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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

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By Tonia Dynan

HE MIGHT have been thousands of kilometres away behind bars in Belmarsh prison in London, but WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was with his father in spirit as he campaigned for his son’s freedom in Lismore last week.
Julian’s father John Shipton was in town as part of the Home Run for Julian tour making its way down the east coast.
Mr Shipton said he spoke to Julian on the phone from Belmarsh the day before his visit to Lismore, and his son was keen to hear how his hometown was doing.
“After they locked down the jail, they extended the privilege for external phone calls, so Julian can ring up – he has a 10-minute guillotine – and then he has to wait a certain amount of time before he can call out again,” Mr Shipton said.
“I spoke to him yesterday and he asked about what was happening in Lismore, how was his family, did I go up to the old school and have a look, just keeping him up-to-date on what was happening on the road.”
Asked about how he felt as a dad watching his son go through this ordeal, Mr Shipton said it was an emotional rollercoaster.
“Well, it’s up and down,” he said.
“The activity intensified over the last three years, particularly the last two years, as Julian was beaten down.
“There was always lots of possibilities that he’d be able to negotiate a way out prior.
“So, over the last two years the intensity – you just take each day as it comes. You give thanks for the wins and for the things that don’t work out so well you just and think of another way.”
In January, a London judge refused to grant a US request for Julian’s extradition, but also refused him bail until a US appeal against that verdict is heard.
Julian, a 49-year-old Australian, is wanted in Washington to face 18 charges relating to the 2010 release by WikiLeaks of 500,000 secret files detailing aspects of military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange The US claims he helped intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal the documents before exposing confidential sources around the world.
“Julian grew in this soil here, and the fierce integrity he displays comes out of this soil, out of this society,” Mr Shipton said.
“That soil continues to produce people with fierce integrity.”
Julian faces a possible 175-year sentence if convicted, but Julian and his lawyers have long argued the case against him was politically motivated under former president Donald Trump.
His legal team called on President Joe Biden’s US administration to drop the charges, and for the Australian government to do more on Assange’s behalf.
Mr Shipton said people were looking around behind the scenes for a way out of “this mess”.
“Just a couple of months ago the Consular service of Australia wrote to the Crown prosecuting service and asked them two things – when was the hearing going to take place and what was the hearing composed of,” he said.
“The Crown prosecuting service wrote back saying that the appeal of the United States and the appeal of the defense would be heard within two months of that date, which was the seventh of last month, before a single judge.
“This had never happened before, admitting that it was writing to the Crown Prosecution Service and sending me copies, so it’s a big change, so you can see, people are looking around for ways out of this mess.”
Tour manager Jacob Grech said one of the main obstacles in getting Julian released was with the White House administration.
“If they were to prosecute Julian Assange, it would leave the door open for prosecution of different publishers like the New York Times, for example, who also published the documents that WikiLeaks released,” he said.
“So, it’s a matter of charge one, charge all.
“Now the second point is that it’s been said that because Julian is an Australian citizen, he has no First Amendment rights to free speech. They claim that first amendment rights are only available to US citizens.
“Every major publishing house in the world has a correspondent in the United States – the ABC has, Fairfax has, they all have. They also have no First Amendment rights.
“This is something the administration does not want to pursue.
“He (Julian) was arrested and detained in the United Kingdom for activities that took place outside the United States. What the United States seems to be asking for is nothing short of a universal bailiwick to the application of their laws.
“That means, if any law that is existent in the United States is broken by a citizen of any country anywhere, the United States has the right to arrest them and detain them. This is what they are claiming.”
Lismore Mayor Vanessa Ekins was at the rally to show her support for a cause she said was all about respect.
“It’s about our government giving respect to our citizens overseas in difficult circumstances,” she said.
“It’s about respecting the independent nature of journalism and how important that is, that our people have access to information about what our government is doing and what our soldiers are doing overseas, and it’s about just basic respect for people in difficult circumstances.
“So, keep the conversation going and we need to put pressure on our federal representatives to bring Julian home.”
Lismore City Council was the first council in Australia to write to the Federal Government asking for Julian to come home and it was Councillor Darlene Cook who moved that in the chamber.
“We’re all part of the greater collective of humanity and injustice to one is injustice to us all,” Cr Cook said.
“To not look around hoping someone else will carry that banner or flag or start a campaign, it is up to all of us as global citizens to shoulder the duty to fight for the rights of our fellow citizens, anywhere around the world, anytime injustice is seen, every time our voices and our actions can lead to changes.
“That’s why I put a motion to Lismore City Council in February 2020 calling on the Australian Government to uphold Julian’s human rights as an Australian citizen who has been unjustly held overseas for nine years.”
Mr Grech called on the community to lobby their local federal member to take action in getting Julian released.

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Tweed Heads Man Revs Up Excitement with $50,000 Keno Win

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Tweed Heads Man Revs Up Excitement with $50,000 Keno Win

Jeff Gibbs

A Tweed Heads man is ready for high-speed adventures after winning $50,000 in a Keno Classic draw. The lucky winner hit the jackpot in draw 968 on Thursday, 13 February 2025, with his winning ticket purchased at Ivory Waterside, 156 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads.

The New South Wales resident said he discovered the exciting news during a night out with a friend.
“It was quite the surprise,” the winner shared. “We put on a few games and completely forgot about them. We weren’t watching the screen, so it was only when I checked my ticket that I found out about the win.”

Overjoyed with the unexpected windfall, the pair stayed out to celebrate. The winner already has plans for his prize:
“I’ll probably buy a new motorbike and put some towards the house. I’ve only played Keno about five times, so it was pretty amazing to win like this.”

The man revealed he used a selection of special numbers and couldn’t be more grateful for his good fortune.
“Thanks so much!”

Keno Players Enjoy Big Wins Across Australia

In FY24, Keno players across Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, and Victoria celebrated more than 78.5 million wins, collectively worth over $1.16 billion.

Among the major winners were 18 millionaires and multi-millionaires, including a Shelly Beach dad who took home a $5.92 million windfall. Eight major winners were from New South Wales and the ACT, with total winnings of $588.5 million across the region.

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Adam Gilchrist Pavilion Lismore Honours an Aussie Cricketing Legend

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Adam Gilchrist Pavilion Lismore

Adam Gilchrist Pavilion Honours an Aussie Cricketing Legend

Jeff Gibbs

Lismore’s reputation as a premier regional sporting hub has reached new heights with the unveiling of the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion at the Lismore Regional Sporting Hub. Named in honour of Adam (Gilly) Gilchrist, one of Australia’s greatest cricketers, the pavilion is part of a $12.4 million upgrade to Oakes Oval and Crozier Field.

A Tribute to a Cricket Icon
Adam Gilchrist, renowned for his aggressive batting and wicketkeeping prowess, is deeply connected to Lismore, where he spent his formative years and attended school in Goonellabah. As a key member of three World Cup-winning teams (1999, 2003, 2007) and a Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2002), his contributions to Australian cricket are legendary. His induction into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame cements his place in cricket history.

Reflecting on the honour, Gilchrist said:
“It’s an incredible honour to have a pavilion named after you. Growing up in Lismore, I never imagined this day would come. I hope it serves as a reminder of the community that supported me and how much this place means to me.”

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg described the pavilion as a fitting tribute:
“Gilly brought joy and amazement to cricket fans across the world. It’s an absolute honour to have this high-quality facility named after one of Lismore’s most iconic sporting figures.”

A Multi-Purpose Sporting Venue

The Adam Gilchrist Pavilion is a modern, multi-purpose venue designed to host sporting and community events. Key features include:

  • Function room with internal seating for 100
  • Commercial kitchen and bar
  • Office space and meeting rooms
  • Viewing deck overlooking Oakes Oval and Crozier Field
  • Modern amenities including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, and a lift

The flexible space can be divided into three separate areas, making it suitable for meetings, private functions, conferences, weddings, and corporate events.

A Major Investment in Regional Sport

The $12.4 million upgrade to the Lismore Regional Sporting Hub has transformed the facility, delivering:

  • New change rooms
  • Upgraded grandstands
  • Enhanced spectator areas
  • Cricket training nets built to national standards
  • Additional amenities blocks

Funded through contributions from the Australian Government ($6 million), NSW Government’s Regional Sport Infrastructure Fund ($4.5 million), Stronger Country Communities Fund ($400,000), and Lismore City Council ($1.5 million), the upgrades ensure that Lismore remains a top-tier destination for high-profile sporting events.

The Adam Gilchrist Pavilion is now available for hire, offering an ideal setting for community gatherings, corporate events, and social celebrations.

For bookings and more information, visit the Lismore City Council website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

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Forestry Corporation Under Fire for Amended Sustainability Reports

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Greens MP and environment spokesperson Sue Higginson Forestry Corporation

Forestry Corporation Under Fire for Amended Sustainability Reports

 

By Ian Rogers

The NSW Forestry Corporation is facing serious scrutiny after it was caught quietly revising three years’ worth of sustainability reports, significantly reducing the reported timber yield from native forest logging since 2021. The revised data shows a 28% decline in yield across NSW, raising questions about the corporation’s reporting practices and the broader sustainability of native forest logging.

The discrepancy was uncovered in 2024 by members of the North East Forest Alliance and South East Forest Rescue. The discovery has prompted Greens MP and environment spokesperson Sue Higginson to call on the NSW Auditor-General to investigate the Forestry Corporation for maladministration.

“The reported yield from native forest logging is a cornerstone of so-called ecologically sustainable forest management,” Ms. Higginson said. “For this data to be revised down by 28% without any public announcement calls into question the entire justification for continuing native forest logging.”

Misleading Data Raises Alarm

Ms. Higginson described the changes as a case of maladministration, highlighting that the original data—now proven inaccurate—had been tabled in NSW Parliament as part of Forestry’s sustainability reports since 2022.

“The fact that these reports were altered without formal recognition or public explanation is deeply concerning,” Ms. Higginson said. “The Forestry Corporation has a legal obligation to ensure that yields are accurately measured and sustainable. This data revision confirms what we’ve known for decades—that neither of these obligations has been met.”

Industry Losses and Environmental Concerns

According to the Forestry Corporation’s own annual reports, the native forest logging industry in NSW has incurred $73 million in losses since 2020. Ms. Higginson argues that the revised data reflects not only the declining profitability of the sector but also the deteriorating health of the state’s native forests.

“If timber yields are 28% lower than what the Government was originally told, it’s clear that the forests are in a far worse state than the Forestry Corporation is willing to admit,” she said.

Calls for Immediate Action

Ms. Higginson urged the Minns Labor Government to act swiftly and end native forest logging in NSW.

“The writing is on the wall,” she said. “The native forest logging industry is collapsing. We already know what it will cost to transition workers and communities out of the industry, and it’s significantly less than the ongoing destruction of our precious native forests.”

Environmental advocates have long called for an end to native forest logging, arguing that it is both economically and ecologically unsustainable. Ms. Higginson’s call for a formal investigation could further intensify pressure on the government to reconsider its stance.

 

For more local news, click here.

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3G Shutdown Senate Inquiry Public Hearing

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3G Shutdown

3G Shutdown Senate Inquiry Public Hearing

 

By Ian Rogers

Opening Statement by Charlotte Wundersitz, National Farmers’ Federation General Manager of Rural Affairs – Date: Feb 5, 2024

Thank you for the opportunity to appear today.

The livelihoods of Australian farming families are intrinsically tied to accessible, reliable, affordable, and high-quality connectivity.

Since Telstra and Optus commenced the shutdown of their respective 3G mobile networks in October 2024, promising equivalent or improved coverage, Australian farmers remain unconvinced that these major providers have fulfilled that commitment. Three months post-shutdown, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) continues to receive widespread reports of diminished service availability and quality.

Key Issues Raised

  • Reduced Service Quality: Farmers are experiencing more frequent call dropouts, inconsistent connectivity, slow download speeds, and, in some cases, a complete inability to access the internet.
  • Loss of Fortuitous Coverage: The shutdown has led to the disappearance of ‘bonus coverage’ areas, creating new blackspots in regions that previously enjoyed reliable service.
  • Increased Financial Burden: Farmers have had to invest heavily in expensive boosters, antennas, and software upgrades. Despite these measures, many still struggle with basic connectivity.

Impact on Safety and Productivity

This situation presents serious safety and productivity concerns, particularly during critical periods such as harvest and fire danger seasons. The NFF has documented several specific cases:

  1. Scott Loughnan (Muckadilla, QLD): Reports significant post-shutdown issues along the Warrego Highway, affecting communication during grain harvest transport—a critical, time-sensitive operation.
  2. Southern NSW Farmer: Despite being in a “guaranteed coverage area,” experiences persistent dropouts. Costs incurred from purchasing cel-fi boosters and upgrading farm equipment range between $10,000 and $20,000 due to the shutdown.
  3. Knuth Family (Charters Towers, QLD): Reliable call coverage has plummeted from 90% of their property to just 20%. This has severely impacted both operational efficiency and safety, especially during the calving season when immediate assistance is often required.

Challenges in Seeking Resolutions

Despite the severity of these issues, rural Australians are disillusioned with the prospect of reporting problems to their providers, citing long wait times, unhelpful responses, and suggestions to purchase additional equipment without guaranteeing improved outcomes.

A Call for Accountability

This is not the first major telecommunications transition in Australia, nor will it be the last. However, rural consumers must not be treated as collateral damage in a process designed primarily to benefit urban residents and boost providers’ profits.

The NFF remains committed to holding telecommunications providers accountable throughout this transition. We acknowledge the recent launch of Telstra’s 3G hotline, which represents a positive initial step. Nevertheless, we urge all providers to engage directly with rural communities, listen to their concerns, and implement meaningful solutions.

The current status quo is unacceptable. Rural Australians deserve better, and the NFF will continue to advocate fiercely on their behalf.

 

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Youth Bail Law Extension Sparks Outcry Over Rising Incarceration Rates

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Youth Bail Law Extension Youth Crime

Youth Bail Law Extension Sparks Outcry Over Rising Incarceration Rates

 

By Ian Rogers

The Minns Labor Government has extended its controversial youth bail law changes from the initial 12-month period to four years. Since the changes were introduced in March last year, 80% of young people charged with certain offences have been refused bail, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from legal and civil society groups.

The changes were opposed at the time by organisations including the NSW Bar Association, Law Society of NSW, and the Aboriginal Legal Service, who warned they would lead to more young people being incarcerated without addressing the root causes of crime.

Greens MP and justice spokesperson Sue Higginson slammed the decision, describing it as a “knee-jerk reaction” with damaging consequences.

“It’s entirely unsurprising that the rate of young people being denied bail has shot up to 80%—that’s exactly what Premier Chris Minns intended with these laws,” Ms. Higginson said. “These changes weren’t designed to reduce crime; they were purely aimed at making the government look tough on crime.”

Increased Criminalisation and Over-policing

Ms. Higginson welcomed the government’s commitment to increase funding for support and diversion programs, particularly those run by Aboriginal Controlled Organisations, but said the broader strategy is flawed.

“The problem is the Minns Labor Government is pursuing a response rooted in further criminalisation of young people—through police-led operations, over-policing, refusal of bail, and incarceration,” she said. “This approach entrenches cycles of criminality and undermines the positive work being done by communities. What’s needed are community-led, therapeutic responses that actually address the behaviours behind offending.”

Ms. Higginson pointed out that legal organisations had warned the government from the outset about the consequences of these changes.

“The NSW Bar Association and Law Society of NSW called for these laws to be withdrawn or amended. But the Premier ignored those warnings and pushed ahead. Now, 12 months later, we find ourselves exactly where they predicted—more young First Nations people in prison and no clear reduction in offending.”

Contrary to International Standards

Ms. Higginson highlighted that the laws violate international agreements and NSW laws on the treatment of young people, imposing harsher penalties on children compared to adults.

“These laws were unacceptable when introduced, and it’s unconscionable that Premier Minns is now extending them for another three years. They intentionally target vulnerable young people, especially First Nations children, further entrenching inequality and cycles of reoffending,” she said.

Populist Policies Lead to Higher Recidivism

Ms. Higginson argued that the government’s focus on punitive measures rather than prevention will drive up both crime rates and recidivism.

“The evidence is clear—this populist law-and-order agenda doesn’t work. Throwing more money at a broken system will only fail communities and service providers who are working tirelessly to help vulnerable young people,” she said. “The only way to reduce crime is to invest in diversionary programs and keep young people out of the criminal justice system wherever possible.”

 

For more local news, click here.

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