BY JANET PARKER
SYDNEY — "It's the emergence of the anti-corporate globalisation movement and people's growing frustration with Labor and Liberal that have really made this possible", said Sam Wainwright, secretary of the Democratic Socialist Party's Sydney inner west branch in commenting on the opening of a new DSP office and Green Left Weekly distribution centre in Burwood.
The DSP established an inner west branch in January, not long after it set up a branch in the eastern suburbs with an office in Bondi Junction. Wainwright added: "Although the mood has been developing for some time, the huge success of the S11 protests and our own increase in membership applications made us appreciate just how much interest there is outside the inner city areas where most left wing political activity is focussed."
Already the new branch has held two public events, a screening of the film S11, this is what democracy looks like which attracted around thirty people and a public forum on the campaign for refugee's rights.
DSP members in the area also believe that the Socialist Alliance will be an important opportunity to help get the socialist movement "out of the ghetto" and in to the wider community.
"The Socialist Alliance really has the potential to enable the socialist movement to reach out to larger numbers of working people who are angry with mainstream politics and want to do something about it. We want to discuss with other activists the possibility of setting up a local Socialist Alliance group."
On Saturday April 21 at 4pm the branch will be holding a toast to open the office to be followed by a BBQ at a nearby house to which all members and supporters are invited. The branch is also appealing for any office furniture and equipment to help get it up and running.
[The Sydney inner west Resistance Centre is located at Level 1, 19 Belmore Street, Burwood.]