News briefs

Socialists back Greens

HOBART — The Democratic Socialists are urging all progressive activists in Tasmania to give their first vote to the Greens in the state election on February 24. They are also advocating that preferences be given to the progressive independents first, then to the Democrats, with Labor before the Liberals and Nationals. The Democratic Socialists are not contesting the state election. Their candidate for Denison in the federal election, Sarah Stephen, said that, on the basis of both their policies and record, the Tasmanian Greens offer the best alternative to the pro-big business major parties on February 24. She also urged the Greens to use their parliamentary positions and resources to help build independent grassroots campaigns against the attacks of Labor and Liberal.