BHP workers rally
NEWCASTLE — A June 12 community rally called by unions covering workers at the BHP steelworks was attended by around 1800 people. Speakers on the ALP-dominated platform used the opportunity to glorify the former Labor federal government, in particular its 1980s steel industry plan.
After discussion of a weak motion condemning BHP's plan for mass sackings was bureaucratically closed down by the rally chairperson, the crowd proceeded to the BHP administration offices, where a delegation met with intransigent management.
Greenpeace seals dioxin dump
SYDNEY — Greenpeace activists spent June 3-5 securing a stockpile of the deadly chemical dioxin that was dumped at Homebush Bay, near the proposed Olympics site. Of 69 drums of the waste, 52 were rusted, and one had its lid missing. Greenpeace testing indicated that the dioxin had leaked into the bay. Not until the Greenpeace action had begun did the NSW Environment Protection Authority bothered to inform the site owner, Bankers Trust, of its legal obligation to dispose of the waste safely.
Speak-out against racism
CANBERRA — On June 4, 80 people attended a speak-out against racism organised by the Resistance club, the Overseas Students Organisation and activists from the Ngunnawal Centre at the University of Canberra. Students and staff heard accounts of the campaigns against Hansons racism and Howards 10-point plan and immigration cuts.
Darren Perry, vice-president of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students' Association, spoke about the Ngarrindjeri people's campaign against the Hindmarsh Island bridge and the federal government's response to the stolen children report.
Campaign to free Vanunu
SYDNEY — Sam Day, from the US Campaign to Free Mordechai Vanunu, addressed more than 70 people at state Parliament House on June 3. Vanunu has spent the past 11 years in solitary confinement in jail for exposing the Israeli government's covert production of nuclear weapons.
Day is touring Australia to build support for the campaign, which is also active in Israel, the UK, Norway and Canada.