Radiation protest
HOBART — More than 50 parents, children and friends gathered at Lenah Valley primary school oval on May 15 to protest against Telstra's placement of a mobile phone tower next to the school. Research suggests that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by such towers is harmful to children.
Tasmanian Council of State School Parents and Friends president Julia Onsman told the rally, "Telstra is apparently answerable to no-one and can place these towers where they want. The Hobart City Council claims it can do nothing, but parents will not stand by and allow their children's well-being and safety to be jeopardised." Democrat Senator Robert Bell also addressed the rally.
World Environment Day
HOBART — A rally has been called for June 8 to mark World Environment Day here. The event is centred on the theme "Environment for the people" and has three central demands: End mining and export of uranium; stop woodchipping old growth forests; hands off our national parks. An all-ages, alcohol free concert will be held on the same day to raise money for the organising collective.
The collective, which meets on Wednesday evenings at 290 Murray Street in the city, needs people to help with planning, publicity, banner painting and other campaigning work. For more information phone Sarah on 346 397.
ACT deal rejected
CANBERRA — Department of Urban Services CPSU members met on May 17 and unanimously condemned a grubby deal between the ACT government and the Association of Professional Engineers and Managers of Australia and the Australian Services Union. The scheme would allow these right-wing unions to negotiate on behalf of workers from left-wing unions without even signing them up as members. A full members' meeting will be convened on May 23 to discuss further action.
East Timor film night
WOLLONGONG — The building of the August 25 East Timor National Day of Solidarity began here on May 11 with a film night organised by Resistance and attended by 50 people. The evening included creative arts students re-enacting Indonesia's brutal invasion and occupation of East Timor and a screening of John Pilger's documentary Death of a Nation.
Public meetings with Nico Wahid from the Indonesian East Timor solidarity group, SPRIM, and a representative of Fretilin, are now being planned. To get involved in the Wollongong East Timor campaign, phone (042) 262 010.
UQ students rally
BRISBANE — Five hundred students rallied at the University of Queensland on May 13 in response to police brutality at a demonstration a week earlier, when police were called onto campus by the Liberal-run student union. Speakers also addressed the need to defend students' right to an accessible education.
Lebanon solidarity
PERTH — A meeting of activists on May 16 decided to mount a campaign against the Israeli bombings of Lebanon. A leaflet produced by the activists points out that "fragmentation shells, designed to inflict amputation wounds, were used on men, women and children and more than 170 Lebanese civilians were killed during the first 16 days of bombing".
Fight for say on curriculum
BRISBANE — Teachers have warned of industrial action unless Queensland Teachers Union representatives are retained on the boards of the state's peak curriculum bodies. The Borbidge government has threatened to remove all parent and teacher representation from the curriculum authorities.
Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Association president Rosemary Hume said the QTU's actions were justified to make education minister Bob Quinn the minister see reason. Since then, Quinn has stated that parents may now remain on curriculum boards, but that teachers would still be excluded.