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Eliza Spencer

@amelizajane.bsky.social
409 followers 217 following 412 posts

Senior Journalist at The Land, Ngunnawal-Canberra via Wiradjuri-Cowra 📩 eliza.spencer@theland.com.au / amelizajane@proton.me 🌾 she/her seedisclaimer.com

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Reposted by Eliza Spencer
Paul Karp @paulkarp.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
SCOOP: Australia eyes ripping up $2.3B immigration detention contract --new details of financial penalties being paid by Secure Journeys, US-owned private prison operator --Home Affairs asks AGS for all options including termination www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
Australia eyes ripping up $2.3B immigration detention contract
ICE-linked contractor has been hit with millions in fines for its handling of immigration detention.
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Reposted by Eliza Spencer
MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
MEAA members are calling on the government to implement a fair minimum rate for freelance media workers, with superannuation on top of fees through the News Bargaining Incentive. Read the report: meaa.io/FreelancerRe... #PayUp #NewsBargainingIncentive
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Reposted by Eliza Spencer
CAMERON WILSON @cameronwilson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
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Reposted by Eliza Spencer
Rick Morton @squigglyrick.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Well, here goes. I tried to keep it contained. Ridicule is what we use to fight institutional hostility. Make no mistake, that's what this is. rick-morton.ghost.io/deliver-us-l...
rick-morton.ghost.io
Deliver Us, Lord, From Ridicule
On Friday, Defence deputy secretary Celia Perkins began her evidence before a senate inquiry into asset sales by the department and Australian military with an embarrassing manoeuvre. 'In closing, I ...
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Poddy lamb preview of a very special story coming out Sunday morning
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
In great timing I've written 350 words about this for this Thursday's editorial in The Land... "It takes a lot to drive a farmer to rally outside parliament, and many of us simply do not have the time to tune into every sitting week online." www.theland.com.au/story/9345108
theland.com.au
Political bickering is a luxury those in the bush can no longer afford
The cost of point-scoring makes waves far beyond the city limits.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
"Theatre is a large part of all politics, but every minute spent sniping ... is wasting money we in the bush spend trying to get our fair share." After a particularly woeful few days listening to NSW budget estimates: this week's editorial. www.theland.com.au/story/9345108 #AgSky #AusPol #NSWPol
theland.com.au
Political bickering is a luxury those in the bush can no longer afford
The cost of point-scoring makes waves far beyond the city limits.
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Reposted by Eliza Spencer
Medianet Australia @medianet.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
#MediaMovement: Brooke Littlewood is the new Editor of Farm Weekly. If you’d like to get media movements in your inbox, subscribe here: engage.medianet.com.au/media-moveme...
 Brooke Littlewood is the new Editor of Farm Weekly.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
"You can't breed them perfect, but I think that's the closest we've come." Record set at Millah Murrah today, for the price of some houses. www.theland.com.au/story/9342928
theland.com.au
Millah Murrah Angus sets breed record with nearly half-a-million dollar bid
Keep up with the latest action from the annual on-property sale.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Having a bit of a cry today, and always and forever grateful for AAP's Steph Gardiner for relentlessly reporting on this case. It's a heavy, heavy honour. www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9342770
canberratimes.com.au
'Go crazy': Molly Ticehurst's killer's chilling threats
The man who murdered Molly Ticehurst recorded more than an hour of footage before and after the killing,...
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Back on wool markets this week with good news: things look ... decent?! Consumer demand through search trends has more than doubled in the previous few years, and I spoke with folks on all parts of the supply chain to see what this means for Aussie wool. www.theland.com.au/story/9341256
theland.com.au
'Good business': rising demand, low numbers, put a floor in wool prices
Why some experts believe a 'hungry market' could continue.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
If you've ever wondered how one rural journo covers breaking news and farm profiles from across NSW, step #BehindTheByline for a sneak peek at how you can help keep ag reporting alive and well. 🤠 #AgSky #AusAg
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The field day itself may be very serious business, but it's all fun and games behind the camera for #AgQuip2026 🚜  While I keep trying to wash off the dust, sharing some of my fave pics from the past few days 📸 #AusAg #AgSky #FieldDays
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Dr Kostalas writes the seething rage so many of us in regional Australia feel at the completely preventable healthcare inequity baked into the system. www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/i-m-among-the-doctors-our-system-rejects-this-is-why-regional-healthcare-is-dying-20260804-p60lbj.html
smh.com.au
I’m among the doctors our system rejects. This is why regional healthcare is dying
We are told the regions cannot attract specialists. This is not true. They cannot keep them.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
A country journalist reporting from Sydney?! Back in the big smoke marking a shift in a community farming since colonisation. Generations have produced livestock and crops in the Sydney basin, now next to Western Sydney International Airport. Read more 👉 www.theland.com.au/story/9320070 #AusAg
theland.com.au
Paved for progress: farming community lands in Sydney's newest flight path
Around-the-clock flights have begun less than 3km from some farms.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Honestly, relatable
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
There's country you grow potatoes on, and country you grow pine trees on, and Paul Cavanagh says his property falls firmly in the latter. See why he said without a wind farm, this farm would be sold off 👉 www.theland.com.au/story/9321512 #AusAg #AgChatOz #RenewableEconomy #WindEnergy
Rye Park farmer Paul Cavanagh shows off some restored soil in the shadow of wind turbines hosted on his property.Some of Rye Park farmer Paul Cavanagh's flock.Rye Park farmer Paul Cavanagh smiles with his flock of SRS non-mulesed sheep.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Good news Friday, NSW is forking out $$$ for rural vet scholarships!!!! The latest from my lovely colleague Lexi Bernard 👇 www.theland.com.au/story/9321361/ #AusAg #AgChatOz #AgSky
theland.com.au
New support for veterinary students to help solve critical industry shortages
Final year veterinary students can receive assistance through the new program.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
The grin of a farmer getting the right rain, at the right time. Greg Sales at Bribbaree, photographed in June. Full story coming up next week ✈️ #AusAg #Drought #AgSky
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
NSW Farmers Conference kicks off today, and it's already getting spicy. As usual, screaming into the void for city journo friends in Sydney - send me a DM or a text if you want to come along, or need some phone numbers, you'll never get this many farmers in one room any other time of year!
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Op-ed alert: cranky about biosec as usual, but this time there's actually something NSW residents can do about it! www.theland.com.au/story/9306428
theland.com.au
Biosecurity is a bee in our bonnet: it's time to turn frustration into action
Biosecurity threats have more than doubled over in five years.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Very bold to assume I'd make it to the gym on a Monday with video editing and bird flu on the to-do list. BUT I do have a lil' reminder to wash your boots to show for a big day's work #AusAg #Biosecurity #BehindTheByline
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Journalism behind the scenes - writing #H5N1 breaking news from a late night bus service with merciful 5G coverage and a determination to beat the metros to the app alerts. (Very proud to say our tiny and mighty team beat the big city outlets!) #AusAg #RuralJournalism
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
One of my fave stories of this year coming up first thing tomorrow, here's a sneak preview: ✅ Young farmers keeping the dream alive ✅ Buying their own farm ✅ Trying new methods for biodiversity and soil health ✅ Tackling mental ill-health ✅ Succession planning ✅ Extremely cute sheep 🐑
Second-cross lambs enjoy a winter multi mix in the shadow of the Weddin mountains.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
It seemed like only a matter of time until greasy wool crossed the 2000c/kg mark once more. The best bit? These high-priced bales helped reach that threshold for a 'wooly' good cause. Details below, and don't forget to #WearWool 🐑 www.theland.com.au/story/9299089/
theland.com.au
Wooly good cause: charity bales smash the 2000c/kg mark in Sydney, Melbourne
Softening prices didn't touch the sides of these special bales.
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Reposted by Eliza Spencer
MEAA @withmeaa.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Members are calling for a stronger News Media Bargaining Incentive that ensures funding goes directly to journalists and photojournalists jobs, including freelancers, and provides stronger support for regional and First Nations media workers – alongside fair pay and conditions across the industry.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Jason had a laugh about posing with some wire that any farmer knows wouldn't hold his weight for this photo, and about getting a cheeky #socceroos reference in, too! You can check out why I spent the morning in a future quoll pen at the link: www.theland.com.au/story/9299174/
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Reposted by Eliza Spencer
Dan Golding @dangolding.com · 25/06/2026
"The Guardian is aware that at least nine of the musicians who played in the Sydney concerts are now helping the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) with a workplace inquiry about the events surrounding the performance."
theguardian.com
The pianist from the audience at La La Land in Concert was a global feelgood story – but all was not what it seemed
Two orchestra members from the Sydney performance allege tensions behind the scenes were the cause of pianist failing to appear after intermission
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Is this an omen for tomorrow's story? 🤔 Who's to say! Either way, keep an eye out for the morning newsletter for the reason why a country journo is still at their desk at 5pm
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
"This is something deployed against local radio and newspapers quite frequently, knowing that they don’t have the resources to push back. Failing any mistakes, journalists will be sent ‘important context’ with the sole aim of letting you know they are watching."
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The CWA, farmers, Greens and Nats are all singing from the same songbook after the state budget: a surplus must not come at the cost of those who live, work, and care for the land. Read more 👉 www.theland.com.au/story/9298322 #AgSky #AusAg #NSWBudget
theland.com.au
'Sickens me to the core': budget cuts spark backlash from bush producers
The government has defended its investments in regional NSW.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
It's the last budget before the 2027 NSW state election, and in the words of NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin, "there is a great deal of unfinished business." #AusAg #Biosecurity #NSWBudget #AgSky www.theland.com.au/story/9297493
theland.com.au
'An afterthought': opposition slams budget as rural authority funding slashed
See what the 2026 state budget means for agriculture in NSW.
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Reposted by Eliza Spencer
Matthew Gault @mjgault.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
the public meetings around data centers are getting .... heated?
404media.co
'We Will Fight to Our Very Last Breath:' Township Leaders Vow to Fight Nuclear AI Data Center
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and a proposed nuclear weapons AI data center in Michigan have earned the ire of community leaders.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
A bit of end-of-day sillies getting told my masthead was the named sponsor for the champion ram, and getting a crash course in sashing sheep. This 150kg champion ram was being shown for the first time ever at Cowra for the NSW Dorset Championships. #AusAg #Sheep
Two adults stand by a large sheep, which won an award for being the best of its breed.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
We knew it was coming, but confirmation that H5N1 avian influenza is on our shores still hit me like a tonne of bricks. www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/12/australias-back-yard-chicken-owners-urged-to-implement-biosecurity-measures-in-case-of-bird-flu-outbreak
theguardian.com
Australia’s back yard chicken owners urged to implement biosecurity measures in case of bird flu outbreak
Australia is the only continent free from the highly contagious H5N1 virus, after it was detected in wild bird colonies in Antarctica in February
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Digging through the archives at work, turns out the attendees of the inaugural Hunks and Spunks competition consisted of pastoralists, prune producers, and Queensland's own Attorney-General! And yes, they all got on the phone for a laugh and a chat. www.theland.com.au/story/9291331 #AusAg #AgSky
theland.com.au
Picnic races to politics: Hunks and Spunks reflect on country and community
See the memories twenty-one years on from the first competition.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
🚨 Election Commitment Alert! 🚨 That's right folks, 2027 is edging closer and NSW politicians are getting the gameplans in place. A huge announcement from the Coalition - a $300m biosecurity package that has the tick of approval from the Invasive Species Council 👀 www.theland.com.au/story/9291414/
theland.com.au
Feral pig bounty, five-year funding, announced in $300m biosecurity plan
Find out what the election promise could mean for regional NSW.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Between EOFY and the NSW state budget coming up in a matter of days, landholders are left waiting to see what pest program funding will remain past June 30, and the state's Ag Minister isn't offering up any clues. Read more 👉 www.theland.com.au/story/9290164/
theland.com.au
'Deflating': key feral pig program faces funding cliff ahead of state budget
The popular pest program was funded only until June 30, 2026.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Rural reporting makes a difference, and now, there's the pics to prove it! Back in 2024, I reported on regional pools across NSW with chipped tiles and ageing pumps, including at home in Cowra. Now, work's underway on a new, safer, swimming centre!! (Pics via Cowra Council)
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Somehow found the most photogenic lamb on the southern slopes this arvo. Big props to Scott for understanding the brief of "can you hold them like a baby?" #AugAg #WearWool #SheepFarmers
Scott Kensit, Narrawa, holds an April-drop first-cross lamb.
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Reposted by Eliza Spencer
El Gibbs @bluntshovels.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
“Survivors are still suffering trauma, survivors with disability or that are mentally not right, given the trauma they’ve been through, and the organisation is still running on the smell of an oily rag with nothing.” Aunty Lorraine Peeters www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
theguardian.com
At four, her head was shaved and her clothes burned. Aunty Lorraine doesn’t want her trauma to be forgotten
The now 88-year-old is urging Australian governments to throw their support behind a new national plan for Stolen Generations survivors as they enter their final years
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
"“I'm sorry" he wrote as he transferred $15000 to his partner shortly before ending his life the day before her birthday." Heartbreaking aapnews.aap.com.au/news/i-m-sorry-cop-s-parting-words-before-taking-his-life/BAZxQCbpP
aapnews.aap.com.au
'I'm sorry': cop's parting words before taking his life
Months after being sent to work in a remote town, a struggling police officer told his partner he loved her before ending his own life alone in his vehicle.
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Reposted by Eliza Spencer
Royce Kurmelovs @roycerk2.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
'"An Aboriginal heritage rock shelter that had been identified in the project's planning approval was damaged beyond recovery," he said in a statement. "We are deeply sorry."'
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
If there's public space with cows and calves bet that I'll be there respectfully keeping my distance with the weaners
Eliza is looking at the camera and smiling, with three Angus weaners in the background.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
"Nobody writes about good news anymore" 😤 😤 😤 😤 😤 😤 Fear not, online friends, there's good news for ag coming up bright and early tomorrow morning. Make sure you're signed up for The Land's daily newsletter to be the first to know! www.theland.com.au/newsletters/
theland.com.au
Newsletters | The Land | NSW
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
I've been driving past David Marsh's place since I was on my L's, wondering who was taking such good care of the creek, and how I could get a cool 'Land for Wildlife' sign on my front gate, too. A few weeks back, I finally got to see behind the scenes! Read more 👉 www.theland.com.au/story/9246600
theland.com.au
How an $85/ha switch turned saline pastures into a profitable enterprise
Over five decades, this Boorowa grazier has transformed landscapes.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
#EXCLUSIVE: Nearly a full month after Vodafone wrapped up their controversial "nothing's out here" ad, an eerily similar Instagram reel has been popping up on feeds, omitting one key word: 'actually.' (Screen recording courtesy of a tip off)
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Keep an eye out for more coming on proposed animal welfare reforms in NSW, covering off everything from mulesing to teeth grinding, and why you soon won't be able to leave your kelpie in the ute tray on a hot day. www.theland.com.au/story/9245045/ #AusAg #AgSky #Mulesing
theland.com.au
Mulesing laws to change under sweeping animal welfare reform in NSW
A new bill aims to tighten animal welfare legislation in NSW.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Quick three hour round trip to Crookwell this morning to update this story, with some powerful insights from rural nurses on the real-world consequences of workforce shortages in rural areas. www.theland.com.au/story/9241832/ #AusAg #RuralHealth
theland.com.au
'We won't stand for this': rural towns rally for urgent health support
Rural leaders have warned telehealth has become a risk, not a cure.
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Eliza Spencer @amelizajane.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Asher hits the nail on the head. The anger, sense of betrayal, and genuine heartbreak at feeling like being left behind has broken the social contract in the bush. The amount of tears at kitchen tables I've witnessed from people begging government to just LISTEN is astounding.
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