Resistance launched in Darwin

Resistance launched in Darwin

By Tim E Stewart

DARWIN — A banner drop to catch the afternoon traffic on August 5 launched the new Resistance branch here. The banner, "Human rights before mining rights", was designed to highlight the Australian government's role in supporting business interests over human rights in Bougainville, East Timor and among Aboriginal communities.

While the action was attended by a small group of people, activists commented on the positive response, including from the local police, who offered to block a lane of traffic on busy Bagot Road for the "falling banner".

In a city known more for its head-butting and reporter-choking politicians many opportunities exist for building a political organisation of young activists. Many campaigns have been organised around the RAAF presence here, International Women's Day and Reclaim the Night and there is a long history of struggle around Aboriginal land rights and East Timor's independence.

"It was a good to have such a public launch of Resistance," said Sally, one of the participants. "We want to show people that we're out there campaigning. Now we've got a branch we want to encourage more people to become active in Darwin."

From GLW issue 156