The Our Public Transport campaign was launched in Melbourne on April 12, when some 40 local commuters rallied at Flinders Street Station to demand free, publicly run transport.
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Resistance held a NSW activist camp on April 13-15, themed “Confronting war and imperialism, socialism in the 21st century”. The camp was attended by 50 people and included workshops on socialist solutions to the environmental crisis, the Venezuelan revolution, fighting sexism today, racism and imperialism, and the Palestinian struggle.
ALP leader Kevin Rudd’s industrial relations policies, outlined in an April 17 speech to the National Press Club, have caused great concern among many trade unionists because they echo many of the anti-worker provisions in the federal government’s Work Choices laws.
Around 100 people filled Newtown Neighbourhood Centre on April 18 to hear visiting Zimbabwean socialist Munyaradzi Gwisai explain the background to the Zimbabwean people’s struggle for democracy.
Joe Collins from the Australia West Papua Association said on April 19 that Australia should have no ties with the Indonesian military (TNI) until it is proven to have reformed. TNI commander Marshal Djoko Suyanto was visiting Canberra at the time to strengthen Australia-Indonesia military relations.
Tens of thousands of people joined a march on April 22 against the Howard government’s anti-worker laws, followed by an afternoon “Rockin for your rights” concert. In Melbourne, more than 1500 people gathered at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Refugee-rights groups have accused immigration department and GSL management at the Villawood detention centre of collective punishment of detainees in the aftermath of two detainees escaping on the evening of April 19.
Around 40 people attended a screening of Who Killed the Electric Car on April 18, hosted by the non-profit, community run Western Region Environment Centre in Werribee. The film was followed by a very lively debate about issues such as industrys drive for corporate profits, the lack of leadership from federal and state governments to provide solutions to climate change and the need for community action.
Paul Wolfowitz, president of the World Bank and formerly US President George Bushs deputy secretary of defence, doesnt seem to comprehend why he is in trouble. He has admitted to ordering a US$60,000 pay increase for his lover, a World Bank employee, before seconding her to the US State Department as part of a generous compensation package.
A community protest organised by Union Solidarity shut down the construction site at Woodsides Otways gas plant near Port Campbell on April 17.
The 2007 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras award for Most outstanding political comment was awarded to the Bring David Hicks home float.
Green Left Weekly will be taking a one-week break. Out next issue will be dated May 9.
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