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'Horribly aberrant behaviour' in Canberra

By Gareth W.R. Smith CANBERRA — Gareth Evans, speaking of the November 1991 Dili killings, described them as "horribly aberrant behaviour ... rather than a deliberate, centrally directed act of state policy". However, the experience of

Action updates

ADELAIDE — A lively forum at the Resistance Centre on June 18 discussed the events of May-June 1968, when a massive movement of students and workers in France changed the face of politics. Speakers explained the events and explored the implications

Indonesian warship fiasco

Indonesian warship fiasco By Jon Land A controversy has erupted in Indonesia over the refitting of 39 German warships purchased last year by the Suharto government. Technology and research minister Jusuf Habibie arranged the deal without

What kind of recognition for gay and lesbian relationships?

By Kath Gelber Legal reform and anti-discrimination measures have been the focus of much debate and activity in the lesbian and gay communities over recent years. Legal recognition of lesbian and gay relationships has been a particular

NSW ALP does a deal on preselections

By Paul Oboohov SYDNEY — The NSW ALP state conference, June 11-13, appears to have settled, for the moment, the battle between left and right factions over preselections for state parliament. A casualty was right-winger Peter Anderson,

News briefs

ADELAIDE — A Green Left Weekly seller was assaulted by a member of the right-wing group National Action on Friday night, June 17, at the East End pub Crown and Anchor. Two police officers near the scene refused to render assistance or apprehend the

Bougainville peace talks begin

By Frank Enright Mounting internal and international pressure has finally forced the Papua New Guinea government into peace talks with representatives of the Bougainville Interim Government. The talks are being held in the Solomon Islands

On the box

True Stories: The Real Jurassic Park — This documentary asks, Was Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park fiction, or is it possible? The film by David Dugan involves molecular biologists, palaeontologists and embryologists in answering questions such as,

Community coalition fights freeway extension

By Jeremy Smith MELBOURNE — A fiery meeting of 250 community activists on June 15 launched a campaign against VicRoads' proposals to expand the F19 freeway. With the exception of the VicRoads' representative, a panel of speakers roundly

Tasmania: bigots mobilise against gay rights

By Tom Flanagan A federal Liberal MP is playing a key role in the mobilisation of bigoted right-wingers in defence of Tasmania's anti-gay laws. Chris Miles, MHR for Braddon and opposition spokesperson for schools, vocational education and

South African prisoners continue struggle

By Norm Dixon JOHANNESBURG — Prisons throughout South Africa were convulsed by protests which began on June 9. The South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR) called on inmates to begin peaceful mass action after the new

Looking out: Drugged injustice

Drugged injustice By Brandon Astor Jones "Ms Benson was receiving higher than average doses of each of these medications [Robaxin, Nalfon, Tylenol 3 (with Codeine), Valium and Vistaril] ... The combination of medications ... very likely