The November 15 mass protest of hundreds of thousands of people at more than 300 venues around the country revealed the overwhelming opposition to the federal government's attacks on working people and trade unions — and that large numbers of people want to fight back. Following are just a few snapshots from reports that were sent in to 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ Weekly by supporters who participated on the day.
Bathurst — 'Howard has misjudged the mood'
Tracy Sorensen reports that about 1000 workers crowded into the Panthers Club and, while it was not part of the program, workers leaving the rally spontaneously formed themselves into a column and marched from the club to Kings Parade, chanting and waving placards.
The independent federal member for Calare, Peter Andren, told the rally he had been inundated with letters and emails from parents concerned about work opportunities and apprenticeships for their children. He said PM John Howard had severely misjudged the mood of the Australian people on the IR reforms.
The editorial of Bathurst's local newspaper, the Western Advocate, stated: "If Prime Minister John Howard thinks his workplace reforms are going to be accepted across the nation without a whimper he might be in for a rude shock."
Bendigo — 'Biggest march since the Kennett days'
Claudine Holt reports that almost 4000 people marched in what organisers say was the largest local protest since the anti-Kennett demonstrations in the early 1990s.
More than 15 unions carried their flags and there were large contingents of workers from Bendigo Health, Empire Rubber, Australian Defence Industries and Coliban Water, as well as large numbers of teachers from Golden Square, Eaglehawk and Rochester Secondary Colleges.
Speakers included union representatives, Frank Thomas from Bendigo Social Justice and Cameron Wallace from the Salvation Army.
Sydney — 'It will be like a police state'
Susan Price reports that in addition to the thousands of workers who rallied at dozens of venues across suburban Sydney, 35,000 assembled in Belmore Park in the city centre. Mass meetings were held earlier that morning at many workplaces to vote for half-day stop-works, and NTEU members from three universities marched together to Belmore Park from Sydney University.
Another 10,000 workers rallied in Martin Place in the CBD, including a huge contingent from the CFMEU, then joined the main march as it headed up to Chifley Square, home of Boeing's headquarters.
Some of the Sydney suburban venues also attracted workers in their thousands. At a rally following the 1500-strong meeting in Blacktown, Kerryn Williams reports, the ALP mayor Leo Kelly told the crowd not to worry about elections; it was people on the streets that stopped the Vietnam War and it will be people power that stops these attacks.
Lismore — A noisy crowd
Nick Fredman reports that 2000 people participated in either the Sky Channel broadcast, held in a venue some distance from the town centre, or a separate rally and march through the town, with around 1500 at each event. The most noticeable flags, banners, placards and T-shirts were from the ASU, NTEU, ETU, CPSU, several community services and the Socialist Alliance.
The speakers — including an ALP local councillor, an ASU organiser, representatives of local religious communities and Angela Pollard from Richmond Valley Unions, one of 28 cross-union campaign groups formed in regional NSW this year — sometimes struggled to be heard over the chanting crowd.
Approving cheers met announcements that Attorney-General Philip Ruddock would be "greeted" by protesters during a November 21 visit to Lismore, and that a rally for civil rights would be held on December 10.
Sunshine Coast — 'We must not give up'
Jason Cahill reports that it was standing room only at the Alexandra Headlands Surf Club, with half of the crowd unable to fit inside the venue. Twelve unions were represented, led by a huge contingent from the Builders Labourers Federation.
James Unwin from the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union told 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ Weekly at the meeting: "We are going to continue this fight no matter what the Senate decides. These laws will affect people in ways they haven't even imagined and so we must not give up."
Adelaide — Worker and community solidarity
Helen Masterman-Smith reports that 35-40,000 angry and defiant protesters rallied on Kuarna land at Elder Park. Another large contingent gathered at Victoria Park. A broad cross-section of unionists demonstrated alongside school children, the churches and young families.
The protesters marched to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices, where workers inside had been denied the right to protest, and sang songs of solidarity.
Many workers had been forbidden to attend the rally, or felt threatened by employer statements about industrial action. Nonetheless, the rally was a boon for worker and community solidarity and Combet's talk of a "movement for change" was well received.
From 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ Weekly, November 23, 2005.
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