Circular Quay protest rally
SYDNEY — A February 14 rally to oppose the development of East Circular Quay drew 2000 people to the steps of the Opera House. The rally called for the demolition of a building currently under construction at Circular Quay, offered suggestions for alternative sites and suggested provisions should be made for workers currently employed there.
Speakers noted that urban planning is being determined by profits, to the exclusion of planning for the "greater good", citing the Showground and proposed development of Walsh Bay as examples. Speakers included Judy Davis, independent MP Peter McDonald and Jack Mundey, organiser of the successful green bans campaigns imposed by builders labourers in the 1970s.
Cuba solidarity
PERTH — The Australia Cuba Friendship Society welcomed back brigadistas Dean Summers, Elizabeth Francis and Robert Bungate from Cuba at an evening at the Maritime Workers Union in Fremantle on February 6, with approximately 30 activists attending.
A challenge for the Cuban people this year is to build a much-needed hospital for deaf and blind children. ACFS will be conducting activities to raise funds for this project. To contribute time or money, contact the ACFS branch in your state or write to PO Box 204, Northbridge, Perth 6000.
Picket against bigotry
BRISBANE — Twenty people gathered outside Queensland minister of health Tim Horan's office on February 14, after he threatened to alter state legislation to prevent lesbians gaining access to sperm banks. A Queensland woman recently won an anti-discrimination case against QFM medical services for being denied access to artificial insemination.
Shayne Wilde, spokesperson for the Queensland Association of Gay and Lesbian Rights, demanded that Horan be sacked, threatening wider public protests when state parliament resumes in early March.
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Defence of parks
MELBOURNE — The Hands Off Our Parks Alliance has been formed to challenge the selling of public parkland for dubious ventures. The alliance has called a rally for February 23 at 2pm in the Carlton Gardens, site of the proposed new Museum of Victoria.
The alliance includes a range of conservation and community groups. For further info contact Doug Humman, Victorian National Parks Association, (03) 9650 8296.
Jose Ramos Horta in Perth
PERTH — Nobel Peace Prize winner Jose Ramos Horta continued the campaign for withdrawal of Indonesian troops and self-determination for East Timor in a hectic three-day visit last week. Ramos Horta was welcomed by a 100-strong delegation of East Timorese people and supporters when he arrived on February 8. A reception at the Portuguese Club followed, with speakers from the Portuguese and East Timorese communities.
A public meeting attracted around 700 people at the Centre for Ethics on February 11. Ramos Horta also attended a Press Club lunch and spoke to meetings on Murdoch and Notre Dame universities. The tour received extensive media coverage.