Indonesian activist in Perth
PERTH — Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor and Resistance held a cross-campus week of solidarity from October 21 to 25 as part of a solidarity tour of Perth by Nico Warouw, representative of the Indonesian Peoples' Democratic Party. Forums were held on Murdoch, Curtin and the WA universities, and an ASIET public meeting attracted 30 people.
Warouw met with the Maritime Workers Union, which donated $150 towards the legal defence of imprisoned pro-democracy activists Indonesia and pledged ongoing support, and with trade union International Affairs Committee representatives, members of the East Timorese community, and Greens' Senator Dee Margetts.
Forest rip-off
HOBART — On October 18 the opening of the Liberal federal council meeting, attended by PM John Howard, was interrupted when three activists from the Native Forest Network and the Wilderness Society unfurled a banner reading "Woodchipping = forest rip-off". The protest was against five new export woodchip licenses issued recently, totalling nearly 500,000 additional tonnes of woodchips for 1996.
The 1996 Report on Funding Disclosed by the Major Political Parties from the University of Canberra shows that several of Australia's woodchipping companies are major donors to the Liberal, National and Labor parties. Up to $272,000 was donated from AMCOR to the Coalition. To get involved in the campaign phone Claire on 343 525.
Stalemate in TAFE unions
ADELAIDE — A 12% enterprise bargaining salary offer was rejected in a ballot of all TAFE employees on September 13. State legislation deems any non-returned vote a "no" vote. More than 70% of the returned votes were in favour of the offer.
TAFE management want to pay the salary increase, offering 9% immediately with the other 3% to be negotiated. The Public Service Association, the Allied Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union, and the National Union of Workers argue that the proposal is worth members' consideration. However the Australian Education Union have rejected further discussions unless management put in writing that no conditions will be changed. The AEU plans to impose work bans.
International Women's Day
ADELAIDE — The International Women's Day collective has begun meeting to plan the 25th anniversary of "Women Marching for their Liberation" — the first IWD march in Adelaide. The 1997 march will take place on March 8, and a speak-out is being planned for February to enable participants in the 1972 IWD activities to revive their memories and reclaim that history. For more information about IWD collective meeting times, telephone (08) 231 6982.
Violence in lesbian relationships
ADELAIDE — Planning is under way for the first national conference on violence in lesbian relationships, to be held on April 10 and 11, 1997 at the Parks Community Centre in Adelaide. The conference aims to raise awareness of the issues, nature and extent of the problem and to open discussion. People interested in participating and/or speaking at the conference should write to BM Saraswati, Southern Women's Community Health Centre, PO Box 437, Noarlunga Centre 5168 by November 30, or telephone (08) 8383 9555, fax (08) 8384 9557.