Hemp party attacked
LISMORE — Thirty police officers descended on the Nimbin campaign headquarters of Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP) on October 31. In a two-hour long siege, 10 armed police police searched the premises. One person was charged with cannibis possession.
HEMP is contesting three lower house seats — Page, Richmond and Ryan — and the Senate in NSW. The party advocates the legalisation of cannabis for personal, medical and industrial use.
Beenleigh for reconciliation
BRISBANE — One hundred and fifty people marched on October 28 in Beenleigh, south of Brisbane, to support reconciliation.
While Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation set up a "Sea of Hands" display, march-goers heard speakers from the Socialist Alliance and the ALP.
Speaking for the alliance, Kerry Vernon said, "We have had six years of the racist Howard government and we not only have the opportunity to vote them out but also to vote for other progressive candidates who are uncompromising in their support for Indigenous rights."
Rally for public education
NEWCASTLE — Forty people gathered in Pacific Park on November 3 in defence of publicly funded education.
Called by the Newcastle University Students Association, the rally featured speakers from the ALP, the Greens, the Australian Democrats and the Socialist Alliance. A march to Civic Park was followed by bands and a barbecue.
From Green Left Weekly, November 7, 2001.
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