News

Public servants strike for job security

Public servants strike for job security By Stuart Martin CANBERRA — On December 17, 2000 members of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) employed in the ACT public service went on strike for 24 hours in protest against the Liberal

Opposition grows in MUA

Opposition grows in MUA By Dick Nichols A mood of anger and revolt is sweeping the ranks of the Maritime Union of Australia. The impact of the MUA-Patrick deal (set to be extended to P&O Ports) and the loss of the industry roster for

Historic houses threatened

Historic houses threatened By Emma Murphy MELBOURNE — The planners for Melbourne University Private — an annexe of Melbourne University reserved the rich — have announced the demolition of 18 National Trust-listed terrace houses in Carlton.

IWD Collective meetings begin

IWD Collective meetings begin By Lynda Hansen BRISBANE — The International Women's Day Collective has resumed meetings to organise this year's IWD activities on March 6. With continuing cuts to child-care and women's health services, recent

Optimistic plans set by DSP congress

Optimistic plans set by DSP congress By Margaret Allum SYDNEY — Indonesian political prisoners Budiman Sujatmiko and Dita Sari from the People's Democratic Party (PRD) were honorary members of the presidium of the 18th congress of the

Emergency call centre cuts

Emergency call centre cuts By Bill Mason BRISBANE — Telstra has been widely criticised over moves to close its 000 emergency call centre at Ipswich and divert all crisis calls to Sydney and Melbourne. The closure, planned for April, will cost

Casino workers continue campaign

Casino workers continue campaign By Bronwen Beechey ADELAIDE — Workers at the Adelaide Casino are continuing their campaign for a collective workplace agreement, despite harassment and intimidation from management. The workers, members of the

Gas commission highlights safety problems

Gas commission highlights safety problems By Chris Spindler MELBOURNE — Witnesses at the royal commission to investigate the Longford gas disaster, in which two workers were killed and eight injured, have reported maintenance delays, poor

Brisbane River 'a sewer pipe'

Brisbane River 'a sewer pipe' By Bill Mason BRISBANE — The Brisbane River, and the Bremer River flowing into it from Ipswich, have become "sewer pipes", funnelling pollution, effluent and sediment into Moreton Bay, a report has revealed. The

SA Liberal government embarrassed into getting tough

By Melanie Sjoberg ADELAIDE — Premier John Olsen and the state Liberal government are squirming with embarrassment over their handling of state public sector workers' wages and conditions in recent weeks. Prior to the end of the 1998 school year,

Resistance condemns racist jailings

Resistance condemns racist jailings By Andy Gianniotis BRISBANE — Resistance, the socialist youth group, has spoken out against the jailing of a 14-year-old Aboriginal woman in the Mackay watch-house. The woman is the sister of an 11-year-old

Activists create 'JAILS'

Activists create 'JAILS' By Jim Green In 1998, about 500 people were arrested at the Jabiluka uranium mine blockade in the Northern Territory. Many are to face court in coming months. JAILS (Jabiluka Arrestees Information and Legal Support) has