Action updates
Protesters occupy mining company office
HOBART — About 40 protesters occupied the offices North Forest Products on August 21, in a spontaneous response to the Federal Court's dismissal of the appeal by the Mirrar people against by the Jabiluka uranium mine. NFP is a subsidiary of North Ltd, parent company of Jabiluka mining leaseholder Energy Resources of Australia, as well as a major culprit in the destruction of Tasmanian native forests.
After being evicted from the building by police, the demonstrators marched to Parliament House, where the doors were locked and blockaded by police.
East Timor protest
MELBOURNE — About 70 people protested outside the Indonesian consulate on August 17, the anniversary of Indonesian independence. While Indonesian officials inside were celebrating, East Timorese and their supporters outside were making their presence felt.
The protesters sent a delegation inside to deliver a letter addressed to Indonesia's President Habibie. It called on Indonesia to allow a referendum in East Timor so that East Timorese can determine their own future.
CPSU members vote for action
CANBERRA — On August 12, 400 ACT government workers, members of the Community and Public Sector Union, met to discuss the ACT Liberal government's approach to enterprise bargaining. Chief minister Kate Carnell wants to introduce forced redundancies and slash working conditions, and refuses to fund salary increases.
CPSU members voted unanimously to campaign against the cuts. Members decided to vote against any agreement that contains forced redundancies or salary increases tied to job cuts.
The meeting resolved to hold a public protest rally on August 26. An industrial campaign will be launched in October if the government does not back down.
Institute of Arts defended
CANBERRA — Four hundred staff, students and supporters of the Institute of the Arts rallied in Civic to protest ACT chief minister Kate Carnell's $1.6 million funding cut to the institute.
The rally heard from representatives of the Schools of Art and Music Students' Association, National Union of Students, ANU Students' Association and a local ALP politician. The rally was part of a campaign that has included daily busking, and arts and craft displays outside the ACT's Parliament House.