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April 30, 2025
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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...

The federal election will take place on Saturday, 3 May, 2025 after months of unofficial campaigning.

This election will see the election of a full House of Representatives (lower house) and for half the Senate (upper house).

During the election announcement Prime Minister Anthony Albanese focused on the cost of living for the average Australian with a promise of tax relief. 

There has been a recent small drop in interest rates, inflation is down to 2.4 per cent. Labor has introduced tax cuts beginning mid-2026 giving Australian's a $5 per week which will increase to $10 per week from 2027-28. They have extended Labor's temporary energy bill relief for six months and will provide significant support for Medicare and bulk billing. 

The Opposition would repeal Labor's tax cuts, has matched Labor's Medicare commitments and have said they will provide a 12-month cut to petrol the petrol excise, which they say would save a motorist who fills a 55-litre tank $14 a week. They continue to push a $600 billion nuclear future proposal.

The real question is, who will you vote for?

6,000 people rally to vote salmon out

Yesterday, more than 6,000 people gathered on Parliament Lawns in Hobart for Bob Brown Foundation's rally to vote salmon out.

Here for us, or for Gina and Pauline?

While Richmond obsesses over the tussle between three fiery female candidates, in neighbouring Page the Nationals' MP Kevin Hogan is coasting to almost certain victory over his outgunned Greens opponent Luke Robinson and a Labor candidate who's unknown in most of the electorate, Wendy Backhous.

Race for Richmond: Labor determined to win majority government with Justine Elliot

We spoke with the incumbent candidate for the seat of Richmond, Labor’s Justine Elliot, in the final week of campaigning before pre-polling started.

Race for Richmond: The Nationals secure maximum how-to-vote preferences with Kimberly Hone

We spoke with National Party of Australia federal candidate for the seat of Richmond, Kimberly Hone, on day three of pre-polling at the Jessie McMillan Hall pre-poll booth in Murwillumbah.

Race for Richmond: The Greens’ push for minority gov’t with Mandy Nolan

We spoke with The Greens federal candidate for the seat of Richmond, Mandy Nolan, on day three of pre-polling at the Richmond Room pre-poll booth in Ballina.

The good, the bad, and the ugly: 2025 election senate voting guide

The unwieldy senate ballot paper can be a bit tricky to navigate with its many obscure political parties that may sound benign. The savvy...

Early voting open for the ‘key seat’ of Richmond

The seat of Richmond has been held by Labor’s Justine Elliot for the last 20 years and is considered a ‘key seat’ by ABC's Antony Green after the close race by the Green in the last federal election.

Who to vote for and where to pre poll for the seat of Page

Pre-poll is open so Evans Head, Wardell, Lismore, Nimbin, Kyogle – who will you vote for?

No such thing as a wasted vote

It’s tedious so much misinformation is disseminated during elections. I’ve heard the same lie about ‘wasted votes’ since I first stood for the Australia Party in the 1972 federal election.

Nationals announce $300,000 for Murwillumbah pool to be heated over winter

Nationals candidate has announced that the Liberal Nationals Coalition government will commit $300,000 to install a new heating system for the 50m outdoor pool at the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre (TRAC) in Murwillumbah. 

Nurses handing out for the Greens in Murwillumbah as pre-poll begins

Pre-poll opened this morning for the Australian federal election on May 3. Frustrated nurses, who don’t feel that the NSW state government has listened to them during pay disputes, handed out for the Greens at pre-poll in the federal election.

What was missing from the ‘leaders’ debate

Last week's televised debate between Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton confirmed what many voters already suspected: Dutton remains unfit to lead, and Albo is no Gough Whitlam.

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital a marginal Richmond seat favourite

The Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has starred in two federal election campaign announcements in the marginal seat of Richmond, with both The Greens and Labor promising funds if they get the numbers in the 3 May election.

Ballot locked in, now comes the pledges

Buckle up peeps, the federal election is May 3, and there are ten candidates for the marginal Richmond electorate who are vying for your precious vote.

Ballina and Murwillumbah meet the candidate’s forums clash

Unfortunately for Murwillumbah and Ballina residents interested in finding out their candidate’s policy positions there has been a clash of meet the candidates events tomorrow.

Labor investment in youth crime prevention

Member for Richmond Justine Elliot has announced that the Albanese Labor Government is delivering $500,000 for Byron Youth Service Inc. (BYS) to provide youth crime prevention programs through the Youth Empowerment Program.

Coalition says it will invest in local roads and community infrastructure

The Liberal and National parties say they will invest $1 billion to empower local councils across Australia, giving them the flexibility to prioritise and deliver critical community infrastructure and road projects tailored to their communities’ needs.

Mandy draws first spot on Richmond ballot paper

Greens Candidate for Richmond, Mandy Nolan, got a boost on Friday, when she won the much-sought-after top spot on the ballot paper for the coming federal election.

One Nation candidate announced for Richmond

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation candidate for the May 3 election is local born and raised Bundjalung Indigenous man, Ian Mye.

Greens launch pledge for free university and TAFE

The Australian Greens have today announced their plan to make university and TAFE free for students around the country, something that would be a priority for the party in minority government.

Second time lucky as Bangalow Film Festival opens tonight

The Bangalow Film Festival opens tonight with the special screening of The Tracker at 5.30pm and then Andamooka at 8pm. 

What is the future of Newrybar Village?

A collaborative design process between the community and Ballina Shire Council in late 2024 for a Draft Streetscape Master Plan for Newrybar is now available for comment. 

A closer look at the ten people who think they can wrangle the deep state and represent your interests

As we head into the final week of the federal election campaign, let’s take a closer look at the ten candidates seeking your vote for the House of Representatives (lower house).

What do your emergency services do for you? Free expo in Tweed

The essential role of emergency services was pulled to the forefront of everyone's awareness during the unprecedented 2022 floods.