We are all familiar with the shortcomings of government. Political leanings aside, who among us has not felt that corruption and lack of accountability exist in government bodies?

In recent years, democracy seems to be taking sides. In political commentary, opinion columns, or even conversations with friends, after each major election, there appears to be a preferred ‘democratic’ candidate.

Byron Greens members could expect to be asked to take the future of the Richmond River further south into account when choosing a candidate for next year’s state election.

Byron Shire Council is to host two ‘Community Conversation’ events related to next year’s budget and operational plan but has not mentioned the geopolitical oil crisis.

While local governments in Ballina, Byron and Lismore were yet to publicly consider impacts of the geopolitical oil crisis on the Northern Rivers, the Tweed Shire Council said last week budget adjustments may be needed.

Academic freedom is the lifeblood of universities – a principle that ensures scholars and students can pursue knowledge, challenge orthodoxy, and engage in open debate without fear of censorship or reprisal.

Attacks on journalists – whether by military forces in conflict zones or by law enforcement during civil unrest – pose a grave threat to freedom of speech and the health of democracy.

The federal electoral race for Richmond was officially too close to call as counting finished Sunday but a nation-wide so-called ‘Labor landslide’ looked likely to include the marginal seat.

Climate change is real. One only has to consider the serious floods in Northern NSW and Queensland to realise that.

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.