ABC Western Plains

19/07/2025

Independent NSW MP Mark Latham has again denied breaking any laws or breaching legislative standing orders in a lengthy public statement addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour in state parliament.

The former federal Labor leader has faced mounting political pressure over media reports alleging emotional and physical abuse of his ex-partner Nathalie Matthews, and that he allegedly participated in a consensual s*x video in his office.

Personalise your news and stay in the know with the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

The independent NSW MP has faced political pressure over media reports alleging emotional and physical abuse of his ex-partner Nathalie Matthews.

19/07/2025

As politicians call for Mark Latham's conduct in parliament to be investigated by the privileges committee, a top constitutional lawyer says it would be "very, very difficult" to have him expelled even if the allegations were proven.

It follows media reports he allegedly took photos of female colleagues speaking in parliament and made disparaging comments about them in private messages and participated in a consensual s*x video in his office.

Personalise your news and stay in the know with the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

As calls grow for parliament to take action against Mark Latham, University of Sydney professor of constitutional law Anne Twomey says there are limits on what parliament could do, even if the allegations are proven.

16/07/2025

🔋 In central west NSW it’s common to see cows grazing under wind turbines. This area is home to Australia’s first renewable energy zone.

But while some locals embrace the project, others are concerned about what it will mean for their future. And many of them take issue with the way it's been rolled out.

For our first Citizen Jury event we bought together locals affected by the changes to hear their solutions. Listen: https://bit.ly/456Kkmk

🎧 ABC Radio National's Big Ideas — hear it now on the ABC listen app: https://ab.co/ABCListenApp

16/07/2025

Archie McMahon and his brother Freddie convinced their parents to feed up a pen of heavy lambs, and it has paid off with a national record price.

Get the news that matters to you straight from the source. Download the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

Archie McMahon and his brother Freddie convinced their parents to feed up a pen of heavy lambs, and it has paid off with a national record price.

15/07/2025

Despite repeated warnings from experts and a formal recommendation from the NSW coroner more than three years ago, safe sleep training isn't mandatory for childcare workers.

Personalise your news and stay in the know with the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

Despite repeated warnings from experts and a formal recommendation from a coroner more than three years ago, safe sleep training isn't mandatory for childcare workers everywhere in Australia.

15/07/2025

For the humble price of just $1, home owners will be able to use one of the state government's new housing designs when building their properties.

On Wednesday, the government launched the NSW Housing Pattern Book of low-rise designs, with eight options on offer for the public to use.

Personalise your news and stay in the know with the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

These housing designs are focused on densifying the suburbs and fast-tracking low-rise housing throughout Sydney and beyond.

15/07/2025

A man has been sentenced to 12 years' jail for his involvement in a fatal shooting during a botched robbery in Central West NSW more than four years ago.

Get the news that matters to you straight from the source. Download the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

A 22-year-old man is sent to prison for his involvement in a "senseless and tragic" fatal shooting during a botched robbery in Central West New South Wales in 2021.

12/07/2025

For the first time in almost three decades, conservationists have rediscovered an elusive native rodent in Western New South Wales, more than 200 kilometres from its typical coastal habitat.

Choose your news on the ABC NEWS app and stay in the know: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

Decades after it was last seen in the region, the threatened pookila has reappeared in the Goobang National Park, boosting hopes for the species' survival.

10/07/2025

Laurie Daley feels he is "most definitely" the right man to coach NSW in 2026 as the playing group insists the coach cannot be blamed for the Blues' State of Origin capitulation.

The 2025 Origin series slipped through the Blues' fingers on Wednesday night as a polished Queensland dominated their hosts for a 24-12 win at the Sydney Olympic stadium.

Personalise your news & stay in the know with the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

Laurie Daley insists he is the right man to coach NSW in 2026 after his comeback State of Origin series ended in capitulation.

10/07/2025

A local First Nations elder in Warren says funding to improve access at a heritage-listed reserve is a "terrific" outcome to welcome more visitors.

The Warren Local Aboriginal Land Council (WLALC) secured $80,000 from NSW Heritage for the Beemunnel Reserve Aboriginal Place to rebuild its gravel pathways with asphalt.

Wayilwan man Uncle George Riley was born on the reserve in 1940 and has been caretaking the 20-hectare site for years.

“The Beemunnel means everything to me and my family," Uncle George said.

It’s also a place that communities come from all over Australia to visit, but the loose gravel trail can make it difficult for some, he added.

“When it rains you can't walk on it much or push prams or anything like that, but this grant will do the asphalt for us and it'll be accessible every day of the week.”

WLALC senior project officer Fleur Magick Dennis said the aim was to make the Beemunnel more accessible under the project dubbed Giru Ngurra (Warm Home).

“The visitation keeps our place warm, it keeps our place spiritually well,” Ms Magick Dennis said.

📱Get the latest Western Plains news: https://ab.co/2Y3sK2Q
📝Sign up for our free local newsletter: https://www.abc.net.au/westernplains

10/07/2025

Police are looking for a man who may be able to assist with their investigations into a van theft and two break-ins in Cobar earlier this year.

Central North Police District officers began investigating after an unknown man allegedly stole a white van from Tindera Street just after 11pm on March 16.

About three hours later, the van was seen outside a service station on Marshall and Bourke Streets in Cobar, where a man allegedly forced entry and stole a quantity of confectionery.

Five minutes later, the van was driven to a supermarket on Marshall Street, where a man allegedly smashed a door and stole to***co products and alcohol.

The van was found burnt out in bushland near Pipeline Road in Cobar four days later on March 20.

As investigations continue, police have released images of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

He is described as wearing a blue hooded jumper, black tracksuit pants and black sneakers.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact police.

📱Get the latest Western Plains news: https://ab.co/2Y3sK2Q
📝Sign up for our free local newsletter: https://www.abc.net.au/westernplains

09/07/2025

Jurrah Penrith follows in the footsteps of his elders, delivering Acknowledgements of Country in language on Wiradjuri country "so Aboriginal people can be heard".

Choose your news on the ABC NEWS app and stay in the know: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

Jurrah Penrith follows in the footsteps of his elders, delivering Acknowledgements of Country in language on Wiradjuri country "so Aboriginal people can be heard".