Resistance conference fever
By Kerryn Williams
MELBOURNE — Resistance conference fever is raging in Melbourne. Large, purple posters declaring "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" are brightening up the dull, grey suburbs of Melbourne, and Resistance members and progressive activists are looking forward to an inspiring and rewarding conference here on July 11-13.
The event will provide a great opportunity for young people who are involved in (or would like to get involved in) a range of progressive campaigns to discuss how they can best fight the reactionary policies of federal and state governments. The slashing of social spending, the escalating destruction of our environment, racist attacks on migrants and Aborigines, the Coalition and ALP's support for the dictatorship in Indonesia and much more will be discussed and counter-activities planned.
Recent protests in Melbourne have shown that young people want to take political action. In Werribee, for example, many young people are participating in the campaign against the planned toxic dump. In Sale, two year-nine students organised a strike of 50 high-school students against the poor condition of their school, forcing the education minister to respond.
Resistance is encouraging all young activists to attend the conference. It has held information stalls at pro-choice abortion rallies, World Environment Day events and Indonesia solidarity activities this month. On June 13, the day of the Queensland elections, Resistance organised a protest action against racism and the One Nation party, setting up a ballot box in the city and asking passers-by to demonstrate their opposition to racism by lodging a symbolic vote. Similar events will be held regularly until the conference begins.
To find out more about the Resistance conference, contact the Resistance Centre in your city.