By Bill Mason
BRISBANE — The Democratic Socialism '96 conferences are shaping up as "lively discussions of the key issues facing the progressive movement", according to Brisbane conference organiser John Nebauer.
Guest speakers at the Brisbane conference include: Peter Boyle of Links magazine; Rodriguez Garcia, a member of the United Left of Spain; and Pip Hinman, a frequent contributor to Green Left Weekly.
A major panel on Friday morning, April 5, is entitled, "Fighting the Howard offensive — Building a progressive alternative". It includes Angela Jones, Queensland Greens; Norman Johnson, Australian Indigenous People's Party; Senator John Woodley, Australian Democrats; and Coral Wynter, Democratic Socialists.
A feature panel that afternoon is on the topic: "Against the backlash: Fighting for women's rights today". Speakers include Cynthia Kennedy, UQ Equal Opportunity vice-president; Unna Liddy, Children by Choice; and Pip Hinman.
An Aboriginal film night that evening will feature Sam Watson, introducing his new film, Black Man Down.
On Saturday, April 6, Rodriguez Garcia will speak on the theme: "Europe today: Community or crisis?"
A feature panel will discuss "The fight for freedom in South-East Asia", with Nick Everett, coordinator of Brisbane Action Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor, recently returned from Indonesia and East Timor, and Selva, a prominent representative of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka.
A panel on the Saturday afternoon will feature Claire Moore, state secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union, and Hughie Williams, secretary of the Transport Workers Union, discussing strategy for the union movement.
Defence of the Cuban revolution will be another major theme, with a panel on Saturday afternoon including a report by Oscar Orellana, secretary of the Brisbane branch of the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society, on his recent trip to Cuba.
The conference will conclude with the launch of Green It Up for 1996, a Cuba Solidarity Night with music from Majawil' Qij and a Cuban percussion band, and Latin American food, drinks and dancing.