By Bill Mason

BRISBANE -- A mass meeting of CPSU members here on April 30 discussed the Howard government's attack on the federal public service and began to plan an industrial response.

The meeting in the Brisbane City Hall heard union state secretary Claire Moore report on the severity of the government's cuts to jobs, and other measures. Assistant secretary Phil Statham then moved the National Executive resolution for a report to members by May 7.

Department of Social Security delegate Jim McIlroy spoke against the motion, foreshadowing a resolution for "a resolute CPSU response to the government attack on the Commonwealth Public Service".

McIlroy stressed the "enormous challenge" to the union represented by the Howard government's attack.

He said that the cuts were already occurring, not just proposed, and that "we can't afford to wait any longer to begin strong action".

He urged support for the alternative resolution, which proposed a "Defend Public Services" campaign; the immediate launching of an industrial campaign, including a 24-hour general stoppage by CPSU members; and a series of rolling bans, stoppages by key sectors, establishment of a strike fund, picket lines and public rallies.

"We need to give the government a clear message that we won't be rolled over, right now", McIlroy concluded.

The alternative motion was seconded by DSS delegate Mark Cronin.

After debate, the National Executive resolution was carried overwhelmingly. Nevertheless, as Phil Statham recognised in his right of reply, the proposals in the alternative motion deserved support in the future.

An additional resolution was carried calling for further mass meetings to consider a 24-hour strike by May 24.

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