ADELAIDE — Around 300 tertiary students marched on Parliament House on June 2 in a demonstration sparked by the cutting of journal subscriptions at Adelaide University's Barr Smith Library. Students from Adelaide University, Flinders University and the University of South Australia demanded more funding to libraries.
- Following the successful Adelaide University Pride Week, a Pride March for Stonewall is being planned. It is supported by Lesbian and Gay Community Action, SA Bi-Sexual Network, Gay and Lesbian Action Group and Resistance. For more information, ring Serena or Sabina on 353 5715.
BRISBANE — "The struggle continues. The spirit is strong", East Timorese community representative Mario told a fund-raising night for Aksi, the committee in solidarity with the peoples of Indonesia, East Timor and West Papua, held at the Resistance Centre on June 4. Speaking of the trial and sentencing of Fretilin leader Xanana Gusmao, Mario said: "What has Xanana done wrong? He has merely fought for the right of self-determination for the East Timorese people." Chairperson Brendan Greenhill urged support for Aksi and for the democratic movement throughout Indonesia.
- "The lights have been turned out in Bougainville", human rights lawyer Rosemarie Gillespie told a public meeting sponsored by the Australian Democrats on June 1. "Papua New Guinea forces, using Australian-supplied guns, helicopters and training, have imposed a ruthless blockade on the Bougainville people." This meeting was followed by another successful meeting the next night, as part of a tour sponsored by the Free Bougainville Committee.
CANBERRA — A forum on June 1 on "Issues Facing the Trade Union Movement in the '90s" heard John Wilson (TLC), Kath Garvan (assistant secretary, Public Sector Union) and Kath Gelber (DSP and member of the PSU). The talks were well received, with the general view being that the rank and file need to regain control of the unions if workers' rights are to survive.
SYDNEY — Sixty women resident in Sydney's outer western suburbs attended a speakout on sexual violence organised by the Penrith Women's Health Centre on May 27. The meeting, which was addressed by Eva Cox from the Women's Electoral Lobby and Pamela, a survivor of sexual assault, agreed to form an ongoing action group to lobby for well-resourced local services for child and adult sexual assault survivors in the local area. The new action group will also campaign for the establishment of prevention and awareness programs, and for a more just and sensitive legal system.
- The Cuban international women's volleyball team will be competing for $1 million at the World Volleyball Grand Prix here on June 11-13. In the event, at the State Sports Centre, the best women volleyball players from Cuba, US, China and Russia will y. The prize money would enable Cuba to buy some of the medicines and essentials it can't obtain because of the US blockade.
WOLLONGONG — The former executive of the Wollongong University Students Representative Council has lost its appeal against the April election results. The appeal was lodged by the 21 members of the outgoing Independents ticket on the grounds of alleged sexual harassment, physical assault and breaches of SRC election regulations by the winning Unity ticket.
Should a brief report on your group's activities be included in the next issue of Green Left? Just ring the information in: Adelaide 231 6982. Brisbane 358 4875. Canberra 247 2424. Hobart 346 397. Melbourne 329 1277. Newcastle 265 328. Perth 227 7367. Sydney 690 1977. Wollongong 297 932.