22.6 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Reset justice

Latest News

Blue skies for Bluesfest day 1

If yesterday at Bluesfest was anything to go by, it's going to be an incredible event and with the weather holding, (so far) the Easter weekend's future is looking bright.

Other News

Safety and preparation saves lives on the water

A large number of boaters are expected to hit the water over the Easter long weekend and Marine Rescue NSW is reminding boaters to be prepared and log on to the Marine Rescue NSW app.

Caper Byron Bay Food & Culture Festival

Caper Byron Bay Food & Culture Festival returns to Byron Bay in May, and this year ‘locals favourite’ pub...

Breakfeast, Bluesfest weekend

Victoria Cosford Oh to be a cow with a four-chambered stomach system! Farmers’ market, Bluesfest long weekend, a spot of...

Richmond MP again called on for immediate Gaza ceasefire 

On Saturday, March 16 Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine unfurled a 20m scroll with the names of murdered children and host a ‘die-in’ action at the office of the federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot (Labor).

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Why Being Seen is Beautiful

There is something profound about being seen. Being accepted and loved for exactly who you are. It’s life changing. It’s simple. It’s transformative. But some people don’t get to experience this. Nearly half of transgender Australians have attempted suicide.That data tells the very real impact of discrimination, stigma and lack of access to gender-affirming surgery. I write this as a woman who was born a woman, who identifies as a woman. I’ll admit, that even in that gender role, that fits within the societal binary, I’ve had my own challenges.

Splendour 2024 cancelled

It's official, Splendour in the Grass 2024 has been cancelled.

Meg Pickup, Ballina

New Year’s Day 2019, SBS reported the prime minister as saying, ‘We aren’t just a country where if you have a go, you get a go… it’s a country where differences are respected and, indeed, they are celebrated’.

The contraction ‘if you have a go, you get a go’ used by the coalition in the election campaign contradicts this. It implies that because Australians on welfare are unable to have a go they do not deserve to get a go.

The Business Council of Australia’s variation on the theme – ‘The best welfare is working’ – urges people to pull their weight and get off welfare – yet they oppose a living wage.

The United Australia Party’s similarly themed slogan – ‘The best welfare is a job’ – belies its founder’s actions. When his nickel refinery collapsed in 2016 he refused to pay any entitlements to the 800 sacked workers. Instead taxpayers forked out $70 million, freeing him to squander $60 million on election advertising.

These catchphrases are deliberately intended to develop an us-and-them mentality creating victim blaming and making ‘them’ feel unworthy. Now is our chance to reset social policy and reinstate our historical commitment to social justice and equality of opportunity.

Previous articleToilets and potholes
Next articleGet out and vote

Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

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. 

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

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.