Activists protest global warming
MELBOUURNE — The Melbourne and Geelong offices of ExxonMobil were the targets of an international day of protest against global warming and climate change on July 11.
More than 30 people, many dressed as ExxonMobil corporate executives and PR reps, took part in the action organised by Friends of the Earth.
Protesters say ExxonMobil refuses to invest in renewable energy, instead donating over US$1.2 million to US President George W. Bush's electoral campaign. The action supported the Kyoto protocol on climate change, improved public transport and sustainable energy.
Activists prepared to save Sandon Point
WOLLONGONG — Activists of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy at Sandon Point, north of Wollongong, have vowed to fight on with protest action if the proposed housing development on the site goes ahead.
The developer, Stockland, has challenged Wollongong City Council's rejection of stages two to six of the development application in the Land and Environment Court.
Aboriginal heritage issues were largely ignored in the court hearing that began on July 10, despite sacred remains having been found in the area. The council focused its case on European heritage issues, insinuating closed door negotiations with the developer. A decision has yet to be made.
NAIDOC rally in Darwin
DARWIN — "The Australian constitution excludes Aboriginal people and the Australian flag is the flag of white Australia", Aboriginal flag designer Harold Thomas told a 500-strong rally in support of NAIDOC week on the July 13, the 30th anniversary of the flag's inauguration.
Thomas called for a resurgence of the radicalism that characterised protests like the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in 1972, concluding, "The struggle will never go away, so get united".
The rally was also addressed by local ATSIC commissioner Kim Hill. Hill condemned the NT parliament for voting in the repressive Anti-Social Conduct Bill, calling the parliamentarians "a bunch of idiots".
Welfare campaigners claim victory
SYDNEY — Newly formed welfare justice coalition Stand Up! claimed victory on July 12 when Centrelink abandoned plans to "restructure" its NSW offices.
The restructure included the closure of the Redfern Centrelink's Age Pension and Family Assistance offices, as well as all inner-city disability services except Redfern's. Redfern train station has no wheelchair access.
Centrelink's decision to abandon the restructure follows a 150-strong rally outside the Redfern Centrelink office on July 12, and a speakout on July 3.
Several union activists at Redfern Centrelink had their employment contracts terminated on May 25. Stand Up! is demanding re-instatement of the sacked union activists.
The group says it will continue to campaign against service and staff cuts at Centrelink offices as well as for social justice and a living wage for all social security recipients.