Members of the Democratic Socialist Party, Resistance and others inspired by the growing anti-capitalist movement will meet for the 19th DSP congress, to be held in western Sydney from January 3-7. The theme of the congress is “After S11: Globalising resistance to capitalism”.

“S11, the blockade of the Crown Casino in Melbourne, was a significant victory for the anti-capitalist movement in Australia, drawing many people into activity for the first time”, said DSP national secretary John Percy. “It marks a turning point for the movement, and is a great basis for further anti-capitalist action in the coming months.”

The congress will discuss key focus points for the campaign in coming months, such as highlighting the international feminisation of poverty at International Women's Day and the initiative for a Global Strike against corporate tyranny on May 1, 2001. These events have the potential to take up where S11 left off, reinvigorating the progressive movement in this country and inspiring activists world wide.

The congress will also feature international guests from revolutionary organisations around the globe. A list of international groups confirmed for the congress so far includes the Cuban Communist Party, the People's Democratic Party from Indonesia, the Timorese Socialist Party, the Movement for Democratic Change from the Philippines, the Saraiki National Party from Pakistan, the Revolutionary Communist Group from Britain, Solidarity activist Malik Miah from the US, the Labour Revolutionary Organisation from Afghanistan, the Workers Communist Party of Iraq and Harry Otten from the Dutch Indonesia and East Timor solidarity organisation Solitin.

The attendance of a leading comrade from the Cuban Communist Party is especially exciting, given the leading role that Cuba plays in the global anti-capitalist campaign.

The congress will be followed by a big public meeting at the Parramatta Town Hall on January 8. The meeting will be a launching pad for plans developed at the congress, particularly around the proposed global strike on May 1, 2000.

Commenting on the importance of the DSP congress, Percy said that “members of the DSP and Resistance played a key role in the blockade, helping to ensure that it maintained discipline and morale in the face of brutal police violence. We were inspired and strengthened by S11, and we will use our congress to flesh out plans for an ongoing offensive against the capitalist system.”

Percy pointed out that “all those inspired by the blockade should see our congress as an important part of the growing anti-capitalist movement. I urge all anti-corporate tyranny activists to come to our congress and join the DSP.”

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