Unionists support forest reserves
NEWCASTLE — The Trades Hall Council on September 19 adopted a resolution calling for "a comprehensive, adequate and representative (CAR) native forest reserve system based on public forests", and urging the state government's to adopt a forest policy not involving "resource security" "until the overall CAR process is finalised".The Wilderness Society here welcomed the resolution while criticising the forestry union leaders' public alignment with the industry.
Students picket Vanstone
PERTH —Amanda Vanstone, arriving at the Orchard Hotel to speak at an Education and Industry conference on September 25, was greeted by a contingent of 200 picketing students. The loud and enthusiastic students chanted slogans, burned a budget and were honoured by the presence of a larger than life Amanda Vanstone mannequin.
Vanstone refused an invitation to address the students, but after much discussion allowed a delegation of two students inside to talk to her. The picket was organise by the Education and Training Action Coalition.
ATO bans off again
Australian Taxation Office workers have voted to lift bans imposed in response to ATO Business 2000, a plan involving job cuts, forced transfers, attacks on accommodation standards and working conditions. The Tax Division Executive of the CPSU recommended lifting the bans in response to the threat of stand-downs; 25% of members voted against. Meetings will be held in mid-October to determine the future direction of the campaign.
Rally over industrial deaths
PERTH — Since 1989, more than 200 workplace-related deaths have occurred in Western Australia. In light of this and the recent death of builders labourer organiser Mark Allen on an unsafe work site, a 1000-strong protest was held here on September 25.
The CFMEU, the Builders Labourers, Painters and Plasterers' Union (WABLPPU) and the CPSU supported the rally, which marched to Parliament House. Speakers reflected the anger felt by many workers against the WA and federal Liberal governments for their attacks on unions and workers rights, including safety.
ABC cuts
NEWCASTLE — One quarter of all jobs at radio station 2NC are likely to go as part of 900 jobs to be lost nationally in the ABC. The cuts will result in an increase in nationally syndicated programs and a reduction in local content. While Newcastle is classified as metropolitan, other parts of the Hunter Valley already have inadequate services.
Protest over gay suicides
PERTH — On September 16 a rally was held outside Parliament House to highlight the state government's failure to address the issue of suicide among young homosexuals.
Equal rights campaigner Brian Greig told the rally of 70 people that homosexuals accounted for up to a third of suicides and attempted suicides. He blamed social isolation, lack of support, discrimination and low self-esteem often associated with homosexuality. He accused WA health minister Kevin Prince of contravening the federal government's youth suicide prevention strategy by failing to support anti-discrimination laws.