Action updates
Indonesian anniversary protests
MELBOURNE — Two hundred protesters gathered outside the Indonesian consulate on August 17 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of Indonesian independence. The action highlighted the continuing lack of democratic rights under the Suharto dictatorship and opposition to Indonesia's occupation of East Timor.
Members of the Timorese community burned Indonesian flags to express their outrage over human rights abuses. Speakers from the Australia-East Timor Association, Aksi (Indonesia and East Timor Solidarity Action) and Fretilin all pointed to the need to support the East Timorese resistance and Indonesia's democratic opposition to Suharto.
PERTH — Fifty people attended a Friends of East Timor picket outside the Indonesian consulate on August 17. The protesters staged a "die-in" to the sounds of a recording of the 1991 Dili massacre. An altered version of the advertisement "Australia Remembers" was also played to commemorate the 20,000 East Timorese who died during Japanese occupation. At Murdoch University a day earlier 100 people gathered to condemn a visit by foreign minister Gareth Evans and the Australian government's support for Indonesia's occupation of East Timor.
Students against sexual assault
CANBERRA — The Australian National University Campaign Against Sexual Assault (CASA) met for the first time on August 15 to discuss activities for Blue Stocking/Body Image week at ANU, September 4-8, and Reclaim the Night.
CASA encourages men to join the campaign as well. At the next meeting, on August 22, CASA will be discussing and deciding on its aims and objectives. To get involved, come along to the ANU Women's Room on Tuesdays at 1pm. For more information contact Robyn on 249 6040.
Teachers walk out on Kennett
MELBOURNE — Sixteen teachers walked out on Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett when he visited East Lodden College in north-western Victoria on August 11, in protest over government budget cuts which have devastated education services in rural areas.
Resistance activist camp
More than 70 people from Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle and Wollongong attended a Resistance anti-nuclear activist camp in Gerringong over the weekend of August 11-13. The camp provided the opportunity for Resistance and Democratic Socialist Party members and other activists to discuss current campaigns in the peace, trade union and women's movements and look at historical questions. For information on future weekend seminars contact (02) 690 1977.
WA industrial campaign
PERTH — Plans for an August 22 march and rally as part of a trade union campaign against the WA government's industrial relations legislation are well under way. Many unions are directing their members to stop work to attend the rally, where a proposal for ongoing 24-hour stoppages will be put.
Messages of solidarity from the BMP (Workers United for Change) and KMU (May 1st Movement) in the Philippines and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions have been received. The BMP and KMU have also organised solidarity actions outside the Australian embassy in Manila.
HEMP National Day of Action
SYDNEY — A rally of 60 people marched from Circular Quay to Parliament House on August 17 calling for an end to prohibition of marijuana. Organised by the Help End Marijuana Prohibition movement, the action was part of a national day of action against prohibition throughout Australia.
Rally for Tamil independence
SYDNEY — More than 2000 people gathered in Martin Place on August 19 in solidarity with the Tamil struggle for self-determination and peace in Sri Lanka. Speakers from political, church, solidarity, student and women's groups highlighted the need for the Australian government to put pressure on the Sri Lankan government to heed the call for self-determination. The protesters marched through the city to Parliament House. Photograph by Andrew Hall.