News

MELBOURNE — Victoria's already beleaguered public transport system is in for a further battering. More cuts to rail services are to take effect in the next two months, despite warnings from environmental and public

"We are not trying to do live priests out of business. However, the robot never forgets an anniversary." — Japanese curator of a cemetery and chapel staffed by a robot priest which says prayers of the appropriate religion for those buried in the

100th Newcastle May DayNEWCASTLE — In the largest march the city has seen for years, around 600 people celebrated May Day by marching on May 1. The larger than usual turnout was probably due to the fact that this day

ADELAIDE — Ecopolis and Urban Ecology Australia have initiated a new and exciting plan for the suburb of Halifax. The design is based on concepts of ecological sustainability, social equity and the involvement of people.

Strange as it sounds, plans to upgrade Australian railways are likely to lead to a big increase in road traffic. And they are certain to result in a massive loss of jobs. Like most other public utilities in Australia today,

WOLLONGONG — South Coast Labour Council secretary Paul Matters and Australian Workers Union organiser Neville Hilton are both facing charges under the NSW Crimes Act as a result of their involvement in a picket line at the

Timorese youth tour US A delegation of East Timorese youth toured North America in April. Delegation members Elizabeth Exposto and Danilo Henriques, who now live in Australia, told Green Left Weekly upon their return on April 28 that during

ALP moves to oust SPSF left leadershipMELBOURNE — Nominations for the State Public Services Federation elections closed on April 26. The elections are being contested by four organised tickets, three of which have

Leaders "I think in the longer term if there is a clear view that the people of Australia want change, and that change is sensible and there is overwhelming community support for it, I'm sure all political parties in the end will recognise that

Kennett cuts emergency servicesMELBOURNE — In the latest round of cuts to community services the Kennett government has targeted the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Country Fire Authority and the ambulance service.

Victorian law on indefinite imprisonmentMELBOURNE — Harsh new sentencing legislation was passed by Victoria's parliament on April 29, a week after its introduction by state attorney general Jan Wade. The law provides for

Australia accused on whaling Since last year, Australia has been quietly supporting policies that would allow the resumption of commercial whaling, according to Sue Arnold of Australians for Animals. According to the group, the Australian