Young people protest work for dole

Ruth Ratcliffe reports from Brisbane that a speak-out against the Howard government's "work for the dole" scheme was held on February 14 in the City Mall, sponsored by the socialist youth organisation Resistance.

Kathy Newnam, Resistance organiser and Democratic Socialist candidate for Central ward in the March 14 Brisbane City Council elections, said, "Resistance has called this action to let the government know that young people will not accept these attacks without a fight. Rather than creating real jobs, Howard's proposal will lead to further exploitation of youth.

"Clearly the government is more interested in the profits of its big business buddies than in the interests of ordinary people."

From Wollongong, Nikki Ulasowski and Tessha Mearing report that on February 15, Resistance organised an action in the mall. Hundreds of information leaflets were distributed as well as Green Left Weekly and petitions. The stall was continually surrounded by interested people.

Resistance activist Tash Sinnett said, "After the Liberal government was elected, we saw a major attack on the unemployed, particularly through the mainstream media. The government's industrial relations bill was a significant attack on wages, conditions and union rights. Now they want to introduce this scheme. It is crucial that we organise and campaign against these proposals."

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