepare and when to evacuate at varying levels of fire danger. The South Australian emergency services minister joins Flow on the first day of spring as the weather warms up on how to be informed, including with the help of Country Fire Service volunteers.
The MP for Flinders covering the Eyre Peninsula and South Australia's West Coast speaks with Flow as he hosts opposition leader David Speirs and shadow cabinet colleagues to Whyalla, the Eastern Eyre and Port Lincoln for community meetings and planning to promote regional South Australia
Overnight Standard and Poors / S&P provided an update on their economic outlook on South Australia and the shadow treasurer responded to comments from treasurer Stephen Mullighan provided to Flow that the negative outlook rating was placed on the state during the Marshall Liberal government's time in office prior to its defeat at the March 2022 state election
With debate continuing federally and across the nation on an indigenous voice to parliaments, the South Australian minister for Aboriginal Affairs is heading all over the state to consult on what that voice might look like to South Australia's parliament, and shares how last Friday's indigenous affairs ministers' meeting in Adelaide went on Closing the Gap in health and other outcomes for indigenous people
Attending the Growing SA conference on Tuesday 30 August 2022, the Mackillop MP talks about his recent motorcycle trip through Flow's regional broadcast areas in several states, farming conditions, the challenges of input costs and the close attention he'll be paying to the SA Primary Industries Minister's speech at the conference about electronic traceability of sheep and foot & mouth disease preventative measures
The State Opposition claimed on Sunday 28 August 2022 the Malinauskas Labor Government had 'dropped the ball' on the Female Facilities program investment plans for women's sport. Flow spoke with the shadow minister for sport, recreation and racing on Monday morning.
Michell Direct Wool trader Andrew Partridge reflects on an Australian wool trading week that, despite Fremantle not being active this week, prices remained relatively subdued but the offering remained healthy compared with the same time last year.
Heading off from Thursday's sheep sales at Wagga Wagga in southern New South Wales, RLA's James Tierney https://www.riverinaagents.com.au/consultant/10/james-tierney reports in for Flow's Country Viewpoint program
Healthy rainfall and few areas affected by waterlogging spells good growing conditions so far for South Australia's cropping sector as livestock and grain producers alike look forward to a good year and the Growing SA conference Tuesday 30 August at Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills
Water Security for the Eyre Peninsula isn't just for local benefit, the local Liberal state MP says. with River Murray water reaching as far out as Penong over 800km from the Murray River at times - he responds to criticisms from the SA Water Minister of the former Liberal government's record on Eyre Peninsula water security and calls for a selected site for desalination at the foot of the peninsula to be swiftly implemented
Amid a fruit fly outbreak in the fruit fly free zone in South Australia's Riverland, the Primary Industries and Regions minister Clare Scriven says the Riverland town of Waikerie will be the site of a unique trial for householders to replace an existing fruit tree - perhaps one they find hard to maintain - with a substitute tree, 'preferably not a fruit tree' after fruit fly was detected in unmaintained backyard trees
Australian and South African wool industry bodies have been liaising over how South Africa resumed their wool trade with China should the unthinkable happen and foot and mouth disease be detected in Australia. Jo Hall the Wool Producers Australia CEO also responds to comments on Flow from the Sheep Industry Fund (SA) chair Ian Rowett on who should pay for national electronic traceability for sheep, not wholly the poor old farmers.
The Mid-North South Australian farmer chairing the Sheep Industry Fund, a unique South Australian levy initiative on livestock transactions to fund measures for the benefit of the sheep industry, talks through this year's spending initiatives and expresses a view on electronic traceability of sheep (as recently agreed by national agriculture ministers to mimic the Victorian system) on who should bear the costs of the scheme
Supporting local Liberal candidate Paul Matheson in the coalition's attempts to win back the north west Victorian seat of Mildura, the visiting shadow minister for transport, infrastructure, child protection and youth affairs speaks about the region's health challenges and the need to move local produce freight off of roads onto rail - and speaks about the independent audit findings on the significantly greater cost of the Suburban Rail Loop
The independent MP for the state electorate of Mildura says water recovery efforts for the Murray-Darling Basin Plan should focus in the northern Basin and the floodplain harvesting practices within New South Wales, not buybacks from Victorian farmers. As a 2024 deadline looms and basin-wide buyback emerging as the potential, if not preferred, means of achieving water recovery targets, the local MP doesn't want more family farmers leaving her district.
South Australian Liberal senator Alex Antic speaks with Flow listeners about why he's putting a focus on disclosing connections and interests in the World Economic Forum in the Australian parliament
Flow catches up with the CEO of Sheep Producers Australia, Bonnie Skinner to discuss the local sheep market settling down after biosecurity concerns - as Australia remains Foot and Mouth Disease free - and after discussing whether demand overseas is softening, explores just how transferable the cattle electronic traceability NLIS system will be for sheep and where the costs might be borne
As the Sheep Producers Australia CEO Bonnie Skinner also highlighted on Friday morning on Flow, the wool market's exposure to the USD and potentially weaker consumer demand is a possible dark cloud on the Australian market's horizon.
Today's market report on lamb and beef now comes with added chicken - and bacon! - well, so to speak, Matt Dalgleish breaks down the latest sheep and cattle market movements in Australia, a relative calming of market Foot and Mouth Disease concerns and global demand for various meats by country https://www.thomaseldermarkets.com.au/livestock/meet-me-in-the-middle-of-the-meat/
The regional development minister has been meeting with regional advocates young and old to take a uniquely regional emphasis to the early September 2022 Jobs and Skills summit
The independent member for Murray that takes in much of the NSW Murray River and lower Darling River speaks with Flow about the recent reports issued by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority regarding NSW's performance of Basin Plan obligations and options to resolve water flow challenges in the Barmah-Millewa forest.
The independent member for Stuart and minister in the Malinauskas Labor cabinet speaks with Flow listeners in regional South Australia about his trips to the regions speaking with veterans on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, 18 August which is Vietnam Veterans' Day. The minister speaks about his brother serving and how his number didn't come up to be conscripted to serve in Vietnam - and speaks of planned Royal Commission hearings visiting South Australia to hear the experiences of veterans and their families.
Helen Cook from GNE Advisory (www.gneadvisory.com) speaks with Flow listeners about where Australia sits legally on nuclear energy compared with G20 nations and contrasting the situation within the EU - and discusses potential timeframes to a legally permissive framework for nuclear energy in Australia if there was a political will for it to occur
The CFS Chief Officer Mark Jones recently made a statement about the concerning rise in Country Fire Service volunteers being called out to ambulance incidents (https://cfs.sa.gov.au/home/criimson/cfs-raises-concern-around-increased-demand-on-volunteers-to-support-saas-issued-11-aug-16160006194/) - the shadow minister and member for Hammond in eastern regional South Australia, Adrian Pederick, responds
Fresh from the National Party's conference in Canberra, the shadow assistant minister for regional development and member for Mallee spoke with Flow listeners about the push for better education, doctor availability and labour availability for regional Australia.
PICTURED: Dr Webster with award winning vanilla slice from Sharp's Bakery, Birchip after it took out first prize at the weekend competition at Merbein, Victoria
DUNE founder James Fleay speaks with Flow listeners about the infrastructure challenges with renewable energy and why he arrived at the conclusion that adding nuclear energy to Australia's energy mix makes sense not just on greenhouse gas emissions, but economically and for energy purposes as well
Thomas Elder Markets (www.thomaseldermarkets.com.au) and AgWatchers podcast co-host Andrew Whitelaw speaks with Flow listeners about the latest developments on global and Australian grain and canola markets
Michell Direct Wool trader Andrew Partridge returns for Flow's Country Viewpoint program to discuss a complex first week of trading after the recess
Angus discusses the upward movement on the Meat and Livestock Australia indicators on livestock sales and shares some encouraging news on Chinese sheepmeat demand
A Murray Darling Basin Authority update provided a poor scorecard for New South Wales' efforts in meeting its Murray-Darling Basin Plan obligations, as the SA Water Minister questions other Basin states' commitment to deliver 450 gigalitres of water over the border for South Australia's riverine environment and communities
Dr Mark Ho is a Nuclear Engineer and Reactor Heat Transfer Specialist working at the Lucas Heights reactor near Sydney and the vice president of the Australian Nuclear Association advocating a nuclear technology future for Australia. He discusses with Flow listeners the safety of nuclear technology and emerging reactor technology including small modular reactors
The incoming Albanese Labor government has set an October federal budget date, recasting the national government's books after the May election which means 2 budgets in one financial year - what will be the fate of farmers' diesel fuel tax rebate, as the fuel excise pause also disappears in September?
The federal agriculture minister and Queensland senator Murray Watt spoke at the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday 9 August 2022 about a national biosecurity plan and the former agriculture minister, now National Party leader, David Littleproud MP, says the Coalition government had put a lot of the legwork into that strategy. In this interview the shadow minister for agriculture talks about previous calls for a travel ban and the adequacy of penalties for travellers breaching Australia's biosecurity measures. Flow listeners are reassured that Australia remains foot and mouth disease free as Mr Littleproud calls out 'nonsense' from some spokespeople on FMD.
Late in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK the Liberal-National Coalition declared that if it wins the November 2022 election it would add Shepparton as a fifth host city for the first-ever regionally hosted Commonwealth Games in 2026. Flow caught up with the first-term independent MP for Mildura Ali Cupper about why Mildura missed out on hosting rights, discussing October's Kings of Leon concert, the Queen's Baton Relay - and where Mildura electorate might stand should the Coalition fail to win the November election.
Rabobank's grains and oilseeds analyst Dennis Voznesenski reviews the latest global and Australian market movements and shares his thoughts on where wool might be heading after the trading recess ends in early August, into 2023 - and shares that he'll be at the Eyre Peninsula Field Days at Cleve in August 2022
From July 2023 Elders will invest $25 million establishing a new automated facility close to the highway for regional Victorian farmers
A livestock market jitter in recent weeks doesn't dent the positives of a longer-term higher price trend for cattle and sheep producers in Australia as Meat and Livestock Australia's senior market information analyst Ripley Atkinson breaks down the latest action for Flow listeners
First home buyers are finding it challenging to save to buy a home, but there are options out there, Canstar's Effie Zahos discusses with Flow listeners as we wade into the shifting sands of economist expectations of where, now, the Reserve Bank of Australia cash rate might go - potentially very different to what was previously being said about 2024. NOTE: This conversation is for information purposes and is not professional advice - please consult with a qualified professional and make your own enquiries before making important financial decisions.
Spending initiatives in the southern New South Wales electorate of Albury and opportunities for more are discussed with the local Liberal Party MP Justin Clancy
The member for Flinders representing the Eyre Peninsula and West Coast also promotes the imminent Eyre Peninsula Field Days as community events return to the calendar after restrictions imposed in recent years in the name of COVID-19
The member for Frome visits the Flow broadcast centre in Roseworthy, SA - within her own electorate - to discuss the foot and mouth disease alarm in Australia with the disease at our doorstep in Bali and Indonesia, and the challenge of attracting and retaining doctors and other health professionals in regional areas, with a case study of the Gumeracha push to re-open their emergency department in the Adelaide Hills
The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy released research on Wednesday highlighting that there's strong South Australian community sentiment in the regions and metropolitan area to start a mature conversation about nuclear energy and what it might offer for the state and nation, be it for energy security or decarbonising Australian energy generation
... and talks up the Lockhart Show in September in his local electorate, a town among others that benefited from federal funding spent in the local community prior to the incoming Albanese government freezing round 6 of the Building Better Regions Fund after an audit report's findings on Thursday about how grants were being determined
Since 2016 Victorians convicted of murder could not be released on parole if they have not disclosed the location of the remains of their victim/s - the Derryn Hinch's Justice Party MP for Northern Victoria says this still empowers a murderer to inflict hardship on victims' families and wants them to remain beyond their court-imposed term in jail, potentially for life, if they do not disclose the location of remains
As the Albanese government begins a review into the Reserve Bank of Australia that Prof Hicks says is appropriate, the Charles Sturt University economics professor at Bathurst, NSW says previous comments from the RBA about rate rises during 2022 or 2023 need to be viewed against the context of unforeseen events in Europe, the re-opening of Australia's borders and severe weather events in Australia affecting food prices
... as livestock producers pause their enthusiasm for purchasing stock amid speculation about the risk level on Foot and Mouth Disease on Australia's doorstep, the shadow assistant minister for transport and infrastructure responds to the minister's pausing of round 6 of the Building Better Regions Fund due to ANAO audit concerns, encouraging a pause to reflect on a similar program under the former Labor federal government
Senator Antic spoke in the Senate in the return sitting week after the May federal election about the rhetoric of emergency used to increase government power and deploying it for the latest 'emergency', such as the climate emergency - the Dutch farm protests are highlighted as an example of citizens pushing back
Minister King says the former government's flagship funding program for regional Australia devolved through the funding rounds into 'almost a choose your own adventure' arrangement where 'other factors' than departmentally-assessed merit seemed more persuasive through a select ministerial panel, with National Party held seats disproportionately benefiting from grants. Consequently, the Minister indicated that Round 6 which was underway is effectively frozen now she has the ANAO report, and she is resolving how to clean up the 'mess' within the portfolio.
Australia IS FMD free and aims to remain so, the CEO of Woolproducers Australia tells FlowFM listeners, discussing also how the Victorian electronic traceability model for sheep ought to be rolled out - from a producers' point of view - across the nation, as agreed by Australian agriculture ministers Wednesday week ago
After addressing a Colac and district farmer protest on Wednesday, the local MP says farmers want immediate cessation of non-essential travel to South East Asian countries, particularly Indonesia and its Bali region - or otherwise a list of initiatives he will raise in the Victorian Parliament next week
There's no cases of Foot and Mouth Disease in Australia but its been a driving factor in falls between 5 to 12% in the cattle and sheep markets respectively over the last week after extensive coverage of the threat of an incursion from Indonesia, particularly Bali
Ed discusses with Flow listeners across regional Australia the will-they, won't-they game of Russian exports of food and farm inputs out of the Ukraine / Black Sea reason as one driver for global market activity in grains and oilseeds this week and harvest expectations for the northern hemisphere crop
In her first sitting week sworn in after winning a senate seat at the May 2022 federal election, new South Australian senator Kerrynne Liddle speaks with Flow on the Wednesday inflation data was due out highlighting the significant cost of living challenges for Australians. Senator Liddle also discusses the South Australian bipartisanship on delivering the 450 gigalitres committed under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan into South Australia.
The South Australian regional Liberal MP spoke with FlowFM about the 25th anniversary of the Berri Bridge, local views on a new bridge at Lyrup's 'Spring Cart Gully', the developing Tailem Bend drag strip, Parilla primary industry investment backed by the former Liberal government, pollination needs for almonds et cetera in the Riverland, the status of the Fruit Fly situation in the Riverland and Foot & Mouth Disease concerns not justifying in late July the Liberal-National federal coalition's calls for a closure of the border with Indonesia - a view similar to that expressed on Tuesday on Flow by SA Primary Industries Minister and Labor MLC Clare Scriven
Agriculture Victoria has assured state MP for north western Victoria, Ali Cupper, they will swiftly but methodically assess applications to bring bee hives into the Sunraysia region for pollination of crops as NSW restrictions remain in place after a varroa mite outbreak in north-eastern NSW
Effie talks with Flow listeners in advance of highly anticipated Australian inflation data on Wednesday 27 July 2022 what it might mean for borrowers, savers and consumers
The bipartisanship seen early during the COVID-19 pandemic is contrasted with calls from the federal opposition to close the border with Indonesia over Foot and Mouth Disease in this chat with South Australia's agriculture minister equivalent, Primary Industries minister Clare Scriven MLC
The Friday following the agriculture ministers' meeting on Wednesday where NSW Ag Minister Dugald Saunders succeeded in a push to accelerate the electronic traceability of sheep and goats, the NSW government minister speaks with Flow listeners about the reason for the push, the state of play on Foot and Mouth Disease in Australia and progress on containing varroa mite in northern NSW - and the impact it may be having on almond pollination in the NSW-Victoria border region
... emphasises the importance of an independent Agriculture Commissioner for New South Wales.
Andrew Partridge discusses the processing challenges in the Chinese summer and the interest arising from Italy and elsewhere in Europe in wool
The CEO of Sheep Producers Australia speaks with Flow about Wednesday's unanimous decision at the meeting of the nation's agriculture ministers to speed up implementation of the sheep and goat electronic tracing system in place in cattle, as part of a biosecurity response strengthening defences as Foot and Mouth Disease looms close to the nation's borders in Indonesia, particularly Bali. Bonnie addresses why there has been a long time since Victorian implementation and that of cattle to implementation on sheep, and how the cost might be borne and/or appreciated by Australia's sheep producers.
Thomas Elder Markets (www.thomaseldermarkets.com.au) analyst Andrew Whitelaw is holding his breath on a deal brokered by the United Nations to see grains, fertiliser and other goods find their way out of the Black Sea region - read more: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/ukraine-russia-grain-fertiliser-could-start-moving-in-weeks-under-un-deal
... and the Livestock SA CEO discusses the Growing SA Conference 29-30 August 2022 and the related AGMs for Grain Producers SA and Livestock SA the preceding day, rounded off the night before the Growing SA conference with a dinner featuring former Adelaide Crows AFL men's captain Mark Bickley
Riverina Livestock Agent's James Tierney speaks with Flow on Thursday straight off the saleyards at how this week's prices (week ending Friday 22 July 2022) have tracked at the Wagga Wagga saleyards for cattle and sheep
The shadow assistant minister for regional development talks about the need for common sense on varroa mite considering the almond season in the Sunraysia region of her electorate in north western Victoria, a re-think on Medicare rebates for telehealth consultations - and questioning why the federal government has set so few sitting days for scrutiny in Parliament House, Canberra
Veterinarian and primary industries shadow minister for the South Australian Liberal Opposition, Nicola Centofanti, speaks with Flow listeners about the current outbreak in Indonesia and steps the Opposition hopes are implemented at Adelaide airport and in the community for animal welfare and to preserve the state's livestock industry
The south-east SA Liberal MP criticises amendments moved by his Upper House team during the cross-border commissioner debate, isn't inclined to attack the Labor government just yet on Limestone Coast health spending and shares more claims on the service outage from Optus in Kingston South East when the SA Water tower was under maintenance
Committee deputy chair and Shooters Fishers and Farmers MLC Rob Borsak spoke with Flow about the lead-up to the Tuesday 19 July 2022 committee hearing and evidence heard so far regarding the Investment NSW trade post offered to resigned Nationals NSW leader and former deputy premier John Barilaro
The Greens MLC talks about Tuesday 19 July's scheduled hearing regarding the New York trade posting offered to a qualified candidate, then withdrawn and offered to former NSW Nationals leader and deputy premier, John Barilaro, who subsequently decided not to take the post due to 'media attention' - Committee Homepage - https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=2891#tab-members
Plenty of action in a huge offering over the last fortnight on the Wool Exchange before the winter break, Michell Wool's Andrew Partridge talks about the various angles involved amid the selling and currency action
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, early cropping indications in the USA and Canada and concerns about recession all feature in a review of how the Australian and international grain and oilseed markets are moving with Rabobank agricultural analyst Dennis Voznesenski
Concerns about Foot and Mouth Disease have dominated the airwaves of late but farmers are getting on with business and watching the livestock markets in Australia as the Flow Country Viewpoint program zeroes in on some of the major market movements in cattle and sheep.
Grain Producers SA is trialling technology to improve South Australian grain farmers' mobile and internet connectivity in what is arguably the biggest issue facing farmers in regional Australia, supported by AgriFutures, as the farming lobby group launches a website www.worstgrainroadssa.com.au for SA farming communities to nominate the worst road to focus lobbying efforts on immediate improvements
The Liberal MP for Grey responded on Flow FM to Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth's claims that the Coalition in office had not produced evidence that the cashless debit card trial in Ceduna had produced positive outcomes for the community.
The Labor minister for water, regional development and equality and Eastern Victoria MLC speaks with FlowFM regional listeners about the new Living Local fund to help community groups invigorate their communities. More information: https://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/living-local-regional-fund#:~:text=The%20Living%20Local%20%E2%80%93%20Regional%20Community%20Grants%20Program%20is%20open%20to,eligible%20equipment%20and%20minor%20refurbishments.
The Emergency Services Minister and member for Cootamundra in southern New South Wales speaks with Flow listeners about one of the most effective ways Australians can support flood-affected NSW communities with their donations, and how FRNSW is ready to help householders update their home fire safety to prevent injury or death from keeping warm during the winter
Is Victoria adequately prepared for the multi-pronged biosecurity challenges posed by the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in Indonesia, particularly Bali? That's part of the conversation with the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Victoria after a deputy leadership change brought on by a MP's decision not to contest the November election
The Nationals' member for Lowan in western Victoria was chosen by party colleagues on Monday night as deputy leader to replace Steph Ryan, who is not recontesting Euroa at the November 2022 state election.
Data emerging from the northern hemisphere as crops roll in - and movements of food out of Russia and Ukraine - have hit wheat and canola prices, Market Check's Andrew Retallick discusses with Flow listeners for Friday's Country Viewpoint program
Cattle prices have taken a dive from record highs but are still healthy, as Thomas Elder Markets' (www.thomaseldermarkets.com.au) Matt Dalgleish chats with Flow listeners for Friday's Country Viewpoint program
A volume of wool not seen for around 3 years is coming on the market this week after a downturn in prices for sellers in the opening auctions of the 2022/23 trading year - and Michell Wool will be at the Bendigo Sheep Show, perhaps with some footballing talent in the lineup
Newly appointed assistant shadow minister in the Dutton shadow ministry speaks with Flow listeners about his focus in the roads, rail, ports, airports and other infrastructure portfolios as the federal Liberal Party's spokesperson, touching on the Murray Basin and Inland Rail projects and upgrading the Dukes and Sturt Highways in South Australia
The shadow minister says birthing services' suspension at Gawler Hospital highlights the challenges faced in regional health and the inequity between country and city people's access to health services, in a discussion about the Barossa Hospital promised by the Liberals in 2001 and Labor's pledges on Limestone Coast health in the south east of South Australia before the March 2022 state election
The member for Riverina and former Nationals leader talks about the importance of domestic bipartisanship when it comes to international relations, the challenges presented to local farmers and councils from a wetter-than-usual season on the land - and some commentary on Hume football including his unique interest in the MCUE Goannas
The member for Flinders covering western South Australia including the Eyre Peninsula and West Coast talks about water security for his electorate and growing regional population through improved access to housing and childcare services.
The Liberal party leader in South Australia talks about Eyre Peninsula's water security, the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and a new independent commissioner plan from SA Labor, and his open door to conservative-leaning country independents holding 3 regional South Australian seats.
With the Varroa Mite threat to introduced bees essential for farm pollination now detected 400km from the Port of Newcastle at Narrabri - and Foot & Mouth disease now identified in the popular Australian tourist destination of Bali in Indonesia, the NSW Farmers president talks through the extent of biosecurity threats, and encourages Australians to work in agriculture and for policymakers not only to allow workers in to farms, but to tackle the supermarket duopoly cruelling investment in a tight margin vegetable sector now causing 'broccoli shock'
Irrigators are unhappy with general security allocations being as low as they are, acknowledging that carryover requires headspace in storages upstream to be managed to maintain farmers' entitlements. The NSW Irrigators Council CEO speaks with Flow listeners about the challenge of returning 450GL to South Australia in the current Murray Darling Basin Plan due date of 2024 when, among other things, many 'constraints' remain such as easements to allow intermittent flooding for water delivery downstream.
Fresh from visits to Ceduna in western South Australia and Kununurra in the Western Australian Kimberley region, the new social services minister outlines why the Albanese government is dismantling the Coalition's cashless debit card by year's end, and what it will replace it with by way of programs and other initiatives on a voluntary basis, not using a private operator to handle social services clients' personal payments
... and the local MP in the western Victorian seat of Lowan addresses the Friday 1 July announcement of a Monitor appointed for the Horsham Rural City Council after recent controversy.
The Nationals leader and deputy opposition leader David Littleproud makes the case for modern nuclear energy generation to be included in Australia's future energy mix, doubles down on his concerns about the Australian Workers Union's role in the challenges faced by the Agriculture Visa the former government created - and talks about a cost-recovery model in biosecurity to permanently resource efforts to preserve Australian agriculture faced with increasing threats from incoming material from offshore
After successfully moving a motion in state parliament about the rural doctor shortage, the independent MP for Narungga Fraser Ellis speaks about his interest in having a dedicated Regional Health ministerial portfolio and department, a proposal advanced in NSW by surgeon and independent MP for Wagga Wagga Joe McGirr. He responds to the proposal by federal overlapping MP for Grey Rowan Ramsey's idea for forcing GPs to practice in regional Australia by tying postcodes to Medicare funding allocations.
The Nationals candidate for the state seat of Mildura at the November state election says its important to work with whoever is in federal government, and the next state government, to see the long-awaited delivery of the promised Murray Basin Rail project as the region sits on a potentially massive harvest that will, again, have to reach ports via stressed road networks
... and the National Director of Politics for the Australian Christian Lobby talks about the Australian implications - if any - of the overturning of the Roe v Wade law in the USA regarding abortion / termination of pregnancy
The SA Liberal senator disagrees with Labor minister Jason Clare's assertion that the Liberal and Labor parties are of the same mind on abortion in Australia, as he discusses the convoluted response he received from health officials to the definition of 'what is a woman'
Another strong week for Australia's wool sellers and some great overall figures as the 2021/22 wool trading year winds down, a big plus for Australia's wool producers as Andrew Partridge walks Flow listeners through the lowdown from another trading week.
Will China allow barley back in without punitive tariffs? How significant is India's grain export ban in the global market? Will the grain in Ukraine remain in Ukraine? How good are Australia's crop estimates compared to the US Department of Agriculture? Big questions like these and plenty more in this discussion with Rabobank's Cheryl Kalisch-Gordon
The local MP in federal parliament says the Labor government's plans to remove the mandatory cashless debit card and make it voluntary will have a likely negative effect on west coast and indigenous communities in his electorate.
RLA director James Tierney (https://www.riverinaagents.com.au/consultant/10/james-tierney) speaks with Flow listeners about how the cattle and sheep sales have gone this week at one of the nation's largest saleyards at Wagga Wagga - and emerging concerns from cattle buyers about foot and mouth disease
The South Australian senator talks about the rural doctor shortage, Labor's plans to enable doctors into outer metropolitan areas, the Prime Minister's new health deal with states and territories - and whether more federal funds will be unconditional or not on state / territory health spending - and the lack of opportunity to scrutinise a rare October budget due to limited federal parliamentary sittings before the end of 2022
The former Marshall Liberal government had planned to launch a South Australian government trade office in Paris, but the new Malinauskas Labor government has decided to cancel those plans, with trade minister Nick Champion saying the Liberals hadn't done much to progress it, trade efforts could be enabled through the UK - and the saving was worth 6 frontline nurses
... the Energy crisis may require more 'nationalisation' measures such as that which AEMO took recently to suspend private trade on energy to ensure supply, but the NSW senator criticised state governments for refusing to bring or continue gas supplies onto the national energy market.
With a state election approaching in November, first-term independent MP Ali Cupper is looking to turn up the heat on the rail debate for both passenger and freight rail improvements in north-western Victoria as more young families and others relocate to Mildura and the region
... and the Minister for western NSW also responds to shadow minister Mick Veitch MLC's concerns about funding and staffing levels at Local Land Services in this budget, with biosecurity a key concern given the outbreaks of foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease in NSW, and recent Japanese Encephalitis activity in pigs and horses in a rare southern Australian outbreak
... and the NSW Labor shadow minister for regional development expresses concern in an election budget of the potential for future spending within that portfolio to pork-barrel key regional electorates before the March poll
The man who would be NSW treasurer if successful at the March 2023 election warns that the Perrottet government intends to tax every landholder eventually with a land tax by phasing out stamp duty on the day treasurer Matt Kean delivers his election-year budget. Daniel Mookhey also criticises the government's spending efforts on regional health.
The member for Farrer in south-western New South Wales also talks with Flow listeners about the good news that regional events are getting underway again after lockdowns and restrictions made it hard to recently stage events, with the 'Deni Ute Muster' announcing it is back on again later this year after a two-year hiatus.
The new shadow minister for regional development talks about the exciting potential Qantas and Airbus' joint US$200 commitment to produce aviation biofuels out of canola - something her electorate has in abundance - in Australia, amid a discussion about the reliability of Australia's energy grid - and why nuclear energy has been on the sidelines
Fresh off the plane from Cloncurry, Queensland, rural banking specialist Rabobank's Angus Gidley-Baird spoke with Flow listeners about the latest market movements in cattle and sheep in Australia, plus the growing appeal of carbon-neutral branded meat product in Australian supermarkets and beyond
The AWEX raised its bat for week 50 after smashing prices out of the park for sellers as currencies wobbled due to global inflation and security concerns.
Matt Dalgleish and Andrew Dalgleish from AgWatchers podcast (https://agwatchers.podbean.com/) in conversation with FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert (www.flownews24.com.au) discuss further Australia's labour market contrasted with Chinese industrial output - and outsourcing to Africa - and the extent to which Australia's shifting population to regions may assist (or not) in advancing regional Australia and agriculture. The team also make their big calls for Australian agriculture in 2023
Matt Dalgleish and Andrew Dalgleish from AgWatchers podcast (https://agwatchers.podbean.com/) in conversation with FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert (www.flownews24.com.au) further discuss the federal government's proposed ban of live sheep exports and the realities of Middle East livestock demand, whether Australian manufacturing will be revived as farmers turn to automation, the challenges with farm labour, the agriculture visa and wage costs
Matt Dalgleish and Andrew Dalgleish from AgWatchers podcast (https://agwatchers.podbean.com/) in conversation with FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert (www.flownews24.com.au) discuss Australia's crop plantings, risks of global and national recession, interest rate rises, Mortgage defaults and pressure on farm finance - and begin a discussion on banning live exports of sheep
Matt Dalgleish from AgWatchers podcast (https://agwatchers.podbean.com/) introduces a three-way conversation with co-host Andrew Whitelaw and FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert (www.flownews24.com.au), kicking off with Food Inflation, a discussion about the impacts in Australian and global agriculture of the Russia Ukraine conflict - and how long that conflict might go.
... and the many facets she brings to the Senate in Canberra after her election was confirmed on Wednesday as the 6th person elected to represent South Australia in the May 21 half-senate election. Her term begins on 1 July and she responded to fellow senator-elect for the Northern Territory Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's comments on Wednesday about on an 'indigenous voice' in politics via constitutional change - and the continued importance of Closing the Gap between indigenous and non-indigenous health and other outcomes.
After the recent unveiling of a mural and other memorials honouring the Wagga Wagga and Riverina district's contribution to the RAAF and Australia's security and military history - and hot on the tail of the smash hit Top Gun: Maverick film in cinemas, local Nationals MP Michael McCormack shares an anecdote on jet engines as 'the sound of freedom'
Australia's new and 35th Agriculture Minister speaks with Flow listeners about his background and some of the hot topics and Labor's policy position, from live exports of sheep out of Western Australia to a biosecurity levy on imports and the debate about an agriculture visa and former minister David Littleproud's concerns on that topic - and responds to Mr Littleproud's concerns about Australia following NZ Labour's move to tax methane emissions from livestock by 2025
The Victorian Liberal leader and Opposition leader speaks with Flow's Wayne Phillips about his Ukrainian heritage, Murray Basin Rail and passenger rail to north-western Victoria, water for farms, $750m for Mildura Hospital, road funding in the Sunraysia region, running against the Nationals in the seat of Mildura, the Andrews Labor government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and a royal commission in that regard - and the case for the Opposition at the November state election
Plus some positives in Japan beef trade and concerns about the liquidation phase in the USA on cattle, all on the Flow network with Thomas Elder Markets' (www.thomaseldermarkets.com.au) Matt Dalgleish
The Russia-Ukraine continues to feed into global food prices in a significant way as negotiations continue on getting food out of the region, while Australian farmers enjoy great prices for grains and canola - with great prospects for the current crop going into the ground
The Quambatook farmer speaks with FlowFM about the latest ABARES data on Australia's farm export value and the need for market reform, as well as the food security and humanitarian importance of Australia being cherry-ripe to meet global food needs year in, year out
Australia's farmers may be doing brilliantly in export values but there remain significant challenges on farm labour, underlying productivity, profitability and logistical challenges - and the significant biosecurity threats that are potentially underfunded. The NFF's Charlie Thomas discusses with FlowFM Australia
The SA Labor Legislative Councillor criticises the Opposition's amendments to a bill to establish a Cross-Border Commissioner saying it has delayed implementing a role the Labor Party committed to putting in place during the March 2022 election campaign
The shadow agriculture minister says we're 'done' on the 450 gigalitres in the Murray-Darling Basin being delivered via buybacks to South Australia, looks at threats to Australia's $100bn farmgate value target by 2030 as ABARES releases encouraging export figures, the threat of Foot and Mouth and Lumpy Skin diseases from Indonesia and the hope that Labor will follow through the 'cost recovery' method started in government but held back due to the pandemic, of levying imports to protect Australian biosecurity
X marks the spot - or does it? - in the SA Liberal Opposition's claims that SA Health Minister Chris Picton is a 'petrol pirate' for refusing to match a Liberal March election commitment to double the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) rate - something the Liberals did not do in their four years in office. The new member for Frome in regional South Australia speaks with FlowFM about her push and that of regional MPs - including Labor's Eddie Hughes - to reduce the cost of attending crucial health services in metropolitan areas.
The Executive Director of ABARES talks about Australia's cropping outlook with Dr Greenville confirming recent comments from Rabobank that Victoria's cropping area looks likely to be 10 per cent higher than last year, but overall ABARES is projecting a 4th biggest harvest on record - and still strong prices for Australia's food and fibre produce
Is South Australia adequately equipped for serious challenges that may come to the state's primary industries? The shadow agriculture minister expresses concerns about the adequacy of funding for PIRSA in the 2022/23 State Budget, and the threat of livestock diseases emerging in Indonesia to biosecurity
(Our apologies for the mobile signal weakness in the interview)
... and talked about his focus on regional health needs as the member for Albury responded to questions about Federation Shire Council's challenges with rising council rates, looking ahead to the 21 June NSW Budget
Senator Antic talks about the potential surge in number of Greens senators, winning back voters who abandoned the major parties - and his views on Australia embracing nuclear energy, exploring and extracting oil for fuel security
Ever feel chained to the office? In China truck drivers have almost been chained to the wheel and factory workers living on-site to suppress COVID-19 but the easing of a logistical backlog at Shanghai and China's textile industry has the market humming along.
Thomas Elder Markets (www.thomaseldermarkets.com.au) analyst Andrew Whitelaw chats with FlowFM listeners about the latest movements on global grain and oilseed markets and one of the big drivers of market behaviour - FOMO
Processors active in the market and healthy rains amid the discussion as the MLA Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) and the National Trade Lamb Indicator (NTLI) both rose into early June 2022
Local police officer and Sunraysia Football & Netball League president Paul Matheson is running against incumbent independent Ali Cupper - who won the state seat of Mildura off the Nationals' Peter Crisp in 2018 - and the Nationals' candidate, Swan Hill Mayor Jade Benham among others in the November state election.
Bathurst-based professor of economics John Hicks speaks with Flow FM listeners about the likely trajectory on interest rates rising as the Reserve Bank of Australia looks to contain cost-of-living pressures or inflation, and does not expect dramatic outcomes from the incoming Albanese government's review of the role of the RBA, the first in decades.
The Swan Hill Mayor joins what will be at least a three-pronged race for the north western Victorian regional seat of Mildura at the November state election versus incumbent independent MP Ali Cupper and the Liberals' Paul Matheson
The convincingly re-elected Liberal MP for Barker in south-eastern regional South Australia also tells FlowFM listeners in response to questions about whether he aspires to a shadow cabinet position, that Mr Pasin has indicated to the leadership team he has done a strong apprenticeship and the results at the election augur well for him and the work he has done but ultimately its a decision for other people and whether he is asked to serve in another way or additional role or not ... if others think there is a broader role for him to play coincidentally with (his role as MP for Barker) it's up to them.
The McCormack connection with the MCUE Goannas and Mangoplah is strong, as the National Party MP for Riverina discusses with FlowFM listeners from The Rock to Yerong Creek, Mangoplah and beyond as he returns from Canberra after the change of government and selection of new Nationals leaders David Littleproud and senator Perin Davey
Apollo Bay residents on Victoria's south-west coast have raised concern about the future of their community space - including a hard-fought-for skate park for local youth - as the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Association makes plans for the future of the area managed by the Victorian government
Fraser Ellis is hopeful of a positive reception within the South Australian parliament of his attempt to legislate recommendations of a select committee inquiry into conflicts between farming and mining land use, as metropolitan urban sprawl reaches into farming land nearer to Adelaide. The former Liberal turned independent MP says he's had a good working relationship with re-elected federal Liberal member Rowan Ramsey as his main reflection on the 21 May federal election, and says farmers are hopeful in Narungga after opening rains on the 28-29 May weekend.
Local MP Richard Riordan raised questions about the fate of Apollo Bay's Skate Park in parliament recently and current draft plans for the foreshore redevelopment seem to be wiping out the beloved community skate park
Wet conditions across Australia's grazing country sees some producers hold back from the markets this week as the herd rebuild continues after years of drought - Angus Gidley-Baird from rural banking specialist Rabobank breaks down how the market is performing for Australia's sheep and cattle producers
Tess talks with Flow listeners about the northern hemisphere crop expectations in America and Europe, and the continuing impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis on food exports from the region - and remarkable grain prices for South Australian producers
A tougher week for sellers on price this week but 'the devil is in the detail' while opportunists benefit after waiting for their chance, and the pass-in rate increases.
The Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs warns northern suburbs residents of Adelaide about operators they are trying to detect offering high-pressure deals to lay bitumen without proper licences and with poor workmanship
The experienced 8-term member for Farrer and now former Environment Minister in the Morrison-Joyce government joined Flow on their Saturday night election coverage to reflect early on the voting, her volunteers and was asked about her aspirations in leadership in a Liberal-National Opposition - Rikki speculates on her leadership potential on election night
... and speaks about her dismay following the Nationals' leadership change from Michael McCormack to Barnaby Joyce, responding to the former leader's comments on Flow about the 'mistake' of the June leadership shift, potentially running against fellow Victorian Nationals former deputy leader and senator Bridget McKenzie, her strong result in Mallee and ... the Flow team's appreciation of her wardrobe
The conservative Liberal MP says the Coalition are absolutely within striking distance of regaining office at the next federal election after Labor prepares to form government on its lowest primary vote for a century.
The Nationals may have held on to their seats this election but suffered a swing against them, former leader Michael McCormack says after being strongly returned in the Riverina - but says it was a mistake for last June's leadership change to Barnaby Joyce.
Flow checks in with the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, poor climate forecasts for northern hemisphere farmers and China's logistical headaches due to a 'dynamic zero' approach to COVID-19 contributing to challenges for Australian farmers
Matt discusses with Flow listeners the latest livestock market movements in Australia, the concerns about biosecurity and outbreaks of foot & mouth disease and lumpy skin disease in Indonesia - and the extent to which grain and corn prices might become a problem for feedlotters in input prices
As Agriculture Victoria confirmed this week that two western Victorian farmers were fined for animal cruelty, one for fatal flystrike in his sheep, the non-mulesed wool category comes to the forefront of this week's market report
... and her campaign for re-election to the Victorian senate - Nationals Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Telecommunications and Regional Education, Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie paints a stark picture on Labor vs the Coalition's policy on mobile coverage for farmers, safety and regional communities, promotes the Coalition's pledge for a 'wet lab' in Mildura if re-elected to government and improving the number of doctors and GPs in regional Australia through a regional focus on medical training
... and value adding irrigated rice production with local manufacturing jobs at Leeton, NSW - plus the environmental benefits of rice production. Sussan speaks with FlowFM listeners from prepoll at Leeton in the final days of the 2022 federal election campaign, concluding Saturday 21 May
The Nationals candidate for Barker drops in to the Flow broadcast centre at Roseworthy, SA to chat with Wayne and Rikki about his party's proposals for the rural seat of Barker running from the Riverland in the north through Mallee, Barossa, Murraylands, Coonawarra and Limestone Coast to Mount Gambier days before the 21 May 2022 federal election (pictured in the South East with federal agriculture minister and deputy leader of the National Party, David Littleproud)
The Labor candidate for the south east of SA right up to the Riverland, Mark Braes, addresses criticisms of Labor's record on putting in mobile phone towers and neighbouring Grey MP Rowan Ramsey's proposal to tie medical graduates and doctors to rural postcodes with their Medicare funding
Michael Arbon talks about the selfless campaigning of Craig Kelly who faces a huge threat in his own seat of Hughes yet has been across regional Australia supporting candidates during the 6-week election campaign
Anne Webster the Nationals MP seeking to win a second term on Saturday 21 May in federal parliament representing Mallee in north-western Victoria talks with Flow listeners about the major policy announcements and ministerial visits that have occurred during the campaign, and claims there's a risk for regional seats voting for independents or other parties not focused on regional Australia.
... the anointed next Health Minister (if the Morrison government is re-elected) also talks from her experience as a Riverland local and former minister on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and delivering 450GL for South Australia
The incumbent Liberal MP is proud of what he's delivered for south-eastern SA but says on regional health there's a 'nuclear option' being put forward by his neighbouring Liberal MP in Grey, Rowan Ramsey's idea of compelling medical graduates and GPs to work in regional Australia
... and her concerns that 450 gigalitres of water can not be delivered under the current Murray-Darling Basin Plan, speaking from her experience as past convenor of the Southern Riverina Irrigators.
The next federal parliament will determine the fate of a Murray-Darling Basin Plan with water recovery targets falling due in 2024 - and less than 5 per cent of the 450GL due to South Australia delivered thus far. Independent SA Senator Patrick makes the case for his re-election and how he plans to see SA receive more, on merit, that it currently gets due to claims of corruption and pork-barrelling in other states.
The One Nation candidate for Riverina talks about Australia's food, water and fuel security and promoting Australian agriculture in the supply chain as he addresses the question of whether a vote for Pauline Hanson's One Nation is a vote for PM Scott Morrison
The Liberal MP talks about his experience after 5 terms representing Grey in getting results and weighs into the speculation about independent candidates running in the seat, volunteering that at pre-poll there's interest in 'independents' other than Liz Habermann
The member for Riverina speaks about Tim Fischer's legacy in the Lockhart region and the Coalition's investment in fixing mobile blackspots compared to Labor's term in office, also highlighting federal help to local communities improving their infrastructure and amenities.
A plunging Australian dollar on the currency exchanges boosted prices for producers in the national wool market in the week ending 14 May
... and reflects on the true value of wheat production in Australia relative to a historical benchmark to show, in real terms, Australian farmers are producing more and getting paid less for it.
Steve Karaitiana from Forbes talks about using the springboard of state MP success for the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party to take up the fight in Canberra, also discussing his heritage as a third generation showman from the boxing tent - and the struggles of homelessness, regional roads and country shows in the Riverina electorate
Veterinarian and president of the NSW Farmers Association James Jackson told Flow listeners he had grave concerns for Australia's livestock industry if a disease that can transmit as easily as fog over the English Channel reaches our shores, and said the need for a biosecurity levy on containers coming into Australia was needed to provide a guaranteed funding stream for biosecurity investment, regardless of who forms government at the 21 May federal poll
The United Australia Party's candidate for the rural seat of Grey covering north and western South Australia, Suzanne Grey, describes 'climate action' as a fear campaign that will drastically reduce Australian farming, and talks about the region's health needs and more desirable locations for low-level nuclear waste storage than Kimba
The independent candidate says she supports the objectives of Climate 200 despite being knocked back for support from them for her campaign, and says her choice of teal as her campaign colour is a coincidence. Liz talks with Flow listeners about $1.3 trillion in debt, one of former Liberal MP for Grey's reasons for backing her instead of his Liberal successor Rowan Ramsey - and nominates Woomera as a better site than Kimba for storing nuclear waste.
Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says he'll be cautious on what the 'big German' ALDI says about Australians' meat shopping habits as he visits South Australia with Barker candidate Jonathan Pietzsch running against SA Liberal Tony Pasin MP - and on reaching Australia's $100 billion agriculture production target by 2030
The lead senate candidate for the best-performed state for the Great Australia Party in the senate races last election, South Australia, talks with Flow listeners about the importance of Australia's constitution and policies for farmers and regional Australia
In a wide-ranging interview Rowan Ramsey claims former Labor premier Mike Rann had changed position on the Kimba nuclear waste storage facility that the Liberal MP supports '15 km from his own farm', says Liberal members would be disappointed former Liberal MP for Grey Barry Wakelin has endorsed Liz Habermann the independent candidate and discusses a 'dossier' going around about his travel allowance.
A 20% income tax rebate for living over 200 kilometres from Adelaide and returning 25% of tax revenue from regions back into those regions are among the incentives United Australia Party's Mount Gambier based candidate for the eastern SA seat of Barker is promoting to invigorate regional SA. Mr Swiggs also tackles questions on how the UAP policy on home loan controls would work in practice - and shares about his personal background
... tourism funding for the Great Ocean Road and distilleries, breweries and winery cellar doors - and the risk of voting independent on 21 May
Lee Morgan was 17 years old when his car was struck by a motorbike in 1974, rendering the rider in a critical condition. The rider was rock legend Bon Scott. 48 years later, Lee tells his spellbinding story, part of the subject of an ABC Australian Story episode to air Monday night.
Canola continues to steal the limelight as Dennis reports on the Ukraine / Black Sea constraints, Canadian growing conditions and the recent export ban from Indonesian palm oil feeding into demand for cooking oils and biofuel supply
Matt talks about international demand for Australian meat and movements on the local markets as processors and buyers return from interrupted trading weeks.
Stepping down from his Victorian Legislative Council role for the Liberal Democrats to run for the Senate, David Limbrick talks about how free trade is good for farmers, the need to further lower the fuel excise and restoring freedoms after Victoria was hit hard by COVID-19 related restrictions.
Funding for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, local aviation history, the Wycheproof wetlands and more are in the discussion with the independent member for Mildura Ali Cupper as the Victorian Labor government handed down its pre-election budget on Tuesday 3 May 2022
Kate McCulloch has been a long-time One Nation supporter and is standing at the top of their NSW senate ticket in the 21 May election. As a dryland farmer from Corowa in southern NSW, the catering businessperson and mother talks about attracting young people into apprenticeships and employment and One Nation's policies on freedom, vaccination, abortion and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan
Over $13 million for a walking trail at Mildura and $800,000 for child care in Murtoa are two pledges Dr Webster hopes the ALP will match - or she can deliver if re-elected for a second term for the north-western Victorian federal seat of Mallee on 21 May
Hawkesbury councillor and apiarist Shane Djuric tells Flow listeners in southern NSW the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party has been delivering in regional electorates and the major parties' conduct is driving voters in the SFF's direction. He expresses concern about indiscriminate use of 1080 poison in regional baiting programs.
Ian Markos says he feels most at home at the Liberal Democrats as a party that supports deregulation and small government, and tells Flow listeners he remains concerned that emergency powers are still in force in South Australia in early May 2022 despite restrictions easing. He reflects on the SA Liberals' comprehensive state election loss and why the major parties are not effectively representing small business or the broader community.
The southern NSW Liberal MP talks with Flow about recent funding that enabled sporting facilities at Holbrook and Urana in his electorate and the Fischer Leadership program running sessions in the electorate in May to promote future leaders
... and reflects on her daughter's win of One Nation's first seat in the SA Parliament, Sarah Game, and what it could signal for her second tilt at a SA senate seat which would also be a first in SA
The former housing giant fell from politics and business alike but says not only can he stand back and not have a shot at representing those aspiring for a job and a home - he says part of Labor's plan on housing affordability is like putting the arsonists in charge of fire prevention.
Disclosure: interviewer Rikki Lambert was Bob Day's chief of staff during 2014-2016
Fresh off a crack at the South East SA state seat of Mackillop on March 18, Mark Braes says he's 'match fit' for a crack at Liberal incumbent Tony Pasin in the overlapping federal seat of Barker in the 21 May poll. Labor's candidate says Mr Pasin's estimation of 32 gigalitres to exit South Australian irrigation under the 450GL recovery target is a distraction, and SA farmers had given up enough already.
Bakery owner turned state political candidate Liz Habermann speaks with regional SA FlowFM listeners about why she's running for Grey and her key policy commitments after a long era of the Liberals holding the seat through Rowan Ramsey MP
As if there wasn't already enough heat in the canola market, two more drivers fed into the current and futures market this week - Market Check's Tess Walch updates Flow listeners on the latest and reviews the current wheat sector also
A fall in the Australian dollar was a boon for wool sellers this week, but not so flash for exporters and processors in the post-ANZAC Day auctions
Australian cattle prices remain strong and amid this chat with Flow, Angus looks at what the changing consumer demand among cost-of-living pressures for mince instead of premium cuts could mean for cattle producers
In mid-late April Russian spokespeople and the Ukraine president talked about nuclear war - will it happen? and what does a former major general who served in the Solomon Islands think of China's activity in the region? During the federal election campaign Jim Molan says he'd like to see the Coalition spend more than its baseline pledge on defence spending, and criticises Labor's record in that area.
In a wide-ranging conversation about Tony Pasin's representation of Barker since 2013 at Flow's Roseworthy broadcast centre, the member for Barker speaks about the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, the Coalition's 450,000 regional jobs pledge and SA Liberal colleague Alex Antic's campaign to define women amid the hot debate early in the federal election campaign on the place for transgender children and adults in girls and women's sport
Value-adding Australia's agricultural and mining products on-shore is part of the strategy including regional manufacturing to take Australia towards 450,000 more regional-based jobs over 5 years, the Liberal MP for Grey tells Flow listeners on Wednesday 27 April 2022 leading up to the 21 May federal election.
The new shadow minister for primary industries and water and leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council, Riverlander Nicola Centofanti spoke with FlowFM about the River Murray and horticulture industries needing labour and biosecurity protections
Stuart King is a Swan Hill councillor and business owner who decided to stand for the United Australia Party in the hotly contested seat of Mallee against the incumbent Nationals MP, Anne Webster.
Following the work of Tasmanian Liberal senator Claire Chandler to seek to ensure those born biologically female are the sole participants in girls' and womens' sport in Australia, Senator Antic has asked questions in Canberra of bureaucrats of 'what is a woman', drawing convoluted responses. Senator Antic continues to advocate for those that have lost employment or other benefits from their personal health choices surrounding vaccination.
Fresh off a March tilt at the south east SA seat of Mackillop for the Nationals, the SA Nationals party president is having a crack at the federal seat of Barker, taking on the Liberals' Tony Pasin
Andrew stirred the pot in late April with an article at www.thomaseldermarkets.com.au looking at the fallout from Sri Lanka's mandate to go all-organic, which is where Friday 22 April 2022's discussion on Country Viewpoint begins before analysing the latest grain and canola market action for Australian growers - and what farmers are planting this season
The Easter and ANZAC Day Long Weekends have disrupted sales in some markets and thrown up some interesting local sales offerings and trading results in south eastern Australian saleyards, Ripley Atkinson discusses with Flow's Country Viewpoint program on Friday 22 April 2022.
The incumbent Liberal MP for the regional NSW seat of Farrer talks about the impact of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in her electorate and her perspective in her role as environment minister in the Morrison government, plus the need to address mobile blackspots and workforce shortages in regional health, leading up to the 21 May 2022 federal election
The 40 year old bricklayer from Gippsland says One Nation is the last conservative option in Australia and says Australia needs to turn away from free trade deals and toward tariff protection to help generate Australian goods and jobs
Former federal Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson, now the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, talks about the current state of small business struggles in Australia as country enters first uninterrupted Easter period in 24 months.
Ali Cupper describes as 'disingenuous' the claims by Anne Webster in the overlapping federal electorate of Mallee that Mildura's voice isn't being heard, after the Nationals MP cited the snubbing of Mildura as a host region for the 2026 Victorian Commonwealth Games. Ms Cupper highlights the bidding for a new, state-owned Mildura hospital as an example of a win she'll profile in her ledger of results come the November state election
The Nationals MP for Mallee in north western Victoria says she's not surprised the Andrews Labor government didn't nominate Mildura as a host city in the historic first Commonwealth Games awarded to a State, not a City, with the events to be hosted in Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland and Geelong but not Mildura. Dr Webster also claims independents vote 80% of the time with the Labor party in parliaments, warning of a 'Labor Greens Independents' alliance on the Murray Darling Basin Plan
The Liberal Party's member for SA's largest electorate reflects on economic and pandemic management at federal and state levels and offers a thought on why the SA Liberals lost the state election on March 19th.
Sophie responds to social media posts from incumbent Victorian Nationals MP Anne Webster and her NSW Nationals colleague senator Perin Davey regarding the risk of a 'Labor Greens Independents' alliance after the election, Murray Darling Basin water policy, infrastructure promises from the Nationals and their record in Mallee
Cheryl updates Flow listeners across regional Victoria, South Australia and southern New South Wales on the latest movements in wheat, barley and canola with the latter's prospects for Australian farmers on the up due to a combination of unfortunate or tragic factors for farmers elsewhere in the world.
Reporting in from Melbourne, Victoria, Michell Wool's head of greasy wool trading operations Andrew Partridge updates Flow listeners across regional Victoria, South Australia and southern New South Wales on the latest movements in the domestic and international wool market - and the impact of a rising Australian dollar
Speaking with Flow listeners across regional South Australia, Victoria and southern NSW, Thomas Elder Markets (www.thomaseldermarkets.com.au) Matt Dalgleish shares his latest observations on the local sheep and cattle markets, and export opportunities for Australian meat producers
After a 5 year campaign to convince Treasury officials, the member for Barker, Tony Pasin is celebrating Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status being granted to Foundation Barossa. Pasin touched on the latest developments on Flow FM.
New minister in the Malinauskas Labor government and South East SA resident Clare Scriven talks about the regional housing shortage and responds to questions about the labour workforce and federal Ag Visa and the spray drift preventing Mesonet system
The Victorian Nationals MP would have liked more funding to flow from the federal budget into Mallee but highlights the achievements in her first term in office in infrastructure spending, plus a 50+ wish-list of unfinished business as a federal election looms.
Residents of Charlton, Donald, Wycheproof, Sea Lake, Berriwillock and other parts of the Buloke Shire in north central Victoria look forward not only to welcoming visitors over the Easter break on rail or at their iconic lakes, but also to playspaces being developed for future visitors and the local community. Mayor Warren also reminds locals and visitors another chance to race a steam engine in a pink tutu is fast approaching.
Senator Patrick was a leading advocate in February that Australians needed relief at the fuel bowser in the form of a temporary cut to fuel excise, which ultimately happened in the federal budget. The Senator is continuing his push for a Royal Commission into the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which neither major party has committed to.
Mr Bourmann questions the evidence of alleged shooting of protected species during the current duck hunting season in Victoria, and says he tried in state parliament to move for earlier certainty about the length and scope of duck seasons but was blocked by the Greens.
... as nurses prepare to strike statewide over working conditions. Mrs Dalton says whilst as at Monday morning Griffith Base Hospital maternity services might not be going just yet, her concern is a closure would put undue pressure on Wagga Wagga - and of course reduce service levels for regional NSW residents
Thar she blows! After his Liberal NSW senate colleague Jim Molan called for oil reserves underground to be extracted and refined, SA Liberal Senator Alex Antic talked about the longer-term relief and policy shift needed for Australia's fuel security and affordability on the eve of a federal budget where short-term fuel excise relief is expected
Mayor Vickery also outlines the excitement around the major opening of the new Naracoorte library, recipients of the Community Chest grants fund to community groups, infrastructure improvements around the district and the Business Innovation Grants on offer for local businesses.
Former senator Xenophon is 'getting the band back together' after all - with independent senator Stirling Griff at least, but isn't looking to align with SA Best's Frank Pangallo and Connie Bonaros MLC - at this stage - after its 19 March 2022 election flop. The River Murray advocate responds to comments from NSW Farmers president James Jackson that the Murray Darling Basin Plan is a 'dog's breakfast' and that lower Murray concerns about environmental water getting out the Murray Mouth are 'rubbish' whilst the National Farmers Federation want to abandon the push for 450 gigalitres to reach South Australia.
Attending the Northern Territory Cattlemen's conference, Angus talks with Flow listeners in south-eastern Australia about live exports and the latest developments in the cattle and sheep markets in Australia.
Andrew was in awe of the public amenities in Nhill, western Victoria as he reports in for Flow's Country Viewpoint program from Ballarat about the latest global developments for Australia's wheat, barley, canola and other croppers
Its a different perspective in Italy, Steven's first overseas trip in 2 years, with Italians riveted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and living with COVID-10, not pursuing - as China has, with poor recent results, a 'COVID-zero' policy.
The Northern Victoria MLC representing Derryn Hinch's Justice Party wants politicians to lead from the front on acceptable standards of behaviour and respect towards others in workplaces, hoping it will filter down into Victorian workplaces across the state.
Australia's farmers need fuel security in the absence of adequate on-shore storage, the VFF president Emma Germano says, which could mean metropolitan residents might need to ration fuel, car pool or be incentivised to use public transport more so there's enough diesel for farmers to feed the nation and a world with gloomy logistical and 2022 crop prospects
... and child care availability on the Yorke Peninsula. Ex-Liberal, now independent Ellis says he will introduce a private members' bill to give effect to the recommendations of a select committee that he and fellow re-elected independent Geoff Brock proposed.
Re-elected with a thumping majority, South East SA MP Nick McBride has thrown his hat into the Liberal leadership ring after ousted Premier Steven Marshall resigned, and says the positions he took over his first term have been vindicated by his own result and the party's performance in the Saturday March 19 election.
The NSW Farmers association president says the Dungowan or Mole River dams - or raising the Wyangala Dam wall - have hellish prospects contrasted with the federal government's remarkable $5bn federal election pledge to build a dam to open up 60,000 Ha of irrigated agriculture at Hell's Gate north west of a marginal electorate in Townsville, Qld. Mr Jackson describes the Murray Darling Basin Plan as a 'dog's breakfast', says there's no need to mothball Deniliquin and Griffith 'for the environment' and that the perspective of some on the South Australian Murray is 'rubbish'.
The MP representing the lower Murray and Murray Bridge region in the electorate of Hammond is awaiting the counting between himself for the Liberal Party, the independent Airlie Keen and Labor's Belinda Owens showing a close race between he and Keen but Mr Pederick questions whether the ECSA should be running himself vs 2nd placed Owens. The Hammond MP responds to overlapping federal Liberal MP for Barker Tony Pasin's call for a review into the SA Liberals' party operations and election campaigning after the catastrophic state election loss for the now one-term government.
The Victorian Nationals MP talks about the high cost of fuel and debate about the fuel excise possibly being halved, frozen or stalled to provide regional Australians relief at the bowser, and isn't aware of neighbouring Liberal MP Tony Pasin's 'regional MP' push for the federal government to contribute more to mobile phone tower costs as a incentive for telcos to fix more black spots
The federal member for Barker says he, Senator Alex Antic and Nicolle Flint have been pushing back against the policy and membership decisions within the SA Liberal Party that he says have contributed to the Marshall Liberal government's loss on Saturday
Mr Brock makes the stunning admission he only campaigned for 5-6 weeks in Stuart out of respect for incumbent Liberal MP Dan Van Holst Pellekaan, the sitting deputy premier he displaced from the seat - and towards whom he has generous plaudits
There's a potential and pleasant surprise development on China's sanctions against Australian barley with one of the world's biggest markets needing barley due in large part to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Dennis tells Flow listeners.
@SABEST_Party upper house candidate Keyvan Abak is not your regular 9-5 political candidate. Abak is a refugee who hails from a persecuted minority and was held in detention in Australia after fleeing his birthplace during the Howard Prime Ministership. During this time, Abak taught himself English by reading children's books and dictionaries as a child and this was how he first honed his leadership skills.
Prior to running in politics, Abak has thrived in a career as an allied health worker, having provided support services to regional Australians for a long period of time before deciding that his time had come to make a difference at a political level.
Listen to his spellbinding story told exclusively in the Flow FM studios.
Nick McBride answers his critics on the upcoming South East Field Days event following the removal of vaccinated-only patrons being allowed entry and clarifies the lack of health budget for the southeast of South Australia.
A household bug stalled the Victorian Nationals' MP for the western Victorian seat visiting towns in Lowan but Emma Kealy was back on the hustings on Thursday heading to Jeparit and talked about the latest illicit drug data in regional Victoria, heroin injecting rooms and the allegations within the Victorian ALP about harassment of women like Kashuliya Vaghela MLC and the late senator Kimberley Kitching
The incumbent Liberal Party MP in an electorate radically reshaped to now draw incumbent Frome independent Geoff Brock MP into the race for Stuart responds as minister for energy and resources to Labor criticisms on power prices, unemployment and the Opposition's costings on hydrogen and for the election, and lists road improvement achievements in Stuart over the last term in office. Mr Van Holst Pellekaan declines to be drawn on his leadership aspirations post-election within the Liberal Party.
Seeking to carry on where retiring incumbent Liberal MP Peter Treloar left off, Sam Telfer highlights the need for better protection for farmers faced with mineral exploration, improving infrastructure for farmers to get their product to market, addresses the serious health needs within the electorate and commits to local road improvements not secured during this term of government.
The Family First candidate most likely of any to secure a seat in State Parliament after Saturday March 19's poll says religious freedom is the top of his agenda, whilst cost of living pressures driven largely by the oil price spike he says the SA Government can help with by containing its debt and spending - and he will introduce a bill to give the next government an austere helping hand. Tom also goes through how voting for the Upper House works - and that it could take until late April to know who the 11 new Legislative Councillors will be.
Labor's long-standing Giles MP speaks with Flow about the communities' needs in the north-east of South Australia in outback communities when it comes to restoring roads and improving healthy water supply, health services and the importance of mining to the region
SA Best's candidate wants the Australian Defence Force to locate a battalion in Whyalla to support the local community and jobs, whilst also taking aim at both Labor's policy on hydrogen power and the Liberals' commitment on investigating desalination in the Upper Spencer Gulf, saying both will be bad for the cuttlefish. As the family proprietor of what he claims is SA's last remaining video store, Tom talks about his track record in business as an electrical supplier.
The independent candidate for Narungga says someone must be using WD40 to shift rusted voters in her direction for the Saturday March 19 state poll, with the independent-held seat potentially a king-maker with multiple independents standing for re-election and neither major party possibly able to form majority government. Diana talks about the farming and mining conflicts on the Yorke Peninsula particularly centring on the Rex Minerals project south of Ardrossan, preserving natural assets and adaptation to climate change
Meat and Livestock Australia's manager for market information Stephen Bignell catches up with Flow listeners on the early March movements on sheep, cattle and a surprise surge in goat processing numbers.
South Australian barley growers gained strongest this week in part due to the blockage of grains getting out of the Black Sea due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, as Market Check's Tess Walch runs through the factors that will drive bullish to bearish outlooks for Australian grain growers
Human cases of JEV have been detected in South Australia after first detections in regional Victoria and NSW principally concerning piggeries, but Dr Lease reassures listeners - you're safe to eat bacon.
With global supply chains clogging up and plenty of wool about, one would have thought a high supply in Australia's auction houses might dent prices. Not so! Why? Steven Read runs through promising signs in the Australian wool market
The University of Adelaide has developed a proof-of-concept use of activated carbon material to protect the fruit on wine grape vines from being tainted by smoke in bushfire-prone areas, and Professor Wilkinson explains the next trials explore a more commercially palatable coverage approach for vines. Read More: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/news/list/2022/03/08/when-smoke-gets-in-your-vines
Tom Michael is a family farmer from Barunga West standing for the Liberal Party in the electorate of Narungga covering the Yorke Peninsula and Wakefield region, seeking to displace the man elected as a Liberal at the last election, now independent Fraser Ellis.
Mr Latham questions if federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese is 'fair dinkum' given his past opposition to Hawke and Howard era policies as the opposition leader pitches to the political centre, whilst also implying unions aren't fair dinkum in representing workers if they aren't supporting their health choices being their own, not dictated by their employers
Miners' access to farmland shouldn't be a bargaining chip for independents on who is elected in minority government deliberations, the Chamber of Mines and Energy's Rebecca Knol told FlowFM, singling our regional independent MPs and potential king-makers Fraser Ellis on the Yorke Peninsula seat of Narungga and Geoff Brock running for the outback and Port Pirie seat of Frome, both of whom played a lead role in a parliamentary inquiry seeking to control miners' access to prime agricultural land. South Australians started voting on Monday 7 March with in-person voting on election day, Saturday 19 March
Climate conditions will be key factor before a green light for planned burns occur, as among a series of planned burns across north-western Victoria are some first traditional owner burns along the Murray River
Mr Pasin says the federal budget could contain a significant new spending initiative on improving mobile phone and digital connectivity in the bush, if he and fellow regional Liberal-National MPs have had their way with Treasury. The member for Barker covering the SA Murray also talks about brought-forward funding to prepare river communities including Swan Reach, Morgan and Berri for higher flooding levels for better water management of inflows (whilst having a crack at upstream states) - and says he wants Barker community groups to overload grants program applications for assistance recovering from COVID-19
Workshop dates, $50 /head, 8-3pm approx:
Kadina, SA
Tuesday 29 March 2022
Venue: Copper Coast Sports & Leisure Ctr,1 Doswell Terrace, Kadina SA 5554
Booleroo Centre, SA
Wednesday 30 March 2022
Venue: Booleroo Centre Bowling Club, 57 Stephens St, Booleroo Centre, SA 5482
Freeling, SA
Thursday 31 March 2022
Venue: F.A.R.M Centre, 40 Hanson St, Freeling, SA 5372
Kaniva, Vic
Monday 4 April 2022
Venue: Kaniva Shire Hall, 15 Baker St, Kaniva, VIC 3419
Birchip, Vic
Tuesday 5 April 2022
Venue: Birchip Community Leisure Centre, Morrison St, Birchip, VIC 3483
Echuca, Vic
Wednesday 6 April 2022
Venue: Echuca Workers Club, 165-173 Annesley St, Echuca, VIC 3564
Regional councils and community groups are being encouraged to apply before the end of March for programs to engage young people in regional New South Wales during the April school holidays
... Mayor Excell also talks about the future of the Keith and District Hospital, and Keith's ailing street trees
SA's Health Minister goes through a number of regional South Australian hospitals' future, including the progress towards a new 24-hour accident-and-emergency hospital in the Barossa Valley, and addresses the first increase in decades to the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme 'PATS' for country people travelling to cities for appointments
The independent MP for the seat covering the Yorke Peninsula and beyond says the major parties haven't committed enough for the Ardrossan hospital - and acknowledges his first four years in office could have delivered more mobile phone coverage improvements.
Rural Aid is looking for South Australian volunteers to help beautify Orroroo in South Australia's mid-North
FlowNews24 expects Balaklava and Murray Bridge will be two strong contenders for new plant protein manufacturing facilities after a $100m+ federal government investment to encourage Horsham, Victoria based Australian Plant Proteins, Thomas Foods International and the Australian Milling Group to grow food manufacturing in South Australia
Outgoing SA Liberal treasurer Rob Lucas says Labor has committed $3 billion in health spending and asks what taxes might be needed to pay for it, confirming the government's commitment is just in excess of $100 million this election campaign.
SA's peak livestock body is cock-a-hoop at snaring an experienced agripolitics CEO in the form of former Canberra-based CEO for the Cattle Council, Travis Tobin who hails from western NSW.
Amid the broader conversation about Australian farm production values surging tragically off the back of the Russia Ukraine conflict, later in the chat Andrew discusses with Flow listeners the 2030 target of $100 billion in farmgate value targeted by the National Farmers Federation, whether it was ambitious enough - and whether the focus needs to swing to food manufacturing targets as well
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet 'needs a friend, and that friend will be me' Helen Dalton tells Flow listeners, with another by-election imminent and the Liberal-National government plunging into minority, Helen Dalton moves to sit alone as an independent, parting ways with Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party colleagues with floodplain harvesting policy the flashpoint.
The RAA's fuel expert speaks with Flow listeners about how regional motorists are also benefiting from the rollout of price transparency apps and regulation on regional outlets. The RAA is calling on the trial transparency in regional SA to be made permanent in the leadup to the 19 March state election.
Some slightly better news for farmers on agrichemical costs and supplies versus strong downsides on sourcing and costs of farm fertiliser and diesel fuel in large part due to the Ukraine conflict
The SA Liberal MP speaks about the state government promising - if re-elected - that it would double the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme ('PATS') per-kilometre rate from 16c to 32c, and addresses questions about funding for Waikerie hospital and local health services in the Liberal government's first 4 years in office
The long-standing member for Light in Adelaide's north talks about Labor's promises for local health services, a commitment to further investigate returning tourism rail services to the Barossa and responds to the NSW & Qld floods situation on risks in the Gawler River catchment and with climate change
Former Wagga ED doctor and administrator for 30 years Dr Joe McGirr MP wants the NSW Government to establish an independent department for Rural Health rather than health decisions for country hospitals and regions made out of Sydney. Dr McGirr also talks about Wagga's booming population, regional attractiveness post-COVID and reflects on the Omicron variant concerns he had expressed as Sydney emerged from lockdowns.
The SA Greens are calling for a Loneliness Action Plan and dedicated minister in the next government mimicking a UK initiative since 2018 to address loneliness particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic
On the eve of Premier Steven Marshall visiting Mackillop in South East SA, Nick McBride is glad he's got Adrian Pederick's vote as the Hammond MP's home moves into Mackillop and talks with Flow listeners about Mobile Black Spots, Expanding government weather stations for farmers into the Limestone Coast, hospital funding in Keith and Kingston SE and exploring state government funding support for Bordertown speedway
It's always risky talking methane emissions and this interview was no exception as Rikki spoke with Matt Dalgleish about the latest research on cattle methane emissions using asparagopsis seaweed supported by the Australian government, following a discussion about flooding in NSW and Queensland
Rabobank analyst Dennis Voznesenski updates Flow listeners on Monday's Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) movements in response to the Ukraine crisis and the global food supply challenges presented by the conflict
... and commends SA and Victorian communities on the border for their resilience during COVID-19. Mr Pederick also says now his electoral boundaries have shifted his own home at Coomandook out of his electorate, he will vote for Liberal colleague Nick McBride in neighbouring Mackillop.
Addressing the 'fear porn' in the mainstream media, Senator Antic says its worth revisiting former US President Donald Trump's stance on Russia, NATO and Europe now Russia is invading Ukraine. Senator Antic also takes aim at renewable energy advocates on energy security.
Former Major General of the Australian Army and now NSW Liberal Senator Molan says Australia has fuel security potential with ample storage of oil in the ground, if state governments were willing to allow it to be extracted and refined domestically.
All stakeholders appear to agree floodplain harvesting needs to be regulated but the NSW government is having great difficulty regulating the practice after the NSW Legislative Council for a third time blocked attempted regulations. Long-time advocate for reform, the southern NSW MP Helen Dalton talks with FlowFM on the latest government slip-up.
International Law expert from Flinders University, Dr Rowan Nichsolson. joins Flow to comprehensively break down how the conflict between Russia and Ukraine currently sits, including whether any boycotts and sanctions might potentially stand in Russian President Vladimir Putin's way and how significant the history of the USSR plays into the current developments.
Processor challenges could flow through to producers if they aren't in the market buying wool, that's a key takeaway from this week's chat with Steven Read from Michell Wool for Friday's Country Viewpoint program
Chicago trade halted on Thursday in a rare limit-up due to the bull run on wheat as Russia invaded Ukraine territory, Tess talks with Flow listeners about what that could mean for Australian farmers
Russia's move on the Ukraine will have negligible expected immediate effect on sheep and cattle markets, Rabobank's senior proteins analyst Angus Gidley-Baird said as he reviews the latest in the sheep and cattle markets, and talks with Flow listeners about improved options for farmers if a federal election delivers more sealed roads such as a Coalition promise of 2,000km more sealed on the Outback Way between Laverton WA and Winton Qld through the Northern Territory
The former Labor government was criticised by the then Liberal-National Opposition for its more expensive proposal for NBN to run fibre-to-the-home. Yet it's been alleged one NBN rollout under the Morrison-Joyce government cost $500m to go to just one business in the Deputy PM's own electorate. The shadow communications minister also criticises federal communications minister Paul Fletcher for the timing of a regional newspaper inquiry over the Christmas period and the effectiveness of government policy in supporting media diversity.
... and talks about his High Court case about the Liberal Democrat Party's use of the word 'Liberal' contested by the Liberal Party. John tells Flow listeners the LDP wants to end the 'covid mania' and dispense with mask mandates and other pandemic restrictions.
Mr Preece says the Liberal Party has taken its 'blue ribbon' seat for granted and is promising the long-debated new Barossa Hospital as a key negotiating chip in minority government deliberations if he Schubert voters install him, not Ashton Hurn, to replace Stephan Knoll
A rapid fire chat on the latest initiatives the South Australian government has announced across Minister Basham's Primary Industries portfolios for farmers and rural communities.
... and encouraging local learning opportunities in Sunraysia health sector to improve workforce labour availability, arrest the brain drain from the Mallee electorate and most importantly of all reduce the need for local people to go away for vital health services.
The independent South Australian senator says the federal government has a rumoured $16bn promotional and spending warchest at its disposal and relieving bowser pain for Australians may cost only $9bn, equating to hundreds of dollars a year as an emergency measure. Senator Patrick also calls for expulsion of Chinese diplomats over the recent laser incident involving a RAAF aircraft and sanctions on Russia for its moves into Ukraine sovereign territory
SA Labor has a commitment for Limestone Coast health funding including for the Keith Hospital, as Mark Braes outlines his history as a lawyer, mediator, councillor and mayor of Wattle Range and says more work is needed on local roads.
The independent state MP also said she's open to ideas from any side of politics as the Victorian National Party promotes its policy commitments for Mildura in the November state poll - and could even back a minority Liberal National government in a hung parliament.
A self-confessed conservative pitches One Nation as a right-of-centre alternative for disaffected South Australian Liberal voters, claiming local Liberal candidate Penny Pratt must think she has Frome 'in the bag' and is critical of Premier Steven Marshall's COVID decision-making for event attendances
Mr Pasin urged motorists to be patient as over $10 million of works occur on the Karoonda, Mallee and Ngarkat highways and expressed frustration that local bulk handling of grain had forced grain onto roads, accelerating their deterioration
... the health of the River Murray and her preselection position to run again for Farrer as at 18 February, with a federal election due by May
... teasing out the impacts of a rapid shift to electric cars and impacts on farmers, the skyrocketing oil price and impact on farm input costs and a positive farm gate value for SA farmers
Steven looks at the recent markets and responds to Rabobank's Dennis Voznesenski's projection of a 1350-1500c/kg price range for Australian woolgrowers across 2022
The cattle herd heads into a two-stage rebuild, Market Information Analyst Ripley Atkinson from Meat and Livestock Australia says, while sheep numbers also continue to build in recovery after the drought
On his way to the first court hearing on Thursday afternoon in Adelaide fighting the SA government on imposing a vaccine restriction that prevented the plaintiffs continuing their employment in their respective fields, Craig speaks with Rikki and Hannah about the case and the implications for the state government if it succeeds.
The federal government knew about an impending domestic alcohol tax during Free Trade Agreement negotiations, Labor's shadow trade minister tells Flow listeners, which the federal opposition says erodes the benefits of the impending Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the UK. Labor also wants more time taken to ratify the treaty.
Rural Fire Service volunteers will have to be up to date with vaccinations against COVID-19 but the government is still working through the 1 in 5 brigades that either opposed the move or said it would be difficult for them to serve their communities with the restrictions in place. The southern NSW MP also updates Flow listeners on the long 2021/22 harvest for farmers and warns of the dangers of driving through floodwaters.
Speaking with Flow listeners, Dennis projects prices for the 2022 wool sales and reasons for optimism for Aussie wool growers, tackling also the lower micron levels and the prospects of more processing closer to - or within - Australia in future
Shortly after outlining the SA Chamber of Mines and Energy's policy priorities for the March 19 State election in South Australia, the state government committed $10m and the federal government $5m to develop the business case for a desalination plant potentially the same scale as Adelaide's, in the Upper Spencer Gulf to replace River Murray and Great Artesian Basin water for mining in South Australia's outback
The Liberal Party's federal member for Grey discusses the issues such as saline water discharge and energy management if a potential multi-billion dollar desalination plant proposed by SA's mining industry proceeds in the Upper Spencer Gulf
The United Australia Party candidate lacks confidence that the SA government will deliver on the investigation into water security in the Grey electorate, and takes aim at the poor delivery of health services in the electorate, claiming the Wudinna doctor in the central Eyre Peninsula quit in frustration. FlowNews24 emphasises that vaccination is a personal voluntary health choice in consultation with qualified health professionals.
The SA Energy Minister also talks about grid stability with the growing amount of renewable energy in the national electricity market.
Speaking about homelessness and housing availability in her Murray electorate, the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party MP said the NSW government should either renew or reinvest proceeds of sale of public assets in regional NSW in the same communities. A potential historic first ALP win in Bega in Saturday's by-elections could see Mrs Dalton shy away from a tilt at Sussan Ley in the seat of Farrer as the SFF Party's hand grows stronger in the NSW parliamentary crossbench.
Jason spoke with high profile real estate, property and development lawyer Adrian Swale. The pair share a love of the Adelaide Football Club with Adrian running for one of the two spots current up for grabs on the club's board. Adrian speaks about his skill set, his love for the club, why he believes he would be an asset to the club and why AFL club members should take the time to vote during these elections.
The SA MP for Barker speaks about the Vaccine Mandates protestors in Canberra, offers some free advice to his moderate Liberal colleagues on their decision to cross the floor on religious freedom, talks about opportunities for funding support for Country Shows in his electorate that have cancelled or may cancel events, as well as support for country young people studying away from home or in regional South Australia
The member for Ballarat sides with constituents angry about the above-ground 190km electricity transmission project through her western Victorian electorate, and responds to the latest polling showing Labor coasting to victory. The shadow transport, infrastructure and regional development minister points to the Coalition's internal divisions and lack of planning for Australia's supply chains, saying a strategic fleet and better overall planning are part of the answer to greater supply chain resilience.
Lockdowns haven't worked, the LDP candidate most likely to win a seat at the March 19 state election told Flow listeners. The Adelaide and Canberra freedom protest attendee said emergency powers need to go - and the Premier needs to set an end date or freedom day
Japan recently pulled back on importing Australian beef while China takes COVID-19 caution to a new level over meat processing in Australia as Matt Dalgleish from Thomas Elder Markets walks Flow listeners through recent developments for sheep and beef producers
Whilst praising the staff at the Lonsdale and Regency Park metropolitan vehicle inspection sites, the SA Nationals' lead candidate for the upper house says private, price-controlled and licensed certifiers could help taxpayers get better value for what they pay for, and again calls for postal voting for the March 19 state election due to COVID-19 transmission concerns
Flow checks in with the SA Murray Irrigators' Caren Martin during a wetter water year in the Murray-Darling Basin with deadlines for states looming in 2024, in the build-up to a March state election and likely May federal election
Crossbench MPs like independent Geoff Brock and the ALP Opposition in the House of Assembly turned up on Wednesday 9 February to stage a sit-in to urge the government to pass a bill to allow electronic voting amid a pandemic-affected election. Mr Brock, running for seat of Stuart against Deputy Premier Dan Van Holst Pellekaan, makes pointed references to the role of his opponent.
2021 was described as an ideal or 'unicorn' harvest, how is 2022 shaping up? With a wetter summer, one grower concern is spray drift - Flow catches up with Barossa Australia's Nicki Robins in February 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the tourism palate towards outdoor experiences and the Barossa events calendar is warming up again as Australia prepares to welcome international tourists again in late February
Federal support for passenger rail to Mildura and more federal funds for local councils, plus no further water to be removed from irrigated agriculture in a 'pause' to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan are among the opening salvos from an independent candidate for the seat of Mallee held by the Nationals' Anne Webster
... and the hot topic of farmers' rights versus mineral exploration flares up as the Chamber of Mines and Energy advocates that major parties reject a 'landholders' veto'. Speaking with Rikki on Flow, Fraser also outlines his thought process on crossbench negotiations should the Saturday 19 March election result in a hung parliament
SA's mining industry outlines their priorities for the state and wish-list from the major parties for the state election, including a deeper discussion about the question of whether farmers and other landholders should have some right to veto mineral exploration on their land
'A dream come true' is how Ali Cupper MP describes Wycheproof's Sandy Pollington, the new face of Team Ali in the Birchip community at their mobile office, as an independent federal candidate backs the Mildura MP's RateGate campaign for better federal funding for local councils
... and is it okay to quote a verse of the Bible or Koran on social media? The religious freedom debate reaches a critical moment as the Coalition tries to deliver on a pre-2019 election pledge to protect people of faith and their institutions in expressing their belief in their daily lives and operations
UAP founder Clive Palmer described SA Police's breakup of a Tuesday 1 February meeting featuring senate candidate Michael Arbon as 'gestapo' tactics and an attack on free speech. The senate candidate explains his point of view, the background of himself and their Grey candidate, and responds to independent SA senator Rex Patrick's attack on the party as a 'far right Queensland party'
Hold your horses, farmers, the project doesn't 'project' being ready for production until 2023-24, but when it does, it is committed to deliver affordable urea for Australian farmers out of Leigh Creek in north eastern South Australia's outback
Steven chats with Rikki for Friday's Country Viewpoint program about the appetite for wool growing as the world opens up again
Angus talks about the low lamb throughput in January through the south-eastern Australian sheepyards and other market pressures for beef and sheep producers
Andrew said mid-week Russia put a restriction on fertiliser exports in a further wrinkle for the key farm input, speaking with Rikki for Friday's Country Viewpoint program on Flow
Farmer and former teacher Mrs Dalton updates Flow listeners on unseasonally wet summer weather impacts on farming in the electorate, and the availability of RATs (Rapid Antigen Tests) in the region.
Read more at: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/dalton-to-decide-on-federal-tilt-soon-after-12-february-nsw-by-elections
On the eve of a federal announcement of over $200m spending to shore up urea production in Australia, Dave McKeon talks with Rikki Lambert on FlowFM on how the federal government needs to assist in securing the future of Australia's agricultural industry
Wayne Phillips discusses the latest revelations relating to Australia's lack of AdBlue supplies on the Morning Show.
Fran talks with FlowFM about vertical farming, its water efficiency and food security benefits for rural and regional Australians which she will explore further thanks to a professional development grant in the first ever round of accelerator grant funding for women via AgriFutures Australia
The would-be member for Stuart in the March SA election says the federal and state governments need to contribute more in road and rail infrastructure funding as SA's unseasonal summer rains put a stress test on the national transport grid through the Stuart electorate
Senator Antic also remains upbeat that the Morrison government is still in the federal election race, with the polls due to open no later than May 2022
The Farm Crime Coordination Unit is headed by Inspector Paul Hargreaves, who caught up with Flow to discuss the different lengths Victoria Police is taking to stamp out farm crime in the state.
The local MP visits flood-affected communities and roads after inclement summer downpours in northern South Australia, hitting Coober Pedy particularly hard. The Labor opposition MP calls for more federal and state funding of regional road infrastructure, and also criticises the SA Government 'Great State Voucher' system that gives double the money for a CBD venue compared to a regional one.
Mrs Scriven outlines the SA opposition's spending commitments to Naracoorte, Keith and Mount Gambier health needs, responds to the SA government's rural ambassador and country show stimulus spending and bemoans the lack of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for people in the Clare Valley and Bordertown areas
The lead candidate for the Legislative Council in the March 19 state election bemoaned the major parties' drift to the political left. The former SA ALP minister highlighted pro-life and religious freedom causes as where the government had lost its way
The Ukraine region contributes significantly to global grain supplies and Tess looks at what a conflict there might mean for Australian farmers.
Buyers returned strongly for the opening wool auctions of 2022 after the customary three-month layoff, but crippling logistical issues worldwide remain for the global wool industry, as Steven Read outlines for Flow listeners
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator for beef has also hit yet another record, nudging close to $12 per kilogram of carcase weight - Matt delves into the drivers for this and differentials across the weight categories. Matt also talks about the impact of a recent Naracoorte processor pause and other logistical & coronavirus related challenges in the meat sector
The Liberal member for Mackillop speaks with FlowFM listeners after passing near the fireground near Lucindale, and seeks to set the record straight on what he supports about the ALP Opposition's health policy for his region as Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas visits the Limestone Coast. Mr McBride also talks about the roles Teys, SA Health, the Naracoorte community and Robe had to play in the recent shutdown of the Naracoorte meatworks
Tom from the Bureau of Meteorology updates Flow listeners on the latest rainfall event hitting South Australia, particularly the West Coast, Eyre Peninsula and Flinders Ranges on Friday 21 January
The Liberal backbench MP talks about the role federal government may or may not play in the Eyre Peninsula desalination and ports debate, and on the prospects of the Leigh Creek urea project
Water security on the Eyre Peninsula has been a long-running concern and Senator Patrick flew over to Port Lincoln on Thursday 20 January to talk with the local fishing industry, also weighing in on the Cape Hardy port debate. The senator also says some Labor MPs are attracted to his idea of a Royal Commission investigating the federal Liberal National government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic
Local butchers have been able to source meat for consumers but the supply chain challenges for major supermarkets demonstrate a failure in Australian competition policy, James Jackson tells Flow listeners.
The Member for Murray Plains and Deputy Opposition Leader checks in with Flow for the first time in 2022 chatting about the Nationals' focus in an election year, and the current health crisis in Victoria
The Energy and Mining Minister also responds to the Opposition's criticisms of the slow RAT rollout and the push by Labor and crossbenchers to recall the House of Assembly for an unprecedented pre-election February sitting
Jason from Country Viewpoint spoke with the newly re-elected Mayor of the Federation Council Pat Bourke. Pat talked about the recent Council elections, issues with this years harvest, upcoming Australia Day preparations and the final phase of the long-awaited floodplain risk management study.
The local MP has pushed back against the Opposition and crossbench push with independent speaker Dan Cregan to recall the House of Assembly to North Terrace in Adelaide in early February, saying voters are better served having their MPs in their electorates
The north-western Victorian MP is also staging an online forum on Wednesday 19 January for retail and hospitality businesses to share the impact of worker shortages on their future viability.
The independent MP hopes he can remain a Liberal MP but is nonetheless pushing for the Marshall Liberal government to be brought back to the House of Assembly in early February to face the music on its handling of the Omicron variant outbreak of COVID-19
The Mackillop candidate says recent regional COVID-19 concerns highlight the shortcomings regional health as he also outlined the credentials of their Legislative Council ticket of former Port Adelaide mayor Gary Johansen and Murray Bridge's Lisa Sherry
Sitting Frome MP Geoff Brock is moving north to the electorate of Stuart in the March state election, and has endorsed Clare & Gilbert Valley councillor Cate Hunter to take his place in the newly-shaped Frome. Cate Hunter speaks with Flow listeners about local road needs, particularly the Horrocks Highway, and how to speak with her during the campaign
Jason Regan from FLOW FM Australia's "Country Viewpoint" discussed a number of topics with Ms Maxwell Including:
- Ensuring female-specific cancers are covered for Victorian female firefighters.
- Tania's motion in the Legislative Council on Nov 17 to recognise coercive control in family violence offending
- The Murray Basin Rail Project and state government funding for the Sunraysia-Mallee intermodal project.
From Karlene Maywald to the Liberal and Country League, the president of the Nationals SA branch talks about the Nationals' record in SA, his candidacy for Mackillop and how the Nationals would decide who becomes Premier if they held the balance of power in a hung parliament post-election
Richard from www.marketcheck.com.au provides a comprehensive wrap on current market activity on wheat, barley and canola for FlowFM listeners
The head of corporate and investor relations speaks with FlowFM listeners about the surge in interest in their Leigh Creek urea project, a carbon-neutral gas capture and storage project aiming at supplying Australian farmers with low cost fertiliser as well as the international market with strong financial links to Korea
After recent comments at a COSBOA payments summit on the cost to small business of the now 'essential service' of COVID-safe payments handling in retail businesses via contactless or 'tap and go' payments, Wayne and Rikki sought out the former minister, now ombudsman, and were not disappointed.
She won't match Paul Toole's 190 Chiko roll pledge at country shows but will hit the fairy floss hard as the NSW government announces funding to jump-start 2022 shows - and the Cootamundra MP welcomes assistance provided for disaster hit farmers, and wishes Flow listeners a Merry Christmas
"... the probability of us winning such a conflict is pretty well zero... " - speaking about the prospect of a regional conflict with China over Taiwan, the former Australian Army Major General tells Flow listeners the regional security issues are significant, so fuel and other security concerns are compelling for Australia, admitting Australian governments haven't done a great job preparing for the geopolitical situation - and urges men to get blood tests to increase the chance of the positive outcome he has had against the disease. The NSW Liberal senator also wishes listeners a Merry Christmas.
The member for Stuart talks about green hydrogen, lowering energy prices for consumers - and what role renewables play in that - the prospects small modular nuclear reactors could have in regional SA (partially, his own electorate with abundant uranium resources), Australian farmers' need for urea fertiliser and the Leigh Creek reinvigoration opportunity on that front - and wishes FlowFM listeners a Merry Christmas
Wayne the Flowman cooks up a roast on the world of food fraud after the practice was recently brought to light in Australia. Scams relating to the conduct of food fraud can include intentional mislabelling and the problem is costing Australian producers up to $3 billion dollars annually.
... and wishes FlowFM listeners a Merry Christmas and safe travels after a busy year in 2021, and looking towards a 2022 federal election year
Speaking from 'hotel detainment' he claims is linked to difficult questions he has asked SA Health officials, the Liberal SA Senator says he is planning to advocate and 'push back' for South Australians who face having no job due to these 'ridiculous mandates'
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg might be moving to now regulate cryptocurrency, but neither he nor Steve Bignell from MLA will come at Flow's Rikki Lambert describing the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator as 'cattlecurrency' or 'beefcoin' - yet. MLA nonetheless has positive indications from sheep farmers that they, like beef producers, are looking to further restock the herd smashed by recent drought.
On Wednesday the federal government announced doctor or nurse graduates working in country areas from 2022 will have their university HELP debt wiped out - Flow asked the Minister, what about those already working in country areas? Wayne and Rikki also discuss the Food and Grocery Council's disappointment at the federal government's lack of funding into their manufacturing sector, and preview the media diversity inquiry report due on Thursday
The Liberals' Louise Staley had a go at neighbouring western Victorian MP Ali Cupper on Wednesday (https://www.spreaker.com/episode/47842469) over her past allegiances with the ALP and Reason Party's Fiona Patten, and what Ms Staley claimed was a differing vote on the Pandemic Powers bill. In this interview, Ali Cupper responds to those claims whilst highlighting the need for a Mildura intersection fix, how to help councils have more funding for roads - and wishes Mildura voters a Merry Christmas.
Boundary changes for the November 2022 state election see Ms Staley farewell the Charlton, Donald and Stawell townships as she talks with Flow listeners about regional recovery, manufacturing and the record of neighbouring independent MP Ali Cupper
Cate Hunter says she'll follow what former independent member for Frome (now candidate for Stuart), Geoff Brock did in a minority government situation (as exists at the end of the Marshall government's first term) - and consult with her 7 local councils before deciding who to back as the next Premier
The impacts of recent rain events are potentially offset by the unusually good prices on offer for Australian farm produce, Dr Greenville says, with Australia heading in the right direction to produce $100 billion in farmgate value by 2030 - the federal government and agriculture sector's target.
The yabbies are running on the River Murray and inflows are good, but the recent storm damage to horticulturalists and border wobbles over the Omicron variant are among current concerns for the state MP for Chaffey on the SA-Victoria border
Long-time suicide prevention advocate John Dawkins MLC talks about Australia's national first state-based suicide prevention legislation, places to go for good support and advice - and as he hangs up the gown going into political retirement, talks about wearing 'the wig' a few times, recounts the history of his suspension from the Liberal Party for going against party colleagues to contest - and win by the narrowest possible margin - the presidency against Jing Lee MLC
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
www.headtohealth.gov.au
The Nationals Victorian member for Mallee talks about the culture of bullying and harassment within federal politics - and also outlines the help being delivered to 'real people' in Mallee volunteering to help their communities
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator continues to hold above $1,100 and beef could deliver good returns for coming years, Matt tells FlowFM listeners in this chat with Rikki about the sheep and cattle markets - as some farmers struggle to supply saleyards due to wet conditions in NSW and Queensland
A new federal government grant program that will reduce Australia's reliance on wool processing draws praise from wool processor spokesman Steven Read from Michell Wool, as Steven also wraps this week on the wool markets for Flow listeners
The state's longest-serving MP and Legislative Councillor says the government will honour the wishes of the majority in the Council to sit in February, but can not recall in his decades in the Council that it has sat before a state election without the House of Assembly doing so - the 'lower house' has been adjourned until May, which the state treasurer says is no different to what Labor did in the last two terms of government
Federal funding for deer control in his electorate needs to be doubled, the member for the SA south-east seat of Barker says, and the state government needs to rethink its approach on culling fur seals in the Coorong and on mandating vaccination, Mr Pasin discusses with Rikki on Flow
Independent senator Rex Patrick lined up Tumby Bay Mayor Telfer and the federal member for Grey Rowan Ramsey in a Senate adjournment speech on Tuesday night - Flow gives Sam Telfer a right of reply, also covering the Eyre Peninsula's freight needs, when Sam Telfer will resign as mayor to contest Flinders, and some thoughts on incumbent Liberal MP's valedictory comments on Tuesday
Flooding has hit some farmers hard in New South Wales and state and federal governments are responding with support measures and a survey from DPIE, while the federal pause on migration hopefully won't extend beyond the initial fortnight, the NSW Farmers vice president Xavier Martin tells Flow listeners
The Victorian Nationals Leader reacts from Parliament House in Melbourne the Wednesday morning that state Agriculture Minister Mary-Ann Thomas announced long-awaited reforms on farm trespass will be tabled on the final sitting day of 2021 and debated in the 2022 election year
On the Morning Show, Wayne discusses the recent contrast between fast-tracking a battery project for the SA energy grid, but the Energy Minister's slower reaction to the need for farmers to access fertiliser from a project within his own state electorate
61 Britons have been stuck at a highland pub since Friday night's Oasis tribute band performance - and they couldn't be happier. Wonder(wall)s never cease, Rikki explores on the Breaky Flow on FlowFM in Australia.
The former NBL basketballer, now SA Deputy Premier, rejects the Labor Opposition's attacks on his position on a 'city basketball stadium' vs country health, the circumstances of replacing Vickie Chapman as deputy premier, SA energy prices and dribbles deftly about mineral exploration and the prospects of the Leigh Creek Urea Project.
With a 'foot in both camps' processing wool in China and Salisbury, SA, Steven Read welcomes the $660,000 federal funding announcement to explore investment into Australia's wool supply chain
Speaking from Canberra between sitting weeks, Senator Antic also comments on the Marshall Liberal Government's position on vaccine mandates and the handover of responsibility to a health bureaucracy
Andrew also talks about livestock pasture growth and market movements on that front in this week's conversation with Rikki on FlowFM
What impact will riverine flooding in NSW and Qld have on the cattle market? Has the spring flush finally washed through the sheep market? Angus chats with Rikki on Flow about this week's beef and sheep markets.
Could Grey become a marginal seat that decides the federal election? Incumbent Liberal MP Rowan Ramsey hits back at SA independent senator Rex Patrick's critique of his record in Grey, saying he's confident Patrick will run in Grey. In a hung parliament, Grey voters' choice could decide the next prime minister. Mr Ramsey also discusses his views on nuclear energy and storage - and social disadvantage - in the electorate, and progress on duplicating the Joy Baluch bridge at Port Augusta amid the recent closure of the alternate Yorkey's Crossing due to wet weather.
On running for Grey: "It was a seed planted by the Liberal Party and look so I hadn't given it any thought until Nick Xenophon stuck up his hand and said he might run for the senate, he's my old boss, he gave me his seat, I'd find great difficulty in contesting Nick noting that he'd handed the reins to me, in those circumstances it would be highly likely I would switch to Grey ... but right now I want to represent South Australians right across SA"
The SA senator says he supports export of Grey's uranium deposits - to the right countries - but doesn't see a bright future for nuclear energy in Australia, saying renewable energy ought to have resolved its baseload energy generation concerns long before nuclear energy is viable for SA.
Joining Liberal member for Mackillop Nick McBride in a visit to South Australia's South East, Minister Wingard tells Rikki on Flow the state government is grateful for motorists' patience on the Riddoch Highway, is investing in community sport and hints at a second tranche of jetty funding for regional SA after outgoing Liberal MP for western SA's seat of Flinders called for the 'next government' to put more funding into coastal jetties. The Minister also ambushes Rikki with an embarrassing piece of history...
In this interview with Flow, Emma talks about why she is studying Ag Science with her high graduation score from Loxton High, sings the school's praises and talks about the need to feed the world. The 2021 Lois Harris Scholarship sponsored by The Agricultural Bureau of South Australia was recently awarded to Emma and presented by Ag Bureau Chair, Janette Ridgway. The $2000 Lois Harris Scholarship is awarded to a first-year student studying the Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Adelaide. The scholarship is named in memory of Lois Harris, a member of the Advisory Board of Agriculture from 1995 to 1998. Former Loxton High School student Emma Knowles was the 2021 recipient after receiving the highest Tertiary Entrance Score (TER) for a student entering the Agricultural Science course in 2021 with an outstanding ATAR of 99.7.
In Federal Parliament today the Coalition government will present a bill to parliament that elements within the Coalition won't like, Mrs Francis tells Flow, as the Christian Lobby say there is a lot more work to be done to protect people of all faiths from discrimination in their workplaces and other spheres.
The Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party MP for Murray talks about the more concerning rain impacts than mice on her local crops, her reasons for supporting voluntary euthanasia in contrast to that of Wagga Wagga independent Dr Joe McGirr, getting her hands on the Tocumwal-Narrandera Rail Line report at last - and concerns about the Liberal National government's history on rorting grants, moves by the state opposition to bring some transparency and sparring partner Wes Fang MLC's visits to the area
On National Agriculture Day, the member for Mallee in north-western Victoria talks about grants for local schools, helping local councils finance more infrastructure projects, the Nationals' record on jobs in the region after treasurer Pallas' attack and outlines how her bill to bring Facebook and other social media giants to account for comments on their platform would work
Steven was endorsed by the independent nominations committee for election to the AWI Board and would be an uncommon choice as a processor, not producer, of wool. Steven shares his market insights with Flow.
... and Steve talks with Rikki on Flow for the Country Viewpoint program (12-2pm weekdays) also about the recent rise in the sheep price and what might be driving those movements.
"It's welcome the new premier has taken a step away from the old culture", Mr Graham tells Flow listeners as the Labor Opposition in NSW tables a bill to put an end to grant schemes 'going 95% to government or marginal electorates'
From State Parliament on Wednesday 17 November, Emma Kealy MP the Nationals member for Lowan tells Flow the pandemic powers debate has been powerful and urges western Victorian MLC Andy Meddick to rethink not only his position but his stance on freedom to protest given his stance on activists going to protest on Victorians' farms. Ms Kealy also discusses cuts to life skills programs in her electorate and takes aim at 'virtual' bushfire shelter plans for the bushfire season in the local area.
'Cashed up' metropolitan councils could lose funding to remote and financially disadvantaged regional councils in a funding model the Mildura independent is exploring that would benefit the Yarriambiack and Buloke Shire councils in her electorate if she secures state and/or federal support
The currently independent member for Narungga leaves open the door to returning to the Liberal fold even if elected as an independent in the Yorke Peninsula seat at the March 2022 State Election, as he targets improving country health coverage in the seat - and addresses the extent of pandemic powers - in this interview with Rikki on Flow
The AWU national secretary hits back at Agriculture Minister Littleproud's record on representing workers in the horticulture sector and the minister's comments on Flow about on how closely connected union leaders are to farm workers, the Minister saying they needed to get closer than '30,000 feet above them flying over them'.
Minister McKenzie has made her landmark speech on what the federal government means by 'regionalisation', wanting population to grow faster in regions than in the capital cities - enabled by water security and energy security, which could include nuclear small modular reactor technology to provide reliable, baseload energy. The Minister also notes thats preserving prime agricultural land from urban sprawl and energy projects is also important - but largely up to the states and councils.
Securing fertiliser among other things could be a challenge for 2022/23, Brett says, as he shares an innovative way one farmer has secured a harvest machinery operator to get through a labour-constrained harvest.
WoolPoll landed on keeping the levy rate at 1.5% but could there be change in the winds on the board? Steven reviews with Rikki the week's wool auction activity and a mysterious week in China.
The federal agriculture minister says zero labourers have been brought in under an agriculture visa due to negative commentary about farmers from federal Labor and the union movement, saying ABARES projects 30,000 workers were needed in horticulture alone by February 2022
Premier Steven Marshall's nuclear industry announcement limited to the defence sector needed to go further, the states' peak resources body tells Flow, and greater leadership is needed from the likes of SA federal MP Rowan Ramsey the member for Grey on advocating for embracing nuclear energy and small modular reactors to assist getting to 'net zero'.
Could the British government have just opened the way for the AUKUS Treaty to deliver to Australia the 'future technology' the Morrison government roadmap contemplated, small modular nuclear reactor technology? Wayne and Rikki discuss on Flow.
There's no BTS here as Wayne and Rikki discuss Australia's urea for Korea program, with an air tanker for 27,000 litres being flown in to sure up Korea's supply - the penny drops that this demonstrates why a South Korean backer is right behind the reinvigoration of Leigh Creek in remote South Australia
The member for Murray Plains speaks with Rikki on Flow about the push to pass pandemic powers through the Victorian Legislative Council, the need for a Royal Commission into the handling of the pandemic, reopening the Red Shirts affair after the IBAC evidence of former ALP Minister Adam Somyurek and the importance of going ahead with Remembrance Day commemorations on 11 November among uncertainty for some sub-branches how to go ahead in a COVID-Safe way
James Cook University's Professor Bill Laurance is confident new technology used by his research team will unearth "never-before-seen species" in the region's rainforest canopies.
"There's heaps of stuff in a rainforest that hasn't been discovered yet," he told AAP, "Any time you start looking in strange places like a canopy all kind of things pop up. It's one of the great biological frontiers left on the planet."
Prof Laurance is director of JCU's Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science (TESS), a group of about 160 scientists working across far north Queensland aiming to "reveal the secrets of the rainforest".
But he warned yowie enthusiasts shouldn't get their hopes up.
"There is a vanishing, small chance in my view that they exist," he said.
"For something that big and that conspicuous to go undiscovered is going to the fringes of reality.
"It would be a great story. Are you kidding? The scientist who discovers it would be made for life but there is a very tiny chance."
Prof Laurance does keep an open mind on what other secrets the region may hold after leading a 2017 expedition to Cape York in search of the Tasmanian Tiger or Thylacine.
On the Flow Morning Show, Wayne chats with Thomas Elder Markets' Matt Dalgleish about the Glasgow Climate Conference and surrounding commitments national governments and others have made affecting agriculture
Jane talks about plans for a water pipeline for either recycled or River Murray water to improve water security for winegrape and other producers in the Eden Valley and Barossa Valley of South Australia - For more information: www.biggroup.org.au
Labor's shadow environment minister in SA says the state will 'muscle up' on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan if they win the March 2022 state election, issuing a legal challenge to stop the upstream states running over the top of SA's water entitlements, including 450 gigalitres more committed in 2012.
From romance scams to playing Scamwatch crosswords, bingo or quizzes, Court and Rikki discuss on the Breaky Flow some ways to talk with our loved ones about the risk of being scammed as Australians are ripped off in record numbers.
From Radiator Springs road repair jobs to a mobile electorate office this week, Dr Webster is hitting the road and encouraging a union boss to join her to hear farmers' labour shortage concerns first-hand after the AWU's landmark horticulture minimum wage result on Monday
Angus chats with Rikki on Flow about the state of the beef and sheep markets, and Rikki asks how the Glasgow climate talks and commitments (or lack thereof) on methane may play into the Australian market
Steven Read from Michell Wool brings us the 5 November wool market update including a plug for farmers to get on with voting in Woolpoll, closing today
Andrew enlightens us on the Scottish approach to finance and the benefits of sourcing your own fertiliser as a pig farmer, and a whole lot more with Rikki on Flow.
The former Agriculture Minister also talks with Rikki on Flow about the High Court voiding the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Backpacker Tax and response to the AWU's comments on 'greedy' employers looking to exploit farm workers
Labor will appoint a permanent Cross Border Commissioner for SA-Victoria border issues if they win the state election, to be based in the South East and modelled on the Victorian commissioner. Treasurer Lucas called for Labor to axe their dedicated quarantine facility 'white elephant' policy, disappointing the Opposition Leader - as he discussed with Rikki on Flow what Labor might do about the state emergency powers expiring in December.
Minister Littleproud tells Wayne and Rikki on the Morning Show that Victoria, NSW and Queensland have deficits in the information they need to be forthcoming about on their biosecurity spending
On Wednesday in Senate Estimates, the One Nation Senator asked questions of the TGA boss about COVID-19 vaccination and the number of deaths attributable to adverse effects from administering them.
NSW water minister Melinda Pavey has binned a number of water savings projects intended to meet the state's obligations under the Murray Darling Basin Plan, with others to take their place - the NSW Labor shadow minister tells Rikki on Flow, Labor is worried about the Liberal-National government's poor handling of water policy with the Basin Plan clock ticking. Ms Jackson also wonders how SA and Victoria might feel about $330m announced last Friday to help NSW out.
Within 18-24 months, Leigh Creek will boom from under 100 residents to over 1,000 thanks to the reinvigoration of the former coal mine as a urea producer, reliant on its own gas to avoid the market spikes on the fertiliser's key input cost, as the Leigh Creek Urea Project managing director Phil Staveley explains to Rikki on Flow
Wayne and Rikki unpack a tense Senate Estimates session yesterday featuring an exchange between Qld Labor senator Murray Watt and representing minister Bridget McKenzie about the controversy first unearthed by FlowFM about a secret spreadsheet available to at least 1 Coalition backbench MP amid the Building Better Regions Fund rorting allegations
The Eastern Victorian upper house MLC wasn't consulted on Tuesday morning about dramatic new proposals to make pandemic management powers permanent for the Andrews Labor government - even though the government does not hold a majority in the Legislative Council to pass its bill.
Former LNP Qld premier Newman says SA MPs Ramsey and senator Antic are 'wimping out' on nuclear energy by not pushing harder for it amid the energy and greenhouse gas emissions debate leading into the Glasgow climate talks. He chats with Rikki on Flow about his own progressive views and the social policy platform of the LDP, and expresses reservations about COVID-19 and economic modelling relied upon by government.
Dr Webster chats with Rikki on Flow about the scramble for clarification for workers in the hospitality sector due to the Andrews state government's uncertain rulings on vaccination status for workers, talks with Indonesia to bring farm labour in for the harvest - and a new taskforce to probe bank closures in regional areas.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator hit another record this week, but Matt Dalgleish brings us more detail on the surge in demand for Australian mutton from the United States of America.
From fertilisers to agchem, farmers' great crop returns could be dented by current and future input costs.
The South Australian Treasurer chats with Flow's Rikki Lambert about the circumstances surrounding the appointment of new independent speaker Dan Cregan MP to the chair - and the potential parliamentarians might be kept back past the usual date they rise, at the speaker's whim
As the former federal ALP leader leaps to Catholic NSW premier Perrottet's defence of his faith and having a large and growing family, Wayne Phillips on the Morning Show reflects on the moment former senator Cory Bernardi called Mr Shorten a 'fraud' and he hit back calling the Catholic senator a 'homophobe'
The member for Ballarat chats with Rikki Lambert on Flow about the National Audit Office's shock report tabled on Tuesday revealing 27% of federal 'regional development' spending went to Australia's major cities, not regions - and talks through other concerning aspects of present and future spending opportunities for regions that might be seen by the Coalition's National Party junior partner
The Gippsland state MP spoke with FlowFM about the need for regional and metropolitan veterans' groups to have clarity leading up to Remembrance Day after a difficult lead in to ANZAC Day earlier in the year.
Visiting the FlowFM studios, the candidate in the March state election for the Liberal-held seat of Chaffey covering the Riverland and Mallee on the River Murray, Mr Buijs spoke about his shearing background and how he'd like to clip back the federal Nationals' position on the Murray-Darling Basin to one more friendly to South Australian perspectives
The member for Ballarat and shadow minister for transport, infrastructure and regional development says the Friday announcements for funding from the federal Building Better Regions Fund were another example of rorting by the Morrison-Joyce Coalition government
Dr Webster describes the 'pink' and 'green' rating system used by the government to determine allocations of Building Better Regions Funding, where all her grants were 'green' ranked but in other seats, MPs could push the case for a 'green' rating
South Australia may also need to talk to their federal colleagues about pension threshold reforms, and payroll tax incentives to help attract employees in a tight labour market as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Associate Professor O'Neil said in this interview with Rikki on Flow.
The federal member for Grey reacted to the federal government's announcement of a $2 billion loan facility for those developing critical minerals in South Australia, with the state sitting on what the state government claims is 65% of the nation's deposits.
Matt projects forward how beef and lamb prices might go in future years, examining the domestic and global supply and demand expectations.
As Victoria, NSW and SA head into a long weekend with double-demerit point penalties applying in some places, the Road Accident Centre expert says he's not seen research backing the road safety merit of double-demerit weekends - as he discusses the need for more speed camera sites in regional Victoria, and a targeted approach to driving on ice, in this interview with Flow's Rikki Lambert
Dr Fran Sheldon, Professor and Dean (Learning and Teaching) in the Griffith Sciences group at Griffith University and Research Member in the Australian Rivers Institute, talks about the restored health of the Lower Barwon-Darling system and how water policy and measurement will be important in the future years of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan
The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP says the NSW Water Minister has 'jumped the gun' tabling another floodplain harvesting reform while a parliamentary inquiry is investigating the situation
Dr Webster hits back at the CFMEU's John Setka's statement about Mildura, and talks about the region's horticulture needs for international farm labour unlikely to be met at this stage by the Andrews government's labour quarantine arrangements
In an initiative backed by AgriFutures, Australian producers and researchers are looking to expand the medicinal beneficial opportunities from Manuka honey whilst standing firm on Australia's use of the term on the international stage.
Andrew also talks about demystifying grain marketing after a recent collaboration between Thomas Elder Markets and Grain Producers SA, as he also updates Flow listeners on the state of the wheat, barley and canola markets for Australian growers
Local MP Cindy McLeish tells FlowFM she's not aware of any injuries or loss of life yet from the earthquake, but shares about a landslip on a local highway, and reports of concerns at Colac hospital hundreds of kilometres away
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is encouraging farmers and farm freight and machinery operators to consult their advice on safe use and movement of heavy machinery this 2021 winter harvest season at www.nhvr.gov.au
Business is booming trading online from her family's 6th generation family farm at Burra in South Australia's Mid-North in a sign of the times during the COVID-19 pandemic that the tyranny of distance in the bush might at last be over.
The country Liberal was considering running as an independent against his party after dissatisfaction with local issue, particularly regarding the SA-Victoria border, but after discussing the situation with the Premier and Treasurer, has received assurances sufficient in his view to keep him in the Liberal tent
Liam chats with Rikki on Country Viewpoint on FlowFM about rabbit baiting programs around Cleve - more information: https://www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ep/news/20210920-eastern-eyre-rabbit-control
The Mildura MP talks about her question of Health Minister Foley about the future of the Mildura Base Hospital, the regional health plan released a week later and the need to attract and retain professionals in the electorate.
Around 7,000 applications to enter SA are pending, the Nationals member for the state seat of Lowan says, with South Australians and others seeking to enter Victoria sleeping in their cars, with children and/or pets, awaiting approval
The NSW upper house sat for about an hour before the NSW Liberal-National Coalition government ministers' refusal to attend, citing health grounds, brought the sitting to a grinding halt. The swift end to parliamentary sitting contrasts in Labor's view with a 'too little, too late' approach from the NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall to ensuring farmers have adequate labour for the spring harvest.
Dr Caron chats with Rikki on Flow about the latest species of dung beetle to be introduced in Australia to process cow and sheep dung in new climatic areas of the nation, to either roll it or burrow it underground
A man nicked Jacko the cockie on Saturday night, footage shows, but a mysterious tipoff saw him safely returned on Monday afternoon. Talking with Portarlington police sergeant Nathan Jones, it was something you couldn't have scripted better for an episode of Blue Heelers.
PIRSA encourages farmers to report potential footrot as South Australia seeks to destigmatise footrot detection in flocks
Dr Webster takes aim at the Andrews Victorian government for declining to include the Mallee in a region eligible for farm water saving projects, and talks about the importance of road safety including a road safety analogy for the mandatory vaccination / vaccine passports debate.
Basin water storages are up to almost overflowing, but some irrigators' general security allocations aren't increasing - why? Claire works through some of the complex reasons, and the tangle of NSW 'gold standard' water metering obligations, in this interview with Rikki on Flow
Nat Traeger speaks with Rikki on Flow about the developing story of a potential South Australian first offshore wind farm and the impacts it could have on the local community, economy, energy grid and environment
On RUOK? Day, the Liberal Democrat MP talks about supporting mental health and also after a struggle to get Victoria's parliament to sit again, talks about the return of transparency with parliamentary sittings
Former senator Simms also describes the emergency housing situation in Port Lincoln as so desperate, tents are being turned to as housing options
The NSW Government announced it would table a bill to outlaw religious discrimination, which ACL welcomed but highlighted the work of One Nation MLC Mark Latham on the same topic. Dan Flynn also talks about the stalled federal religious freedom reforms, and the imminent 'The Truth of It' appearance of ACL Managing Director Martyn Iles in Adelaide
Read more at: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/farm-safety-concerns-as-labour-shortage-sullied-by-union-slur
With a higher than expected rainfall event in the Hume catchment over the 4-5 September 2021 weekend, the Basin Authority advised it would release more water into the Murray River. The Authority advises potentially affected landholders to maintain a watch on potential flood advisory messaging from the Bureau of Meteorology, State Emergency Service and WaterNSW
Cr Brown also talks about the infrastructure requirements to attract food and beverage manufacturers to rural towns and councils in the Rural Councils Victoria membership
The Quambatook Victoria grower spoke with Flow about the need for state and federal agriculture ministers to get on with getting farm workers in across the nation, with Queensland arguably already missing out in the grains industry - and the risk delay may pose to farm safety if farmers are left with no choice but to keep working around the clock without the labour.
FlowFM's neighbour at Roseworthy, AGT, paid a visit in the form of Haydn Kuchel to talk about the announcements this week that AGT had won the tender to commercially develop previously publicly developed durum wheat germplasm in Australia - and shared the exciting news about the new Calibre variety with seed demand already running hot
Rikki chats on the Morning Show with the Victorian senator about the movement of Australians from cities to regions and how, among other things, migration and telecommunications can capitalise on that movement and healthy years on the land
A new initiative to lure food and beverage manufacturing businesses to rural towns in regional Victoria is underway, trying to make investigating and deciding whether to relocate as easy as possible
NSW MLC Rev. Fred Nile says whilst he welcomes the federal government Saturday 28 August announcement of a COVID-19 indemnity scheme for employers if workers suffer adverse impacts from vaccination, it is a copy of his NSW Bill to achieve the same result and he will press on with his bill at the state level
On Saturday 28 August federal health minister Greg Hunt announced a new scheme sought by the peak employer group to clarify legal indemnity should someone vaccinated via a workplace program suffer adverse health impacts. The AiGroup had sought these changes and Tony Melville talks on Flow what it will mean in the workplace.
Mr McBride also talks about advocacy for truck drivers and South-East SA residents negatively impacted by COVID-19 restrictions that did not seem to adequately factor the challenges regional residents face
Immediate past president of the Local Government Association of South Australia, and chair of the Eyre Peninsula LGA, mayor Telfer talks with Flow about the challenges Councils face in funding their infrastructure among record regional tourism demand
From SA's sudden backflip (for now) on imposing mandatory vaccination on Vic/SA border bubble community members to enter SA, to trucks turned around to get a negative COVID-19 test before entering the state - cross-border chaos has kept local MPs busy
Dr Webster talks about a joint letter between Victorian and SA border state and federal MPs on having a negative COVID-19 test result accepted in either state, the impact on community sport from lockdowns, emerging from lockdown to normality - and the benefits the new Agriculture Visa could bring if the Andrews government allows more workers into Victoria
Steve Bignell speaks with Flow in the week that both indicators for sheep and beef prices in eastern Australia hit record highs
Beef prices are going bananas in Australia and the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator continues to defy all analyst expectations - Angus Gidley-Baird talks with Rikki on the Flow Morning Show about the drivers for the price rise, and also the latest on Argentinian beef export restrictions
After a Tesla battery bank fire at Moorabool, Victoria, and a recent Energy Security Board report, Rikki on the Flow Morning Show reviews the current Australian energy mix and whether we're ready to jump to 100% renewable generation
BCG’s Researcher Brooke Bennett has received funding from the Yitpi Foundation to investigate the suitability of new, long coleoptile wheat varieties in farming systems in southern Australia.
Rikki on the Morning Show picks up the reactions from commodity groups and peak bodies to the ag visa and the possible challenges state and federal agriculture ministers face before the new 'ag visa' becomes a success
The NSW Premier claims those who vaccinate against COVID-19 will be rewarded with more freedom than others - how might that work, and how might it discriminate against some people on health ground if it isn't done right? Rikki Lambert reviews the situation on the Morning Show on FlowFM
'Serendipitously' on the anniversary of William Wilberforce's successful UK move to abolish slavery - also International Day of Action against the Slave Trade - SA independent senator Rex Patrick's restyled bill originally targeting Chinese slave labour of the Uighur population is likely to pass the Australian Senate with Labor and Greens support - but where do the Morrison-Joyce Liberal-National coalition stand?
Dr Webster says the Andrews Labor Victorian government needs to work with industry and the federal government with the new visa arrangements to ensure workers be available on time for harvest
COVID, COVID, COVID, cases, cases, cases - there are other important topics media outlets and policymakers need to be focusing on, even if there isn't a drought right now, FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert says
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian locked down regional New South Wales for another week but are the media doing an adequate job on reporting the facts on the lethality of COVID-19?
Wayne and Rikki discuss the PM's letter to the FlowNews24 desk confirming vaccinations will remain voluntary
Wayne and Rikki on the Flow Morning Show review the Productivity Commission's latest report tabled this week into the level of foreign ownership of water in Australia
Do we really know the full extent of foreign owned water in Australia, and is it acceptable? And is it acceptable for premiers to cancel or restrict the sittings of parliament to avoid scrutiny, or indeed to fail to control the spread of a virus putting country people at risk? All questions the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party for the NSW state seat of Murray tackles in this interview with FlowNews24
Wayne and Rikki talk on the Morning Show on FlowFM about the ACT chief minister's push to shut federal parliament down altogether while the major parties contemplate how to kill off political competition
Wayne and Rikki talk on the Morning Show about the terrible unfolding situation in Afghanistan and its implications in Australia
Steven Read from #michelledirectwool with the wool auctions report and market analysis for the week
Read more at FlowNews24: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/sa-s-iron-kings-trump-iron-boomerang-for-aussie-steelmaking-if-only-they-had-a-champion
The University of Adelaide's Institute for International Trade has recommended a swift change in Australian trade strategy as it quantified for the first time the real cost of China's trade actions against Australia. In a wide-ranging interview with Rikki Lambert, Dr McDonagh explains why China felt safe targeting Australian farm produce but not mineral resources.
A new EY report out today signals that universities are radically changing how they deliver courses, with a greater emphasis on digital delivery. Rikki Lambert interviews global education lead, Catherine Friday, about what benefits this could bring to students living in regional Australia.
Jason Regan has been hunting down answers on the Victoria-SA border arrangements for local community members and sporting teams amid confusion and uncertainty during recent COVID-19 restrictions. Commissioner Stevens sets the record straight
The Coonamble, NSW farmer was among those across the state suddenly locked down but had been able to track the damning Senate inquiry report into the handling of Inland Rail, chatting with Rikki Lambert on FlowNews24.
Napandee will be the site for the storage facility, the Minister has declared via notice given today, subject to further approvals and potential challenges. The facility will take over from the Lucas Heights facility in NSW near Sydney that is approaching capacity.
Will crowds ever return? Amid capital city lockdowns, Australia's Prime Minister says its a race to vaccination, but to where? Oxford professors say it's time to start living with COVID-19 with the Deltra strain difficult to contain - but Melbourne academics say eliminating the virus is essential
Court talks about a Japanese innovation where parents of newborns can order bags of rice to send to friends and family that is the exact weight and length of their baby. They even feature a picture of the newborn baby’s face on the bag so family members can simulate the sensation of holding the baby.
There's excitement coming soon for the Leigh Creek and northern SA communities with over 1,000 jobs a year about to get underway at the new urea production facility for agricultural use, making efficient re-use of existing infrastructure - and carbon-neutral eight years early to boot.
Clayton Bester on the Arvo Flow breaks down the Morrison government's support program for artists across the nation affected by lockdowns and needing a boost to stay afloat
The Mildura MP also tackles whether she supported the extensions of lockdowns and how locals responded to the recent cluster in the region
Jason speaks with the Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick regarding the SA/Vic border situation and the effect it is having on the Mallee Football and Netball competitions.
NOTE: This interview was recorded at 6.30 pm Monday, August 9. The Information provided in this interview regarding current COVID-19 restrictions may have changed. Check SAPOL's website regarding current border restrictions.
What then for the Grand Final public holiday, the shadow tourism, major events and sports minister also asks in this interview with FlowNews24.
South Australia's Labor opposition say they want the Morrison government to tip in a big share of a boosted support package for SA small, family and medium businesses after the recent lockdown
The Nationals MP takes aim at crossbenchers in both houses of Victorian parliament supporting the ALP emergency powers regime that makes it politically impossible - barring an election - to change how regional Victoria is treated by a metropolitan-focused government
Rumours of a SA Liberal 'split' back into a 'Liberal and Country League', the resurrection of 'Family First' signal attempts to appeal to socially conservative voters, as senator Antic makes the case for the 'broad church' of the SA Liberals
The shadow minister spoke with Rikki Lambert on Flow about the recent four-day fire at Moorabool at the Victorian government's vaunted 'Big Battery' and the questions that the government needs to answer.
FlowNews24 caught up with Professor Aroney about the discussion about domestic Australian interstate 'passports' to certify COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of entering states - and tackles the question of whether federal 'quarantine' powers in the constitution could be used by the federal government to take over running of aspects of the national COVID-19 response
John talks about the generosity of Australians supporting farmers affected by the NSW and Qld mouse plague, which can now be delivered in financial support for farming families - likely to be spent in local communities.
Are farmers getting a fair return at the farmgate for their produce from what you're paying at the supermarket? ... and are supermarkets the winner from farmers not being able to sell their produce direct to consumers during lockdowns?
Phil chats with Jason on Country Viewpoint about trapping wild dogs and identifying signs you have a wild dog problem
Jase Regan speaks with Marshall Liberal government minister David Basham on the success of a trapping program to stop wild dogs in South Australia - and the achievements of the bounty scheme
Emma also welcomes relief for Year 12 students that the Opposition called for, and encourages regional Victorians to report mobile phone issues such as black spots
Samuel confirms the university's independent research shows better heart condition results from wine consumption compared with beer
With the ACT declared a Red Zone by the Victorian government, Dr Webster gives her reasons she will be attending federal parliament next week remotely.
The Victorian Shadow Minister for Tourism, Major Events and Sport & Regional Cities talks about the need for greater predictability for major events from the Andrews government after the loss of the Grand Prix, Melbourne Show and other events and concerns around the Australian Open
Swearing off preference deals and himself running as a candidate, the former Labor cabinet minister and deputy leader tells FlowNews24 the reason he and fellow former Labor minister Tom Kenyon are backing a resurrection of the Family First brand in South Australia
Helen talks about whether she will run for the seat of Farrer (currently held by senior Liberal minister, Sussan Ley) in the next federal election and about the Andrews government bursting the border bubble, now excluding parts of her electorate.
As media reports link Jack Snelling and Tom Kenyon, two former SA Labor cabinet ministers, to the resurrection of the 'Family First' political brand for the March 2022 SA state election, the former SA Family First senator talks about how the decision contrasts with his efforts to rebuild that voting base as the 'Australian Family Party'
... Tim Quilty MLC weighs in to the freedom debate after weekend protests, and updates Flow network listeners on the status of the bid for regional Victoria to secede from Melbourne, possibly taking some of southern NSW with it
Livestock Biosecurity Extent Officer, Pene Keynes, joins Country View Point details the upcoming Better Health for Better Wealth Statewide Workshops in August and September.
Member for Ripon, @LouiseStanley speaks to Jason on Flow's Country View Point about seeking a grant to fund much needed new building at Charlton Traffic Safety Education Centre site.
On the Morning Show, Wayne 'Flowman' Phillips discusses the importance Australia's forestry industry and sawmill employment status. Also, he explains the resulting chain-effect on other essential Australian industries.
Jason Regan on Country Viewpoint speaks with Steve about the importance of managing the risk of spray drift, particularly in many parts of regional Victoria, NSW and SA where a diverse range of agricultural industries often coexist side by side. The Department say maintaining consumer confidence in agrichemical usage is increasingly important to support domestic and international markets. While most users are diligent in their use of agrichemicals, each year the department responds to 30-plus complaints about inappropriate use.
Australian beef prices at the stockyards are on a bull run never seen before, and analysts' expectations of a 'ceiling' are being broken. Will it hit 1,000c? Wayne Phillips thinks so. More: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/record-aussie-beef-prices-heading-for-1-000c
The Shadow Minister for Sport, Major Events and Tourism talks with Rikki Lambert for FlowNews24 about the Andrews Labor government's decision to cancel October's Grand Prix and the MotoGP at Phillip Island, and Victoria's status as the events destination in Australia
Nationals backbencher and Senator for the state of Queensland Matt Canavan spoke with Rikki Lambert from FlowNews24 about the push for carbon sequestration and solar farms on prime agricultural land, the challenges this poses to reaching $100 billion in agricultural output nationwide by 2030 - and how renewable energy companies are no messiahs in their behaviour towards farmers and other landholders
This interview is not financial, taxation or any other form of personal advice - please conduct your own enquiries and see a professional if necessary.
In the Australian energy footy team, is wind the popular forward trying to take 'speccies' but not contributing to the team?
... and how can state and federal governments help manufacturing productivity to keep climbing?
Chris Prime from Nantoura stud on their Pre-Sale merino and Poll Merino Expo to be held on Monday 5 July at the Wudinna Showgrounds
Joint winner of Australian Farmer of the Year and for excellence in both Innovation and Technology, Matthew Davey from Kalimar Ag at Clinton Centre on Yorke Peninsula spoke with Jase Regan on Country Viewpoint about the 2021 season so far, and why the honours went his way
Regional health has lit up as a battleground at the March 2022 state election, with the Liberal government and Labor opposition bidding on who will spend the most in the regions. In Whyalla and heading west today, Minister Wade also addresses whether the Liberals WILL build a Barossa hospital, and says country SA people's health outcomes are poorer - hence a new spending program on preventative regional health
With the mouse plague ravaging parts of country NSW, did the NSW government err in pushing for APVMA approval of - and stockpiling - self-described 'napalm' bromadiolone, rather than helping get more zinc phosphide in farmers' hands?
Ransomware is an increasing form of cyber-attack with potential devastating financial ramifications and logistical disruption to Australian supply chains. Cyber attackers have infiltrated the Australian agriculture sector with an attack on our wool brokers on Talman Software across ANZ, bringing operations to a halt for eight days. Another more recent example saw hackers have a major effect on the world’s largest meat processor, JBS, causing 47 meat processing and packing plants to cease operations for several days… and a ransom payment of over $14 million.
After the leadership change from Michael McCormack to Barnaby Joyce on Monday, Dr Webster tells Country Viewpoint's Jason Regan that National Party policy has changed to remove the 450 gigalitre savings target from the Murray-Darling Basin Plan
South East SA resident and Member of the Legislative Council for the South Australian Labor Party, Clare Scriven MLC, spoke as shadow minister for regional development on what she described as a disappointing budget for regional SA.
Rikki Lambert from FlowNews24 on Wednesday morning interviewed Don Plowman, the new and acting chair of the peak body of SA's primary farming bodies, about the $1m over 2 years the SA Government gave them in Tuesday's state budget, the SA target to help meet a national $100 billion in farm production by 2030 - and how the seaweed budget measure might help get there.
Jase Regan on Country Viewpoints interviews Rivergum Homes Chief Executive Ryan Lee. Topics covered include what's in the state budget for the housing industry, previous state and federal government announcements regarding funding for the industry, skilled labour shortages in the building industry and the number one issue Ryan would like to see the state government tackle in the housing industry going forward.
Our interview begins looking at the critiques of the Prime Minister's faith versus how Kevin Rudd's expression of faith was viewed in his term in office, then we address the reports within South Australia of hundreds of Christians joining the Liberal party, and explore contrasts and responses to 'branch stacking' or such 'movements' into Victoria's Liberal and Labor parties - and whether in the Liberal case, this is in accord with Menzies' vision for the party.
The member for Eildon also speaks about the way the Melbourne lockdown is disproportionately impacting the rural residents in her electorate
Member for Stuart and SA Energy and Mining Minister Dan Van Holst Pellekaan speaks with Jase Regan on Country Viewpoint about the decision to go ahead with the SA/NSW Interconnector and Electra Net's decision to upgrade the transmission line on the Eyre Peninsula.
Dr Webster is excited to have secured $15 million in federal funding to support new technology in her electorate for dispatchable renewable energy using new 'solar-hydro' technology
Grain Producers SA caught up with Country Viewpoint's Jase Regan before Tuesday's 'Towards 2030 Forum Series' meeting in the Barossa Valley featuring Trade Minister Dan Tehan and NFF chief Fiona Simson
In this interview with Jase Regan on Country Viewpoint, Peter Treloar discusses:
- Seasonal conditions on the EP
- the Importance of the Mortlock Shield and local footy to the EP.
- Upgrade of electricity transmission lines on EP,
- Desalination plant for the Eyre Peninsula to supplement the local water supply,
- concerns for the local abalone industry due to the AVG Virus,
- his first shot of the Astra Zeneca Vaccine, and
- why Peter voted for the Euthanasia Bill 2nd reading vote.
Nikki Reynolds Journalist with "The Rural" (NSW Riverina) chats with Jase Regan on Country Viewpoint about Winter Crop Forecasts and seasonal conditions in the region, why she is sending her son on a "Heifer Camp", and the results of a local Cattle sale in Illabo.
Jase Regan on Country Viewpoint speaks with Mayor Massey about his recent visit to the regional councils conference which was cut short by the state Lockdown, the effect the lockdown has had on the shire including cancelled events for reconciliation day, council's draft annual business plan and budget which is now out for public consultation, Council's next CASI Community Grants Program and a Federal Grant of $500k to help upgrade Caravan Parks in the Shire
Full interview with Helen Dalton who says the MD Basin Plan should dump the 450 gigalitre water recovery target - also covering the impact of the mouse plague on her electorate in southern New South Wales, the new powers tabled in federal parliament for the Inspector General of Water Compliance and her lack of faith that interim inspector Troy Grant can make any real impact
... the shadow minister reacts to the belated tabling of the bill to give the inspector general for water compliance in the Murray-Darling Basin real powers and independents, and the lack of a National Integrity Commission on the Morrison government's watch
For data on more commodities go to the full report at: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/your-friday-farmgate-data-week-ending-21-may
Reviewing the latest developments concerning Gareth Ward MP (NSW), Ali Cupper MP (Vic) and Stephan Knoll MP (SA)
Read the full commodity report at: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/your-farmgate-data-for-the-week-ending-14-may-2021
Are South Australians coming back to SA, or still leaving for other states? It depends what statistics you're reading, and the SA Labor Opposition are relying on data in Tuesday night's federal budget.
Elite women's sport received overdue funding support but in real terms the federal budget slashed funding to grassroots sport programs
Local potato farmers in her Ballarat electorate have painted big murals near major roads to make their disapproval very clear to local MP, the ALP's Catherine King, about a proposed transmission line to carry renewable energy back towards Melbourne. She welcomes the publicity and is seeking ways transmission can be re-routed, put underground or use substations to minimise impact.
Wayne Phillips on the Morning Show reacts to Premier Steven Marshall's announcement of a referendum at next March's state election to decide whether shop trading hours in Adelaide will be extended with his own proposal - reviewing daylight saving and the state's time zone, particularly for those in the west of the state
On the Flow Morning Show, host Rikki Lambert analyses FlowNews24 correspondent John McDonnell's opinion piece https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/disaffected-groups-may-deliver-victory-for-labor on whether Labor could win the next Australian federal election due to three distinct disaffected voter groups
Rikki Lambert spoke on the morning after a 21-15 NSW upper house vote to disallow floodplain harvesting regulations, with state member for Murray covering much of the NSW Murray, the Shooters Fishers & Farmers Helen Dalton celebrating the result but NSW Irrigators Council's Claire Miller saying the move was counter-productive to preventing unregulated harvesting.
Former minister Geoff Brock, independent member for the state seat of Frome, with Port Pirie one of its major centres, opposed boundary changes that now see him feeling compelled to run for the seat of Stuart which will contain Port Pirie at the 2022 March state election. In this interview, Mr Brock talks about the housing, homelessness and mental health challenges for the region and his passion for the Upper Spencer Gulf as a future powerhouse.
FlowNews24 spoke with Christopher Brohier, state director for the Australian Christian Lobby in South Australia on the eve of a critical debate on a Labor upper house MLC's bill to legalise euthanasia. The ACL forecasts that the bill will pass the Legislative Council, but may run out of time to pass the House of Assembly with a state election due on March 2022
Jason Irving speaks with Rikki Lambert on FlowNews24 about the SA government's weekend announcement that it would pursue World Heritage Listing for sites in national parks and on private land in the northern Flinders Ranges
FlowNews24 caught up with the Labor Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and member for Maitland in northern NSW, Jenny Aitchison after Labor announced in the Upper Hunter electorate on the weekend (during a by-election campaign) it would appoint a full-time Agriculture Commissioner. The announcement follows a call late last week for a new Dairy and Fresh Food Commissioner role to support those industries.
Flow Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reviews FlowNews24 correspondent John McDonnell's latest article (https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/the-india-pandemic-requires-a-different-response) about the federal government's announcement of a new criminal law banning Australians travelling home from India, and shares part of an interview with SA independent senator Rex Patrick on the topic
Senator Antic also spoke about identity politics (and the ABC as a propagator of it) the morning after the Prime Minister condemned identity politics in a Sydney speech overnight.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison used a speech in Sydney on Thursday night to condemn 'identity politics' - SA Liberal senator Alex Antic spoke with the Morning Show about what identity politics is, and why the ABC is chief among those propagating it in Australia - then host Rikki Lambert applies an identity politics example to Australia's ban on travel from India and other countries on viral security grounds compared with the Trump travel ban to prevent terrorism attacks
As the NSW Farmers call for government support, Wayne and Rikki on the Flow Morning Show review the recent ABARES data on the slumping average farm spend on pest control against the cost of just 1 baiting run against mice amid the NSW/Qld mouse plague
FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert spoke with Andrew Leahy from the Victorian Farmers Federation, chair of their Water Council, about the need for attention on the ticking clock that is the 2024 Murray Darling Basin Plan deadline for water recovery, as states lag in delivering difficult projects on time - raising the spectre of further water buybacks from farmers. Read the story at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/make-the-no-buybacks-promise-law-vff
Wayne Phillips on the Morning Show on Flow tracks through the fiasco of a Victorian 2020 small business COVID grants scheme that was horribly managed due to huge demand. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/victoria-s-pandemic-business-grants-re-opened-after-ombudsman-exposes-fiasco
On the Morning Show on Flow, host Wayne Phillips reviews Canberra FlowNews24 correspondent John McDonnell's latest piece which you can read here: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/australia-must-help-india
On the Morning Show on Flow, Wayne and Rikki talk about the Queen's actual birthday and a piece written by Queensland's David van Gend for the Spectator magazine about where the monarchy could be heading under a future King Charles or King William. Harry and Meghan score a mention.
Flow Morning Show Friday host Rikki Lambert brings part of an interview he had with former resources minister, now backbencher, Queensland Nationals senator Matt Canavan discussing agriculture's inclusion - or exclusion - from Australia's targets towards 'net zero' carbon emissions
Flow Morning Show Friday host Rikki Lambert summarises parts of interviews he had this week with SA federal member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey MP and federal senator for Qld, Matt Canavan, on the hype around hydrogen
On the Friday Morning Show, host Rikki Lambert reviews Peter Dutton's comments on China and his performance since taking the post as Australia's defence minister.
During the week of the virtual climate summit hosted by US president Joe Biden, and amid Chinese tensions within Australia and the Asia-Pacific region - and the South Australian pre-election bidding war over hydrogen energy - FlowNews24 caught up with former resources minister and pro-coal advocate, LNP Queensland Nationals senator Matt Canavan
Mayor Warren spoke with Jase on Country Viewpoint about the way the regional housing shortage is affecting local communities in the Buloke council area
Read more at: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/nothing-in-this-strategy-sa-opposition-underwhelmed-by-government-s-regions-matter-event
Read more at: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/victoria-lags-in-assisting-wine-exporters-as-sa-nsw-step-up
FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert joins Wayne on the Morning Show to help him figure out why PM Morrison was hailed by a local newspaper for his Sunday visit to the Clare Valley as a 'billion dollar rock star'
PM Morrison, Opposition Leader Albanese and SA Premier Marshall all seem to be on the same page pushing renewable energy and not much else for Australia - Flow Morning Show host Wayne Phillips asks, maybe Australia's capital cities should have wind farms overlooking their homes before more go into country areas.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will appear via video link at US President Biden's climate summit, but both the Liberal and Labor parties want to embrace fossil fuels and renewables, depending on the audience. Are regional Australians being taken for mugs? FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert joins Morning Show host Wayne Phillips to review the lead-up to the Biden climate summit.
Read more from Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's article here: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/the-afghan-legacy
A dairy boy himself, Wayne Phillips talks about the research underway into preparing the case for traditional Australian dairy cow breeds such as Jersey, Holsteins and crossbreeds for meat consumption
Victorian Farmers Federation Grains Council member Ryan Milgate from near Minyip and Donald, Victoria talks with FlowNews24 about an Austroads proposal to hike registration costs for pre-2008 heavy vehicles, from trucks to buses and possibly other vehicles
The South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub will be headquartered at
University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus and supported by five nodes throughout regional
South Australia at Minnipa, Port Augusta, Orroroo, Loxton and Struan.
Princes Harry, William and Andrew featured in the Morning Show's wrap with Rikki Lambert on the lead-up to the funeral that will bring the United Kingdom to a halt, united in grief and gratitude for the life and service of Her Majesty the Queen's husband, Prince Philip
With the SA Opposition Leader allegedly a victim of blackmail by a party member wanting a seat in parliament, what else is going on behind closed doors?
On Wednesday 14 April 2021 the Victorian Game Management Authority announced their latest aerial survey results of duck populations and declared, given the larger than expected duck numbers, an expanded bag limit of 5 ducks a day (up from 2) would be permitted. Western Victorian MLC in the state Legislative Council, and representative of the Animal Justice Party, Andy Meddick MLC, was scathing of the decision.
On Country Viewpoint, host Jase Regan chats with Rachael about the Victorian laws that came into effect in 2020 to compel sheep owners to use pain relief when conducting the practice of mulesing.
FlowNews24 Canberra correspondent John McDonnell looks into the business cost of Australia's peak union body's push for a lift in the minimum wage. Flow Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at the implications - read the full article at: https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/minimum-wage-increase-threatens-small-business-jobs
Coal is mined in the Hunter Valley, and the ALP has preselected a coal miner as their candidate in a NSW by-election. The snap poll has been triggered by a Nationals MP resigning in disgrace, and a field of candidates fancying their chance of winning a jewel in the Nationals' crown - and putting the Berjikilian Coalition government on a knife-edge.
On the Flow Morning Show, host Wayne Phillips chats with FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert about the Victorian government's warning that farmers must use pain relief when conducting the livestock welfare practice of mulesing. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au https://www.flownews24.com.au/post/pain-relief-mandatory-for-mulesing
Wayne Phillips explores the differences and history behind container deposit schemes, recycling cans, bottles and cartons and supporting local community groups
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips chats with the Flow Family's NSW and Victorian audience about the retirement of CDP MLC and founder Fred Nile in November, the pre-selection of the Shooters Fishers and Farmers candidate in Upper Hunter, and more calls for the Riverina to secede and form its own state.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reviews the latest hype about hydrogen energy in SA and asks whether we are making the best use of South Australia's natural resources
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips explores the trade missions by Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan to find allies in a diplomatic wrestle with China, and open access for more markets for Australian exporters
On the FlowFM Morning Show, host Wayne Phillips chats with FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert about the public contribution of the late Duke of Edinburgh
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips chats with FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert about the looming battle for federal funding towards major water infrastructure initiatives, as the Bradfield Scheme debate gathers momentum in regional Australia.
Every Friday on FlowNews24.com.au we publish farm gate data from various farming sectors, and this week Morning Show host Rikki Lambert shares a story out of the University of NSW suggesting that drones are more animal-friendly than sheepdogs, humans or motorbikes when it comes to herding sheep
On the FlowFM Morning Show, Rikki Lambert lays out some land mines in discussing some recent cases involving women and wonders where we should go with them
Listeners hear plenty in other media outlets about the creepy behaviour in Canberra and the latest on the COVID-19 pandemic, but today FlowFM Morning Show host Rikki Lambert had to address both with coinciding and significant revelations
John McDonnell, FlowNews24 Canberra correspondent, writes at FlowNews24.com.au about the Biden administration's pandemic economic recovery plan and whether the ALP might be tempted back into Bill Shorten-era tax-and-spend policies. On the FlowFM Morning Show, host Rikki Lambert analyses the article and likelihood that at least one state government may go down that path.
The local Rupanyup community is invigorating their town and saving a local supermarket by funding a redevelopment with funds from within the community, thanks to Australia's first community bank and a little help from their state government.
The Rotary Club has stepped in to help run the Barossa Airshow after a brief coronavirus-related hiatus, with a host of aviation history and aerobatic events organised for local and regional aviation enthusiasts.
An Ouyen-based regional infrastructure project has been frustrated by the Andrews Labor state government's lack of interest in advancing the Murray Valley Rail project.
A neighbouring MP 'doesn't give a stuff about the Barossa', a local MP said in response to a local newspaper's front page story about an alleged delay in a business plan for a new Barossa Valley hospital. On the FlowFM Morning Show, Rikki Lambert reviews the claims and counter-claims.
FlowNews24 Canberra correspondent John McDonnell shares a personal story of his vaccination experience this week, as the Morning Show's Rikki Lambert looks at the starkly contrasting tale from the United Kingdom - and where we can compare apples with apples, versus apples with oranges.
Human rights that centre on freedom of movement, belief and thought should never be silenced, even if it has serious ramifications for Australia as a trading nation, Rikki Lambert said on the FlowFM Morning Show
A Lowy Institute report claims exports have bounced back from Chinese tariffs, but looking closer its not as good a story as it seems for some Australian farmers.
2020 was the first year since the war years the Stawell Gift wasn't run, but it came back strong over the traditional Easter weekend for the 139th annual Stawell Gift carnival.
FlowNews24 Canberra correspondent John McDonnell writes that Australia's vaccine rollout hasn't been as bad as some have said it is, but it will need to get its skates on.
Malcolm Turnbull, Kevin Rudd, Tony Abbott, Julia Gillard, the UK's David Cameron and more get a mention as Rikki Lambert talks on the Flow FM Morning Show about what to do with the recent spike in the number of former prime-ministers, particularly those inclined to comment regularly on public affairs
SA Labor shadow treasurer Stephen Mullighan and local MP Eddie Hughes have called for the Morrison federal government to intervene to support the Whyalla steelworks, as concerns grow over the financing of Sanjeev Gupta's Liberty Steel operation
Australian scientists say they are at least 5-10 years away from creating commercially viable, healthier lab-grown meat. On the FlowFM Morning show, Rikki Lambert asks whether you'd like some lab-grown meat on your fork? Meanwhile, Australian biosecurity officials have intercepted a fungus that could have wiped out billion dollar horticulture industries, including wine.
NSW One Nation MLC Mark Latham made some confident comments over the Easter long weekend about the Liberal Premier's white flag on the government's hopes in the Upper Hunter by-election, while in Victoria the regional tourism spending data is a shot in the arm for the state's country tourism operators.
Rikki Lambert looks at the previous debates on South Australia's time zone and daylight saving, and whether it might be time to look at the situation afresh.
On the FlowFM Morning Show, Rikki Lambert explores the latest research data from New South Wales on the number of times that farmers have been the victims of farm crime, including stock theft.
The federal Australian Labor Party says it wants to regulate elements of the 'gig' economy to protect workers from exploitation. An Accenture report highlights that Uber Eats provided employment to tens of thousands of Australians during the pandemic at just above the minimum wage. Stand-in FlowFM Morning Show host Rikki Lambert reviews the data and debate of the new ways Australians are finding work.
Should Australians be forced to pay for better-quality fuels at the petrol bowser to reduce emissions harmful to public health or the environment? On the FlowFM Morning Show, Rikki Lambert reviews Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's opinion piece.
FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert chats with FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips about recent terror attacks targeting Christians at their places of worship, and asks if the Australian government is doing enough to speak up on human rights abuses of religious minorities around the world.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips chats with FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert about the sudden by-election in the NSW state seat of Upper Hunter caused by the resignation of the local Nationals MP, which could throw the government into minority or even see a change in government
With all the grid-scale and electric vehicle battery proposals around the world, are there enough identified resources for this to occur in a timely way given the supply chain challenges around the world? FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips talks with FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert about a chat he had with Rebecca Knol, CEO of SA Council of Mines and Energy, about the challenges of finding enough lithium for all the batteries.
Canberra FlowNews24 correspondent John McDonnell questions whether a relatively uncontroversial ALP 'virtual' conference has done enough to put Labor's policies front-of-mind for voters. FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reflects on John's article:- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/labor-now-on-an-election-footing
Local member Emma Kealy MP talks about the lack of public transport and adequate school bus services in her regional Victorian electorate.
Emma Kealy talks about the impact of delay and uncertainty for her local RSL sub-branches approaching ANZAC Day and the importance of the occasion - with Rikki Lambert on FlowNews24
Health advice has been released warning Victorians against harvesting wild mushrooms unless they are absolutely certain they are not of a dangerous variety.
FlowNews24 caught up with member for Lowan Emma Kealy MP to talk about the recent joint-sitting of the Victorian parliament to receive the Royal Commission report on mental health, and her address to the joint-sitting. For those in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
Could a shift to nuclear submarines not only be in Australia's national security and regional security interests, but in our energy security interests as well? FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reviews FlowNews24 Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's opinion piece and chats with FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert about where the debate could go.
Supporters of East Turkestan / Xinjiang / Uighurs in western China, Tibet and south Vietnam converged on Premier Steven Marshall's opening of a new Chinese consulate in Adelaide's inner eastern suburbs on Tuesday. FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at the competing views about the consulate controversy.
'Eco-friendly' weedkillers have failed to do the job glyphosate does in Belgium, FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips highlights as he talks about the attempts to ban it in Australia and in our export markets.
One of the key players behind establishing a National Wind Farm Commissioner, former senator Bob Day AO, expresses his concern that without independent senators there like those who created the role, the now Energy Infrastructure Commissioner would become a charade.
Wayne Phillips on the FlowFM Morning Show praises a National Farmers Federation initiative to promote women into agricultural leadership roles - and hopes men can get those opportunities as well.
Wayne Phillips on the Morning Flow looks at the latest report investigating Australia's water markets, recommending an independent watchdog to prevent speculating in the Murray-Darling Basin
The SA ALP's Amanda Rishworth likened the party's national conference staged via video link as a virtual look at how sausages are made, reminding FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips of a famous quote about lawmaking before he focused on the substance of the $15 billion jobs announcement Labor made.
Rikki and Wayne look at the PM's attempt to change the narrative on the Coalition's handling of women, as Labor shifts emphasis to an important policy pitch for manufacturing jobs in Australia.
Canberra correspondent John McDonnell writes that the Prime Minister could have taken a different approach to address concerns about the Coalition government's attitude towards women, as FlowFM Morning show host Wayne Phillips reflects on John's comments
The Commissioner spoke about the ways he can help farmers and landholders affected by renewable energy projects and - now - energy transmission line projects resolve their disputes, free of charge, with energy project proponents.
Rebecca Knol, CEO of the SA Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) spoke with FlowNews24 about their State Budget submission and the many projects they'd like to see get underway to assist the South Australian economy. Her discussion with Rikki Lambert focused on the topics of water security via desalination, and a roadmap towards using South Australian uranium to power a nuclear industry.
FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert chats with Wayne Phillips on the Morning Show about the options to improve the voice of country people in the national parliament. Wayne asks - do we need more politicians?
FlowFM Morning Show host reflects on weekend comments by Australia's prime minister Scott Morrison and trade minister Dan Tehan about the United Kingdom's support for Australia in its wine tariff dispute with China
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips discusses Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's latest piece analysing the budget data showing the Australian economy and government are rebounding, but there's a hefty bill to pay.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips recounts how $200 travel voucher offers have disappeared fast on the government website in previous rounds - don't forget to get on the website when they go live
With ageing populations and a shrinking donation base, how do churches in regional SA, Victoria and NSW respond as Easter nears and restrictions on them meeting ease?
We bring you a weekly farmgate data report every Friday the FlowFM Morning Show and on FlowNews24 - read the full report here: https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/your-farmgate-outlook-for-20-26-march
Will buybacks return if NSW or Victoria can't recover enough water by 2024? SAMI spoke with FlowNews24 earlier today about the growing concerns about water efficiency programs and in particular NSW's ability to reach its targets.
As the PM considers a major cabinet reshuffle, could his own position be in danger? Clayton Bester on the FlowFM Arvo Flow program poses the question to Hannah Phillips, Canberra correspondent for FlowNews24.
Victoria and NSW want more time to reach water recovery targets, the federal government says get on with it but the SA adds, buyback might be necessary if targets are not met. FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert has been interviewing stakeholders about the looming 2024 deadline and concerns they won't be met.
Could a bigger than expected cabinet reshuffle from Prime Minister Morrison be on the cards? FlowNews24 Canberra correspondent John McDonnell thinks so, as Wayne Phillips explores on the FlowFM Morning Show. Read John's article here: https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/scott-morrisons-reset-reshuffle
The Marshall government energy minister responds to Labor's policy statements on hydrogen energy and a NSW interconnector, and one proposal to charge household rooftop PV (solar) panel owners for the energy that they export.
Sunday 28 March is Neighbour Day - FlowFM caught up with ambassador and Gold Logie winner Costa Georgiadis about why neighbours matter, what we've learned about our neighbour during crises and pandemics - and how neighbours help us overcoming a growing sense of loneliness - find out some simple steps for how to be a good neighbour at www.neighbourday.org
As another farm-focused policy initiative bites the dust, FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips asks whether the Morrison Coalition government is more focused on what the Canberra press gallery and national media want to talk about, than getting farming and regional development going in Australia.
The Victorian government has eased COVID-19 related restrictions on public events, meaning thousands can now attend ANZAC Day commemorations in April - read more at FlowNews24.com.au https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/anzac-day-back-on-in-melbourne-questions-remain-for-regional-victoria
Tasmania became the third state this week to legalise euthanasia, and FlowFM Morning show host Wayne Phillips talks about this difficult topic and what might be coming to South Australia - read more at FlowNews24.com.au https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/tasmania-becomes-3rd-australian-state-to-legalise-euthanasia
A little-noticed media release from the Morrison government signals a seismic shift in where shipbuilding will occur in Australia, FlowNews24 Canberra correspondent John McDonnell writes at: https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/ominous-signs-for-sa-in-pms-restructure-of-naval-shipbuilding - FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reviews the situation
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips plays part of FlowNews24's interview with NSW MP Helen Murray's claims on floodplain harvesting. Read the full story at https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/floodplain-harvesting-under-the-guise-of-emergency-helen-dalton-hits-back
The PM has done a flyover NSW flooding and escaped for a short while the pressure being applied in Canberra on the federal government to support women in the workplace and community.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips praises an enterprising Eyre Peninsula farmer's efforts to fight soil acidification near Karkoo in the central Eyre Peninsula - Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/enterprising-eyre-peninsula-farmer-lifts-local-lime-levels
The clock is ticking towards another flood event on the Gawler River that could affect farms and homes north of Adelaide, SA Best MLC Frank Pangallo has warned. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - http://www.flownews24.com.au/article/gawler-river-farms-housing-at-risk-north-of-adelaide-as-flood-mitigation-cost-timeline-blows-out
FlowNews24 Canberra correspondent John McDonnell outlines his reasons for saying the Attorney-General's current position is untenable, and he should resign. FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips goes through those reasons from this article https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/christian-porter-should-resign-as-attorney-general
The Biden US administration has strengthened its rhetoric towards China insofar as it applies towards Australia, drawing a strong rebuke from Chinese representatives. FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reviews FlowNews24 correspondent John McDonnell's opinion piece, published here: https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/u-s-plays-big-brother-on-australias-trade-relations-with-china
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips and FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert pick up on federal emergency management minister David Littleproud's comments on Sky News that the government is ready to write cheques for dam expansion across the nation but states need to come to the party.
Helen Dalton represents the NSW state seat of Murray, but is contemplating a tilt at federal politics - with, or without, her Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party she told FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert on Tuesday morning. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/helen-dalton-considering-independent-run-at-seat-of-farrer
Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has attacked the European Union's stance on possibly imposing punitive sanctions against Australian farmers on climate change, when Australia is tracking well on meeting climate commitments. FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at this perplexing situation, and the climate debate as NSW's Warragamba Dam overflows - one that was once predicted would never overflow again.
After two road tragedies in the Barossa Valley region over the weekend, FlowFM Morning Show host shares the local SA Police superintendent's frustration with one accident and the rising road toll.
FlowFM Morning Show host plays part of an interview with Labor's federal shadow minister for water, Terri Butler MHR, and discusses the various positions of state and federal governments and oppositions on water recovery targets in the Murray Darling Basin. Read More at Flownews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/basin-plan-must-be-more-flexible-victorian-government-nsw-irrigators
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reviews FlowNews24 Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's article on a Royal Commission on veterans' suicides https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/morrison-wedged-on-vets-royal-commission - if you are in crisis, please call Lifeline on 131144
On Monday's FlowFM Morning Show, host Wayne Phillips had a difficult time reconciling the Victorian Veterans' Affairs Minister's position on ANZAC Day commemorations in Melbourne versus veterans protesting against the Morrison Government in Canberra.
FlowNews24 spoke on Monday morning with Labor's shadow minister for water, Terri Butler MHR, about Labor's concerns about reaching 2024 water recovery targets in the Murray-Darling Basin, amid the Coalition government's declaration that it would not use buybacks or on-farm water recovery to reach the targets. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/basin-plan-must-be-more-flexible-victorian-government-nsw-irrigators
FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert speaks with FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips about the AIHW data out this week and his interview with Adopt Change Australia which highlighted a glaring statistic on adoptions from foster care in Australia. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/adoption-still-takes-23-4-years-as-intercountry-cases-continue-to-fall
FlowFM Morning show host Wayne Phillips goes through the latest farmgate data published at FlowNews24.com.au : https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/farmgate-data-for-12-19-march - click the link to see data on cattle, sheep, grains, canola, wool and dairy
FlowNews24 Canberra bureau's Hannah Phillips chats with Clayton Bester on the FlowFM Arvo Flow program about developments in federal politics this week
Motorists and motorcycling enthusiasts are encouraged to join the fund-raising Welly's Poker Run from Naracoorte to Kingston, Robe, Penola then back to Naracoorte on Saturday 20 March.
FlowFM Morning Show host across regional Victoria, southern NSW and South Australia looks at the growing crisis in confidence over reaching environmental water recovery targets in the Murray Darling Basin, and how for some river communities the dreaded B-word - buybacks - is a very real prospect by 2024. Read the full story at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/time-for-a-murray-darling-mature-chat-on-plan-b-post-2024-irrigator-spokesman
FlowNews24 Canberra correspondent John McDonnell argues that independent South Australian senators Rex Patrick and Stirling Griff's decision not to back industrial relations reform amid the pandemic economic recovery was an abrogation of their senate duty to tackle tough issues. FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips examines the claim - read more at FlowNews24.com.au https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/crossbenchers-sink-industrial-relations-legislation
FlowFM Arvo Flow host Clayton Bester chats with Michael Carpenter from Michael Carpenter and the Banks Brothers about their single "Me and You and the Other Guys" with Lozz Benson.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reviews the mouse plague situation in New South Wales that threatens harvested crops, crops in the ground - and potentially other states if not contained as soon as possible.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips analyses the surprise advocacy by a mining peak body to ensure carbon farming and conservation projects get higher weighting on pastoral lands.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at the latest on 'sports rorts' allegations, and asks why the Yorke Peninsula Field Days and Blyth Cinema missed out on SA regional grants
Labor told the Regions Rising conference it backed regionalisation, and as FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips analysed their policy commitments with the help of Canberra correspondent John McDonnell, there's a bit more to the story. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/regions-rising-conference-labor-supports-regionalisation
A Goulburn Murray Water irrigation spokesman has told FlowNews24 that the Murray Darling Basin Plan won't reach its 2024 water recovery targets, and it remains legal for the next federal government to buyback water, despite the current government saying it won't do on-farm water recovery or buybacks - Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - http://www.flownews24.com.au/article/time-for-a-murray-darling-mature-chat-on-plan-b-post-2024-irrigator-spokesman
It's back - the Streaky Bay Cup returns this year on 27 March after being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. For this and other events coming up in the district, FlowFM Country Viewpoint program host Jase Regan chats with Suzie Kenny.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at the latest ABS data on regional house prices and sales volumes, which paint a positive picture for regional South Australia.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips agrees with the sentiments of FlowNews24 Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's opinion piece that despite the thumping electoral win for a lockdown-inclined WA Labor premier, Australia's borders now need to remain open. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/border-closures-threaten-our-nationhood
South Australia's Labor Opposition - and the community - are still none the wiser as to why the Yorke Peninsula Country Field Days and Blyth Cinema were dropped from the approved list of regional grants fund recipients, and two less meritorious bids were included.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at the NSW Farmers' call for urgent action to address the mouse plague, and what it could mean across farming districts.
FlowFM Morning Show host analyses ABS data showing strong price movements for regional Victorian housing and a slump in sales in Melbourne, and notes the strong response from Liberal Opposition spokesperson Neil Angus MP who lays blame at the feet of the Andrews Labor government. Read the comments and more at https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/huge-movement-in-regional-residential-property-sales
FlowNews24 spoke with Alan Brown, spokesperson for NSW Farmers on the urgent need for state and federal government co-operation to approve and fund distribution of pesticide to prevent mice ruining stored and sown crops in New South Wales
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips spoke with FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert about Nicolle Flint's emotional rebuttal of Labor's identification with the 'Women4Justice' campaign.
Nikki Reynolds from The Rural newspaper chats with Jase Regan on the FlowFM Country Viewpoint program about the amazing farm land sale prices being achieved in the southern NSW Riverina district
FlowNews24 spoke with SACOME CEO Rebecca Knol about the mining industry's concerns with the 'apparent rush' on the Pastoral Bill to make the first changes to the Pastoral Act in 40 years, and looked at how SA Mining is coping and contributing as the state and national economy emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic
FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert spoke with charity AdoptChange's CEO Renee Carter about the Australin Institute of Health and Welfare data out on Wednesday morning showing record low international adoption numbers, but slow upward movement in Australian adoptions - with New South Wales leading the way in adoptions from foster care.
FlowNews24 spoke with Conservation and Hunting Alliance's John Peek on the same day the SA Greens moved to ban duck hunting. Mr Peek assured listeners that duck and quail hunting are traditional, family-focused practices that focus on conservation and are no different to fishing. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - http://www.flownews24.com.au/article/greens-move-to-ban-duck-hunting-hunters-say-its-conservation-focused-and-no-different-to-fishing
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reviews a call by one senator for his state's cinemas to receive Australian government handouts - like the tourism and airline industries - after the conclusion of Jobkeeper support.
Wayne Phillips on the FlowFM Morning Show chats with Rikki Lambert from the FlowNews24 news channel about next month's Victorian upper house sitting in Bright, and whether more of it should happen https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/do-we-need-more-regional-parliamentary-sittings
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks deeper into the clever work by barley marketers and exporters to find a new market for Australian barley after China slapped punitive tariffs on our barley.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips speaks about the coronial investigation into a 15-year-old's death in a hit-and-run tragedy on his birthday, near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/teen-left-for-dead-on-quiet-road-near-wagga-wagga
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips interviews FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert about the broader implications of the huge win by the McGowan Labor government, humbling the Liberal Opposition. Read the full story here: https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/liberals-wa-wipeout-an-omen-for-other-states
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips shares Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's latest opinion piece on the tough week the Morrison government faces in Canberra. Read the article at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/pm-facing-a-torrid-week-in-canberra
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips has been talking for some time about the need to improve farm safety and government support for farmers to do so. The shocking ad campaign to promote farm workplace health and safety features in this segment, but first Wayne reflects on the implications of Gina Rinehardt selling up farm holdings in Western Australia.
Canadian country musician Mackenzie Porter has been in music over a career spanning her role in popular Netflix series 'Travelers' - Clayton Bester on the FlowFM Arvo Flow program talked with Mackenzie about her music and Travelers
FlowFM Arvo Flow host Clayton Bester chats with Trent from Queensland's Route 33 about their single, 'She Knows What She's Doing'
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at the latest farmgate data across a host of commodities - read the full repot at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/friday-wrap-of-farmgate-data
Arvo Flow host Clayton Bester talks with Southern Highlands country singer Ross Webb about his song 'Cowgirl Angel', a tribute to a girl lost to bullying. Anyone looking for information, support and guidance from mental health professionals can contact the SANE Help Centre on 1800 187 263 or helpline@sane.org from 10am-10pm AEST Monday to Friday. For anyone in crisis, please call:Lifeline 13 11 14Suicide Call Back Line 1800 659 467Mensline 1300 789 978KidsHelpline 1800 551 800
The Flowman, Wayne Phillips, savages the restrictions being imposed on kids' sport in community sport in Victoria. And what about the ban on parental windbreaks in the half-time huddle? Don't miss more takes on community, state, national and international sport on the Friday Night Sports Show
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips analyses the reactions from the ABC and Labor leader Anthony Albanese to the Morrison Coalition government's tourism funding package - read more on FlowNews24.com.au
FlowNews24 correspondent John McDonnell writes about the historic top-level talks between US President Joe Biden, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison and his Indian and Japanese counterparts. FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips examines John's claim these talks could see China retaliate against Australian farm exports. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/indo-pacific-quad-talks-pose-risk-for-regions
FlowFM Arvo Flow host Clayton Bester chats with Melbourne's Olivia Little about her single 'the Burning Kind'
Graham Massey, mayor of Yarriambiack Council, spoke with Jason Regan on FlowFM's Country Viewpoint about the council's legal battle at IP Australia to trade mark the phrase 'Silo Art Trail'.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne 'the Flowman' Phillips reports from New South Wales that its good news that the Henty and Karoonda field days are going ahead, as Victoria helps train more shearers
FlowFM Morning Show host on his 7-week trip visiting family businesses and communities in regional South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, talks about the historical frontier movement into the country and how another move to country regions could be sparked by the efforts of the Regional Australia Institute in mid-March.
EnergyAustralia announced it would close a large Victorian power plant and replace it over time with what it claims will be the world's largest battery - but what about the hundreds of workers, and reliability of the energy grid? FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips investigates. Read the story at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/victorias-largest-power-plant-to-close-4-years-early
On the FlowFM Morning Show, Wayne Phillips reviews the Universities Australia presentation at the Press Club reviewed by FlowNews24 Canberra correspondent, John McDonnell - read the article at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/universities-plead-for-international-students-to-return
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips celebrates a SA government announcement to ban road works leaving incorrect signage up, needlessly holding up travellers and commuters - Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/sa-to-ban-incorrect-speed-limit-signage-at-road-works
FlowFM Morning Show host talks about a move by Democrat and some Republican legislators in the USA to ban Australia exporting kangaroo products, including leather for footy boots, due to the concerns of animal activists. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/american-activists-threaten-australias-80m-per-annum-kangaroo-exports
South Australian independent senator Rex Patrick has been aware from his constituents that there were cashflow problems at Whyalla steelworks - he has called on the Prime Minister to assure Whyalla and South Australia that the government will ensure the steelworks will not close - Read more at FlowNews24.com.au:- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/whyalla-steelworks-wobbles-sparks-worker-reassurance
The federal parliamentary member whose electorate contains almost all of the South Australian River Murray, Tony Pasin, responds to the Coalition government's decision to stop buybacks or to restore water to the system. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/bye-bye-buybacks-federal-water-minister-on-murray-darling-basin
Wayne 'the Flowman' Phillips crosses the border into NSW today and talks about the NSW premier's recent comments criticising other Australian states for their approach to border closures.
To commemorate International Women's Day, FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips talks about recent commentary on increasing women's participation in the workforce and economy, and the valuable contributions women make in Australian society. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/stronger-women-mean-a-stronger-economy
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips talks about the delay in approving an ANZAC Day commemoration in Melbourne after the Prime Minister's comments yesterday and NSW subsequently lifting attendance limits for Sydney's event from 500 to 3,000. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/melbourne-anzac-events-awaiting-government-approval
Courtney notes that among International Women's Day commemorations in 2021, the World Athletics Championship has announced that the women's 100 metre final will be the profile event at the end of the program at their next meeting. Clayton also looks at this day in history, including a birthday for VFL/AFL legend Tony 'Plugger' Lockett
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips marks International Women's Day with comments from Fiona Simson, head of National Farmers Federation, and talks about a Dutch farmer's clever use of drones to protect his crops.
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips talks about Australia's defence of the underdog Uighur people in Xinjiang, China and China's retaliation not just in words, but towards Australian farmers.
FlowNews24 spoke with Tim Bull MP, member for Gippsland East and Victorian shadow minister for veterans, about the delay in Victoria announcing whether and how ANZAC marches and commemorations can proceed, around 6 weeks out from the national event. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/pm-wants-anzac-marching-on-as-victoria-delays-nsw-restricts
Flow FM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at the article by Canberra correspondent John McDonnell on the FlowNews24 website about concerns with the financing arrangements for the Whyalla steelworks
On the FlowFM Morning Show, host Wayne Phillips reviews one MP's proposal for regions to secede from capital cities in Victoria and NSW, after reviewing other stories from the Riverina and NSW/Vic Murray area as he heads that way on a visit. Read more about these stories on FlowNews24.com.au
Wayne Phillips on the FlowFM Morning Show talks about the recent fatalities on SA roads - Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/horror-long-weekend-on-south-australian-roads
Court on the Breaky Flow reminisces about Barbie doll's debut, the Country Party rebrands to the Nationals, U2's best-selling Joshua Tree album, Docklands Stadium 1st ever game (Essendon vs Port Adelaide), London's Millenium 'Eye' wheel and birthdays for Tony 'Plugger' Lockett, Juliette Binoche and more
Court on the Breaky Flow this morning reviews the Oprah interview which she labels a 'no win' situation for Harry, Meghan or the Royal Family.
Country-pop singer Emily Hatton speaks with Clayton on the FlowFM Arvo Flow program about her single 'Make it Slow' and how she came up with the song, and how her songs like 'Why'd you have to?' have come about in everyday and deeply personal scenarios.
Flow FM's Jase Regan on Country Viewpoint caught up with federal member for Grey in South Australia about the new school at Two Wells and the merits of establishing housing on farming land.
The FlowFM Arvo Flow host Clayton Bester caught up with Tom Curtain during his 'In the West' tour of South Australia - and they chatted about sharing his passion for horses and dogs
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at the Bureau of Meteorology's latest predictions and what La Niña could mean for farmers - and policy makers.
Australian Country-Pop musician Jake Davey chats with Clayton Bester on the Arvo Flow program about his new single 'The Way She Does'.
Wayne Phillips on the FlowFM Morning show runs through the week's sheep, lamb, beef and cow prices from the preceding week - read the report at https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/farmgate-data-for-week-commencing-monday-1-march
Talking with Faye Young, treasurer of the committee for the Mundulla Show (www.mundullashow.org.au) on the long weekend of 6-7 March 2021 - more info on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Mundulla-Show-110644975666129
Jase Regan on Friday's Country Viewpoint program catches up with Tess Walsh on the latest in the international grains market
Jase Regan on the Country Viewpoint talks with Steven Read from Michell Wool about the latest Wool Market activity
Flow FM's Wayne Phillips reviews an article by Canberra correspondent John McDonnell into the allegation against Christian Porter, how we got here and where it could -or should - go from here https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/christian-porter-wont-surrender-to-trial-by-media
Hannah from the FlowNews24 Canberra bureau shares the latest from Canberra, including the trial-by-media of Attorney-General Christian Porter, saying she is unsure what a fresh investigation would conclude in relation to an accusation from a long time ago. She also tackles whether the major parties have a problem with promoting women in leadership.
FlowNews24 spoke with Mitchell Taylor from Taylors Wines about the significant win for the winery at the San Diego awards show contested by the best wine nations in the world, the significance for the Clare Valley and whether it represents a shift in palate for the shiraz/syrah brand. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/clare-valley-wine-the-best-shiraz-in-the-world @AFFWine @Wine_Australia
Wayne 'the Flowman' Phillips analyses the very broad reactions to the Coalition government's decision to ban buybacks of water on farms in the Murray-Darling Basin, including one northern Victorian MP's perspective that is sure to get pulses racing.
As the political pressure rises over South Australia's Queensland fruit fly outbreak, Riverland MP Tim Whetstone spoke with Flow FM's Jason Regan on the Country Viewpoint program about the situation - and how South Australians can contain the spread of the pest that threatens the state's $1 billion+ fruit-growing industry.
This Friday the 5th of March, Court on the Breaky Flow commemorates the launch of St Vincent de Paul, the origins of IBM, Don Bradman's final first-class cricket match, the Boy from Oz musical - and birthdays for Fifi Box, Matt Lucas, Eva Mendes, Aussie boxer Danny Green and the Reed brothers aka 'the Proclaimers'.
Country Viewpoint's Jason Regan catches up with ABARES about their current workshops amid a bumper year on the land from Australian farmers, driving Australia out of recession. Get the latest Agriculture news on FlowNews24.com.au
FlowFM's Country Viewpoint program speaks with the National Farmers Federation's horticulture spokesman Tyson Cattle about the shortage of farm labourers in Australia during the pandemic.
On the FlowFM Morning Show, host Wayne Phillips looks at the abortion laws that passed the South Australian Parliament this week, and what it means for women and unborn children. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au South Australia has decriminalised abortion, allowing late term abortions but with stricter conditios than other states - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/south-australia-decriminalises-abortion-with-stricter-conditions-than-other-states
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips shares his thoughts in Victoria and New South Wales about Water Minister Pitt's announcement alongside National Party colleagues in northern Victoria that the federal government would no longer spend money on farms to recover water for the Murray-Darling Basin - read more at FlowNews24.com.au https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/bye-bye-buybacks-federal-water-minister-on-murray-darling-basin
Flow FM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at the evidence given by John Sharp, Deputy Chairman of Rex Airlines, in a senate inquiry yesterday accusing Qantas of abusing its market power. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/rex-airlines-at-risk-of-being-swamped-by-qantas
Wayne Phillips on the FlowFM Morning Show looks at Australian farming's huge effort to pull Australia out of recession - read more at FlowNews24.com.au https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/australian-economy-farming-boom
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reflects on the latest article from Canberra correspondent John McDonnell -- Read more at FlowNews24.com.au https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/regions-rising-the-boom-in-rural-australia
Court on the Breaky Flow in the History Remixed segment looks at the origins of Happy Birthday to You, Disney's Cinderella, the death of Ansett Airlines and happy birthday to Olympian Geoff Heugill, Patricia Heaton from 'Everybody Loves Raymond', Aussie director Scott Hicks and more.
Clayton on the Arvo Flow program spoke with rising Central Coast country singer-songwriter, Chelsea Berman, has released her long-awaited second EP, Can You Just Not.
FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert was listening to the evidence given by Rex Airlines at a senate inquiry on Wednesday morning, and picks up the latest in the battle for airline supremacy between Qantas and upstart regional carrier moving into domestic markets, Rex Airlines
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at South Australia's nation-leading ban on single use plastics. Read more on the ban and the SA government's plans to target polystyrene and fake biodegradable claims at: https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/plastics-ban-in-force-in-south-australia
Flow FM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips responds to the recent projections by ABARES that Australia is less likely to get a good year on the land in the next 5 years, and more likely to get a dry year, whilst projecting the lack of fruit and vegetable pickers will hit farm incomes and hike produce prices in fruit stalls and supermarkets.
On the FlowFM Morning Show, host Wayne Phillips looks at Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's article about Energy Minister Angus Taylor's inclusion of soil carbon capture and storage as part of Australia's energy revolution. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/can-soil-save-the-planet
On the FlowFM Morning Show, Wayne Phillips looks at Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's article about the prospect of the Coalition parties - led by a ginger group of Nationals Senators - privately favouring including nuclear energy in Australia's energy mix. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/nats-push-for-nuclear-power
Flow FM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at yesterday's release of the Royal Commission report on mental health, and the Premier's attempts to stage a bipartisan moment that quickly became quite partisan. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/victorian-mental-healths-catastrophic-failure
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at the shock move in South Australia's parliament yesterday to exploit the Marshall government's new minority to see country independents move for an inquiry into mineral explorers' impact on SA farmers. Read More at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/inquiry-formed-into-sa-farming-mining-conflicts-through-minority-government-maelstrom
Rikki Lambert brings the Breaky Flow audience updates on the topics FlowNews24 is covering today from federal and state politics to a potent beer recall and Australia's deadliest animal. Catch the latest news at FlowNews24.com.au
On Wednesday the 3rd of March, Court on the Breaky Flow commemorates the naming of Melbourne and Darwin, Melbourne Storm's huge win and toilet paper's sudden price rise - and birthdays for legendary South Australian racehorse Makybe Diva, Jessica Biel, Ronan Keating, rapper Tone Loc, Mad Max and other Australian film director George Miller and more
South Australian Liberal government Environment Minister David Speirs talks about the state's nation-leading ban on single-use plastics, including straws, plates, bags. The Minister says polystyrene is next in the Marshall government's sights -- Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/plastics-ban-in-force-in-south-australia
FlowFM Arvo Flow host Clayton Bester speaks with US country music's Rusty Gear about his single 'It's Still You'.
Talking with Krystal Cameron from Melbourne about living through lockdown, Clayton Bester on the Arvo Flow explores the story behind the debut single 'Bad Taste'.
The Flow FM Arvo Flow program's host Clayton Bester chats with legendary South Australian rocker, Jimmy Barnes, about the imminent Red Hot Summer music event at Seppeltsfield in the Barossa Valley on 28 March.
On the FlowFM Morning Show, Wayne Phillips explores the SA Labor Opposition's announcement that it would bring the Supercars back to the Adelaide street circuit, and how that contrasts with the purpose-built The Bend Motorsport Park in FlowFM's 97.7FM broadcast area at Tailem Bend. Read more at: https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/van-ginsbergens-perfect-bathurst-start-as-labor-pledges-supercar-return-to-adelaide
On the FlowFM Breaky Flow, Court reviews this day in history featuring: Porky Pig, The Sound of Music, the Compact Disc (CD), One Direction's Australian tour, birthdays for Rebel Wilson, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Olympian Hayley Lewis, Daniel Craig, Anthony Albanese, Jon Bon Jovi and former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks through the latest funding announcements to improve South Australian country highways - Read more at FlowNews24.com.au
Flow FM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips welcomes the return of the Fox and Wild Dog Bounty to reduce pest numbers in regional Victoria. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/victorias-fox-and-wild-dog-bounty-on-from-1-march
For your farming news, favourite www.flownews24.com.au/categories/agriculture
National Farmers Federation's AgriFutures document projects a huge growth in Australian farm output, however Wayne Phillips says on the FlowFM Morning Show - we need more capital to get there. For your Agriculture news, go to www.flownews24.com.au/categories/agriculture
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks further at Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's article about the media's campaign against the Morrison government, centring on the roles Labor and the ABC yet have to play. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/the-media-campaign-to-destroy-the-morrison-government
On the FlowFM Morning show from 9am to 12 noon, Wayne Phillips reviews John McDonnell's latest piece from Canberra reviewing the coverage of a growing number of sexual assault allegations in the nation's capital centring around federal politicians https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/the-media-campaign-to-destroy-the-morrison-government
On the FlowFM Morning Flow, Court reflects on historical events such as the first ever FM radio station and colour TV in Australia, Australia's first COVID-19 death and birthdays for Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, Aussie Indy car driver Will Power turns 40, Gerard Healy turns 60, Leigh Matthews, director Ron Howard, Roger Daltry and more. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/1-march-on-this-day-in-history-remixed-on-the-breaky-flow
FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert spoke with SA Treasurer Rob Lucas about news FlowFM is receiving from Morning Show host Wayne Philips as he visits the regions, namely that country businesses have plenty of work on but can not find the workers to do the work. Mr Lucas tells FlowNews24, the SA government is trying to encourage city-based workers to look for work in the state's regions. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/treasurer-acknowledges-need-for-skilled-workers-in-regional-sa-signs-of-housing-shortage-close-to-adelaide
On the Arvo Flow, Clayton Bester checks in with FlowNews24's Canberra bureau, getting Hannah Phillips' view from a woman's perspective on the scandals in Canberra, also talking about what might happen with renegade defector MP Craig Kelly.
Flow FM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks at an ugly week for the Morrison Coalition government in Canberra where it faced a growing number of claims by women regarding sexual impropriety, and the defection of government MP Craig Kelly to the crossbench. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/another-messy-week-for-morrison
During his visit to Ceduna in western South Australia, FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reflects on the emerging war of words between Rex Airlines and Qantas about competition in regional and domestic routes. Could it drive down airfares? Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/rex-accusations-against-qantas-piques-accc-interest
On the FlowFM Morning Show, host Wayne Phillips looks at the latest data showing Australian farming's strong export reliance and performance, and some truth-telling on the difference between Australian and Chinese government subsidies to their farmers.
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/agriculture-a-standout-australian-economic-performer-abares
On the FlowFM Morning Show, Wayne Phillips reflects on NSW ecologists' view that the historic dog fence across northern SA, western NSW and Queensland - and pushes to reintroduce dingoes or wild dogs in south-eastern Australia - threatens livestock and human lives. More on FlowNews24.com.au: -
FlowNews24 speaks with SA Treasurer Rob Lucas about the South Australian economy after Business SA data indicated business confidence is on the rise. The Treasurer labelled as unhelpful 'doom and gloom' Labor's comments, relying on an ANZ economic survey, showing poor rankings on economic health and employment. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au
On the FlowFM Arvo Flow program, Clayton Bester waffles with Belgian born Australian musician Moozi from The Royal Belgian Conspiracy, introducing the heartfelt song 'Hold On'. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/chatting-with-moozi-from-the-royal-belgian-conspiracy
On FlowFM's Breaky Show, Courtney goes through historic and quirky facts such as: Bonox, Radarthe first Internet Browser, human dominoes world record and celebrity birthdays including: Taylor Dooley, Jacqui Lambie turns 50 and Michael Bolton
Read more at: https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/26-february-on-this-day-in-history-remixed
In a 'ripper' interview with the member for Ripon, Country Viewpoint's Jason Regan talks with Louise Staley MP, deputy leader of the Victorian Liberals and shadow Treasurer, about Victoria's second loss of a AAA credit rating, and the Regional Jobs Grant program announced in her electorate, but she wasn't told it was happening.
The Country Viewpoint program got Victorian Liberal Democrats MLC Tim Quilty's reaction to Victoria's regional jobs announcement, his views on the Murray-Darling Basin and Lower Lakes, the state government's lockdown approach to COVID-19 and a local perspective on the impact of bushfires last year.
During a visit to Poochera and the Eyre Peninsula, Wayne Phillips looks at the possible impacts of the proposed Poochera kaolin mine - particularly on local farming businesses. For the latest local, state, national and world news, visit www.flownews24.com.au
The local water authority is proposing a new wastewater treatment arrangement at Goroke - but will it pass the environmental standards? FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips looks into the situation - Learn More at FlowNews24.com.au: https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/new-wastewater-proposal-for-goroke-vic
In the FlowFM broadcast regions, livestock sales figures continue to come in showing strong results. Morning Show host Wayne Phillips goes through the figures. Read the figures and story on FlowNews24.com.au:- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/livestock-update-24-feb-2021
FlowFM Morning show host Wayne Phillips goes through the sentencing data of a truck driver who was on ice when he collided with a vehicle, claiming the lives of a Victorian mother and her son near Corowa. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/truck-driver-on-ice-jailed-for-93-4-13-years-for-killing-vic-mother-son-near-corowa-nsw
As he visits Ceduna on South Australia's West Coast, FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips talks about the competing views about the merits of the commonwealth government's cashless debit card trial, designed to ensure government welfare payments are not spent on drugs, alcohol or gambling -- read more at FlowNews24.com.au:- https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/cashless-debit-card-racist-discriminatory-labor-claims
On the FlowFM Morning show, Wayne Phillips looks at Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's political comment on the storm enveloping Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, not just around sexual assault allegations but within her defence portfolio. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/defence-minister-linda-reynolds-has-questions-to-answer
Melbourne western suburbs product Giovanni 'Gio' Agosta began his career as a vibrant hip-hop artist. As a Bob Dylan fan, he wanted to branch out into a broader musical set. Gio spoke with FlowFM about his single Old Dusty Road, the follow-up to his previous hits Free, Your Face and See You Tonight. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/article/on-the-old-dusty-road-with-australian-artist-gio
The origins of the Colt Revolver, Cassius Clay, the death of Donald Bradman, and birthdays for James & Oliver Phelps, Rashida Jones, Sean Astin turning 50, Tea Leoni and more - Read More at FlowNews24.com.au
The Country Viewpoint program speaks with Nikki Reynolds, journalist at The Rural about the February Finley field day.
On Country Viewpoint, Jason Regan chats with Craig Midgley about 'Are You Bogged Mate', a program to help men talk about mental health as workshops roll out in regional South Australia
FlowFM's Wayne Phillips visited the Minnipa Research Centre in South Australia's Eyre Peninsula region during a visit to the 106.9FM listening area and discussed the importance of farm research and innovation
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips had to bite his tongue on his response to Victorian premier Daniel Andrews' comment that it was still a wait-and-see situation with the ANZAC Day March in Victoria. Read more on the FlowNews24.com.au exclusive story here: https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/victoria-opposition-calls-on-andrews-government-to-re-think-anzac-march-ban-as-qld-gets-all-clear
During a visit to the Eyre Peninsula and South Australia's west coast regions, Wayne Phillips visits the Minnipa Research Centre as ABARES and CSIRO came out with predictions of the 'megatrends' confronting Australia's farmers and regional communities. Read more on Agriculture at https://www.flownews24.com.au/categories/agriculture
As Wayne Phillips travels through the Eyre Peninsula and South Australia's west coast region, he reflects on the Business SA survey of business sentiment in SA, contrasting it with what he's hearing everywhere he goes in regional SA - they can't find tradies and skilled workers to meet booming demand. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/sa-business-confidence-up-but-opposition-points-to-unemployment-albatross
On the FlowFM Morning Show, host Wayne Phillips analyses Victoria's second loss of a triple-A credit rating and what it could mean for the state. Read More at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/victoria-loses-aaa-credit-rating
On the FlowFM Morning Show, host Wayne Phillips catches up with FlowNews24's coverage on Craig Kelly MP's defection from the Liberals, how it changes the voting balance in the House of Representatives and what it could mean for energy and climate policy in Australia. Read More at www.flownews24.com.au/categories/politics
Retiring Member for Flinders covering the Eyre Peninsula, Peter Treloar, talks with Jason Regan on FlowFM's Country Viewpoint program about the recent pre-selection decision to appoint Sam Telfer, Tumby Bay Mayor, as his successor as candidate and - in all likelihood - member for Flinders. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/liberals-select-sam-telfer-to-replace-member-for-flinders
Retiring Member for Flinders covering the Eyre Peninsula, Peter Treloar, talks with Jason Regan on FlowFM's Country Viewpoint program about the recent and fractious abortion debate in South Australia, and his vote in that debate. For all the latest news go to FlowNews24.com.au
The member for Lowan in the Victorian State Parliament and shadow minister for mental health, Emma Kealy, chatted with Jason Regan on FlowFM's Country Viewpoint program about the Premier's claims about the quality of Victoria's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Search our FlowNews24 podcast channel for Part 1 of this interview - and watch www.FlowNews24.com.au for the latest news developments
The member for Lowan in the Victorian State Parliament and shadow minister for mental health, Emma Kealy, chatted with Jason Regan on FlowFM's Country Viewpoint program on her recent maternity leave and coping with lockdown. Search our FlowNews24 podcast channel for Part 2 of this interview - and watch www.FlowNews24.com.au for the latest news developments
Court on the Breaky Flow takes us back through history, remembering when Thomas Edison proposed to his wife in Morse code, Pavarotti's record length curtain call, Dick Smith's Tasman Sea crossing and happy 40th birthday to SA's Lleyton Hewitt, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Billy Zane, Kristen Davis, Rupert Holmes who lifted the sales of piña coladas - and the late Steve Jobs
Rachel, one half of the sister act Americana/alt-country duo that is Innocent Eve, talks with Clayton Bester about their single 'Three Quarter Time' - no, it's not a footy reference - on their new album 'Viking' released on 19 February 2021. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- http://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/three-quarter-time-with-rachel-from-innocent-eve
Hannah Phillips from the FlowNews24 Canberra bureau speaks with Clayton Bester on the FlowFM Arvo Flow about the latest from Canberra on Craig Kelly's dramatic resignation from the Liberal Party on Tuesday 23 February. For the latest on Craig Kelly's resignation and Tuesday in federal politics, go to FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/morrison-government-in-minority-as-craig-kelly-quits-liberals
A Patchewollock farmer in north-west Victoria has lost 50 sheep to wild dogs that locals assert are coming out of Wyperfeld National Park and savaging livestock. On Country Viewpoint, Jason Regan spoke with Tracey Lawson from nearby Ouyen's North West Express newspaper about the story. Keep up to date with farming, local, state, national and world news at FlowNews24.com.au
Wayne Phillips looks at Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's opinion piece about Ross Garnaut's new book on resetting the Australian economy, saying it could be the policy reset Labor needs after Bill Shorten's disastrous tax-and-spend policy that lost the last Federal election. Read More at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/labor-has-a-ready-made-economic-manifesto-if-it-wants-it
Independent regional Victorian MP Helen Haines launched an idea in the last 24 hours to ensure that regional communities impacted by a renewable energy project, such as a wind farm, ought to get a percentage share of the revenue from the project. On the FlowFM morning show, Wayne Phillips looks at the proposal and reactions to it - Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/regional-communities-to-own-share-in-renewable-projects-in-their-district-under-mps-plan
During a visit to the West Coast, Wayne Phillips spoke about Andromeda's new Porcelain Mine south of Poochera on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, and its potential impact on local farmers. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au
The National Farmers Federation, Regional Australia Institute and others are building the case to grow Australia's regions - and fast - as pro-country sentiment is running high after a torrid 2020 pandemic year. Wayne Phillips on the FlowFM Morning Show looks at the latest data and efforts to promote country Australia - read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/golden-opportunity-to-drive-country-growth
Fruit Fly from Victoria has been detected in fruit that was available in South Australian supermarkets. On the FlowFM Morning Show, Wayne looks at the serious implications of this quarantine breach. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/sas-urgent-recall-for-fruit-fly-produce-from-victoria
Shadow Veterans minister Tim Bull has told FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert on Tuesday morning that Queensland's decision to allow ANZAC Day marches should cause the Andrews government to consider whether it should retract their long-range ban of the 2021 Melbourne commemorations - Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/victoria-opposition-calls-on-andrews-government-to-re-think-anzac-march-ban-as-qld-gets-all-clear
Court on the Breaky Flow looks at the FlowNews24 story featuring data released by the Regional Australia Institute, revealing that a stunning 1 in 5 city residents are considering a tree change or sea change, moving to country towns and cities. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/20-of-city-slickers-thinking-of-a-tree-change
Court on FlowFM's Breaky Flow takes us back through history in History Remixed for Tuesday 23 February 2021, commemorating: The founding of Rotary in 1905 - but when were women admitted? Legendary racehorse Phar Lap's first race in 1929; the first cross-Australian journey of the Indian Pacific train service in 1970; Australian band Men at Work winning a 1983 Grammy for best new artist; and wishes happy birthday to: Dakota Fanning, Emily Blunt, Josh Gad (the voice of Olaf in Frozen), Michael Dell of Dell Computers, Patricia Richardson from Home Improvement
Wayne Phillips reflects on a Country Viewpoint interview with Kingston South-East council's CEO about the high cost of restoring a boat-launching facility, and the broader policy implications of decisions taken in the past - Read More at FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/kingston-council-wont-re-open-boat-ramp-unless-ratepayers-okay-7m-cost
Drake chats with Clayton Bester on the FlowFM Arvo Flow program about his release of the re-imagined take on Corey Hart's classic hit 'Never Surrender', a duet with fellow Canadian and Ottawa artist Lisa Thompson from Sovereign Council. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au - http://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/drake-jensen-and-lisa-thompson
Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka went home with the silverware at an Australian Open like no other. Clayton catches up with Wayne on the Arvo Flow for his thoughts on the winners and other takeaways from the tournament. For the latest sport news, go to flownews24.com.au and search FLOW SPORTS on your favourite Podcast app.
An Australian government crackdown on biosecurity breaches could see fines of up to $1.1m imposed for those that put Australian farms, tourism and the environment at risk. Read more at :- http://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/tough-new-penalties-for-putting-australian-biosecurity-at-risk
On the Flow FM Morning Show, Wayne Phillips looks at the Andrews Government's duck season declaration that has sporting shooters unhappy because it isn't broad enough, and animal advocates unhappy that it is happening at all. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/senate-condemns-drastic-victorian-duck-season-limits
The Victorian State Government announced on Sunday 21 February a package of compensation measures for businesses adversely affected by the 5-day lockdown, from $2,000 in direct payments to a further $3,000 for some hospitality businesses - and thousands of $200 tourism vouchers. Wayne Phillips picks the announcement apart on the FlowFM Morning Show. Read More at FlowNews24.com.au -> http://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/143-million-compensation-for-victorian-businesses-hurt-by-5-day-lockdown
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recently appeared at a Senate inquiry to support his campaign for a Royal Commission into the Murdoch media empire. He claimed during his testimony that fellow ex-PM Malcolm Turnbull (@turnbullmalcolm) agreed with his assertion that PMs were scared of 'Murdoch'. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/rudd-accuses-murdoch-of-undermining-australian-democracy
Wayne Phillips on the Morning Show reviews the SA Liberal party pre-selection in the state seat of Flinders, and asks - could Flinders get its first Minister? Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/liberals-select-sam-telfer-to-replace-member-for-flinders
On the FlowFM Breaky Show, Court talks about the absence of news in Australians' Facebook news feeds, however one news service is still there, going strong with no subscription requirement - FlowNews24. Go to www.flownews24.com.au for more
In the FlowFM Breaky Flow History Remixed segment, Court runs through some events in history on this day, Monday 22 February 2021, including the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and wishes Happy Birthday to Drew Barrymore, James Blunt, Kyle MacLachlan and remembers Steve Irwin, born on this day. Read More at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/22-february-on-this-day
Tumby Bay mayor Sam Telfer has been chosen as Liberal candidate for the safe seat of Flinders at the 2022 State Election, replacing 11-year incumbent Peter Treloar. He spoke with FlowFM Country Viewpoint's Jason Regan during the pre-selection process. Read more: http://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/liberals-select-sam-telfer-to-replace-member-for-flinders
The South Australian Mayor spoke with FlowFM's Country Viewpoint program about the Clare Gourmet weekend, Autumn Garden Festival, Clare Valley uncorked Cycling event and Local Hotels winning state Hotel Industry excellence awards.
Listen to Part 1 of the interview here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/43534546
The South Australian Mayor spoke with FlowFM's Country Viewpoint program about the recent grain harvest and imminent grape harvest in the district, and the need for workers for the harvest and houses to rent in the district.
Part 2 of the interview can be accessed here: https://www.spreaker.com/user/13944602/cvp6-2
Barossa Council Mayor Bim Lange shares with Jason Regan on Country Viewpoint the exciting $4m+ project between Council and the federal government, with thanks to @TonyPasinMP, to upgrade Barossa United FC facilities - and talked about the Barossa Rally Car event. - with @FootballSouthAu
Council's difficult choice on reinstating the boat launching facility since its 2019 closure as it will cost $7.6m to do so, determining to hold back unless ratepayers are on board with the rate increase it would require. For the full story go to FlowNews24.com.au :- http://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/kingston-council-wont-re-open-boat-ramp-unless-ratepayers-okay-7m-cost
In this part 2 of a two-part interview with Helen Dalton MP, Member for Murray on FlowFM's Country Viewpoint, Jason Regan chats with Helen about water, particularly flood plain harvesting for Cotton, the contrast between northern and southern NSW on the practice, and the need for a water ownership register in NSW.
Catch Episode 1 here: https://www.spreaker.com/user/13944602/cvp6vic
In this part 1 of a two-part interview with Helen Dalton MP, Member for Murray on FlowFM's Country Viewpoint, Jason Regan chats with Helen about the summer harvest, encouraging ABARES data for farmers, and how the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party have got underway for 2021.
Catch Part 2 here: https://www.spreaker.com/user/13944602/cvp3vic-1
Jason Regan spoke with Steven Read on Friday 19 February about a hot week on the wool sales market, examining the trends and reasons for the strong market activity.
On FlowFM's Country Viewpoint program including 95.3FM near Murrayville, Jason Regan catches up with Scott McLean from Forest Fire Management Victoria about the new Stockman's Campground near the Nhill-Murrayville Track in Big Desert Wilderness Park. Scott recommends campers take 4-wheel-drive vehicles to access the site.
After a wild week in Canberra, Clayton Bester on the Arvo Flow catches up with FlowNews24's Hannah Phillips about the sexual assault allegations, the social media giants and the National Party's move against their own government on clean coal and uranium energy. For more, go to FlowNews24:
Wayne Phillips on the FlowFM Morning Show goes through the data from Meat and Livestock Australia regarding beef and sheep numbers. Read the figures and analysis here on FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/cause-for-optimism-in-latest-beef-sheep-data
On the FlowFM Morning Show, Wayne Phillips tackles a new angle on the Facebook Australian news blockade, looking at the way tech giants like Facebook and Google use algorithms to block or moderate content, and the risk of leaving those decisions to artificial intelligence or staff with no accountability in Australia.
Wayne Phillips reflects on the nation's unemployment data out on Thursday 18 February, and drills into Youth Unemployment and skills, featuring comment from the Minister for Skills in South Australia, the state with the highest unemployment rate. Read more on FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/sa-tops-national-unemployment-rate
On the FlowFM Morning Show, Wayne Phillips looks back on a crazy week in Canberra reviewing correspondent John McDonnell's wrap on FlowNews24.com.au, including a sexual assault claim, Facebook's retaliation to a media code and the Nationals' coal and uranium rebellion. Read more here on FlowNews24 :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/scott-morrisons-tough-week
During a visit to the Mallee and Riverland in eastern South Australia, Wayne Phillips spoke on the Morning Show about the federal government's scheme to help hotel businesses save money on their energy bills, commending local Liberal federal member Tony Pasin (@TonyPasin / @TonyPasinMP) for sharing an initiative to help after a difficult 2020-21 season. For more info on the program at business.gov.au - https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/hotel-energy-uplift-program?fbclid=IwAR3D6nEMYLy0BYVfJNX-Zlp3D0DZNqjGdZeQsYmiDEkS6_xeydutDf-nmxY
FlowFM Arvo Flow host Clayton Bester caught up with FlowNews24's Rikki Lambert to talk about Facebook's Thursday 18 February misfired attack on pages across Australia in retaliation to government plans to force them to pay for news. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/facebook-restores-essential-services-access-to-pages
Thursday 18 February saw Facebook lash out at Australian Facebook pages in a blunderbuss attempt to punish the Australian government for its media code. Aiming for Australian media organisations, Facebook inadvertently took out not only public health, emergency and charitable pages - but even hit itself. Court on the Breaky Flow brings you the latest. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au:- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/facebook-restores-essential-services-access-to-pages
On the FlowFM Breaky Flow, Court reminisces about On This Day in history and the origins of Kelloggs Cornflakes, the bombing of Darwin, WA's hottest day, and birthdays for Millie Bobbie Brown, Lisa McCune's big 5-0, singer Seal, actor Jeff Daniels, and Smokey Robinson
The Arvo Flow's Clayton Bester on FlowFM catches up with Adam Harvey, who is about to hit the road touring for 7 months including NSW, Victoria and South Australia, on the 19 February release of his new album "Songs from Highway One". Adam introduces the song 'All for Rum' at the end of the episode -- Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/going-on-highway-one-with-adam-harvey-on-the-arvo-flow
Citrus SA's Mark Doecke took a break from spraying his crop to talk with Jason Regan on Country Viewpoint about his industry's work with South Australian government to bring Pacific Island workers in from low-risk covid-safe countries to harvest their crops. Mr Doecke said that SA alone needed at least 1000 Pacific Island workers. He also addressed the perpetual challenge of getting Australian citizens to do work on farms. Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/1-000-pacific-island-workers-needed-in-sa-citrus-industry-alone
Wayne Phillips on the FlowFM Morning Show addresses the Morrison government's move to force Google and Facebook to pay for news shared on their platforms by Australian news organisations.
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au:- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/tech-giants-buckle-in-the-face-of-media-code
Minister for Skills and Training in South Australia, David Pisoni, spoke with Rikki Lambert on FlowNews24 about Thursday's adverse ABS jobs data for SA, addressing the way the government is assisting young people and businesses to have more people in apprenticeships. Read more on the jobs data at https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/sa-tops-national-unemployment-rate
Federal Small Business and Family Enterprise Commissioner Kate Carnell spoke with Jason Regan on FlowFM's Country Viewpoint about the impact on small and family businesses from lockdowns, particularly the losses incurred and the difficulty of continuously stopping and re-opening the business.
Local independent MPs have been targeted by political opponents buying their names as 'domain names', including NSW MP Helen Dalton and Vic MP Ali Cupper. On the FlowFM Morning Show, Wayne Phillips looked into this 'cybersquatting' and the tricks being played to undermine political competition. Meanwhile, Ali Cupper is attacking the higher council rates some regional Victorians pay than their city cousins.
The Victorian Opposition are angry that the state government refuses to rule out reintroducing dingoes in the Grampians area.
On the FlowFM Morning Show, Wayne Phillips shares part of an interview by Jason Regan on the Country Viewpoint program with Tony Pasin MP, member for Barker. His electorate takes in the fruitgrowing regions of the Riverland and Barossa, and he's throwing his support behind urgent action on the fruit picking labour shortage.
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- http://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/pasin-throws-support-behind-urgent-action-on-fruit-picker-shortage
On the FlowFM Breaky Flow this Thursday 18 February, Court remembers the discovery of Pluto, snow in the Sahara, and wishes happy birthday to John Travolta, Molly Ringwald, Cybill Shepherd, Tammy McIntosh and Yoko Ono - Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/18-february-2021-history-remixed-with-court-on-the-breaky-flow
Queensland artist Brittany Elise shared what she did during the 2020 pandemic with Clayton Best on the FlowFM Arvo Flow, and introduces her new song 'Find your Music' at the end of this podcast track - enjoy.
http://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/brittany-elise-introduces-her-new-single-find-your-music
Former Senator Bob Day talks about re-establishing the Family First policy platform as the Australian Family Party, saying he was upset that the party folded and ceased to be a presence in South Australian and federal politics.
For part 1 of the interview, go to: https://www.spreaker.com/user/13944602/bobday1
Jason Regan on Country Viewpoint spoke with the founder of the new Australian Family Party, former Senator Bob Day, about how he fell from grace in federal politics, and how he coped with the disappointment.
FlowFM's Wayne Phillips talks on the Morning Show about the new WTO head's appointment and what that might mean for Australian farmers, particularly with the Barley dispute with China
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au:- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/ngozi-okonjo-iweala-to-lead-world-trade-organisation
Water NSW has announced an increase to general security water allocations in the NSW Murray to 50% - however, this triggers an environmental water requirement that will prevent further increases in the near future. On the FlowFM Morning Show, Wayne Phillips reacts to the announcement.
Read more on flownews24.com.au :- www.flownews24.com.au/blog/nsw-murray-allocation-up-to-50-with-a-catch
Wayne Phillips was recently in Victoria and just got into South Australia before the snap 5-day lockdown kicked in. On the Morning Show on Wednesday - the last day of the lockdown - Wayne talked about the prospects of travel back into regional Victoria.
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au
FlowNews24 caught up with Opposition spokesperson and member for Ripon Louise Staley about a Victorian government plan to require farmers to be licensed to use manure.
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au:-https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/what-a-load-of-victoria-government-to-require-manure-licences
An emotional Wayne Phillips speaks on his Morning Show about yesterday's 13-year-old pedestrian tragedy in Balaklava, a community that he knows very well.
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au:- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/pedestrian-bus-incident-at-balaklava
On the Morning Show on FlowFM across regional Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, Wayne addresses this week's sexual assault allegation in Canberra and our Canberra correspondent's article on the problem this poses for the government, and the possible ramifications for Defence Minister Linda Reynolds.
More at FlowNews24: https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/morrison-government-in-deep-trouble-over-sexual-assault-allegations
On the eve of the Victorian Lockdown ending on Wednesday 17 February, Member for Ripon including Donald and Charlton communities, Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Treasurer Louise Staley said Premier Andrews has 'just not been good enough' in appreciating the severe impacts on families and businesses from the snap lockdown affecting Valentines' Day and Chinese New Year. Read more on FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/vic-well-placed-to-end-lockdown-on-time
Origins of Arnotts biscuits, sardines, the Phantom comic strip, the closure of Holden in Elizabeth SA and birthdays for Michael Jordan, Rene Russo, Ed Sheeran, Barry Humphries and more
Read more at Flownews24.com.au:- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/on-this-day-17-february-2021
On the FlowFM Morning Show across regional Victoria, Wayne Phillips explores the case of a principal at an unnamed Victorian school who the Ombudsman says rorted $23,000 in school money. More at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/principal-rorted-23-000-on-gambling-booze-trip
The Victorian Liberal-National Opposition health spokesperson Emma Kealy and member for Lowan in the Wimmera region in western Victoria has condemned the Andrews government's withholding of a crucial Royal Commission report on Mental Health. Wayne Phillips on the FlowFM Morning Show responds to Ms Kealy's remarks.
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/vic-opposition-critical-of-withheld-mental-health-royal-commission-report
On the Flow FM Morning Show, Wayne Phillips shared the latest encouraging data from federal agriculture research body ABARES that shows Australia is on track for a record winter harvest in crops such as wheat, barley and canola. Wayne breaks down the figures for NSW, Victoria and South Australia -- Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/abares-hails-australias-2nd-largest-winter-crop-on-record
Blake Dantier's latest brew 'Wish you were my Beer' comes hot on the heels of his previous hit single 'I'd Do it Again'. The Australian artist speaks with Clayton Bester on the Arvo Flow and introduces the song for FlowNews24 listeners.
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :-> https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/wish-you-were-my-beer-with-blake-dantier
FlowFM caught up with former Family First senator Bob Day about his new movement, the Australian Family Party, as the South Australian abortion debate heats up, with competing rallies over 2 previous Saturdays in advance of a SA parliamentary debate in mid-February.
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au:- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/have-the-sa-liberals-read-the-abortion-debate-horribly-wrong
Wayne Phillips welcomes you to the FlowNews24 podcast channel while speaking on the FlowFM Morning Show - go to www.flownews24.com.au for the stories and search 'FLOWNEWS24' in your favourite podcasting application to access the latest news, interviews and other content.
Wayne Phillips on the FlowFM morning show looks at FlowNews24's Canberra correspondent John McDonnell review of former finance Minister and Western Australian Liberal senator Matthias Cormann's campaign to become Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD for short
Read More at FlowNews24.com.au:- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/cormann-on-shortlist-for-oecd-leadership
350,000 Victorians have been sent 'Please Explain' notices about their failure to vote at the Council elections. Failure to give a good reason to the Electoral Commissioner could result in a $83 fine - Wayne Phillips picks up the story on the FlowFM Morning Show
Read More on FlowNews24: https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/non-voters-in-council-elections-receive-please-explain
The SA Liberals have decided their candidate to replace Stephan Knoll in the blue-ribbon seat of Schubert, covering the Barossa Valley, choosing Premier Marshall's media adviser and local product Ashton Hurn
Wayne Phillips on the FlowFM Morning Show looks at the sheep and cattle livestock markets across the FlowFM broadcast area in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales
Court on the Breaky Flow program shares the origins of 'God Bless You' for sneezing, Tim Tams, the Teletubbies, historic first winter gold for Steven Bradbury, and birthdays for Malcolm 'Blighty' Blight, the Weeknd, moto GP's Valentino Rossi, Cathy Freeman, John McEnroe, IceT And more
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/on-this-day-16-february
Doug Aldrich from the Dead Daisies talks with Clayton Bester about the band's fifth album, 'Holy Ground' and featured the last track on the album 'Far Away', which plays at the end of this podcast episode. Read more at FlowNews24:- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/the-dead-daisies-new-album-holy-ground-with-doug-aldrich
On Country Viewpoint, Jason Regan caught up with Grain Producers SA about free grain marketing, diversification and on-farm grain hygiene workshops in Yorketown (16 February), Balaklava (17/2), Tailem Bend (23/2) and Naracoorte (25/2)
On FlowFM's Breaky Flow, Court questions whether a Wizard of Oz Hollywood remake is a good idea. Read More on FlowNews24: https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/wizard-of-oz-remake-in-the-works
Court remixes history this 15th of February reminiscing about Teddy bears, gold, Video Hits, a Mackay deluge and birthdays for Jarryd Hayne, Matt Groening and a big 7-0 for Jane Seymour
Wayne Phillips on the Morning Show celebrates the increase in the number of South Australian volunteer and employed firefighters and response times (9.8 minutes in the CFS) revealed by the Productivity Commission's Report on Government Services
Read more on FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/great-performance-by-sa-firefighting-emergency-volunteers
Footy, netball, hockey et cetera are coming back across country areas in 2021, Wayne Phillips says on the morning show - but what COVID-19 related conditions will be in place? Gate caps, staying in cars, access restrictions to the playing area and quarter-time huddles - and more.
Find out more on the Friday sports show, 5-7pm on FlowFM in your local area, find your frequency here: https://www.flowadvertising.com.au/maps-towns
Local Victorian state MP Emma Kealy in the seat of Lowan reacted to the horror of the Bordertown truck crash that occurred at the lineup to enter South Australia.
More on this developing story at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/many-questions-to-be-answered-over-bordertown-checkpoint-fatality
At a Senate hearing earlier this week, interim inspector of water compliance in the Murray-Darling Basin, Troy Grant, had strong criticisms of the silo mentality of authorities. Senators argued over his position, with independent SA Senator Rex Patrick questioning the former NSW deputy premier and National Party leader on his record supporting the water recovery targets in the Basin Plan
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/interim-murray-darling-inspector-scolds-communication-lack-of-trust-and-transparency-in-the-basin
On Friday 12 February the health regulator will decide whether to downgrade fresh juice to 2½ health stars due to its sugar content. The farmers, farming groups and even the Federal Agriculture Minister are up in arms about it, as Wayne Phillips explores on the Morning Show.
Read more at FlowNews24 :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/d-day-for-fruit-juice-health-star-rating
Wayne Phillips on the Morning Show poses some questions from the SA Police Commissioner's comments on Thursday 11 February regarding the Bordertown checkpoint truck crash tragedy.
Read more on FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/many-questions-to-be-answered-over-bordertown-checkpoint-fatality
Wayne Phillips visits western Victoria and talks about the controlled burn at Wyperfeld, the new camping ground at Big Desert National Park, the closure of the Commonwealth Bank branch at Rainbow and the efforts to save the Rex Theatre in Charlton
PIC: "Rex Theatre Charlton" by seefit is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Courtney remembers the beginning of the Australian Gold Rush and brings us a treasure trove of birthdays including Sigrid Thornton, Christina Ricci and Neighbours alumni Jesse Spencer
Clayton Bester spoke with Emme Lentino on the Arvo Flow about her dreamy new single, 'Oceanside' which plays at the end of this podcast track. Emme is an American-born adult-contemporary singer living in New Zealand - enjoy.
Boss Energy has declared that the Honeymoon uranium mine near Broken Hill will become the nation's 4th operational uranium mine, after an improvement in market conditions. Wayne Phillips looked at the announcement on the FlowFM Morning Show
Jason Regan updates Country Viewpoint listeners on the latest FlowNews24 has on the horrific truck crash on the Victorian side of the SA border in close proximity to the line-up to pass the border checkpoint. For the latest and more go to :-https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/bordertown-checkpoint-closed-following-serious-truck-crash-this-morning
John McDonnell our Canberra correspondent writes on Flow News 24 about the opportunity that the Australian defence industry presents to boost Australian manufacturing. Wayne Phillips looked at this suggestion during the Morning Show.
Read John's article at FlowNews24 :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/defence-is-manufacturings-lifeline
Wayne Phillips on the Morning Show reflected on the Victorian government's 'Mickey Mouse' scheme to provide labourers to pick fruit, likely too little, too late - meanwhile NSW has landed 800 Pacific Island workers to pick their fruit, and Citrus SA are pursuing theirs for the April harvest
During his visit through western Victoria, home of the historic first Silo Art Trail in the Yarriambiack council area, Wayne Phillips reflects on the stoush between council and silo owner Graincorp over use of the phrase 'Silo Art Trail'.
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :-https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/the-great-silo-art-trial-over-use-of-silo-art-trail
Country Viewpoint's Jason Regan caught up with Robe mayor Alison Nunan after another booming Robe holiday period to discuss how the town copes with the tourist surge, internet and other local issues.
Country Viewpoint caught up with the South East's Clare Scriven MLC, Labor Upper House parliamentarian and shadow spokesperson on regional development, primary industry and forestry - and discussed health services, particularly at Waikerie hospital, and the state's big abortion debate
FlowFM's Country Viewpoint program host Jason Regan spoke with the CSIRO's Steve Henry about the rapid increase in mice numbers in FlowFM's broadcast area.
Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have bought historic Welsh football club Wrexham FC for A$3.4m. Court on the Breaky Flow was a little surprised and delves into this development
Courtney on the Breaky Flow program remembers events in history and birthdays this Thursday 11 February, including Jennifer Aniston and Sheryl Crow
Courtney on Thursday's Breaky Flow program shared the latest this morning on the Marshall SA Government's closure of the border to people travelling from Greater Melbourne and assured - at the time of going to air - the closure does not apply to regional Victorians
More at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/greater-melbourne-travellers-locked-out-of-sa
Wayne Phillips replays Ali Cupper MP, independent member for Mildura, interview with Jason Regan on Country Viewpoint and reflects on her comments about Wycheproof child care centre, and concerns surrounding domestic violence in connection with country sporting clubs
Image: "Wycheproof. The Courthouse built in 1890 with polychromatic brickwork. The town was laid out in 1875." by denisbin is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Eyre and Western Police Senior Sergeant Mike Roberts spoke with Jason Regan on Country Viewpoint about SA Police's call for vigilance and help regarding a number of thefts at sporting clubs within the police's Local Service Area, including Warramboo, Cummins, Port Kenny and Kyancutta
On the FlowFM morning show broadcasting across regional Victoria, Wayne Phillips picks up another article from our man in Canberra, John McDonnell about the Federal Government's intervention to fund the Victorian Murray Basin rail project that had gone over budget and stopped on the Victorian government's watch
FlowFM Morning Show host Wayne Phillips reports on concerns about a mosquito-borne horse virus that has been detected in South Australia's Adelaide Hills, with the Primary Industries department warning horse owners to be vigilant on animal health and mosquito breeding conditions
Read More at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/mosquito-borne-virus-vigilance-required-for-sa-horse-owners
Wayne Phillips reflects on the NAB's latest commodity price projections, which paint a positive picture for many Australian farmers, whilst outlining some challenges going into 2021.
Read more at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/nab-agrees-with-rabobanks-rosy-agriculture-outlook
Wayne Phillips on FlowFM's Morning Show replays comments Energy Minister Dan Van Holst Pellekaan from Jason Regan's Country Viewpoint program, particularly regarding how long wind farm proponents have until their permission from government expires.
Wayne Phillips looks at PM Scott Morrison's challenge tackling states with very different energy aspirations, reflecting on our Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's article on FlowNews24,
Read More at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/national-energy-plan-needed-urgently
Courtney on the Breaky Flow remixes history as we remember Australia's first wedding, the first episode of the Simpsons in the Australia, birthdays for Greg Norman, Roberta Flack - and more
Jason Regan, host of Country Viewpoint on FlowFM, interviews Nikki Reynolds from The Rural newspaper about an encouraging new sheep trial to increase profitability, and the prickly subject of farm succession planning.
On Country Viewpoint, Jason Regan interviews David Ward from the Rainbow Argus about the good news on the re-opening of Yaapeet Lake and the disappointing news about the closure of Rainbow's CBA bank branch - and some good news about the dux of the local high school
IMAGE: "File:Ruin overlooking Lake Albacutya, in the north west of Victoria, Australia. - panoramio.jpg" by Peter Neaum is licensed under CC BY 3.0
Jason Regan interviews David Basham, SA Minister for Primary Industries, on Country Viewpoint, covering the snapper fishing quota, the release of Murray Cod fingerlings, an excellent SA grain crop - and the hopeful return of country shows in regional SA.
Jason Regan interviews SA Energy Minister and Liberal member for Stuart covering northern SA, Dan Van Holst Pellekaan, about proposed wind energy projects, the need for grid scale batteries, what happens when wind farms are approved but don't proceed, and how they wind down.
Jason Regan speaks with Rhiannon Koch about country cricket results on the Yorke Peninsula
Wayne Phillips reflects on Canberra correspondent John McDonnell's piece about the Coalition government's bold push into regional NSW and Victorian seats held by Labor, while the Coalition's carbon-neutral position seeks to put Labor in an awkward position.
More at FlowNews24.com.au :- https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/the-battle-for-hearts-and-minds-in-regional-australia
Wayne Phillips reflects on the future of Australia's universities, with debate between universities and the federal government on job losses during the current pandemic - and whether regional study hubs ought to receive more attention.
More on FlowNews24.com.au - https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/university-futures-up-in-the-air
Courtney from the FlowFM Breaky show reminisces about today's birthdays including Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath, Gina Rinehart and the 'Human Headline' Derryn Hinch, the origins of the Davis Cup, the 'Jumbo Jet', the world's oldest driver, a milestone for The Simpsons and more
On the Breaky show, Courtney reflects on birthdays and other major events occurring on this day, Monday 8 February 2021 - including a happy birthday to AFL legend, 'big bad' Barry Hall
Wayne reflects on Murray MP Helen Dalton's push for New South Wales to establish a public water register.
Read more on FlowNews24: https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/mps-4th-push-for-public-water-register
Wayne reflects on the arrest and charge of a woman near Corowa for an alleged $1.1 million fraud against a local sporting club, observing that it is important that community clubs get their accounts audited to detect irregularities.
More at FlowNews24: https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/corowa-court-to-hear-1-1m-sport-fraud-case-against-local-woman
Wayne reflects on the Australian government's announcement that its Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) has slashed its interest rate to 1.77%, the lowest rate in the RIC's 2½ year history. Wayne wonders why the RIC's scope isn't expanded to assist regional manufacturing.
More at FlowNews24: https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/federal-farm-loans-rate-drops-to-historic-low-1-77-interest-rate
Wayne covers the police seizure of 300 litres of alcohol that had been intended for smuggling into the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in the far northwest of South Australia. More at FlowNews24: https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/police-stop-illegal-alcohol-bound-for-apy-lands
Cricket South African has been working tirelessly to meet Cricket Australia's expectations for the 3 match test tour, but are frustrated that at the 11th hour Australia has cancelled the tour - particularly since other national sides have toured, and are touring. Wayne Phillips reflects on the situation. More at FlowNews24: https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/australia-cricket-tour-to-south-africa-off
ALP in danger of being trapped between the Biden administration and Morrison government similarities on climate policy, John McDonnell writes on FlowNews24. Wayne Phillips reflects further on the challenges facing Labor's new shadow minister for climate.
More at FlowNews24: https://www.flownews24.com.au/blog/bowens-climate-challenge