Democratic Socialists stand in Brisbane

Democratic Socialists stand in Brisbane

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE — The day after Queensland Premier Wayne Goss called the September 19 poll, abortion rights activist Susan Price announced her campaign for the Democratic Socialists in the seat of Brisbane Central.

Price promptly called a rally for democracy in the City Mall.

"This snap poll is possibly Australia's shortest ever election campaign. It is a return to Joh-style democracy, where legislation was rushed through parliament in the early hours of the morning without adequate time for public discussion and debate", Price said.

"It's typical of this government's attitude to a range of issues. The secrecy surrounding the land rights legislation, gay law reform and anti-discrimination legislation, not to mention its complete neglect of ALP policy on abortion, are examples of a government concerned only with self-preservation and not genuinely implementing a reform program.

"The government is quite happy to have discussion in Electoral and Administrative Review Commission and the Criminal Justice Commission, while its own policies and actions are not up for public debate.

"We are also calling this rally to protest Labor's undemocratic electoral laws which force the smaller political parties not represented in parliament to register 500 members with the Electoral Commission before their own name appears on the ballot paper", Price concluded.

EARC recommended registration be given to parties with 150 names.

The rally on August 28 was addressed by Chris Griffiths from the Queensland Watchdog Committee, Simon Bliss, candidate for the Greens in the seat of Greenslopes, Susan Price and others.

The first meeting of Price's campaign, sponsored by the Democratic Socialist Electoral League, was held on August 29.

For more information, or to help out, phone Susan Price on (07)864 3709 (w), or 358 4875 (h).

From GLW issue 69