MELBOURNE — The National Conference on Local Environmental Action was held here on May 10-12. Organised jointly by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Municipal Association of Victoria, its aim was to link Australian and global environmental concerns to local government. For more information on conference papers and outcomes, phone (03) 380 6933.
- The Public First Campaign launched its privatisation referendum campaign in city square on May 16. Several short speeches by community activists including Jan Armstrong from the Health Services Union of Australia voiced anger at the Kennett government's plans to privatise government utilities. The campaign will be distributing thousands of cards calling on the government to hold a referendum on gas, water and electricity privatisation.
PERTH — Peace House, Perth's newest peace and social justice activists' space, was opened on May 14. One hundred and fifty people attended the opening day, which was addressed by long-term peace activist and former senator Jo Vallentine. Peace House is located at 4 Aberdeen Street in Northbridge. For more information phone (09) 227 7880 or write to PO Box 186, Northbridge WA 6865.
SYDNEY — Terasita Carpio, secretary of the United Workers of the Philippines and secretary-general of the socialist women's organisation Kababaihan, spoke to a Democratic Socialist Party and Resistance Forum on "Women, workers and the Philippines" on May 16. More than 50 people heard her describe struggles against the international companies that exploit the workers and the greater role now played by women in the union movement.
- National Union of Workers picket lines were set up at Woolworths warehouses on May 18. The dispute relates to an enterprise bargaining agreement, wages and conditions. On May 19 a union organiser was arrested and a picketer hurt after a truck ran a picket line at the Yennora warehouse. Pickets are continuing at Yennora, Morebank, Newcastle and Canberra.
- A spontaneous student demonstration on the night of May 15 protest against the attendance of federal education minister Simon Crean at the 75th anniversary dinner of the Australian Vice Chancellors' Committee. Security guards used extreme force to remove students so that the dinner guests could drink their champagne in peace. Gourmet cat food was symbolically consumed to contrast the average menu of a student and the menu of the dinner. A door having been left open, 30 students stormed in and surrounded Crean's table, chanting, "What do we want? Free education! When do we want it? Now!" Vice chancellors and other guests were told about the effects of the budget on students and the poor in general.