Victorian workers rally against Kennett

By Geoff Spencer MELBOURNE — October 3 marked the third anniversary of the election of the Kennett government. To mark the occasion, the Victorian Trades Hall Council called a poorly-publicised "Cut Kennett Down to Size" rally which was attended by some 6000 people. Despite the TLC's lack of organisation, many construction workers, belonging to the CFMEU, walked off the job. At Parliament House, a number of speakers addressed the crowd including a spokesperson from the Save Moe Hospital Campaign, Martin Kingham (CFMEU), Jennie George (ACTU), Karen Batt (SPSF/CPSU), Leigh Hubbard (VTHC) and John Brumby (ALP). All criticised the Kennett government's cuts to public services and the privatisation of electricity, gas and water services. Brumby called on people to support the ALP, saying it would be a vote against privatisation. However, he gave no commitment that a future ALP government would reverse the Kennett government's decisions.

From GLW issue 207