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Latest News
Child protection workers walk off the job in Lismore
Lismore and Ballina child protection caseworkers stopped work to protest outside the defunct Community Services Centre in Lismore yesterday after two years of working without an office. They have been joined by Ballina child protection caseworkers who had their office shut in January.
Other News
Keeping watch on Tyalgum Road
Residents keen to stay up to date on the status of the temporary track at Tyalgum Road – particularly during significant rain events – are urged to sign up to a new SMS alert system launched by Tweed Shire Council.
Ignite your creativity at Mullum Laneways Festival
This year’s Mullum Laneways Festival, to be held on May 4 and 5, promises to be a feast for the senses, set to captivate visitors of all ages. On Sunday, May 5 everyone is encouraged to immerse themselves in the heart of the Festival, as Burringbar Street is transformed into a vibrant tapestry of music, dance, art, and more.This is a free event, funded by local sponsorship and a gala fundraising event on Saturday, May 4.
Flood insurance inquiry’s North Coast hearings
A public hearing into insurers’ responses to the 2022 flood was held in Lismore last Thursday, with one local insurance brokerage business owner describing the compact that exists between insurers and society as ‘broken’.
Byron Comedy Fest 2024 Laughs
The legendary Northern Hotel’s Backroom opens its doors to laughter when it welcomes The Byron Comedy Fest with eight big headline shows. With audiences packing out shows every year, Festival Directors Mel Coppin and Zara Noruzi have decided a new venue with increased capacity was in order. It also means the festival is an all-weather event – expect all your favourites!
New data reveals NSW social housing waitlist blowout
A fresh analysis by Homelessness NSW reveals where people are waiting the longest for social housing, sparking calls to double the supply of social homes and boost services funding.
eSafety commissioner granted legal injunction as X refuses to hide violent content
Australia’s Federal Court has granted the eSafety commissioner a two-day legal injunction to compel X, Elon Musk’s social media platform, to hide posts showing graphic content of the Wakeley church stabbing in Sydney.
Stories about "pork barrelling":
Nats candidate for Ballina responds to pork barrelling claims
The Nationals’ candidate for the seat of Ballina in this month’s state election has defended practices labelled ‘pork-barrelling’ in the lead-up to a Meet the Candidates forum in Byron.
Ballina not taken for granted as MP Tamara Smith pursues re-election
The Ballina electorate is one of the key seats to watch in this month's NSW state election, with a three way tussle between the Greens, Labor and the Nationals, and the result likely to be decided by preferences. With a background in teaching and the law, the Greens' Tamara Smith has represented the region since she was elected in 2015, riding the anti-CSG wave, and then re-elected in 2019 with a 4.7% swing.
Which NSW election candidates support pork barrel grant reform?
With Byron Shire Council heavily reliant on government grants to fill potholes, commission flood studies and even improve toilet amenities The Echo asked all Ballina NSW election candidates their position on reforming how grants are allocated.
NSW gov’t accused of ‘pork barrelling’ in Ballina electorate
As people on the Northern Rivers last week endured the anxiety of severe storm warnings and pre-dawn emergency alerts, a visit from the state’s emergency services minister was barely announced.
The legalities around pork barrelling in NSW
The misallocation of public funds to benefit partisan interest, to the detriment of making such decisions based on merit, is nothing new in the state of NSW. However, the blatant justifications of the practice by the current coalition government are something new.
And pork barrelling!
Ron Curran, Ocean Shores
Is there any minister in the Morrison cabinet who has not been implicated in some way by rorts, cover-ups, shonky deals, illegal...
Did Liberal-Nationals rort ‘bushfire’ recovery funds?
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin (Labor) has joined the call to highlight the actions of the Berejiklian-Barilaro NSW government over the latest ‘Liberal-National government grant rorts scandal’.
Electorates miss out on bushfire slush fund
NSW member for Ballina, Tamara Smith (Greens), has spoken of disgust at the latest Liberal-National government grant rorts scandal, which has directly impacted this electorate and the neighbouring Lismore electorate.
Let’s talk pork!
Put simply, pork barrelling is where certain electorates are favoured by politicans with cash (grants, infrastructure projects etc) to curry favour. It’s questionable though, how ethical the practice is, given it is essentially a bribe.
Political Comment
Youth crime is increasing – what to do?
There is something strange going on with youth crime in rural and regional Australia. Normally, I treat hysterical rising delinquency claims with a pinch of salt – explicable by an increase in police numbers, or a headline-chasing tabloid, or a right-wing politician.
Local News
Coffs Harbour man charged for alleged online grooming of young girl
Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a Coffs Harbour man for alleged online grooming offences under Strike Force Trawler.
Byron Echo
Blockades continue as councillors wave next Wallum certificate through
Paul Bibby - 0
A second subdivision works certificate for the Wallum estate was signed off by a majority of councillors last week, who again argued that they have no legal standing to further impede an approved development.
Byron Echo
Ancient brewing tradition honoured
An annual event and brewing ritual to honour ancient brewing traditions was held at Stone & Wood’s Byron brewery last week.
