A postcard to Keating
By Natasha Simons
HOBART — Just hours before the federal budget was released, Resistance here was protesting against it. In the Elizabeth Mall, Resistance members invited the public to write their messages on a giant "postcard to Paul Keating".
The protest was part of a national day of action on the theme "Neither Labor nor Liberal but a living income for all".
Resistance spokesperson Katrina Dean said, "This is obviously not going to be a people's budget but an election sweetener. The Labor Party has been in government for nearly 10 years, and they have still not adequately addressed youth unemployment, young people living below the poverty line and inadequate, expensive education."
The large "postcard" was soon covered in messages. One asked, "Why youth training wage? Why not send them down the mines as soon as they can stand?" Another read, "Paul, you and John Hewson make a good team. But whose policies are whose?"
Young people called for environmental protection: "Protect national rainforest and heritage areas. From Roshan. Age 12."
"Abortion is a woman's right to choose — not the concern of a man's conscience", wrote one woman.
And youth suggested solutions to the lack of jobs:"Cut military spending by 50% and you could solve the unemployment and the environmental crisis. There is no possible need for weapons of destruction."
The messages were transcribed and faxed to Keating and to Denison MP Duncan Kerr.