By Rurik Davidson
PERTH — Western Australian voters will have a choice of more than just Labor-Liberal in the state election on February 6. Greens, socialists and independents will be among the candidates.
"There needs to be an alternative to the two main parties", said Michelle Hovane, announcing as the Democratic Socialist candidate for the seat of Perth.
"Under the Labor government the gap between rich and poor has increased dramatically. West Australians are now facing disastrous unemployment. The health care and education systems are deteriorating rapidly."
Hovane is employed at Curtin University as an education officer. She has been a committed grassroots activist in a wide range of progressive campaigns — particularly the women's and environment movements. Currently she is involved in the International Women's Day collective in Perth.
While pointing out the attacks on working people that a Liberal- National coalition victory will bring, Hovane asserts the need for leftists to break from the Labor Party. "A coalition victory would be a disaster for working people, but the Labor Party is also a party of big business. And during the elections is one of the best times for people who want to build an alternative to stand up and say, 'Here we are, come and join us'."
The Democratic socialists are also standing Geoff Spencer in the seat of Fremantle. Spencer, a railway guard, is an active member of the Australian Railways Union. He has taken part in establishing Trade Unionists for Environmental Responsibility.
Hovane and Spencer have both supported the campaign to stop the redevelopment of the old Swan Brewery, built on an Aboriginal sacred site. Redevelopment is opposed by the majority of the Perth population.
The two candidates were also involved in the campaign against police violence, centring on the assault of Joe Dethridge, who had his jaw broken in the Fremantle lock-up by the officer on duty.
Also running for the seat of Perth is Kath Mallot, an independent who recently left the Labor Party because of her growing concerns
about WA Inc. Formerly employed by the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union, Mallot was also on the ALP Aboriginal Affairs policy committee and is running on the slogan "The Party is over!"
The Greens are planning an extensive election campaign, with candidates in most lower house and all upper house seats. They are running on a range of issues including greater public transport and the stopping of the brewery development.
Also running in the seat of Fremantle is well-known Aboriginal activist Clarrie Isaacs, a leader of the campaign against the redevelopment of the Swan Brewery.