By Aneurin Coffey

BRISBANE - Six people were arrested on January 14 after a picket to save the detoxification hospital at Biala.

The Goss government is planning to close the 29-bed detoxification hospital on January 16 as the first stage in the attempt to close the whole Biala complex. This will seriously limit services to people in need of this specialised treatment.

Speakers condemned the Goss government's attacks on the state's health system. They included Frank Marcone from the Biala/Wacol Support Group, Drew Hutton from the Australian Greens, John Nebauer from the Democratic Socialist Party, Mark Gillespie from the International Socialist Organisation and a spokesperson from the Christian Workers Union.

Just before 4 p.m. the 40 picketers voted to peacefully occupy the building. Protesters occupied the third floor for more than 90 minutes before being ordered to vacate the building by police.

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