Canberra 'Unity Against Racism'

After a successful speak-out against racism in Civic on October 31, an Anti-Racist Coalition has formed in Canberra. The coalition has called a "Unity Against Racism" rally on November 23 as part of the national day of action.

Sue Bull reports that the demands of the Canberra rally will be: defend Aboriginal rights, defend immigration, and stop Howard's cuts.

The ACT Trades and Labour Council has endorsed the rally and called on the Coalition, the ALP and the ACTU to condemn Hanson and demand her resignation. The TLC has also given $200 to the Aboriginal embassy which was established outside Old Parliament House in Canberra last month and which has decided to remain there indefinitely to protest the slashing of funding to Aboriginal programs and services.

Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor, and the Committee in Solidarity with Latin America and the Caribbean have also endorsed the anti-racism rally, and a range of church, ethnic and youth groups are being approached for their endorsement.

Organisers expect that the rally will have a high turn out given community outrage at the recent violent attacks on Aboriginal people and Asian residents.

From GLW issue 254