New Aidex push
SYDNEY — Armaments merchants have begun preparations for an Aidex-type arms bazaar next year. Following a decision by the ACT government not to cooperate with Aidex in future, the promoters are having discussions with Queanbeyan city council, just across the border.
NSW Premier Nick Greiner has pledged support for the exhibition if it is held in his state. The promoters, Desiko, have dropped the Aidex title and are hawking the death bazaar as Austech '93.
Aidex protest organisers have vowed to fight Austech. "There were over 1000 demonstrators against Aidex in 1991 and there will be many more in Queanbeyan if Austech '93 goes ahead", says Denis Doherty of the Australian Anti-Bases Campaign.
Peace, religious, social justice and community groups are calling for a fax-in to the Queanbeyan council urging it not to cooperate with Austech.
"The ACT government spent $300,000 of taxpayers' money to protect Aidex. Mr Greiner tells us his government cannot afford various community services, but apparently he is prepared to throw away a quarter of a million dollars on Austech", says Doherty.