News briefs

ADELAIDE — The Public Service Association has criticised the state government for increasing the rent of country workers. An in principle decision would force government employees in state-owned accommodation to pay up to $10 per week more. Workers transferred to the country will have to find a month's pay to lodge as a bond, then face an increased rate of rent. Public servants have not had a pay rise since 1991.

ADELAIDE — On April 26, 40 people gathered to hear former Australian ANC representative Eddie Funde speak on the South African Reconstruction and Development Trust (SARDET). SARDET is an independent body established in South Africa with the aim of facilitating the funding and implementation of the government's Reconstruction and Development Program. SARDET will work with local communities to help them formulate projects around electrification, housing, water and sanitation. Funde will be touring Australia during May with the purpose of informing people about SARDET and raising money for SARDET projects.

DARWIN — RSL sub branch secretary Frank Geddes has formally invited East Timorese people involved in the second world war to attend the official Anzac Day ceremony on April 25. The East Timorese are finally achieving recognition for their role in assisting Australian troops.

The returned commandos of the 2/2nd and 2/4th acknowledge that without the help of the East Timorese they could not have survived. After their retreat, Australia dropped leaflets over East Timor saying "your friends will not forget you". This has not stopped the present Australian government from supporting the Indonesian occupation.

From GLW issue 184