Emergency appeal for Cuba
On October 17, Cuba was hit by the worst hurricane in 50 years. Hurricane Lilli ripped through the island destroying houses, crops, roads, schools, hospitals and electrical supplies. Many provinces are isolated and without communication. Some water supplies have become contaminated and flooding remains a significant problem. The Cuban people are in urgent need of international solidarity. The Australia-Cuba Friendship Society is issuing a special appeal for aid. ACFS is calling for any brigadistas going to Cuba to take some material support. For further information or to make a donation contact ACFS in your state. (See pages 29-31.)
Government fails on greenhouse
The federal government has decided to maintain, while repackaging, its refusal to support binding emission reduction targets, a position that earned it notoriety at the Geneva climate negotiations in July. Its reworked submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change agrees to the possibility of a "collective" target, but with Australia's support being conditional on Australia being subject to a less stringent target than other OECD countries. Australian Conservation Foundation spokesperson Peter Kinrade pointed out the hypocrisy of this position: "The principal arguments used to justify lower emission reduction requirements for Australia — high economic and population growth — are the very same reasons Australia has been using to advocate greater action by developing countries".
Demolition of the Lone Star
PERTH — The Western Australian Main Roads Department has ordered that the premises of the Lone Star Hotel be vacated by November 4 to pave the way for the Northbridge Tunnel, despite reassurances from the department that no construction on the tunnel would take place here for two years. Northbridge will lose a 100-year-old building. Several residents will lose their homes and others their jobs at the Lone Star. The Cities for People Campaign has organised a protest on November 4, 12.30pm at the site. For more information call Rob Cover on 041 993 0088 or write to PO Box 1338, East Victoria Park, WA 6106.
Anti-racism forum
NEWCASTLE — In response to the racist policies being implemented by the government, and the calls for a moratorium on immigration and cuts to Aboriginal services, a public forum will be in Newcastle City Hall on November 14 from 10am to 3pm. It is hoped that the meeting will adopt a statement on racism. The forum has been supported by the Koori community, church groups, the Aboriginal Support Group, Newcastle City Council, the Democratic Socialist Party and Newcastle Trades Hall. For more information, contact organiser Paul Collis on (049) 408 066.