Forum on independence in the Pacific

By Bernard Wunsch
BRISBANE — Independence in the Pacific was the theme of a forum organised by the socialist youth organisation Resistance on the University of Queensland on August 17. The guest speaker was Junior Hakaoro, a Cook Island anti-nuclear activist who now lives in Australia. Hakaoro told of the historical struggle of Pacific islanders against rule by France, England and the USA. He said that the resumption of nuclear testing by the French government was reigniting the independence struggles of Polynesia and Kanaky, and argued that nuclear testing would never happen in an independent Pacific.
Hakaoro was particularly critical of the Australian government's lack of support for the Pacific people. "It doesn't need to adopt the softly, softly approach ... for while this happens lives will be lost from nuclear testing."
Louise, a Resistance activist, spoke about the federal government's role in supporting colonialism in the region, and highlighted the independence struggles in East Timor, West Papua and Bougainville.
Both speakers called for the anti-nuclear campaign to take up solidarity with the independence movements in the Pacific.