Action updates
ADELAIDE — About 1000 attended a People for Public Transport (PPT) lunchtime rally here on March 17. Cuts proposed by the state government would impose a 10 p.m. curfew on anyone without private transport, would halve services after 7 p.m., would completely eliminate some routes and would privatise others. PPT is a coalition of more than 30 environmental, disabled, community, union and political groups. The protesters demanded the resignation of state transport minister Frank Blevins.
MELBOURNE — The Down to Earth movement is planning an Autumn Gathering for the Easter weekend, April 17-21, at Tocumwal on the Murray River. The theme is Relax, Rejoice, Rejuvenate. Registration is required in advance. Tickets $30, from Down to Earth, 222 Brunswick St, Fitzroy Vic 3065.
- One hundred Kurdish Australians and supporters marched on the Turkish consulate on March 25 to protest against the massacre of unknown numbers of Kurds during their national festival. Speakers said that despite promises of non-interference, Turkish troops opened fire on celebrants in Turkish Kurdistan. The rally burnt an effigy of Turkish dictator Turgut Ozal, and called on Australians to show solidarity with the Kurdish struggle for human rights and self-determination. Speakers asked Australians to work in their communities and unions to demand economic sanctions against Turkey.