A passion for fundamental change

Virginia Brown, Perth

Refugee-rights and other progressive activists suffered a blow last week with the passing of Siobhan Allen, a longtime socialist whose passion for bringing about fundamental social change was well-known and a source of inspiration to us all.

Siobhan fought a long and gritty battle with cancer, but maintained her activism throughout, as well as her humour, courage and kindness. Her refusal to admit defeat and her enthusiastic involvement in life until the end, particularly on the refugee rights front, have been frequently commented on.

Siobhan contributed to many causes during the time that I knew her, such as International Women's Day, the Perth Social Forum and the campaigns against Hanson and Howard's racism. She was an active member of the International Socialist Organisation for eight years, joining during the 1995 campaign against French nuclear testing in the Pacific.

Siobhan's activism earned her much respect and friendship, but none more so than her commitment to the Refugee Rights Action Network, where she will be sorely missed. Refugee rights activist Alex Falconer's comment echoes what many have said about Siobhan, "Her passion, commitment and refusal to step down in the face of authority inspired me to dig deeper in my own commitment to the refugee rights movement. I feel privileged to have known and worked with Siobhan. Let's all dig deeper in this fight against Howard; I know Siobhan would applaud it."

From Green Left Weekly, November 9, 2005.

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From GLW issue 648