By Martin Mulligan
MELBOURNE — Encouraged by the response to the campaign of Phil Cleary in the Wills by-election, political activists here are planning a rally for social and economic justice on October 10. This is expected to be close to the date of the Victorian elections and before the federal elections, and thus an opportune time to make the point that many people have no confidence in either of the major political parties, with their commitment to the sort of free market economic policies that created the current crisis.
An inaugural organising meeting on June 10 set the date and elected a coordinating committee. The meeting was attended by activists from trade union, environmental, peace, church, solidarity, community service, and progressive political organisations.
The campaign aims to show it is possible to create meaningful employment for all, eliminate poverty, provide quality community services, reverse environmental degradation and construct real democracy. While all this is possible, things will only get worse if we wait for others to act.
The June 10 meeting also initiated some discussion about possible lead-up activities. Participating organisations and other special interest or locality groups are being asked to provide details of any relevant activities that could be listed on a common calendar for mass distribution in mid-August. An all-in lead-up action is also being considered and discussions have begun about appropriate ways to harness the energy that might be expected to flow from a successful rally in October.
General meetings for the mobilisation are being held monthly. For further information or a copy of the mobilisation Statement of Aims write to Mobilisation, PO Box 122, Niddrie Vic 3042, or phone 350 1727.