ACT's socialist alternative
By Chris Spindler
CANBERRA — The Democratic Socialist candidates for the February 21 ACT election launched their policies on February 5.
Tim Gooden, one of three Democratic Socialist candidates for Molonglo, described how chief minister Kate Carnell's government has savaged the ACT public service and community services. At the same time, the Liberals gave $10 million to mining giant CRA and another $13 million to business through reduced payroll taxes and the halving of stamp duty on shares.
Gooden detailed the Democratic Socialists' policies on economic and democratic rights, Nick Soudakoff spoke about youth and education policy, and Sue Bull outlined policies on women, the environment and against racism. Bull said the socialists would make companies that pollute pay to clean up the environment.
The Democratic Socialists pledge to reverse the corporatisation of ACT Electricity and Water and prioritise alternative energy; expand the public transport system and make it free; make education at all levels free; lower the voting age to 16; provide free, safe abortion and contraception; provide free, quality, 24-hour child-care; reverse all pro-big business hand-outs; campaign against the federal Workplace Relations Act; and support full compensation for the Aboriginal stolen generations.
The candidates explained that their policies are not confined to the ACT or to local parliament. The Democratic Socialists will use the election campaign to build grassroots campaigns for justice.
On February 7, Petrie Plaza became a sea of red as the Democratic Socialists held their "People before profits" rally.
The rally of 100 people brought together Aboriginal, trade union, women's movement and East Timor solidarity activists. Speakers included Jenni Eccles, ACT Community and Public Sector Union branch secretary; Isobel Hannan, who described life in Canberra as a single mother; Will Williams and Nick Soudakoff, who addressed the plight of young people; Max Lane, who spoke about the major parties' continuing support for Indonesia's occupation of East Timor; and Rob and Clifford Guest, who spoke about the stolen generation.
The Democratic Socialists will highlight their pro-native title policy and support for trade union rights with an address at the launch of the book Bludgers in Grass Castles on February 12 outside the National Farmers Federation office, and a speak-out in support of the maritime workers in Petrie Plaza on February 19.
Resistance is hosting a debate on solutions for young people on February 13. Young candidates for the Greens, Progressive Labour Party, Australian Democrats, Labor Party and the Democratic Socialists will attend.
For more information about the Democratic Socialist campaign, telephone 6247 2424.