Steve O'Brien

  • Zimbabwe: Deal 'no cause for celebration'

    While many Movement for Democratic Change activists are confident that the power sharing agreement between the ruling ZANU-PF and the MDC is a step forward, there are widespread concerns about the deal.

  • Rally opposes coal industry

    On July 31, ALP environment spokesperson Peter Garrett and Labor leader Kevin Rudd — or at least larger-than-life puppets of them — lead a march of 150 people in Newcastle against the coal industry.

  • Protesters demonstrate to save Anvil Hill

    More than 500 protesters from around NSW assembled at a property near the proposed new Anvil Hill open-cut coalmine in the Upper Hunter over the June 2-3 weekend. The state government approved the mine on June 7.

  • Solidarity with Pine Gap Four

    NEWCASTLE — More than 30 people attended a speak-out to express solidarity with the Pine Gap Four at the Hamilton’s Clocktower on May 25. One of the Pine Gap Four, Donna Mulhearn, is a well-known peace activist in the Hunter region. She was among those arrested after successfully carrying out a “citizens’ inspection” of Pine Gap on December 9, 2005. Their trial goes to court shortly.

  • People occupy coal port

    A flotilla of waterborne vessels — kayaks, rafts, canoes and even a yellow rubber duckie — joined in the ‘People’s occupation of the world’s biggest coal port’ in Newcastle Harbour on February 10. The protest demanded ‘No new coal mines’, ‘No new coal-fired power stations’ and “No new coal loader’.

  • For more, not less, rail services

    George Paris, convener of Save Our Rail (SOR), has congratulated Susan Price, a Socialist Alliance candidate for the NSW Legislative Council in the March 24 election, for a “worthwhile policy” on rail and public transport. SOR has been campaigning for the retention of electric rail services to Newcastle against repeated attempts by the Labor government to close the line.

  • Rail cuts opposed

    George Paris, convener of Save Our Rail (SOR), has congratulated Susan Price, a Socialist Alliance candidate for the NSW Legislative Council in the March 24 election, for a “worthwhile policy” on rail and public transport. SOR has been campaigning for the retention of electric rail services to Newcastle against repeated attempts by the Labor government to close the line.

  • Socialist campaign office opens

    BY STEVE O'BRIEN CHARLESTOWN, NSW — The newly opened campaign headquarters for the Socialist Alliance's election campaign for the seat of Charlestown in the March 22 NSW election is attracting the attention of voters. The windows of the

  • Socialist Alliance to stand in Charlestown

    BY STEVE O'BRIEN NEWCASTLE — The Socialist Alliance has decided not to stand against Progressive Labor Party member Harry Williams in the seat of Newcastle in the March 22 NSW election. The PLP failed to gain state electoral registration and

  • Surprises in Newcastle poll

    Surprises in Newcastle poll By Steve O'Brien NEWCASTLE — One Nation is casting a shadow over the November 21 Newcastle federal by-election. The Liberal candidate, Clive Jensen, bowed out of the contest and announced that he voted for Labor in a

  • Newcastle socialist election launch

    Twenty members and supporters of the Newcastle Socialist Alliance branch launched the alliance's campaign for the Newcastle City Council with a rally at Civic Railway Station on March 12. Alliance candidates Peter Robson, Geoff Payne and Judy