5000 rally against Jabiluka
By Rjurik Davidson
MELBOURNE — More than 5000 people rallied outside the State Library on the evening of October 2 to demand a halt to the Jabiluka uranium mine. The rally was planned to raise the profile of the issue on the day before the election.
Speakers included Annette Xiberus, Greens Senate candidate Charmaine Clarke, Australian Democrats Senate candidate Jim Doughney and Jabiluka Action Group activist Gary Foley. Following the speeches, the demonstration marched to Treasury Gardens.
The speakers reminded participants of the pro-uranium policies of both the Labor and the Liberal parties.
Foley told the rally that whether the ALP or the Coalition won, it would be a loss for the majority. He urged people to vote for the Greens' Charmaine Clarke, who could "give a voice to the voiceless".
Jabiluka national election coordinator James Warden argued that "the campaign could be won tomorrow" if Labor was elected. The Labor Party, he argued, had committed to closing the mine.