Socialist campaign for Port Jackson launched

BY MELINDA SMITH

SYDNEY — On October 20, the Socialist Alliance Port Jackson branch launched a bold socialist campaign for the 2003 NSW state election, under the theme of "For the millions, not the millionaires!"

The launch encapsulated what the Socialist Alliance is about — everyone was welcome, it produced banners against war and supporting refugees and the environment and it was held in the grounds of the threatened Callen Park.

Refugee-rights activist Paul Benedek, the Socialist Alliance candidate for Port Jackson, outlined the alliance's campaign plans, explaining that they would drastically differ from the mainstream parties:

"The traditional parties' campaigns are very much about the individual candidate — our approach is about involving everyone ... While the major parties can afford to pay for media to get their lies across, our message is mostly taken to people on the streets. We will hold the Leichhardt community rally against war and racism on November 8, 5.30pm, outside Leichhardt Town Hall in Norton St."

Benedek also spoke of the Socialist Alliance vision for Port Jackson and NSW, in which "public land is for all people, the only wars are waged against poverty, homelessness and environmental destruction, refugees are welcome, workers control their work conditions and public transport is free and fully available".

For information or interviews, phone Paul 0410 629 088.

From Green Left Weekly, October 30, 2002.

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From GLW issue 514