By Sean Malloy
MELBOURNE — "There is a real sentiment of seriousness amongst young people today. We know we can't play at politics, because it really is our lives and the lives of many others and the future of the planet at stake", said Kylie Budge, Melbourne Resistance organiser, at the conclusion of the 21st Resistance national conference.
More than 200 people attended the conference, held here on the first weekend of July.
Eighty-one delegates from branches around the country discussed reports on international politics, capitalism and nature, women's liberation, Australian politics and strategies for radical youth.
The average age of delegates was 19.
"Of the conferences I have attended, I can't remember one with as much enthusiasm, energy and dynamism as this", said Budge.
"A central theme has been the need for young people to be centrally involved in building a real green and democratic alternative."
The first report of the conference, "Prisoners of the New World Order", looked at world politics, how the Earth Summit highlighted the polarisation between wealthy and poor nations, the situation in South Africa and prospects for left organisations in coming years.
"Capitalism and nature" outlined the sharp problems facing humanity from the environmental crisis and the inability of capitalism to solve problems of environmental destruction and develop an environmentally sustainable economy.
Commenting on the report "The future of feminism — the politics of women's liberation", Carla Gorton, Perth Resistance organiser, said it "reflects our understanding of the origins of women's oppression, the current state of women in our society and the developing 'third wave' of feminism, expressed by the popularity of books such as Backlash by Susan Faludi and The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolfe".
"Australian society in crisis — toward a political alternative" examined Australia in recession and proposals from the government and business organisations to undermine working people's standard of living. The report underlined the need for a political alternative that defended the interests of workers, unemployed, women and youth rather than the interests of business.
Guest speakers included Helmi Fauzi from the Indonesian National Youth Front, Matt McCarten and Joss Debreceny from the New Zealand NewLabour Party and Green Left Weekly Moscow correspondent Renfrey Clarke.
Greetings were sent by the conference to the African National Congress and the ANC youth, the Indonesian National Youth Front and the Cuban Communist Party and Young Communists.
Renfrey Clarke spoke about his experiences in Russia and the role of Green Left Weekly at a dinner organised by the conference as a fundraiser for Green Left. Resistance members account for around 55% of Green Left street sales.