Socialists launch election campaign

Paul Benedek, Sydney

One-hundred people packed the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre on July to launch the Socialist Alliance's federal election campaign across Sydney.

Compered by Raul Bassi, the Socialist Alliance's Blaxland candidate, the launch raised $500 toward the election campaign.

The socialists' Grayndler candidate, Sue Johnson, decried a government that "won't guarantee jobs for all, a roof over their heads, medical care — but will guarantee company profits". She called the election "an opportunity for us to unite completely to get rid of Howard".

Afghan Hazara refugee Riz Wakil, who has faced persecution, detention and the limbo of a temporary protection visa, stated that "if not for the socialist movement in Australia, we would not have won some freedoms".

"The Howard government has no credibility on the environment", Maureen Francis, Socialist Alliance candidate for Kingsford Smith, told the meeting. She noted that the ALP's new recruit Peter Garrett, who is contesting the same seat, was previously committed to the environment, to peace, to the people, "but being in power is the most important commitment Garrett has now".

The rally was also addressed by Susan Price, the alliance's candidate for Sydney, and Chris Spindler, an organiser for the metals division in the Victorian branch of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union. Spindler spoke of the growing relationship between militant unionists and the Socialist Alliance.

Many of those attending agreed to donate $100 to the election campaign and volunteered to help with campaign stalls, doorknocking, letterboxing leaflets and more. To help out, phone Paul on (02) 9690 1977 or 0410 629 088.

From Green Left Weekly, July 21, 2004.

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From GLW issue 590