ADELAIDE — Hundreds of workers at a mass meeting on October 7 voted for an intensive campaign to prevent the privatisation of Modbury Hospital. Bans are in place aimed at disrupting the hospital system without affecting patient care. This follows well attended community meetings which condemned the Liberal state government for its privatisation proposal. In a separate attack, the government has threatened not to increase hospital salary budgets to pay the $8 pay increase awarded through the Industrial Relations Commission. The Australian Nurses Federation is looking at further industrial action on this issue.
- On October 13, 200 students attended a general meeting at Flinders University in response to a proposal for the introduction of a $1000 up-front charge for all postgraduate students. It was decided to hold a strike on October 27 — the day before the next Flinders University Council meeting. The meeting also introduced a student log of claims which opposes postgraduate fees and proposes that the Flinders students associations work together on a high profile campaign against the extension of postgraduate fees. The log of claims also opposes diminishing students' academic rights.
- People with disabilities have won a victory over the state Liberal government. The government had 178 new buses on order that failed to provide facilities which could be used by disabled people. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Committee ruled against the government in September on the grounds of discrimination. $500,000 will now be spent fitting lifting platforms to 50 of the new buses.
- On November 7 the Campaign to Defend Community Services will organise a meeting to decide on activities against government cuts to community services. The slogan: Public service cuts — it's okay to say NO has been endorsed for an action planned for the anniversary of Dean Brown's government on December 10. CDCS is calling on all individuals and organisations involved in the community service sector to get involved in this campaign. Those interested can contact Peter on 278 8609 or Chris on 231 6982.
BRISBANE — Garbage collectors here struck on October 7 in protest at the refusal of their employer, Cleanaway, to allow for proper rest breaks. Transport Union secretary Hughie Williams said the workers were seeking a half hour rest break every five hours. The garbage collectors voted to suspend strike action on October 13 and impose overtime bans pending a decision on their case in the Industrial Relations Commission on October 18.
MELBOURNE — The Australian Forest Conference will be held on the weekend of October 24-25. This conference follows on from the successful conference held in Deloraine, Tasmania, in 1992. The conference is being organised by the Native Forest Network (NFN) Melbourne. According to Anthony Amis from NFN, "The conference will cover a wide range of topics designed to stimulate debate, including Aboriginal, worker, water, plantation and logging issues". The conference will examine the threats to the forests and the need for a national action plan. Workshop panels will include trade unionists, academics and forest activists. For more information about the conference contact Anthony Amis from NFN on (03) 419 8700 or fax 416 2081.
- On October 28, women here — and in all the other capital cities — will reclaim the streets, chanting, dancing and lighting the night together. The 16th Reclaim the Night march will begin at 6.30pm at Parliament House — where there will be speakers, music, street theatre, floats and other festivities — and end at the State Library. After the rally hundreds of women will make their way to the San Remo ballroom in Nicholson Street for a women's dance. The march will focus on male violence against women and children in the home, challenging the myth that the nuclear family is always a "safe" place. Another theme of this year's rally is the inadequacies of establishment definitions of the family that are represented and perpetuated in the media.