SYDNEY -- Supporters of the East Timorese struggle “closed down” the Indonesian consulate here in an early morning action on July 7. Chains and locks were attached to the gates and doors, and posters calling for the liberation of East Timor and justice for the families of the murdered Australian journalists, were placed on the consulate. A dummy, symbolising one of the journalists murdered by Indonesian troops during the invasion of East Timor in 1975, was raised by its heels from the consulate flagpole. Robert Samsa from the Sydney Peace Squadron condemned the Indonesian government's violation of international law and the Australian government for its collaboration.
PERTH -- Three hundred waterfront workers organised a 24-hour strike here on July 13 to protest against a non-union enterprise agreement organised by Freport Maintenance and Engineering and its seven workers. A four-hour stop-work meeting of Maritime Union of Australia members also passed a resolution expressing concern about the negotiations for enterprise agreements with stevedoring companies. Two aspects of the dispute are of concern to unionists: the agreement undercuts industry award conditions and threatens the closed shop. The MUA claims that the seven workers felt they had no choice but to sign the agreement. The Freport agreement was approved by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission last month.
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