ACT UP launches national campaign

Wednesday, May 8, 1991 - 10:00

ACT UP launches national campaign

By Damien Bourke

and Philip Baker

SYDNEY — The Aids Coalition To Unleash Power (ACT UP) here on April 29 launched a six-week national campaign directed against the federal government and health minister Brian Howe.

A 70-strong "funeral procession" marched from Hyde Park to the Health Department in Kent St. A message demanding an increase in the availability of AIDS drugs AZT, DDI and DDC was broadcast to Howe. A coffin representing the Australians who have died because of AIDS was then lit by several dozen candles of remembrance.

ACT UP is planning more demonstrations, culminating on June 6, the date when parliament rises for the winter.

D-Day now represents Deaths, Drugs, Delays and Deadline.

People are dying at the rate of two per day due to government inaction in providing access to AIDS drugs. Effective treatments must be made available to those with life-threatening conditions without delay. Further information can be obtained from ACT UP Sydney on (02) 281 0362.

From GLW issue 11