Refugee rights protest
PERTH — Twenty people picketed the immigration department's office here on February 19 to protest against the government's treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
The action, organised by Resistance, demanded that the Port Hedland detention centre be closed. Speakers condemned the Australian government's policy, in particular regarding the situation of the East Timorese refugees who have been refused permanent residency in Australia.
Sexist judiciary condemned
PERTH — Forty people gathered outside the Perth District Court on February 25 to protest against judicial attitudes towards women. Maureen Hatton, an organiser of the event, said the action was called "to protest against a legal system that is biased against women".
Protesters highlighted the differences between the number and type of restraining orders women apply for and those granted by magistrates. They also criticised cuts to Legal Aid which have forced many women to appear in court without legal representation.