Squatters resist eviction

BY AARON BENEDEK

SYDNEY — "Evictions are increasing, Olympic rents are going through the roof, and there is a chronic housing shortage", according to Gavin Sullivan, a Sydney Housing Action Collective (SHAC) spokesperson. But this hasn't stopped South Sydney mayor John Fowler from trying to evict squatters living in unused council premises at 147-151 Broadway.

Fowler has threatened to issue fines of up to $1.1 million if the squatters stay on the premises. On September 26, he went further, ordering council officers to board up the Broadway squats to ensure the 30 otherwise homeless residents could no longer live there.

Officers were prevented from doing so when squatters mobilised community, student and trade union support, including from the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union and the plumbers union. A picket line was formed and, after much negotiation, the mayor relented.

Following the stand-off, Labor members of council overturned their backing for Fowler's stance and stated they will support a Green councillor's motion that council enter into a short term lease with the squatters.

The threatened fines are keeping squatters out of the premises until council meets on October 11.

SHAC spokesperson Louise Boon-Kuo explained that squatters "are offering the council an innovative pro-active approach to solving problems of homelessness in the South Sydney area". She said a short term lease "may see the Broadway squats used as a pilot model for the occupation of vacant council-owned properties".

The squatters are keeping an ongoing picket line with slide shows and games and free dinner at 8pm every night. All support is welcome.

From GLW issue 423