News

Protest against parallel runway

Protest against parallel runway By Robyn Marshall BRISBANE — The peace and quiet of the tree-lined streets and coffee shops of suburban Bulimba were disturbed on February 14, when 4000 people marched down the hill to demonstrate against the

NSW Coalition: coy or sneaky?

NSW Coalition: coy or sneaky? By Dick Nichols SYDNEY — Since before Christmas, NSW Liberal leader Kerry Chikarovski has been saying her industrial relations policy would not be released for "another couple of weeks". Nationals' leader George

Prison officers condemn private prison

Prison officers condemn private prison By Sarah Harris PERTH — The WA Coalition government wants a private company, Correction Corporation of Australia, to operate a proposed 750-bed medium security jail at Wooroloo, 50 kilometres east of

Action updates

Help register socialists in Tasmania HOBART — The Democratic Socialists are attempting to register as a party with the Tasmanian electoral office. This will enable DS candidates to appear on state election ballot papers with their party

Victorian Labor blames teachers

Victorian Labor blames teachers By Mary Merkenich MELBOURNE — Earlier this month, Victorian ALP leader John Brumby announced his "zero tolerance" education policy. The policy attacks teachers, ignores the real causes of illiteracy and is much

NSW forest campaigners discuss strategy

By Nick Fredman LISMORE — Thirty-five activists attended a general meeting of the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) at Rosebank, near Lismore, on February 15 to discuss recent changes to forestry legislation and agreements. The gathering assessed

Socialists: 'Migrants don't cause unemployment'

Socialists: 'Migrants don't cause unemployment' By Paul Benedek PARRAMATTA — The Democratic Socialists will be standing two candidates in Sydney's western suburbs in the March 27 NSW state election. Shane Bentley, 27, will contest the seat of

Beverley uranium mine breaches standards

Beverley uranium mine breaches standards By David Noonan Reports commissioned by the federal government on the Beverley uranium mine in South Australia reveal that the government does not have enough information to justify approval of the mine.

News briefs

Reception for Gerry Adams BRISBANE — Despite attacks from Liberal opposition councillors, who will boycott the event, Labor Mayor Jim Soorley has defended his decision to invite Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams to a civic reception at

Overseas-trained doctors: hunger for justice

By Tuntuni Bhattacharyya SYDNEY — As of February 20, seven doctors camped outside the NSW Parliament House had not taken any food for six days. The hunger strike by members of Australian Doctors Trained Overseas is to protest the Australian

Lesbian and gay rights: is Mardi Gras enough?

On February 5, more than 22,000 gathered on the steps of the Sydney Opera House for the launch of the 1999 Mardi Gras season.

Tent Embassy ceremonial fire desecrated

By Kim Bullimore CANBERRA — On the orders of parliamentary officials, federal police again attacked a peaceful protest by members of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on the lawns of Parliament House on February 15. Police violently wrenched spears,