• The Australian Council for Lesbian and Gay Rights (ACLGR) needs urgent help to bring equal family leave for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenderists before the federal Industrial Relations Commission. On July 18 the ACTU is bringing a case claiming five days' paid leave to care for children, spouse/partner or immediate family members. But the case does not cover those in non-heterosexual relationships and defines “family” based on the traditional nuclear family. To speak at the hearing, the ACLGR has to show “wide community support” and needs at least 30,000 signatures to a petition by June 10. Copies of the petition can be obtained from ACLGR, PO Box 98, Nundah Qld 4012.

ADELAIDE -- Members of the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society reaffirmed their support for Cuba at a national conference here on May 14-15. Fifty people at a public meeting heard Cuban Consul Marcelino Fajardo describe the continuing US blockade. Algernon van der Hoeven, ANC representative in Adelaide, told the meeting that Cuba's solidarity had been crucial in helping the struggle in South Africa. “The frontline states could begin to return that solidarity through investment and trade in the near future”, he speculated.

• Around 500 people descended, chanting, on Parliament House on May 20 to protest against the proposed closure of Salisbury campus. Bright placards and red balloons stated ``Salisbury should not be let down!'' Salisbury campus is located in the northern suburbs and is unique in offering many community and social justice-related courses. One of the key issues is the question of equity of access: Salisbury has a higher than average proportion of women, mature age, Aboriginal and working class students.

BRISBANE -- Papua-New Guinea Prime Minister Paias Wingti faced a picket protesting at the PNG government's war against Bougainville when he gave the keynote address to a business conference on the Gold Coast on May 20. With placards proclaiming, “Medicines, not mortars”, and “Australian taxpayer dollars fund Bougainville genocide”, the protesters eventually agreed to leave under police direction.

NEWCASTLE -- A meeting of 10 women on May 13 formed the Newcastle Abortion Action Campaign in response to the April 18 Supreme Court anti-choice ruling. Male involvement in the campaign is welcome. A march and speak-out have been set for May 28. To participate, ring (049) 573 386 or 265 328.

PERTH -- Cuban consul Marcelino Fajardo addressed two building sites as part of a visit organised by the Committees in Solidarity with Central America and the Caribbean. The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union of WA arranged talks at the site of the new School of Agriculture at University of WA and at the Morley shopping centre complex. A public meeting held at the Resistance Centre on the evening of May 18 attracted around 50 people. A Perth branch of the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society was established following the meeting.

SYDNEY -- About 400 people marched from Hyde Park to the Town Hall on May 21 in support of a public health system and to protest against cuts to health services and closure of hospitals in New South Wales. Protesters were bused in from the Illawarra, Hawkesbury and Hastings areas as well as suburban Sydney. The rally was called by the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association.

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