20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026
Home Tags Electoral reform

Latest News

Cinema: NAZA

A must-see, award-winning documentary investigating AI warfare in Gaza. Fresh from winning the Special Jury Prize at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, NAZA, the latest documentary from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor (No Other Land), examines artificial intelligence and surveillance in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Other News

People’s Choice Awards announced for Lismore sculpture show

Over 500 visitors came to see the wonderful recycled and natural sculptural works at the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens, in the ReCreate Sculpture Exhibition.

Calls on NRPP to defer consent for Mullumbimby’s 57 Station Street DA on Monday

At Thursday’s Byron Shire Council meeting there were multiple calls for a deferral of the 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby car park development application.

Wanderlust come to Mullum

Wanderlust invites the community to a magical evening celebrating connection and conscious living at the Wanderlust Night Market.

Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

The price of ignorance

What often gets described as ‘racism’ in Australia is often based on plain old ignorance. People lacking the interest...

Australia’s biggest culinary tourism economy

NSW is serving up a feast for visitors, with new data confirming the state is Australia’s number one destination for food tourism and attracting billions of dollars in visitor spending.

Stories about "electoral reform":

‘Stitch up’ or a step in the right direction?

Electoral reform legislation to cap political donations passed the Senate last week, with many crossbenchers expressing their fury at the process and the major parties claiming the moral high ground as they joined forces.

Big parties freezing out the independents?

Electoral reform sounds boring, which is probably why the government hoped to squeeze a substantial change to the way Australian politics works in amongst some positive-sounding modifications late last year, without too many people noticing. After independents raised the alarm, this legislation was delayed, and is now likely to be presented in the new year.

A fairer electoral system?

Tom Tabart, Byron Greens, Bangalow. After dodgy preselections, both party and micros, the single-seat electoral system ensures that the two-party duopoly will always rule. Far fairer would be a form of proportional representation in both houses with members elected according to their party or individual vote.

Just who is gaming the electoral system?

Colin Cook, Bangalow. Phillip Frazer, ‘Above the line or below….’ Echo March 2, correctly observes that Jacqui Lambie, Ricky Muir – along with established independents – would be more highly regarded as ‘doing a goodish job’ well ahead of all members of the big parties.

Australia’s government trails the field

Kol Dimond, Mullumbimby. The whole Australian political framework stinks of stooges protecting their gold. Too comfy for too long. Too insular too isolated too privileged and lucky.

What’s so dodgy about micro-parties?

Paul Recher, Dorroughby Aidan Rickett's recently wrote that 'Senate voting is a dodgy lottery'. It was a classic case of the kettle calling the pot black.

Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

Something for everyone at the Picture House

From Australian superstar musos, to brand new documentaries, to comedians at the top of their game, there really is something for everyone at the Brunswick Picture House.

Thirty-six unmissable films

The 2026 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival features an unmissable line up 36 films, including five retrospectives which will screen from 28 October to 29 November at Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Cinemas.

A timeless story of self-discovery

A husband with a promotion, two adorable children and a lovely new house. Nora thought she had it all. But did she? What was the discontent that was whispering to her in the shadows?