Latest news with #TheNationals
Vancouver Sun
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Vancouver Sun
Anthony Gismondi: Heading to B.C.'s wine country? Here are my restaurant recommendations
I have just returned from the 2025 WineAlign National Wine Awards . You can expect the results to begin rolling out next week. In the meantime, nine days in the Okanagan Valley, with evening soirees between setup and judging duties, left me with some thoughts to share. Regarding the vineyards and the deep freeze, a great deal has transpired throughout the valley, much of which we have previously covered. Still, interestingly, we noted that some vineyard owners are replanting their vines 'on their own roots' rather than using rootstock. It seems the old-school, pre-phylloxera method can offer greater resilience to the coldest nights. Even when severely damaged, they bounce back in the following years by sending shoots up from below ground, restoring the vineyard after only one year of remediation. As we've noted before, driving through wine country and visiting a few wineries is one thing; walking into a vineyard is quite another. What you will discover in 2025 is that, after producing nothing but leaves last year, the vines that survived have rebounded with substantial energy, boasting increased yields and grape bunches of a startling size. Wineries that were initially hopeful of a 50 per cent crop are now adjusting their estimates to 60 or possibly 70 per cent. The quality of that juice remains a question in July. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The issue now is taming vineyards that resemble jungles. It is a lot of work, and there is an insufficiently knowledgeable workforce to manage the vines due to new and increasingly complex immigration paperwork that delayed the entry of foreign workers early on in the season. Despite all this, there is significant optimism about this year's crop, although it's only July. Time will tell, as Mother Nature can be either merciless or generous; we just never know what her plans are. Since I am often asked for dining recommendations in wine country, my stay in Penticton during The Nationals allowed me to check out a small part of the dining scene at night. I can report two excellent evenings at Kin and Folk in downtown Penticton. The courtyard setting, outdoor dining and delicious mix of local ingredients with an Asian intervention make it a must-visit for those seeking a sophisticated dining option easily accessible from anywhere in town. The wine list is small but highly curated, as is an excellent cocktail list, all at reasonable prices. Not far away, just up the hill as you enter Naramata, I returned to The Kitchen at Da Silva Vineyards. If you're adventurous, ask Chef Abul Adame to create your meal, and you'll never forget your experience on the Naramata Bench. The wines are also on point, and the sunsets are remarkable. Judges took to the south Okanagan every night, including an evening in the wild and windy Similkameen Valley — or Cawston, to be specific. We met several local winery owners before dining at Row Fourteen Restaurant at Klippers Organics. This unique restaurant focuses on serving food grown on the largest amount of hectares farmed organically in Canada. Two spectacular evening settings included stops at Liquidity Wines in Okanagan Falls and Garnet Valley Ranch in Summerland. These two properties, although vastly different, both offer impressive views, remarkable wines, and a glimpse into the future of British Columbia's wine industry. We kicked off the week at JoieFarm, where winemakers, judges, writers, retailers and wine buyers spent the evening discussing the latest in B.C. wine and exploring ways to advance the industry as it makes its way through a challenging period: Jeff Guignard, the new CEO of the B.C. Wine Growers was visible throughout the week, embarking on the formidable task of uniting hundreds of entrepreneurs. We wish him much success. $18.99 I 88/100 UPC: 7791728247190 This Argentine Pinot Grigio is similar to the B.C. style, offering intense, focused flavours with a fresh mineral finish. Its bright lemon finish is dry, with a hint of sea salt. Pair it with dishes that benefit from a squeeze of lemon, such as oysters or deep-fried seafood. It's a good value. $25.99 I 88/100 UPC: 012976990513 Look for a subtle Albariño, featuring fresh aromatics that blend tropical fruits, white flowers, and grapefruit. On the palate, the texture is creamy, with citrus and melon, and a hint of lime rind at the finish. A solid summer sipping wine, ideal for seafood appetizers or B.C. shellfish, that will appeal to discerning wine drinkers. Private wine stores only. $28.00 I 89/100 UPC: 696852197908 Joie presents another winner crafted entirely from Pinot Noir sourced from Victor Vineyards in Lodi, California. This wine is delicately balanced and highly aromatic, featuring an initial burst of wild strawberries that is followed by citrus notes. The palate reveals juicy grapefruit, complemented by lemon zest and a hint of dried herbs. The textures are creamy, the acidity is vibrant and the finish is clean. The finish is essentially dry and ready to pair with most summer fare. $19.90 I 88/100 UPC: 626990194217 Expect a delicious backyard red, preferably paired with some grilled sausages, burgers or a meaty pizza. The blend consists of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, fermented in concrete. The attack is juicy, the style is lively, and the flavours are a mix of savoury Okanagan brush with cherry and cranberry fruit, and bright acidity. Easy to drink and ready to be served all summer around the barbecue. Good value. Private wine stores only. $22.99 I 89/100 UPC: 3430560001556 Les Coteaux is a blend of the finest Grenache and Syrah from across the 17 named Côtes du Rhône Villages. It is unoaked mainly and aged for 22 months in mostly older oak barrels to add depth and complexity. The style is soft and charming, but there is some lively, fresh red fruit, licorice and spice that penetrates a peppery, smoky, savoury, garrigue back end. Burgers, anyone? On sale most of July. • Evolve Sparkling House achieved significant recognition in the sparkling wine category at this year's All Canadian Wine Championships (ACWC), securing the esteemed best in category trophy for its 2018 Brut Nature. This accolade confirms the vision of owners Ron and Shelley Mayert, who dedicated their winery to producing sparkling wines, affirming their belief that British Columbia is capable of creating outstanding sparkling wines worthy of attention. Winemaker Lynzee Schatz crafted the 2018 Brut Nature, describing it as 'a pure expression of sparkling wine with zero dosage and zero compromise.' Evolve Sparkling House is scheduled to officially welcome guests later this summer. In the meantime, you can purchase the Brut Nature online at . • If you reside on Vancouver Island or plan to visit this summer, know that the Roses and Rosé + Bubbles Summer Gala will take place at the Parkside Hotel and Spa on Aug. 16. In collaboration with Brown's the Florist and the on-site sommelier team, attendees will have the opportunity to explore over 40 exceptional Rosé and sparkling wines from both local and international producers. The wines will be paired with curated floral scent boxes and elegant floral displays. Guests will also be served small tapas throughout the evening in a beautifully designed indoor-outdoor setting. Festive attire is encouraged, particularly in shades of pink. Tickets are priced at $89.25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Please note that tickets for this event are limited, and it is strongly recommended to buy them in advance to avoid disappointment. $40 I 91/100 UPC: 628942298684 This wine continues to impress as it ages. It was the first release from a 10.4-acre site on the East Kelowna Slopes. About a third of the vineyard was planted to clone 95 a decade ago and, according to winemaker Ben Bryant, the fruit quality is high. 2022 was a long, cool growing season, and it yielded a delicious, well-balanced Chardonnay rich in flavour. I love the vibrancy and salty, citrus nuttiness with a ripe pear undercurrent. Fresh and lean with restraint and elegance, it is a solid addition to the 1 Mill lineup. It needs a subtle brush of complexity to hit its stride, but that will no doubt arrive in future renditions. Good value. $16.99 I 88/100 UPC: 3760040432113 This humble rosé, by Jean-Claude Mas, is rare in maintaining its value for money while consistently improving in quality over the years. The 2024 litre bottle of juicy, fruity rosé has a pale pink colour, with notes of strawberry and raspberry, making it the ideal party wine, especially for a summer patio setting. The Grenache, cinsault and Syrah blend delivers what Jean-Claude calls 'Le Luxe Rural,' turning any patio into a luxurious country setting.
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Interim Nationals GM pledges a 'fresh voice' and manager Cairo says 'it's hard' to replace Martinez
ST. LOUIS — Washington Nationals interim general manager Mike DeBartolo and interim manager Miguel Cairo are ready to try to turn around an organization that's had the second-worst record in the majors since 2020. Interim Nationals GM pledges a 'fresh voice' and manager Cairo says 'it's hard' to replace Martinez The Nationals fired manager Dave Martinez and longtime president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo after Sunday's 6-4 loss to Boston, which dropped Washington to 37-53 on the season and 9-23 since June 1. 'We have a lot of interesting, exciting young pieces to build on,' DeBartolo said. 'We have a lot more we need to build. Simply stepping up our game is not enough. We need real change. I'm excited to bring a fresh approach, a fresh voice to this role, and integrate more data, more technology, more innovation to our decision-making across the organization at all levels and hopefully improve the performance of our players as well.' The Nationals have gone 325-473 and have not had a winning season since winning the 2019 World Series in Martinez's second year. The 51-year-old Cairo had been the Nationals' bench coach since last year. After learning about Martinez's firing on Sunday, he needed his close friend and mentor's blessing before taking the interim position. 'I wouldn't get the job without talking to him,' Cairo said before Tuesday's game at St. Louis. 'He was here for a lot of years, and he didn't do anything wrong. He worked. He let us work. He worked hard. He made sure he put every player in the right position to succeed, and it is what it is. Right now, he's let go, and it's hard for me to be doing this interview.' Cairo was Tony La Russa's bench coach with the Chicago White Sox from 2021-22 and went 18-16 as interim manager when La Russa went on medical leave. 'He's a true professional,' DeBartolo said. 'His work ethic is off the charts of his experience. You know, both playing, playing so many different positions, playing so many years, different teams, in so many different roles, front office, coaching. So, he's going to bring a wealth of experience and energy to the to the team, and I'm excited to see that.' The Nationals also announced Tuesday that catching and strategy coach Henry Blanco has been promoted to bench coach, and Bob Henley has joined Cairo's staff as major league field coordinator. DeBartolo has been entrusted with leading the Nationals as the team enters Sunday's 2025 amateur draft with the No. 1 overall pick. DeBartolo joined the organization as an intern in 2012 and was named assistant general manager in 2019. He hopes to incorporate his own vision into the baseball operations department. 'Coming from an analytics background and building up that department, I'm excited to try to leverage some of those, both analytics and, also, new technology, throughout the organization,' DeBartolo said. 'We have a lot of great information, and I think there are ways it could be integrated more into all of our processes. So, I think I'd like to lead that sort of transition and integrate that even further.' DeBartolo figures to be busy after the draft as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. Closer Kyle Finnegan is set to become a free agent after the season and All-Star left-hander MacKenzie Gore is due for a raise in arbitration with two years of club control remaining after this season. Cairo had a couple of new faces in the dugout Tuesday. The Nationals signed right-hander Luis García and recalled catcher Drew Millas from Triple-A Rochester. Catcher Keibert Ruiz was placed on the seven-day concussion injured list and right-hander Eduardo Salazar was optioned to Rochester. Ruiz was first placed on the concussion list on June 27 after a foul ball off the bat of teammate struck him in the head while he was sitting in the dugout on June 23 against Pittsburgh. He was activated Friday and went 1 for 4 while starting two straight games at catcher, but he continued to experience symptoms and will remain on the injured list through the All-Star break. The 26-year-old is hitting .247 with two homers and 25 RBIs in 68 games this season, his fourth as the Nationals' starting catcher. Millas went 1 for 7 in three games during Ruiz's earlier IL stint and is expected to back up Riley Adams. García went 2-0 with a 5.27 ERA in 28 appearances for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who released him on July 4. The 38-year-old reliever has also pitched Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Angels, Texas, St. Louis, San Diego and Boston. Salazar went 0-1 with an 8.38 ERA in 30 appearances. Washington also transferred right-hander Trevor Williams to the 60-day injured list. MLB: /hub/MLB This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Vancouver Sun
21-06-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Anthony Gismondi: Canadian wine has never been better as national awards mark 25th year
As you read this, I will be embarking on my 25th year at the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada in Penticton. Toronto-based writer and critic David Lawrason and I established the original awards to reliably assess the quality of Canadian wines on an annual basis. Over the last quarter century, the awards have produced a moment-in-time snapshot of the state of Canadian wine. Most of the first two decades mirrored the growth of wine and wine quality across Canada, while the last five have been marked by the chaos of a global pandemic and a variety of climate events, ranging from wildfire smoke and deep freezes to heat domes and drought, interspersed with some exceptional vintages and vigneron resilience lit amid the chaos. Our vision for a national competition encompassed participation from across the country, both by wine producers and judges and aimed to provide consumers with valuable insights regardless of their location. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are proud to have achieved widespread industry participation despite the provinces' continuing restrictions on the free movement of wine within Canada. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. British Columbia and Ontario dominate the entries, supplemented by increasing contributions from Quebec, Nova Scotia and other regions, creating a comprehensive picture of Canadian wine. The credibility of the awards is bolstered by the participation of virtually all of the country's most significant wineries. That does not happen anywhere else. We should note that mead and cider producers have also joined the show, albeit in modest numbers. This year's judging panel consists of 25 experts, slightly more women than men, hailing from several cities across Canada, as well as from San Francisco and London, England. We have introduced a mentorship program for young professionals over the years, providing apprentice judges with valuable experience alongside the nation's top sommeliers, retailers, buyers and wine critics. So, what can we say about Canadian wine after two and a half decades? It has never been better. The most significant gains have occurred in the last five years, as significantly improved viticulture has finally provided us with the raw material that reflects our wealth of unique terroir and climate. When we began The Nationals, Icewine ruled the day. Like Sauternes, it is somewhat out of fashion today, as Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir dominate the stage. Syrah has been a mainstay category for quality at The Nationals. Still, since 2023, the complex grape has suffered significant damage in B.C. from two major freeze events, and its future looks uncertain as owners assess the risks and rewards of growing it again in the future. In the same vein, there is an opportunity for Grüner Veltliner, Semillon, Chenin Blanc and, as we warm up, even Cabernet Sauvignon. Nothing stays the same. Our best wines are turning heads, but sadly, we have yet to find our feet in the export markets, mainly because we sell everything we make in Canada. There is plenty to celebrate, and we suggest you do so with Traditional Method sparkling wines made in Canada, now showing up at celebrations across the nation. They are the perfect example of a true cool-climate wine, offering the ideal balance of acidity while allowing for an appropriate level of ripeness to produce outstanding sparklers from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. It should be a great week. Look for our report when the results are out in mid-July. $16.99 | 89/100 UPC: 3760040420127 The Paul Mas Viognier originates in Languedoc, France, a region known for the concept of 'Luxe Rural,' or rural luxury. The wine style is influenced by the warmth of the south, offering aromas of ripe apricots and peaches with a hint of florals. On the palate, it presents rich stone fruits complemented by hints of honeysuckle and spice. It is a versatile table wine that pairs well with grilled shrimp, roast chicken, vegetarian stir-fries, mild curries or soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. $31.39 I 91/100 UPC: 808755006236 Severe winter temperatures resulted in notably reduced Chardonnay yields in 2023. Despite the limited crop, the quality is exceptional, characterized by excellent flavours and acidity balance. The warmer-than-usual conditions have contributed to this Naramata Chardonnay displaying a slightly richer texture that matches its complexity. Orange, tangerine, peach and hazelnuts combine to complement the oak, resulting in a well-balanced, delicious Next World Chardonnay that is somewhat reminiscent of a Western Australian Leeuwin Estate. The price remains a rare Okanagan bargain — winery direct or private wine shops. Price: $32 | 90/100 UPC: 776545502315 The 2024 Red Barn pink is the first replacement wine released by winemaker Kaylee Barrs. Fittingly, to fill the 'gap' left by the damage wreaked at Jagged Rock Vineyard, which, by the way, is well on its way to recovery, is a Pinot Noir from the Petaluma Gap, a large 200,000-acre AVA that stretches from San Pablo Bay to Bodega Bay. The styling is Red Barn, from its barely there colour to its subtle mix of dry red fruits and acidity. Sleek and pure, it fits the gap to a T. Impressive. $29.99 I 90/100 UPC: 628055147107 Bartier's '22 Franc is a mix of fruit from Cerqueira Vinyard (Black Sage Bench) and Blind Creek Vineyard (Similkameen), with minor additions of Syrah and petit verdot. The colour, nose and palate are rich and deep, with scents of black fruits, baking spices and minerals. There is a modicum of light tannin that will dissipate over the next year, leaving a mostly warm, friendly, lush south Okanagan red you can confidently serve with grilled vegetables, pork or beef. $34.99 I Score 90/100 UPC: 818201022161 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia is designed for earlier consumption compared to the flagship Ornellaia due to its softer tannins and brighter fruit. The 2022 blend comprises 51 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 44 per cent Merlot, and 5 per cent Petit Verdot, with an alcohol content of 13 per cent. It has floral and light toast aromas and a palate that includes blackberries, red plums, dried herbs, and black olives. This wine can be consumed now or stored for future use. • If you are planning to visit Vancouver Island this summer and want to catch up on the wine scene, Blue Grouse Vineyards has a spectacular venue in the Cowichan Valley and a wide assortment of offerings for you, including a sit-down, in-depth guided tasting of five wines, pack a picnic or on-site food offerings when you book a table and buy a bottle of wine. Neapolitan Pizzas and a bottle make for a fun afternoon looking over the vineyards. All and more are available by reservation at Visit Blue Grouse . Experience prices vary, starting at $15.99 per person. • The Fairmont Waterfront Garden Dinner Series has upcoming evenings scheduled for July 24 and Aug. 21. Enjoy a multi-course menu by executive chef Harris Sakalis, paired with wines from Burrowing Owl Estate Winery (July 24) and Quails' Gate Estate Winery (Aug. 21). The event features vintage cellar selections, insights from collaborators such as Chief Beekeeper Julia Common and Dave Wayward of Wayward Distillery, and dishes with rooftop honey and signature gin-based cocktails. Book your seat at the Garden Dinner Series – Fairmont Waterfront . $24.99 I 90/100 UPC: 776545993069 What can I say? This wine is as good as it was when tasted last year, if not better. The MHFE Reserve Rosé originates from southern estate vineyards in Osoyoos and Oliver. In 2022, it has a clean, crisp, fresh and bright profile. It features a blend of red fruit, including watermelon, strawberry and rhubarb, with subtle sweetness and no detectable sugar. Suitable for pairing with prawns, crab cakes, olives, and more, this style of rosé is easily comparable to those produced in Provence. $20.99 I 88/100 UPC: 8011204007650 This 85 per cent Glera and 15 per cent Pinot Noir blend is grown in light, stony soils. The two varieties are fermented separately and left on their fine lees until the second fermentation, which ends just off-dry, with approximately 11 grams of sugar per litre. The mix spends 60 days in a pressurized tank at 12°C, producing a persistent and creamy foam. Orchard fruits with a hint of vegetal notes provide balance, making this Prosecco the perfect late-afternoon aperitif. Organically certified and suitable for vegan diets, this Prosecco hits all the right notes for its price and the packaging.
The Advertiser
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'We have to take advantage of this the best way we can': Barnaby moves on
As the dust settled on the May 3 election, it was perhaps the divorce many saw coming: The Nationals walking away from their Coalition partner, the Liberals. Member for New England Barnaby Joyce sees this as an opportunity for The Nationals - a time to focus on policy development as the Nats bide their time until the next federal election. Mr Joyce confirmed he took part in the meeting, which ultimately resulted in The National's call to walk away from their Coalition partnership, but would not be drawn on how he voted on the issue. "I will not say whether I did or did not support the move because once people start doing that, you take away the rights of other people to keep their position confidential - and that is so important," he said. Mr Joyce indicated The Nationals now had a great capacity to articulate an independent message away from party-room constraints, where seats in urban capital cities had to also be appeased. "We have to take advantage of this the best way we can," he said. "Rather than say I've got to start working out how to get closer to Bellevue Hill, I have to get closer to Moonbi Hill." Mr Joyce said this meant focusing on the issues which were more important to "the people of Tamworth, Emmaville, Weabonga or Muswellbrook". "In the short term we are in opposition, so I don't think [the split] has much effect to be honest - I think it is more good for the development of policy," he said. "We are in opposition, and solidly in opposition, and have to work with the reality there is a Labor government. "I have already started reaching out to key people in the Labor Party to congratulate them on their win and to build bridges so we don't get left behind, that [New England] gets looked after as best as we can in the political circumstances we find ourselves in." Mr Joyce said the political circumstances were "none of [The Nationals] doing, we all did a pretty good job". "In New England, we went well - we went from a very good position to an even better position," he said. "I hope people reflect on why that is the case in a time when we are both running our own show in trying to rebuild in such a form as we can regain the confidence of the Australian people." Mr Joyce underwent surgery for prostate cancer on May 5, and while he's still under doctor's orders not to travel, he has returned to work. He said the operation was "a complete success", and he was gradually getting back into the swing of things. On Monday, May 19, Mr Joyce was spotted attending a sale in Tamworth and a funeral in town, before heading to the office. Doctors have advised Mr Joyce not to fly yet, and as he's not keen on sitting in a car for the 800-kilometre trip to Canberra, his constituents across the New England can expect to see much more of their federal member in the coming weeks. While speaking with the Leader, Mr Joyce also addressed some comments which had been circulating since news of his surgery broke, indicating he should have mentioned the cancer surgery before the election. "I absolutely would have if the doctor had said this is really serious and there is a possibility you could die," he said. "I would have resigned." As the dust settled on the May 3 election, it was perhaps the divorce many saw coming: The Nationals walking away from their Coalition partner, the Liberals. Member for New England Barnaby Joyce sees this as an opportunity for The Nationals - a time to focus on policy development as the Nats bide their time until the next federal election. Mr Joyce confirmed he took part in the meeting, which ultimately resulted in The National's call to walk away from their Coalition partnership, but would not be drawn on how he voted on the issue. "I will not say whether I did or did not support the move because once people start doing that, you take away the rights of other people to keep their position confidential - and that is so important," he said. Mr Joyce indicated The Nationals now had a great capacity to articulate an independent message away from party-room constraints, where seats in urban capital cities had to also be appeased. "We have to take advantage of this the best way we can," he said. "Rather than say I've got to start working out how to get closer to Bellevue Hill, I have to get closer to Moonbi Hill." Mr Joyce said this meant focusing on the issues which were more important to "the people of Tamworth, Emmaville, Weabonga or Muswellbrook". "In the short term we are in opposition, so I don't think [the split] has much effect to be honest - I think it is more good for the development of policy," he said. "We are in opposition, and solidly in opposition, and have to work with the reality there is a Labor government. "I have already started reaching out to key people in the Labor Party to congratulate them on their win and to build bridges so we don't get left behind, that [New England] gets looked after as best as we can in the political circumstances we find ourselves in." Mr Joyce said the political circumstances were "none of [The Nationals] doing, we all did a pretty good job". "In New England, we went well - we went from a very good position to an even better position," he said. "I hope people reflect on why that is the case in a time when we are both running our own show in trying to rebuild in such a form as we can regain the confidence of the Australian people." Mr Joyce underwent surgery for prostate cancer on May 5, and while he's still under doctor's orders not to travel, he has returned to work. He said the operation was "a complete success", and he was gradually getting back into the swing of things. On Monday, May 19, Mr Joyce was spotted attending a sale in Tamworth and a funeral in town, before heading to the office. Doctors have advised Mr Joyce not to fly yet, and as he's not keen on sitting in a car for the 800-kilometre trip to Canberra, his constituents across the New England can expect to see much more of their federal member in the coming weeks. While speaking with the Leader, Mr Joyce also addressed some comments which had been circulating since news of his surgery broke, indicating he should have mentioned the cancer surgery before the election. "I absolutely would have if the doctor had said this is really serious and there is a possibility you could die," he said. "I would have resigned." As the dust settled on the May 3 election, it was perhaps the divorce many saw coming: The Nationals walking away from their Coalition partner, the Liberals. Member for New England Barnaby Joyce sees this as an opportunity for The Nationals - a time to focus on policy development as the Nats bide their time until the next federal election. Mr Joyce confirmed he took part in the meeting, which ultimately resulted in The National's call to walk away from their Coalition partnership, but would not be drawn on how he voted on the issue. "I will not say whether I did or did not support the move because once people start doing that, you take away the rights of other people to keep their position confidential - and that is so important," he said. Mr Joyce indicated The Nationals now had a great capacity to articulate an independent message away from party-room constraints, where seats in urban capital cities had to also be appeased. "We have to take advantage of this the best way we can," he said. "Rather than say I've got to start working out how to get closer to Bellevue Hill, I have to get closer to Moonbi Hill." Mr Joyce said this meant focusing on the issues which were more important to "the people of Tamworth, Emmaville, Weabonga or Muswellbrook". "In the short term we are in opposition, so I don't think [the split] has much effect to be honest - I think it is more good for the development of policy," he said. "We are in opposition, and solidly in opposition, and have to work with the reality there is a Labor government. "I have already started reaching out to key people in the Labor Party to congratulate them on their win and to build bridges so we don't get left behind, that [New England] gets looked after as best as we can in the political circumstances we find ourselves in." Mr Joyce said the political circumstances were "none of [The Nationals] doing, we all did a pretty good job". "In New England, we went well - we went from a very good position to an even better position," he said. "I hope people reflect on why that is the case in a time when we are both running our own show in trying to rebuild in such a form as we can regain the confidence of the Australian people." Mr Joyce underwent surgery for prostate cancer on May 5, and while he's still under doctor's orders not to travel, he has returned to work. He said the operation was "a complete success", and he was gradually getting back into the swing of things. On Monday, May 19, Mr Joyce was spotted attending a sale in Tamworth and a funeral in town, before heading to the office. Doctors have advised Mr Joyce not to fly yet, and as he's not keen on sitting in a car for the 800-kilometre trip to Canberra, his constituents across the New England can expect to see much more of their federal member in the coming weeks. While speaking with the Leader, Mr Joyce also addressed some comments which had been circulating since news of his surgery broke, indicating he should have mentioned the cancer surgery before the election. "I absolutely would have if the doctor had said this is really serious and there is a possibility you could die," he said. "I would have resigned." As the dust settled on the May 3 election, it was perhaps the divorce many saw coming: The Nationals walking away from their Coalition partner, the Liberals. Member for New England Barnaby Joyce sees this as an opportunity for The Nationals - a time to focus on policy development as the Nats bide their time until the next federal election. Mr Joyce confirmed he took part in the meeting, which ultimately resulted in The National's call to walk away from their Coalition partnership, but would not be drawn on how he voted on the issue. "I will not say whether I did or did not support the move because once people start doing that, you take away the rights of other people to keep their position confidential - and that is so important," he said. Mr Joyce indicated The Nationals now had a great capacity to articulate an independent message away from party-room constraints, where seats in urban capital cities had to also be appeased. "We have to take advantage of this the best way we can," he said. "Rather than say I've got to start working out how to get closer to Bellevue Hill, I have to get closer to Moonbi Hill." Mr Joyce said this meant focusing on the issues which were more important to "the people of Tamworth, Emmaville, Weabonga or Muswellbrook". "In the short term we are in opposition, so I don't think [the split] has much effect to be honest - I think it is more good for the development of policy," he said. "We are in opposition, and solidly in opposition, and have to work with the reality there is a Labor government. "I have already started reaching out to key people in the Labor Party to congratulate them on their win and to build bridges so we don't get left behind, that [New England] gets looked after as best as we can in the political circumstances we find ourselves in." Mr Joyce said the political circumstances were "none of [The Nationals] doing, we all did a pretty good job". "In New England, we went well - we went from a very good position to an even better position," he said. "I hope people reflect on why that is the case in a time when we are both running our own show in trying to rebuild in such a form as we can regain the confidence of the Australian people." Mr Joyce underwent surgery for prostate cancer on May 5, and while he's still under doctor's orders not to travel, he has returned to work. He said the operation was "a complete success", and he was gradually getting back into the swing of things. On Monday, May 19, Mr Joyce was spotted attending a sale in Tamworth and a funeral in town, before heading to the office. Doctors have advised Mr Joyce not to fly yet, and as he's not keen on sitting in a car for the 800-kilometre trip to Canberra, his constituents across the New England can expect to see much more of their federal member in the coming weeks. While speaking with the Leader, Mr Joyce also addressed some comments which had been circulating since news of his surgery broke, indicating he should have mentioned the cancer surgery before the election. "I absolutely would have if the doctor had said this is really serious and there is a possibility you could die," he said. "I would have resigned."
West Australian
20-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Mia Davies: ‘It takes courage and conviction to step into the political arena'
Congratulations to everyone that saw the opportunity to make a difference for our nation and stepped up to contend as a candidate at this Federal election. It takes courage and conviction to step into public arena to test yourself, many do not. To Matt Moran and Trish Cook, with the result still undecided in Bullwinkel, I wish you both the very best. The first Member for Bullwinkel will have a special place in our nation's history, just like that courageous woman it is named for. I know we all understood the privilege it was to contest the election as a candidate and speak of Sister Vivian Bullwinkel as its namesake. I have always been a firm believer that The Nationals brand of representation and advocacy, our approach to policy and politics, is something more Australians deserve. The contest was always going to be a challenge for The Nationals, but that was not a reason to vacate the space. We fight fiercely for our electorates, we bring commonsense to the debate, and have a track record of delivering for our constituencies – most of which are vast, diverse and challenging to service. I thank David Littleproud and his Federal team for their support throughout the campaign. Too often the value of our team and its contribution to a stable Government or Opposition is underestimated or diminished by those that would prefer to see us gone. I remind those that have been devising or reporting on our demise for decades that we are still here, fighting and making a difference. I joined our Party to do just that. To make a difference. To give people in communities we represent a voice, and to fight so they could plan a future that meant they could thrive instead of just survive. For seventeen years in the State Parliament I did that to the very best of my ability. Thank you to the good and decent people of the Central Wheatbelt who supported me to represent them for three terms, after four years of representing communities from Northampton to Esperance in the Legislative Council. Taking a seat at the biggest decision-making table in our State will remain one of the greatest privileges and highlights of my time in politics. Sitting alongside this are the moments in my constituency that never made it to the paper but improved the lives of people who work hard, do the right thing and quietly go about life. Two years ago I started contemplating life after politics and announced I would not be contesting the 2025 State election. It was time for a change and a new challenge. Less than year ago the new Federal electorate of Bullwinkel was created. The new seat, plus the policy positions emerging from an east-coast centric Federal Labor Government that were undermining and destroying businesses, industry and communities I'd spent twenty years representing, caused me to examine my own conscience. This wasn't the election to sit on the sidelines. In my family, we have a saying — it's actually written on my Dad's gravestone — if you think you can make a difference, you should. That means stepping into the arena ready to have a fight whether you think you'll win, draw or lose. On this occasion we lost. But that does not equate to a lack of effort or conviction, and I thank those people who joined our campaign as we sought to garner support from communities and voters that had never voted Nationals before. Some have been members and volunteers, supporters and friends for many years. Others have found their way to our Party for the very first time. We ran a campaign with energy, integrity and a positive message for the electorate and I sincerely thank everyone that joined us for the journey. The end of this campaign draws a line under a chapter of my life that has been dominated by politics. It has been exhilarating and demanding, but above all, rewarding. I hope there is something out there that will give me the same satisfaction I have gained from serving the Central Wheatbelt and State in Parliament for seventeen years. I look forward to that challenge. Thank you! Mia Davies was a candidate for the Federal seat of Bullwinkel and the former state Opposition leader
