BY MELINDA SMITH

SYDNEY — On September 24, the Port Jackson branch of the Socialist Alliance decided that its candidate for the March 2003 state election would be Paul Benedek.

The decision to contest the seat gives voters an alternative to the right-wing, profit-making, community-starving policies of the major parties. Benedek and the alliance will put forward a socialist solution in Port Jackson, campaigning on global issues as well as state and local concerns.

Benedek told Green Left Weekly that the alliance would campaign around: saving Callan Park and all public lands and services; ensuring alternatives to prison by addressing the social issues that create “criminal behaviour”; opposing the war on Iraq; building anti-World Trade Organisation protests for Nov 13-15 in Sydney; and demanding freedom for refugees. “Port Jackson should be declared a refugee safe-haven”, said Benedek.

Benedek has been a socialist activist for more than six years. He was a founding member of Free the Refugees Campaign and a leader in organising refugees' rights rallies, attracting corporate media attention for stating that he was prepared to go to jail to house escaped refugees.

Benedek has also been involved in protests against the World Economic Forum, the Free East Timor movement and in support of picketing workers at Metroshelf and Dayson. He is also a committed supporter of Green Left Weekly.

The Socialist Alliance campaign for Port Jackson will be launched with games and a BBQ at Callan Park on October 20, from 11am. The Port Jackson branch of the Socialist Alliance welcomes all to join these events. For more information, please phone 0410 629 088.

From Green Left Weekly, October 2, 2002.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

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