BY RUTH RATCLIFFE
DARWIN — Supporters of Green Left Weekly are once again having to defend their right to distribute the papers in public space. The latest attack on that right has come from Mindil Beach Sunset Markets Association (MBSMA).
GLW has been distributed at the markets for eight years, but 3 weeks ago, GLW distributors were told they needed to apply (and pay) for buskers' licences from the MBSMA.
GLW supporters then sent a letter to the MBSMA in which they explained the many differences between busking and distributing a non-profit newspaper. However, the MBSMA has continued to refuse GLW distributors access to the market area (although GLW continues to be distributed at the non-MBSMA controlled entrances to the markets and beach area).
A petition calling on the MBSMA to allow GLW to be distributed without paying a fee has received support from stall-holders and market goers. However, MBSMA manager Caroline Tapp has threatened GLW with legal action, on the grounds that a sentence in the petition — describing MBSMA's actions as a attack on freedom of speech — is defamatory.
GLW supporters can send protest letters to Mindil Beach Sunset Markets Association, GPO Box 4441, Darwin, NT 0801 or mindil@octa4.net.au. Please send copies to GLW Darwin, PO Box 1943, Darwin, NT 0801 or <darwin@greenleft.org.au>.
From Green Left Weekly, June 5, 2002.
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