Issue 1330

News

Environmentalists have slammed the NSW government’s decision to approve the gas turbine power station at Kurri Kurri in the Hunter Valley. Jim McIlroy reports.

Communities will keep up the pressure on the Labor majority elected to the Newcastle Council, reports Kerry Smith.

Rather than make workplaces safe and expand access to paid pandemic leave, the federal government has tightened eligibility to the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, writes Fred Fuentes.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions is very critical of the government's “let it rip” approach. But, Sarah Hathway reports, many unionists want it to do more.

Delegates and members across Australia took part in the 16th National Conference of the Socialist Alliance on January 15-16. Jacob Andrewartha reports.

This year's Invasion Day coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Here is a list of events that will be held to mark the occasion and protest ongoing oppression of First Nations peoples.

Analysis

Gooniyandi woman Vivian Podesser Malo was a courageous fighter for justice, writes Sue Bolton.

Regardless of the entitled Serbian tennis player's behaviour, Sue Bolton argues that the Immigration Minister's decision to kick him out of the country should be cause for concern. 

Workers have borne the cost of the COVID-19 recession while corporations rake in huge profits. Sarah Hathway argues unions are in a good position to make demands on the state and bosses for protections. 

M1 tank

The Prime Minister refuses to provide free Rapid Antigen Tests, instead blowing billions of dollars on tanks and other offensive military equipment. Markela Panegyres reports.

Angela Carr is a union delegate, community services worker, housing justice campaigner and Socialist Alliance candidate for the Victorian Senate. She says collectivist, socialist solutions are needed for the multiple crises we face.

Given the shit show from government in response to the pandemic, it’s little wonder the far right is trying to capitalise on the widespread and growing  discontent. Felix Dance argues that workers, those who have kept people safe over the last two years, have to take a lead.

World

ING Group, the Dutch multinational banking institution, has bowed to pressure from the United States and is blocking donations to support Cuba's vaccine solidarity, reports Ian Ellis-Jones.

Free Ola Bini

The trial of Swedish software developer and digital rights activist Ola Bini, began on January 19 in Ecuador, reports People's Dispatch.

A woman asks for alms

Africa ought to be the richest continent on Earth. Its natural resources alone make this a fact, and yet it remains oppressed and prey to exploitation. William Briggs explains why.

Detainees held in Camp X-Ray at the US Guantanamo Bay facility.

According to a new UN Human Rights Council report, the worst human rights violations on Cuban soil take place at the hands of United States agents at the Guantánamo Bay prison, reports Ian Ellis-Jones.

Man begging

Asia’s billionaires have increased their wealth by 74% while 148 million others in the region have been pushed into poverty since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, writes S Arutchelvan.

Free Julian Assange

On his 1000th day of imprisonment, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's supporters gathered to show their support, solidarity and indignation at his ongoing political detention, writes Binoy Kampmark.

Afghan girl begs.

Afghanistan is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, writes Vijay Prashad.

Women walk past a Cuban flag mural.

Cuba puts people before profits, showing the world an alternative to the monopolistic practices of Big Pharma, writes Richa Chintan.

Lift the blockade on Cuba

The United States barred eight Cuban government officials from entering the country this month, accusing them of being implicated in the alleged repression of peaceful protests in July last year, reports Ian Ellis-Jones.

The first prisoners of the “War on Terror” — declared by US president George W Bush — began arriving at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, on January 11, 2002, writes Binoy Kampmark.