News

  • Students shake Iranian regime

    For the last two weeks, in the largest demonstrations in Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, students in Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan and other major cities have demanded the resignation of the police chief and greater democratic

  • Environmentalists debate

    SYDNEY — During the Students and Sustainability Conference, held at Hawkesbury campus of the University of Western Sydney, July 12-16, there was debate over the decision by some men to form a "pro-feminist" men-only space at the

  • World Heritage Committee caves in on Kakadu

    World Heritage Committee caves in on KakaduAt a July 12 meeting in Paris, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee (WHC) voted not to put Kakadu National Park on the "world heritage in danger" list despite the impact on natural and

  • Reith moving to outlaw industrial action

    MELBOURNE — Industrial lawyer Adam Bandt from Slater & Gordon was interviewed by Jorge Jorquera on community radio 3CR on July 16 about the impact of the federal government's proposed "second wave" industrial relations

  • Loose cannons

    Greed is good "I thought the suggestion was very good ... and of course I saw a commercial opportunity in it." Radio 2UE's shock-jock John Laws on his agreement to "chat" aimed at rescuing the image of Australia's banks in exchange for $1.2

  • Southern Cross staff begin action

    LISMORE — Around 150 staff members of Southern Cross University (SCU) rallied on July 15 during a two-hour stoppage to demand a better offer from SCU management in enterprise bargaining negotiations. Union members were visibly

  • Industrial relations bill recognises same-sex couples

    Queensland gays and lesbians are celebrating. The state Labor government has recognised same-sex couples and their families for the first time under Queensland law. The new Queensland industrial relations bill includes same-sex

  • Auditor-general slams job cuts

    The federal government's haste to cut public servant numbers has cost $711 million in redundancy payments for about 20,000 staff over three years, according to a report by the auditor-general, Pat Barrett. The report criticised the

  • Workers demand a fair go

    CANBERRA — On June 29, 11 unions marched from Parliament House to the ACT Legislative Assembly to protest against the ACT Liberal government's approach to enterprise bargaining for government workers. The march was led by 175

  • Victory in the anti-VSU campaign

    SYDNEY — On June 29 it was revealed that, despite the federal Coalition government's efforts, its proposed "voluntary student unionism" (VSU) legislation will not be debated during this sitting of the Senate. With the changed balance

  • Longford royal commission: Esso blamed

    Longford royal commission: Esso blamedMELBOURNE — The Longford royal commission, which reported on June 28, found that Esso's inadequate training of its employees led to the explosion at the Longford gas plant near Sale in

  • WRA amendments aim to weaken unions

    Legal industrial action by workers will be virtually impossible if proposed amendments to the federal Workplace Relations Act (WRA) are passed, according to the ACTU. The measures are being presented by federal industrial