John Shipton, father of detained Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, has returned briefly to his beloved home-away-from-home on the Northern Rivers to reunite with supporters.

Father of imprisoned WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, John Shipton, will be in Mullumbimby this evening for a preview of a film documenting his campaign for the Australian journalist’s freedom.

John Shipton, father of detained WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, says he’ll return to the United States to ask President Joe Biden to drop legal action against his son.

Northern Rivers residents can hear Mr Shipton in person at the Courthouse Hotel this Tuesday, May 4, from 7pm as part of the monthly Turning Point Talks.

A law advocacy group has welcomed key recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security in its review of press freedom.

Australians are worried the government is becoming less transparent on key public issues including the misuse of personal data, public funds spent on political campaigns, immigration and climate change. Locally, the Byron Shire Council and the Byron Hospital has similar examples of blocking public access to information.

NSW Labor MLC Rose Jackson calls for for marijuana to be legalised and the legalisation of abortion in Parliament.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin wasted no time in defending the freedom of the press earlier this month.

The recent raids on journalist Anninka Smethurst and the ABC highlighted the lack of protection for both whistleblowers and the journalists who bring to light the actions of governments.