NEWS IN BRIEF: Vic protests heat up, cattle shot and Telstra claims questioned

Heated-up volunteer firefighters, rural crime in the spotlight, a drop to the cash rate, and Telstra under the microscope – that’s just some of the week’s news making headlines across regional Australia. From the paddock to Parliament, it’s been a big few days, with stories unfolding that touch everything from household budgets to farm gate security. Here’s a quickfire round-up of the key issues shaping the conversation.

Frustrations boiled over in Victoria this week when thousands of angry farmers and firefighters descended outside the state's parliament on Tuesday with one message. "Scrap the tax," they shouted in unison as budget papers were being scrutinised inside. Incensed with the state government's Emergency Services Levy, which replaces the Fire Services Property Levy from July 1 and raise an extra $2.1 billion for emergency services, the fire volunteers and farmers made their positions known. Later that day a box of bull poo was delivered to Premier Jacinta Allan's office in a further protest.

Detectives from Mareeba Rural and Stock Crime Squad are investigating the suspected unlawful killing of cattle on a rural property in the Chillagoe area in Queensland around April 2025. Initial investigations indicate that unknown person/s have unlawfully entered the cattle station and shot livestock. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Mareeba Rural and Stock Squad directly on (07) 4030 3300.

Pasture dieback has been detected in the Hunter Valley region by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) and Hunter Local Land Services (LLS). NSW DPIRD Pastures Development Officer Sarah Baker said this is the first time it has been identified in the Hunter region, having only been found in Queensland and northern NSW previously. “We have seen it in a number of places around the region, including the roadside," Ms Baker said. If you suspect pasture dieback at your place, contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 for advice and support.

The Victorian Government has announced draft regulations to enable the legal use of virtual fencing in the state. The draft regulations, now open for consultation, would pave the way for the use of GPS-enabled virtual fencing collars for livestock, which are already legal and widely used in other Australian states to support productivity, animal welfare and improved land management. VFF President Brett Hosking said the announcement was a long-overdue recognition of the need to modernise Victoria’s outdated rules.

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomed comments by the Prime Minister outlining the importance of agriculture to any prospective free trade deal with the European Union (EU). The NFF welcomed talks between Prime Minister Albanese and EU President, Ursula von der Leyen, in Italy, but stressed the importance of improved agricultural market access, and standing strong on matters such as geographical indicators for a variety of food products. NFF President David Jochinke said the ag industry supported the Prime Minister’s comments. “It is excellent to see the Prime Minister state clearly that a deal will not be struck at just any price,” Mr Jochinke said.  

Earlier this week the Nationals abandoned their traditional political marriage with the Liberals, following a disastrous result for the coalition in the federal election. But on Thursday it was revealed Nationals Leader David Littleproud and Liberal Leader Sussan Ley have put the coalition talks back on the table, with Ms Ley putting off naming the Liberal portfolio spokespeople while they work on a fix.

Consumer and farming groups have called for an investigation into claims Australia's biggest telecommunications company is misleading customers by inflating claims of its network reach. In allegations from rival telco Vodafone, Telstra is accused of "dramatically" overstating its reach by as much as 40% for more than a decade. Telstra says the allegations are untrue and is standing by its coverage claims.

On Tuesday, the Reserve Bank of Australia's Board decided to lower the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 3.85 per cent. Check out the latest rural property movements, including details about a rare water auction, in this week's roundup by Kylie Dulhunty.