News

MELBOURNE — On August 16, former Democrat Senator Janet Powell and State Public Service Federation vice-president Bill Deller launched the Independent Action Campaign, a broad progressive coalition of candidates contesting the

Envy of the playground? "What happens to your five-year-old daughter who finds that the shares or debentures given to her as a present are suddenly made public?" — NSW National Party MP Duncan Gay, opposing a proposal that a register of

A document leaked to Green Left Weekly indicates that the Department of Social Security and the Australian Federal Police are planning regular exchange of information that has generally been regarded as confidential. It

Students protest against loans scheme Tertiary students demonstrated in four capital cities on August 13 against the federal government's introduction of an Austudy loans scheme. The scheme, according to leaks prior to the budget, gives

Public servants revolt over enterprise dealsSYDNEY — Members of the Public Sector Union have until August 28 to vote on a wages motion endorsed by their national executive opening the way for enterprise bargaining in the

HOBART — Liberal Premier Ray Groom delivered a "slash and burn" budget on August 12 to a chorus of approval from the business sector, new right prophets and the commercial media. Workers and trade unions have responded

Green Independents form partyHOBART — At a meeting on August 1, the Tasmanian Green Independents agreed to adopt a constitution which formally lays the foundation for a Tasmanian Greens Party. Previously the Green

DELORAINE, Tas — An international conference to foster cooperation between environmentalists in countries whose temperate forests are facing overcutting, uncontrolled clearing and environmental stress is planned for November 16-17. Conference

Young people are the chief victims of violence in our society, according to a new study. A discussion paper published for the National Youth Affairs Research Scheme pieces together the relationship between young people, violence,

MELBOURNE — Most of the leadership of the Australian Democrats' progressive Victorian division and five out of nine of their candidates in the coming Victorian elections have left the party. Their departure comes in the wake of

Postal workers to voteSYDNEY — Postal workers around Australia will decide this month whether to accept an enterprise agreement recommended by the Communication Workers Union Federal Executive and Australia Post. The

Tunnel protest SYDNEY — Anti-freeway groups and Greenpeace have urged people to protest at the opening of the Harbour Tunnel by carrying placards during the Rotary Harbour Tunnel fundraising walk on August 30. Greenpeace transport