Founding conference approaches
Socialist Alliance will hold a founding national conference in Melbourne on August 4-5.
The conference will adopt a platform and constitution for the alliance, and discuss the coming federal elections. Vigorous debate is likely on numerous issues, particularly election preference policy, attitude to ALP-union ties and refugee policy.
A delegation system, including travel subsidies, will guarantee equal representation for all local groups. Non-delegate members will have the right to speak in conference debates.
Hobart branch launched
With champagne, balloons and socialist enthusiasm, 25 people launched the new Hobart branch of the Socialist Alliance on July 3. Eleven people joined the alliance on the night.
Iain McFarlane, former state secretary of the Waterside Workers Federation, sent a message welcoming the new alliance as a much needed alternative to Labor and the Liberals. Graham Matthews, Melbourne district secretary of the Democratic Socialist Party, and Bill Briggs, former member of the Socialist Party of Australia, also spoke.
Dinner a huge success
More than 100 people filled Sydney's Herb Greedy Hall on July 14 to celebrate the formation of the Socialist Alliance and raise some much-needed funds.
"The left must keep its eye on the final goal and put aside small differences", Korean union activist Myoung-hye Park told the gathered members and supporters. "The workers of the world are one!", he concluded. Seven people joined the alliance on the night.