13.8 C
Byron Shire
June 7, 2026
Home Tags Penalty rates

Latest News

Cartoon of the week – 3 June, 2026

The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, send us your epistles.

Other News

Lennox development

The proposed Saltwood development at Ross Lane raises serious concerns for local residents. You cannot engineer away local knowledge. Residents with...

Kingscliff insurance

Recently, many Kingscliff locals have been hit by massive increases in their home insurance. Some properties are located in...

Mullum Giants celebrate Old Boys Day

Sunday, 31 May saw everyone having some fun as the sun finally shone at the Mullumbimby Giants games which included the Old Boys Day. Photos by Sarah Archibald.

Push to slow traffic outside Coorabell Hall

The campaign to slow traffic on the short stretch of Coolamon Scenic Drive outside Coorabell Hall is gradually gathering momentum, with Byron Council supporting a lower speed limit despite advice the road may not meet state criteria.

Was the NACC designed to fail?

The sudden resignation of controversy-plagued National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Paul Brereton has served to further highlight the failings of an organisation which began with such high hopes, having been one of the key demands of the first teal representatives and a core promise of the incoming Albanese Labor government.

Love Lennox Festival returns June 13

The all day Love Lennox Festival returns Saturday, 13 June, with organisers saying they expect more than 10,000 attendees to gather across town for one of the region’s most loved community events.

Stories about "penalty rates":

Ballina sushi shop owner ‘deliberately exploited’ Korean workers

The former owner-operator of Ballina's Sushi Kuni outlet has been penalised a total of $136,250 by the Fair Work Ombudsman for the ‘deliberate and calculated’ exploitation of young Korean workers and using false records to try to cover it up.

Pressure on Hogan to stand up for penalty rates

Lismore City councillor Eddie Lloyd has made an impassioned plea to Page MP Kevin Hogan (Nationals) to protect Sunday and public holiday penalty rates. And she has launched a petition so members of his electorate can voice their opposition to the government move.

More than 13,000 Richmond residents set to lose penalty rates

Federal Richmond MP Justine Elliot (Labor) said new figures show that the electorate of Richmond will be hard hit by the Fair Work Commission’s cut to penalty rates.

Penalty rates vital for healthy economy

Anthony Wilson, Currumbin Waters. Weekend penalty rates are very important to us Australians as it brings our take home pay to that being equal to an average wage.

Penalty-rate cut would slash $25m from Page economy

Retail workers in the Page electorate would be left out of pocket to the tune of up to almost $24.9 million a year if penalty rates were cut, research released today has found.

Penalty-rate changes are Workchoices by stealth: Elliot

Labor Federal Richmond MP Justine Elliot has lashed out at a government proposal to slash penalty rates in the retail and hospitality sectors, saying it will impact unfairly on workers in our region.

Weekends still sacrosanct

Ruth Dare, Bangalow. I wholeheartedly agree with the letter from Asren Pugh re penalty rates. I think, Asren, that you should publish the names of the businesses advocating the abolishment of penalty rates.

Penalty rates justified, especially for low-paid workers

Asren Pugh, Bangalow. I was very disappointed to see some local businesses in Bangalow showing signs in support of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry campaign to get rid of penalty rates over the Easter public holidays.

Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

A local photographer has shot a marooned yacht at Flat Rock, in Ballina Shire. It's the second boat to be washed ashore in recent months

Echo celebrates 40 with awards night tomorrow

Tickets are selling fast! Come join a fun-filled night of community celebration – This Saturday (tomorrow) The Echo is set to mark its 40th year in style with a ’30s swing-era style party and community awards night featuring the dynamic sounds of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Author Tristan Bancks follows up with Two Wolves sequel

Local author Tristan Bancks launched his new book for readers 10+, Raised By Wolves, at Byron Book Room last night (Thursday 4 June).

Lismore City Council recognised for environmental leadership at LG awards

Lismore City Council has been recognised for outstanding achievement in environmental leadership, resilience and community infrastructure at the 2026 LG Professionals NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.