BRISBANE — Following weeks of controversy on chronic under-funding of the Queensland hospital system, health workers at Princess Alexandra Hospital have warned of industrial action to win increased funds for public health. A meeting of more than 500 angry health workers on August 25 called for strike action and administrative bans if immediate funding is not forthcoming. "Nothing is ruled out; it is up to our members to decide how we'll go", Nurses Union state secretary Denic Jones said.
- Eighty people attended a public meeting at the University of Queensland on August 25 to launch a pro-choice campaign. The meeting, organised by the Pro-Choice Club and Resistance, is in response to a mid-September student union referendum calling for the union to support free, safe, abortion on demand. Speakers stressed building a strong and inclusive campaign that stretches into the wider community. Women's collectives at Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University are supporting the pro-choice campaign.
MELBOURNE — A coalition to fight the Kennett government's attacks on civil liberties has been formed following changes to Victoria's Work Cover legislation and other attacks. The Coalition for Civil Justice has been formed by community organisations including Trades Hall, community legal centres, health centres and labour law firms. Already public criticism has forced the government to back down on attacks on the public prosecutor's office and some amendments to Work Cover legislation.
- More than 200 people attended a public meeting organised by the Campaign Against Freeway Extensions (CAFE) at Fitzroy Town Hall on August 24 to protest against VicRoads' plan to widen Alexandra Parade. Anne Mullins, a member of CAFE, told the meeting it was time to get angry. Kevin Healy, a long-time community activist, described the fight against the Eastern Freeway in the late 1970s, which stopped the freeway going through Fitzroy as had been planned. CAFE has organised a tree planting day for September 4 at 11am and a rally on September 18 at 1pm. On both days, meet on the corner of Smith St and Alexandra Parade, Collingwood.
PERTH — Murray Street Mall was the scene of an unhappy birthday celebration on August 24, organised by Community Aid Abroad to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. A fake cake was cut, drawing the parallels with the fake support from the World Bank to world's poor. Signatures were collected for a petition against the bank's activities.
- More than 400 students rallied here on August 18 against proposed anti-guild legislation, better known as voluntary student unionism (VSU), likely to be introduced by the state Liberal government in the next few months. It will be similar to legislation passed in Victoria earlier this year. The rally was organised by the National Union of Students. Speakers included Damien Karmelich (NUS state president), Dee Margetts (Greens (WA) senator), and Adam Bandt (Murdoch University Guild president).
WOLLONGONG — A campaign was launched at Wollongong University last week against a proposal for full fees to attend a Law School which is being set up in 1995. Law students are at present faced with having to pay $8000 up front for a 15 week course which allows students who have completed their bachelor of law degree to qualify to become solicitors or barristers in NSW. A rally has been organised, 11am-1pm, on September 11 outside the Wollongong Court House. Law students are boycotting classes on that day.