News

NSW unionists could face jailWOLLONGONG — South Coast Labour Council secretary Paul Matters has told a combined unions meeting here that he is prepared to go to jail rather than pay any fines imposed by the NSW Industrial

Drop charges against Austudy Five, say unionsMELBOURNE — Several unions have called for charges to be dropped against five protesters arrested following a student demonstration here earlier this year. The Victorian branch

Brown backs 'clean green' candidates MELBOURNE — Victorians would get best value by voting for independents backing small business, local control and "clean green" produce, Tasmanian Green MP Bob Brown said on September 24. Brown spoke at

Debate on reproductive rightsMELBOURNE — About 70 people participated in a September 22 public meeting sponsored by Green Left Weekly on "Reproductive Rights: a question of choice". Resistance organiser and

MELBOURNE — "Whether the Liberal or Labor party wins the October 3 state election, we can expect more attacks on public transport, health, education and workers' rights", Dave Holmes, Democratic Socialist candidate for

Concerns over closing of refugeSYDNEY — On September 18, the largest women's refuge in NSW closed its doors. The Marion Centre — for women and children escaping from violent relationships — was closed by the management

Brewery redevelopment stalledPERTH — The Legislative Council succeeded in delaying redevelopment work on the old Swan brewery on September 22 when it rejected an order that would have allowed the bypassing of planning

Radio 2EA Workers in action for jobsSYDNEY — "Restructuring" has struck again. This time the potential victims are about 300 workers at the Special Broadcasting Service's Radio 2EA, migrant languages radio for New South

By Tim E. Stewart NEWCASTLE — An end to the Austudy loans scheme, more funding for universities, an increase in child-care facilities and better public transport were demands made by 80 students at a September 23 sit-in at the Newcastle

MELBOURNE — About 60 people attended an October 16 public meeting organised by Independent Action, a loose alliance linking left independents in the state elections. They heard three progressive candidates: Colleen Hartland

HOBART — Trespass charges against 54 waterside workers were adjourned until next March after they marched on the court here last week. The workers were arrested in a dispute over attempts to use non-union contract labour to unload a fishing

Groom to allow mining in national parksHOBART — The Tasmanian Liberal government has announced plans to allow mining in the state's national parks. Addressing a mining seminar in Hobart on September 16, Premier Ray Groom