By Alex Bainbridge
HOBART — Thirty people protested against the reactionary policies of John Howard's Coalition government during a federal cabinet meeting here on August 3. The lively action contrasted with the larger but very tame salmon industry protest held on the same day.
While the salmon industry protest was strongly promoted by the commercial media, the Resistance-initiated picket was virtually ignored by them before the day. Despite this, a wide range of organisations were represented at the anti-Coalition action.
Banners were displayed by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, the National Tertiary Education Industry Union and the Australian Education Union, as well as by the Democratic Socialist Party. Student representative council members were also present.
Representatives of the Australian Workers Union left the action when opposition to the Jabiluka uranium mine was raised.
Protesters went up to the doors of the Town Hall, where Howard was holding a media conference. Police refused to allow protest representatives to invite Howard to address the gathering.
Musician Peter Hicks sang one of his songs about the re-election of the Coalition government, and speakers highlighted the reactionary nature of the government's policies. Particular attention was drawn to the impending "second wave" workplace relations legislation.
Protest organiser Nikki Ulasowski told Green Left Weekly that it was important to hold protests at public appearances by Coalition front-bench members. "These people have no regard for the interests of ordinary working people and youth.
"We have two choices: we can bury our heads in the sand or we can choose to fight back. We made clear today that we are opposed to the whole agenda of the Howard government, and even small protests like ours can help to spark broader action that can lead to significant victories for the progressive movement."