ADELAIDE — 500 teachers and their supporters rallied at Parliament House on August 18 to demand more staff in the city's disadvantaged northern and western suburbs. Speakers expressed disgust with the state government's failure to give financial aid to schools which are literally falling down. A teacher from the Elizabeth area received strong support when he called for parents and teachers to take control of school curricula and local decision making.
l "Keep SAGASCO in South Australia", chanted 1500 people who marched through the streets here on August 20 in support of a United Trades and Labour Council campaign against the sell-off of the state gas company. Many of the participants were SAGASCO workers. They were joined by members of the miscellaneous, state public service, vehicle builders, bakers and timber workers unions. John Schumann, former member of the band, Redgum, likened the sell-off to him selling his guitar to resolve a short-term cash flow. Public Service Association secretary Jan McMahon, said state assets should be subject to open public control. Plumbers union secretary Russell Wortley called for a strong public campaign.
SYDNEY — NSW unions are angry over the state government's changes to its superannuation scheme for public servants. The changes will mean a cut in employer contributions from as much as 24% to around 9%. Other states, including South Australia, may be considering similar changes.