By Edward Johnstone
BRISBANE — The meaning of the rise of One Nation and the need to build a real alternative to racism and nationalism were the themes of a public meeting held here on June 24. The meeting, sponsored by the Democratic Socialists, featured Jim McIlroy, Democratic Socialist Party Brisbane secretary; Richard Seeto from the Chinese community; and Graham Matthews, Democratic Socialist candidate for the federal seat of Brisbane.
"The rise of One Nation has thrown down a challenge to the progressive movement as a whole, and the socialist movement in particular, to build a real opposition", McIlroy said.
He pointed out that Hanson has come a long way since the height of protests against her in the middle of 1997. "It was a mistake to think that racism would be pushed aside by small groups attempting to close down racist meetings or by ignoring it. While the anti-racist movement receded, One Nation was organising. Now it has 215 branches across Queensland, WA and NSW."
The left, McIlroy insisted, "has to become strong enough to build mass support for alternative policies such as the nationalisation of the banks under community control. We need to be unified in the struggle to tear out this cancer before it develops further."
Seeto paid tribute to the work of socialists in maintaining the anti-racist struggle and described the difficulties of migrants in Australia. He stressed the importance of continuing the mobilisations against Hanson and racism, and the need for unity against One Nation. He concluded his presentation by singing "Solidarity Forever".
Matthews stressed that any electoral challenge to One Nation and economic "rationalism" needs to be part of a broader strategy of mass mobilisation against One Nation. "Ours is not a traditional election campaign", Matthews said. "We will be mobilising communities against racism, organising speak-outs and marches, and doorknocking. We have no illusions that voting will solve the problems of racism and nationalism, but we must take advantage of election periods to build the campaign."
The Democratic Socialists are organising a march to defend native title and migrants' rights on Boundary Street, West End, on Saturday, July 25. To get involved in the campaign, phone Jim or Graham on 3254 0565.