Analysis

The Socialist Alliance has produced a set of campaign demands as a contribution to the union movement's discussion about how to fight back during the COVID-19 pandemic, while ensuring no worker is left behind.

 

In "Lockdown #3: Coronavirus, Capitalism and Solidarity", Zebedee Parkes takes a look at how essential workers, some of the most undervalued sections of society, are beginning to organise to defend their rights.

Australian $100 notes

Why is the federal government budgeting its JobKeeper program on the basis of 6 million workers needing support while the projected unemployment rate without JobKeeper would be an extra 700,000 workers, asks Michael Bull.

Child wearing a mask in a classroom

Along with debating when schools should reopen, we need a society-wide discussion about what's necessary to tackle the existing, and deepening, inequalities in the education system and their impact on children, teachers and parents, argues Fred Fuentes.

Green Left's Jacob Andrewartha has a discussion with Socialist Alliance national executive member Peter Boyle regarding the lessons socialists can draw from the COVID-19 crisis, the limitations of the response by capitalist governments and practical measures socialists should advocate for.

Carlo Sands talks about finding balance and self care under a COVID-19 lockdown.

“Normal” was so broken, we don't want to go back to that. But, as Sam Wainwright argues, we're going to have to build a movement strong enough to transform Australia’s economy.

On May 8, 1970, one of the greatest mass mobilisations in Australia's history took place — the first Vietnam Moratorium against the country’s involvement in the murderous US-led invasion of Indochina. Participant Jim McIlroy reflects on the political lessons.

Planet Earth wearing a PPE mask

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg chose the 50th anniversary of Earth Day to add her voice to the push for society to “tackle two crises at once” — the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis, writes Jim McIlroy.

The science must guide how we safely return to work. Those who pit generations against each other are pushing a cheap and nasty divide-and-rule strategy which deflect from capitalism's failures to all generations, writes Pip Hinman.

Modern Monetary Theory is getting increasing attention as a means to solve economic problems, especially as governments spend big under COVID-19. Neville Spencer explains its usefulness and its limitations.

Greens Councillor Jonathan Sri, who represents The Gabba ward in Brisbane, says he will not be installing the COVID-19 surveillance app and explains why other measures, without any nasty stings, would be more effective in helping reduce the spread of the pandemic.