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Byron Shire
March 19, 2024
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Federal election

So you want to be a councillor/politician?

This document was written without fear or favour, by The Echo editor Hans Lovejoy for the politically curious who are considering a tilt at public life, or those who are interested in the inner workings of local politics. My intention is to hopefully inform and engage aspiring political...

Saturday, 21 May, 2022 will see Australians go to the polls to vote on keeping the current government in power or voting for a change of direction. A direction change would see the election of a Labor government headed by Anthony Albanese or a minority government; that is a government that has to rely on a power-sharing deal with The Greens or Independents to form a government.

The last election was the one that Labor couldn’t lose, and here we are again with the same expectation. So perhaps with one unlosable election under their belts Labor shouldn’t get too cocky about moving into government. 

What is interesting is that the impact of Independents running in conservative seats and winning, such as Zali Steggall did the last election, has not abated. In fact, there are now more than 20 ‘teal independents’ running and challenging sitting conservative candidates including Hanabeth Luke in the seat of Page. 

They have based their campaigns on the principle of integrity and being pro-climate action. In the ‘six Liberal-held seats of Wentworth, North Sydney, Kooyong, Goldstein and Curtin – they appear to be the main opposition, and in others they hope to at least attract a significant primary vote and potentially influence the outcome through preferences,’ according to The Guardian Australia.

The real question is, who will you vote for?

Coal fired. How are the major parties planning for its end?

There’s very little economic future for fossil fuels, even if you ignore the environmental effects. Renewable energy is cheaper, including battery storage.

Why I’m voting Greens 1 on Saturday

What exciting times we live in. Never has there been a better time to be politically engaged than now. This election is like no other. With the problems of the world bearing down on us, now is the time to make your voice heard.

The floods are leaving people homeless and families split

There was a housing crisis on the Northern Rivers, then we had the floods of 2022 and the issue has left increasing numbers of people homeless and struggling to find alternative accommodation.

Richmond candidates 2022: Informed Medical Options Party candidate Monica Shepherd

Monica Shepherd is an organic naturopath based in Ocean Shores. She is running as a candidate for the Informed Medical Options Party in the federal seat of Richmond.

Storylines – Stop the rot and take action

Having spent a long time reflecting on the last 13 weeks since the floods devastated our region, many important issues have come to my attention – loss of homes, possessions, safety, schools suspended from flooding, chaos, death, loss of animals, extreme anxiety and desperation, and so much more.

Interviews with Richmond candidates 2022: Liberal Democrats Party candidate Gary Biggs

Gary Biggs lives in the Tweed Shire and owns a small business. He is running as a candidate for the Liberal Democrats Party in the federal seat of Richmond.

One Nation ‘ghost’ haunting Richmond

Less than a week out from the election, mystery surrounds the One Nation candidate and her connection to the electorate.

Mandy for Richmond: ‘I’m there to break things’

I am deeply curious about whether Mandy Nolan can unseat Labor’s Justine Elliot and win Richmond for the Greens in Saturday’s election.

Interviews with Richmond candidates 2022: Independent Nathan Jones

Nathan Jones lives in Cudgen, owns a small business and is running as an Independent for the federal seat of Richmond.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Insights from the campaign trail

The election is almost here. Hooray. It’s time we got down with Elvis Presley’s suggestion of ‘A little less conversation, a little more action, please.’ I’m a big fan of action. I’ve been at this for 14 months, and as a writer who holds the ear of the community each week I’ve been cognizant not to turn this into a hostage situation. For twenty years I’ve talked about politics and social issues and shared insights into my personal experiences, but this is one journey where I’ve had to keep you locked out. 

Richmond candidates strut their stuff

With the federal election looming Saturday, candidates put themselves before the public at the Echo/BayFM ‘Meet the Candidates’ on Monday night in Byron. All candidates were present, except ‘ghost’ One Nation candidate, Tracey Bell-Henselin. 

Opinion: It’s time to kick Morrison out

'Grifters come in all shapes and sizes, from all kinds of background. This one is used to skipping just a step ahead of impending disaster and exposure. Many times in marketing and politics, which he sees as identical pursuits, his nimble lies have saved his career.' 

All smiles at Ballina pre-poll

People were queued out the door at the pre-poll booth in Ballina Indoor Sports Centre yesterday, with brightly dressed volunteers and AEC officials offering assistance to voters.

Interviews with Richmond candidates 2022: Independent Terry Sharples

Terry Sharples is a retired accountant living in the Tweed Shire and running as an Independent for the federal seat of Richmond. Bay FM Community...

No Mr Morrison, we are not ‘confused’ or ‘misguided’

The Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, has spent much of the election campaign telling the people of Australia that a vote for a small party or an independent is a wasted vote. Or that a vote for a small party or an independent is a vote for instability.

Who is candidate Terry Sharples?

Tweed-based Richmond candidate for the May 21 election, Terry Sharples, has described himself as a ‘True Independent’, yet there is little online information regarding his platform, funding and professional background.

Interviews with Richmond candidates 2022: Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party, Rob Marks

Rob Marks lives in the Tweed Shire, owns a small business and is running on Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party ticket for the federal seat of Richmond.

Editorial – E-con-oh-my

If there’s one thing that the LNP lays claim to, above all else, it is the assertion that they are the better managers of the economy. But what does this bold claim actually mean?

Labor MP calls Greens election ad ‘untruthful and misleading’

Labor MP calls Greens election ad ‘untruthful and misleading’

Interviews with Richmond candidates 2022: Independent David Warth

David Warth is an environmental filmmaker based in Byron Bay and running as an Independent for the federal seat of Richmond.

Pam’s chemical-free farming passion

Third-generation farmer Pam Morrow has been growing her own organic food for over 20 years. Her passion for farming without the use of chemicals...

Many rental homes barely habitable due to heat

Rental homes had an average indoor temperature of 25°C and experienced two hours a day over 30°C according to a new report, 'Cruel Summers', from tenant advocacy organisation Better Renting.

Stone and Wood’s new NRB beer

Stone and Wood have launched a new beer: Northern Rivers Beer (NRB). At a warm, and pretty laidback, night at the Billinudgel Hotel earlier...

The Drongo: even more of them around these days

The team at Spangled Drongo Brewing officially fired up their brewhouse in June last year, but you may have heard their name prior to...