News briefs #1
Murris march against ATSIC abolition
BRISBANE — Around 200 Murris and supporters rallied in the Roma Street Forum and marched to the offices of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission on May 20. The protest condemned the Howard government's move to abolish ATSIC, and called for genuine self-determination for Indigenous people.
Sam Watson, a prominent Aboriginal leader and Queensland Senate candidate for the Socialist Alliance, told the rally that Aboriginal people have a loud and clear message: "Kick the racist Howard out! We'll take the Tampa refugees, if someone will take Howard!"
Leading Aboriginal figure Adrian McAvoy told the crowd, to strong applause: "We are our own people. We can revive and develop our own culture. We're standing up for ourselves."
A spirited march through the city streets was led by Indigenous dancers. Protesters chanted: "What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!" and "Our voice, our future, our say, now!". The march finished with another rally outside the ATSIC offices in the city, and a vow to converge on Canberra to bring the message home to the government.
Jim McIlroy
'Troops out, Howard out'
MELBOURNE — Prime Minister John Howard was greeted by a spirited protest outside the Australia Club on May 19, where he addressed the Institute of Public Affairs on "Iraq — staying the course".
The protest was called by the Moreland Peace Group. Protesters chanted "Stop the killing, stop the torture — troops out, Howard out" as Howard was whisked into the club by security guards.
David Glanz, Socialist Alliance candidate for the seat of Wills addressed the protest, highlighting the fact that Howard's war in Iraq was being funded by his war on workers at home, through severe cutbacks for health, housing and education. He urged people to stay involved in the anti-war movement and help bring Howard down at the next election.
Margarita Windisch
Students protest fee hike
PERTH — On May 17, 50 students rallied at Murdoch University to protest against the university senate's plans to increase HECS fees by up to 25%.
Speakers from the National Union of Students and the Murdoch student guild highlighted the negative impact the fees would have on students, particularly those from poorer backgrounds. The decision was postponed until the senate's June 5 meeting.
Alex Salmon
'40% voted Green and Socialist'
SYDNEY — Marrickville's monthly politics in the pub on May 16 on the theme "From Spain to local council elections" attracted 25 people.
Pip Hinman from the Socialist Alliance and the Stop the War Coalition, Rihab Charida from Sawiyan Coalition for Palestine, and recently elected Greens deputy mayor Sam Byrne addressed the event.
Byrne noted that the power to stop the war came from the grassroots. He said that the left is making a difference like never before — with 40% of Newtown voters supporting the Greens and "reds". Byrne also committed the five Greens on council to building anti-war actions and other progressive causes.
[The next politics in the pub will be on June 20 at 6pm, at the Newington Inn Hotel, 292 Stanmore Road, Petersham. Phone 0412 139 968.]
Rachel Evans
Students protest amenities closure
Several essential student amenities at the Bankstown campus of the University of Western Sydney were closed down on May 21, sparking a student speak-out.
The cafeteria, the X Lounge cafe, the coffee cart on the campus quadrangle, the stationary shop and the Bankstown Students Association office were all closed.
University authorities plan to amalgamate the six UWS student associations. BSA representatives claimed that the proposal is undemocratic, and that the administration is withholding fees to force students to capitulate.
According to the student environment officer, Rosanne Travers, students would now be forced to leave campus to buy food from commercial outlets in the suburb.
Sam Pillay
From 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ Weekly, May 26, 2004.
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