`Socialism alive and well'

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE -- “The success of the Democratic Socialist campaign in the recent Brisbane City Council elections shows there is significant support for socialist policies in the general community”, Susan Price and Ana Kailis said in a joint statement issued following the March 26 poll.

Price gained 7.6% in the Central Ward, while Kailis won 4.5% in Dutton Park.

Greens candidate Willy Bach received more than 9% in Central, making a combined green and progressive vote exceeding 17%, against Labor incumbent councillor David Hinchliffe.

In Dutton Park, the Australian Democrats polled 7.2%, while the Freight Rail Action Group, campaigning against the upgrading of the Port of Brisbane freight line on environmental grounds, received 3.8%.

“While the two-party system still predominates in Australian elections, the strength of the Green, Democrat and progressive vote shows that a sizeable minority want an alternative to the me-too politics of the Lib-Labs”, Price and Kailis said.

“And, within the progressive vote, the substantial backing for the Democratic Socialist campaign, running on openly socialist policies, indicates that socialism is alive and well -- contrary to media reports.”

Anyone wishing further information about the DSP can phone (07) 254 0565.

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