Iraqi refugees protest deportation threat
BRISBANE — Iraqi refugees and their supporters rallied in King George Square on September 11 to protest the federal government's refugee policies and demand full rights for temporary protection visa-holders.
Thousands of temporary visas have expired, but there is no indication of the government processing Iraqi applications for further protection. Afghan refugee applications that have been processed have all been rejected.
Chile coup marked
CANBERRA — On September 11, 100 people attended a public meeting to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1973 military coup in Chile that ousted the elected government of Salvador Allende.
A series of emotional and political testimonials were presented by Chileans of their experiences during the US-backed coup. The meeting was also addressed by ACT Legislative Assembly speaker Wayne Berry and current and former leaders of the ACT Trades and Labour Council.
Rally marks Chile coup
MELBOURNE — On September 11, 40 people rallied at the US consulate to commemorate the 3000 people who were murdered during the CIA-organised military coup in Chile on September 11, 1973.
Many of the rally speakers noted that the media hype around the events of September 11 two years ago is an attempt to rewrite history, in contrast to their virtual silence about the larger numbers of people murdered by the US-backed Pinochet terror regime in Chile.
Save Medicare rally
NEWCASTLE — On September 13, 100 people marched on the office of Hunter Valley-based Liberal Senator John Tierney to show their support for bulk billing and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
The rally was organised by the retired sections of the mineworkers and maritime unions with the support of Newcastle Trades Hall Council. NTHC secretary Gary Kennedy told the rally that the trade union movement would also be campaigning to stop the privatisation of the Mater Hospital by the NSW Labor state government.
More jobs axed in NSW public sector
SYDNEY — Thirty jobs in regional NSW are targeted to go from the agriculture department in order to save a miserly $1.5 million.
On September 9, the Public Service Association revealed that the department's corporate service reform agenda planned to reduce staff numbers from 62 to 32. While that number may appear relatively small, the jobs are located in regional towns where there is little opportunity for redeployment.
The department has also announced the closure of some courses at Murrumbidgee Agricultural College in Yanco, alleging that enrolments have declined.
From Green Left Weekly, September 17, 2003.
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