Rally to defend community services

Rally to defend community services

By Chris Spindler

ADELAIDE — Protests over cutbacks by the state Liberal government continue as the December 10 rally to "Defend Community Services" nears.

More than 100 parents and students recently protested against plans to scrap the specialist deaf centre, Townsend House Preschool and principal positions at the four primary schools for hearing-impaired children.

The United Trades and Labor Council has condemned vicious changes to workers' compensation. Among the proposed changes to WorkCover are: cutting cover from 100% of salary for 12 months to 85% after 6 months; less serious injuries at "dole" levels after 12 months; stress-related injuries cut to 85% after 26 weeks; re-employment obligations of employers to be limited. Savings of some $80 million are expected to be handed over to business by dropping the WorkCover levy.

The rally to defend community services has attracted such sponsors as the Public Transport Union, the Democratic Socialist Party, the Save Community Health Campaign, the South Australian Institute of Teachers, the Health Services Union, the Federated Gas Employees Union, the vehicle division of the Automotive, Food, Metals and Engineering Union and the theatrical and Actors Equity sections of the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.

From GLW issue 170