Action updates

Save Medicare

SYDNEY — About 60 people attended a public meeting on August 3 organised by the Public Health and Hospitals Coalition in response to the Liberal government's proposed changes to Medicare. The meeting heard speakers from the Doctors Reform Society, the NSW Nurses Association, NSW Council of Social Services and the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association.

Dr Con Costa, DRS president, said that the Liberals would try to lay the blame for increased health costs for individuals on doctors by reducing the Medicare rebates. Sandra Moait, Nurses Association general secretary, drew parallels between the federal government's cuts and the Carr state government's proposals to close or amalgamate several hospitals in Sydney.

Vanstone faces the music on ANU

CANBERRA — On August 1, 30 students confronted Senator Amanda Vanstone at a dinner to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Australian National University. Students burst into the hall, chanting "No ifs, no buts, no fees, no cuts!", startling the orchestra and crowd.

Students explained to the auditorium that Vanstone should expect to face student anger at every public event, because proposed cuts to higher education would make education a privilege, not a right. Students then left, waving to the paddy wagons that arrived soon afterwards.

ACT alliance against the cuts

CANBERRA — An alliance of community organisations, trade unions and church groups opposed to the Howard governments proposed cuts to social spending met on July 30.

Betty Hounslow from the Australian Council of Social Services told the meeting that the government's strategy was unnecessary and broke promises. The alternative, she said, is to maintain social spending through increased corporate and capital gains taxes. Anglican Bishop Richard Randerson spoke about the devastation created by similar cuts in New Zealand, and trade union speakers outlined the likely impact on public services.

Subsequent discussion stressed the need for large national demonstrations, but calls for attendance at the August 19 rally in Canberra received a lukewarm response. This left meeting participants wondering whether the alliance will be anything more than a talk shop.

Rally against education cuts

LISMORE — Students at the Southern Cross University here will hold a rally on August 7 to protest against education cuts and draw together community groups and individuals concerned about budget cuts. Rally organisers hope to involve high school and TAFE students in the campaign.

From GLW issue 241