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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Senate 2016 election heralds a radical change

Latest News

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Other News

Peter Garrett gives Bluesfest the nod

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Save Wallum finalist in NSW 2024 environment awards

The Save Wallum campaign has been named as a finalist in the Nature Conservation Council of NSW Environment Awards 2024. The award ceremony will be held in Sydney tonight, and Save Wallum spokesperson and ecologist James Barrie will be attending with Tegan Kitt, another founding member of the group.

New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health

The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.

Murwillumbah’s Rebecca Whan recognised for tireless work post 2022 floods

Murwillumbah was severely impacted by the 2022 floods and it was a huge community effort to support, rescue and inspire everyone to move forward. 

UK court seeks assurances from US over Julian Assange

The UK High Court of Justice has released a 66 page judgement seeking more information from the United States relating to Australian citizen Julian Assange, which it says it needs before deciding whether to grant the WikiLeaks founder leave to appeal his extradition.

Records galore!

Byron Bay Easter Record Fair returns again to Ewingsdale Hall. Now in its 15th year, the Byron Bay Easter Record Fair is one of the biggest and best in this country. Matt the Vinyl Junkie has spent years on buying trips to the US and Japan scouring dusty warehouses, shops, flea markets and private collections. He can offer an astounding 30,000 records in one place covering most genres.

Terry Sharples,  Tweed Heads

Unlike the past, you cannot vote just ONE [1] above the line. Voters now have to distribute preferences for a valid vote at least 1 to 6. There are no negotiated preference deals between the parties any more.

Turnbull’s ‘clear out the Senate’ strategy of Double Dissolution means also that there are now 12, not 6 Senate spots up for grabs in the States.

In NSW there are 41 parties above the line to choose from. Voters will have to fold the ballot into thirds just to get it flat on the cardboard electoral box.

Senator positions are elected on a quota of votes, being the number of valid votes in the State or Territory, divided by the number of Senate positions.

As an example: the Senate quota in Tassie in 2013 was 48,084 votes. In Double Dissolution the quota is halved ie: 24,042 votes because there are 6 extra Senate positions to be filled.

The exhaustion of votes which will mean the last Senate position will be decided on way less than the quota for the other 11 Senators.

It’s a “Last Man Standing” scenario.

If there are 1000 votes left and one party has 601 and the other 399, then the party with the 601 votes wins the last Senate position.

But what, if there are no votes left, not even 3, to elect someone to the last Senate position. More than a possibility in Tasmania.

I rang the AEC on the question (reference AET 637) but not surprisingly no one rang back.

 

 


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Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

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Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

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