News

By Shane Bentley SYDNEY — Faruque Ahmed, president of the Taxi Drivers Section of the NSW Transport Workers Union (TWU) and a taxi driver for 14 years, is leading a campaign for an independent inquiry into the NSW taxi industry. "The industry is
MUA ex-official attacks 'character assassination' By Dick Nichols BRISBANE — Jeff Langdon, former organiser with the Maritime Union of Australia's (MUA) south Queensland branch and well known for his work during the Patrick dispute, has
By Steve Ryan SYDNEY — Despite decades of attempts to convince governments of the public's will to save our remaining forests and wilderness areas, and the need to preserve biodiversity, the dollar has won the debate. Woodchips are evidently more
Help needed to overcome arson attack By Iggy Kim PERTH — In October, the home of well-known Aboriginal activist Clarrie Isaacs was severely burnt in a suspected arson attack. The fire melted light fittings and electrical wiring throughout the
ACTEW privatisation victory By James Vassilopoulos Unions scored an important victory on February 2, when the Legislative Assembly voted down the government's proposal to privatise the Australian Capital Territory Electricity and Water (ACTEW).
Victory at Australian Dyeing Company By Maurice Sibelle MELBOURNE — After 67 days on the picket line, 80 locked-out workers at the Australian Dyeing Company won a major victory on February 5. ADC management agreed to a 10% wage rise over two
IWD on NSW north coast IWD on NSW north coast By Kath O'Driscoll LISMORE — Organising is under way for a march and rally for International Women's Day on March 6. A collective of campus and high school students, community workers and other
Cannabis

Hemp is one of the world's most useful plants. Its uses range from paper to fuel, and it could replace many environmentally destructive products.

By Jim McIlroy BRISBANE — Service delays and staffing shortages have increased in Centrelink offices as the Howard government refuses to retreat on the 5000 job cuts it has imposed on the "social security" agency. Centrelink printing operations
By Melanie Sjoberg ADELAIDE — "Freedom, fairness and flexibility" proclaims the South Australian government's January 23 announcement of its proposed changes to the state's industrial legislation. Acting minister for government enterprises and
AMA: 'Spend more on indigenous health' By Margaret Allum The Australian Medical Association used Australia Day to call for more resources from this year's federal budget to improve indigenous health. Dr Ngiare Brown, the AMA's indigenous health
NSW police commissioner put on the spot By Danny Fairfax SYDNEY — More than 100 people attended a public meeting with NSW Police Commissioner Peter Ryan at Ashfield Town Hall on January 27. The meeting was organised by the Ethnic Communities