DSS hassles Aidex protesters

Wednesday, January 22, 1992 - 11:00

DSS hassles Aidex protesters

By Brendan Greenhill

BRISBANE — People who have attended the anti-Aidex protest in Canberra have been harassed by the Department of Social Security for their involvement.

Beneficiaries who were arrested or identified have had their names given to the DSS by the Federal Police. The DSS then interviewed them to see if their benefits should be terminated.

One Brisbane activist was visited by the DSS at home only a week after their Newstart interview and grilled on their involvement in the protest. The DSS officer said information that this person had been arrested and charged in Canberra had come from the Federal Police (who apparently neglected to add that the charges had been dropped).

Another activist targeted by Federal Police information was compelled to sign a statement explaining their presence in Canberra.

Anyone with evidence of more harassment like this should contact their local anti-Aidex group or Queensland Stop Aidex, PO Box 1365, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane 4006, phone (07) 252 4866.

From GLW issue 40