Help register socialists in Tasmania
HOBART — The Democratic Socialists are attempting to register as a party with the Tasmanian electoral office. This will enable DS candidates to appear on state election ballot papers with their party identification next to their names.
This is important in Tasmania because candidates are prohibited by undemocratic laws from handing out how-to-vote cards at polling booths. The big business media do not publicise socialist campaigns, and advertising is prohibitively expensive, so party identification on ballot papers is helpful.
The Democratic Socialists are asking people to join the Democratic Socialist Electoral League to achieve this registration. Joining simply involves notifying the electoral office of your membership. For more information, phone 6234 6397.
Timbarra protests
The campaign to stop the Timbarra gold mine in northern NSW is gathering strength. The region, which contains 10 different forest types and is home to 26 endangered species, is threatened by the release of cyanide, arsenic and heavy metals if the mine goes ahead. The Clarence River is also threatened.
On March 2, there will be a protest against the mine outside the Sydney Stock Exchange at 11am. At 4pm, a rally and march will begin at Circular Quay and proceed to a Timbarra art exhibition at the Tap Gallery, Darlinghurst.
On March 17, there will be a mass action on Timbarra Road, near Tenterfield. Phone Friends of the Earth on (02) 9283 2004 or the Timbarra and Combining Tooloom Information Collective on (02) 4787 5821.
SA public servants to strike
ADELAIDE — Attempts to negotiate a wage deal for state public servants have stalled again. The state Liberal government has refused to substantially amend its latest pay offer of 8% over three years.
Public Service Association members have expressed outrage and disgust. Meetings and rallies have been held in outer suburbs and at large health institutions. Hand-painted placards and posters have appeared at workplaces across the state.
The PSA has called a mass meeting for February 24 to discuss a motion to strike for the rest of the day. Workplace representatives have suggested uniting with other public sector unions for a broader campaign. In similar circumstances, there has been no progress in wage claim talks between the government and the Australian Education Union.
Asia solidarity fundraiser
MELBOURNE — About 40 people attended a event on February 14 which raised more $300 for Indonesia's People's Democratic Party (PRD) and the Philippine left-wing newspaper Progresibo.
The event, organised by Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor, heard Reihana Mohideen from Progresibo describe the process of rebuilding the Philippines left. Other speakers included Joaquim Santos from East Timor's Fretilin, and members of the Pakistan and Kurdish communities. Tamil activists showed videos, and an ASIET activist described the situation facing the PRD.
Aboriginal elders defend Cape York
BRISBANE — The Wilderness Society hosted a group of Aboriginal elders from Cape York in West End on February 11. Sixty people viewed a slide show of the area's diverse environments. They were also entertained by Mbakeh Darboe, a master drummer from Gambia, the Nakamura Matsouri band, Chris Anderson, Connie Andrews and Matt Healy.
Albert Lakefield, a traditional owner of Lakefield National Park, Goombra Jacko from Munburra, Paddy Bassini from Umpila and Hans McGreen from Hopetown "Hopevale" had just completed a 10-day tour of south-east Queensland to promote land justice, environmental protection and reconciliation on the Cape York peninsula.
Greg Sargent from Cairns TWS spoke about the regional agreement signed on February 5 by the Australian Conservation Foundation, TWS, the Cape York Land Council, Cattlemen's Union and the peninsula branch of ATSIC.