Nuclear warships to be banned in Tasmanian waters?

On August 6, in memory of the bombing of Hiroshima by the US in World War II, a vigil to call for the abolition of nuclear weapons was held outside Hobart's Town Hall. The vigil, attended by 40 people, had a street theatre component to it titled Target X. Members of the Medical Association for Prevention of War (MAPW) and medical students demonstrated the effect nuclear weapons had on people.

On August 9, Nagasaki Day, a forum of 40 people was held. It was organised by a number of groups, including MAPW, the Hobart Peace Coalition, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and the United Nations Australian Association. The forum was titled "Abolish nuclear weapons, can we do it?" and it heard from speakers from the organising groups, as well as Lord Mayor Rob Valentine, and members of the Greens, the Socialist Alliance, the ALP and the Liberal Party.

At the meeting a call was made for the city council to ban nuclear warships from docking in Hobart. Valentine, who has been endorsed as a "mayor for peace" by the council, said that he would bring such a motion to council. The forum was supported by the council.

To find out more about getting involved in anti-nuclear or anti-war activities in Hobart, phone Duncan on 0419 406 875.

From GLW issue 763