News

Resistance launched in DarwinDARWIN — A banner drop to catch the afternoon traffic on August 5 launched the new Resistance branch here. The banner, "Human rights before mining rights", was designed to highlight the

Peter Harkins BRISBANE — A moving funeral service was held in Warwick on August 19 for Peter Harkins, a well-known activist in the campaign to stop the closure of the Biala alcohol and drug detoxification centre. Peter was also a Biala State

Call to increase police powersBRISBANE — The Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) on August 15 recommended that the search powers of police be greatly increased giving them "covert search warrants". These warrants would give

WA Democrats expel membersPERTH — Thirteen members of the WA Division of the Australian Democrats were expelled at the end of July by the national executive. Those expelled included individuals on both sides of the

Repeal all anti-abortion laws!Actions were held around Australia in the second week of August to coincide with an National Day of Action for Reproductive Rights. The actions focussed on the bid to repeal all anti-abortion

Protest at new PNG logging rulesBRISBANE — On August 9, 30 people picketed the Papua New Guinea consulate in protest of the Timber Supply Agreement (TSA), soon to be ratified by the PNG government. The picket was organised

ADELAIDE — Major cuts to health, education and housing are set to dominate the state Liberal government's budget on August 25, its first since taking office last November. While cabinet is still in the process of discussing details around proposed

Police powers questioned after night club raidMELBOURNE — Forty armed police burst into popular city gay and lesbian nightclub, Tasty, on August 7, detaining 463 patrons and staff for up to three hours and strip

Students fight up-front feesCANBERRA — A recommendation calling for the introduction of fees of up to $12,000 for the professional component of the Australian National University's law degree is being reconsidered after

Greens contest Parramatta by-electionSYDNEY — On August 27, voters in the state seat of Parramatta, once a piece of Labor's "heartland" and now a marginal seat, go to the polls. Some commentators estimate the outcome will

BRISBANE — The 11 miners buried underground after an explosion at the Moura No 2 coal mine on August 7, along with their suffering families, are the victims of the profit drive of BHP and other corporate mining giants.

RU486: extending women's choicesThe Catholic church in Australia has called for a halt to current trials of RU486, the so-called "abortion pill". The trials, taking place under the auspices of the World Health Organisation