Thousands march against government’s policies

Issue 
March August in Melbuorne. Photo: Ali Bakhtiarvandi

The third round of March Australia rallies were held over the weekend of August 30 to 31. More than 40,000 people were estimated to have marched in 40 events around the country.

Participants were marching about issues that included budget cuts, refugees, education, welfare and the environment.

In Melbourne, about 7000 people marched. Human rights lawyer Julian Burnside told the rally: “The other terrible thing that is being done, apart from all the broken promises, is the continued cruelty to men, women and children who have done nothing worse than to come here asking for protection.

“If you feel exhausted keeping up the pressure on the government, if you feel so tired you can’t keep going on, just support yourselves with a vision of [prime minister] Tony Abbott and [immigration minister] Scott Morrison in the dock at The Hague.”

In Sydney, about 5000 people marched from Hyde Park through the CBD.

Events were held in many regional areas. In Geelong, about 100 people joined the rally. Socialist Alliance candidate for Geelong in the Victorian election Sarah Hathway told the rally: “You’re more likely to hear about ‘boat people’ on the six o’clock news than the federal government’s plans to deregulate university fees, cut course funding by an average of 20% and increase the interest charged on student loans.

“This attack on universities will make it impossible for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds to attend university, and will now put student debt on par with a small mortgage loan.”

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