Anti-nuke demo at Chinese consulate
MELBOURNE — The Chinese consulate refused to accept an anti-nuclear protest letter from 30 activists here on August 23. The rally, organised by Greenpeace and the Australian Conservation Foundation, blocked the entrance to the consulate with a banner in English and Chinese which read, "Stop all nuclear tests".
Richmond residents oppose tollway
MELBOURNE — Two hundred Richmond residents met on August 23 to discuss the proposal to build Citylink tollway tunnels through their suburb. The meeting, organised by four community associations and the Coalition Against Freeway Extensions, unanimously called for more information and for adequate measures to protect residents' quality of life.
Secondary students protest
MELBOURNE — On August 26, 20 Anti-Nuclear Secondary Students (ANSS) members held a "die-in" at the GPO to symbolically represent the effects of nuclear weapons. The protesters demanded an end to nuclear testing, nuclear weapons and the export of uranium. The students collected signatures on a petition, and publicised the next major anti-nuclear action scheduled for September 1.
South-East Asia student forum
SYDNEY — An August 21 South-East Asia student forum initiated by the student organisation Left Alliance involved 40 Asia Pacific solidarity activists including from Burma, the Philippines and Bougainville. Burmese activists are organising a demonstration on September 18 outside Parliament House in Canberra. November 12, the anniversary of the Dili massacre, will be commemorated nationally with rallies, marches and church services. The forum will meet again on October 28.
Anti-Nile action
WOLLONGONG — Fifty protesters gathered outside the Wollongong University Council meeting on August 11 to demonstrate against the appointment of Fred Nile to the council. Chants of "Better red than Fred" and "Racist, sexist, anti-gay, Christian bigot go away", the demonstrators voted to hold a Fred-free Festival outside the next council meeting, which coincides with the SRC sexuality week celebrations.
Firefighters demand probe
BRISBANE — City firefighters marched on the Emergency Services Building here on August 22, demanding an all-party inquiry into the conduct of the fire service. United Firefighters Union Brisbane branch secretary Roger Williams said that a workplace reform package that is "being thrust upon firefighters" will bring about a downgrading of the service.