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FoE criticises carbon forum
BRISBANE — On September 14, Friends of the Earth Australia spokesperson Stephanie Long expressed disappointment that the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum being held in Melbourne had delivered nothing new for the people and environment of Australia.
"The official communique from this forum has no mention of the deep cuts required to avoid increasing climate change", Long said. "In addition, industry and governments appear to be more intent on superficially consulting with the few non-government organisations that are attending the forum rather than really adequately consulting the Australian community about how we feel about burying a gas which remains lethal for around 100,000 years.
"No projects should go ahead without [resolving] who remains legally liable for the long-term security of carbon once it is injected underground. And it is completely inappropriate that the Australian taxpayer be responsible for the liability after the proponent has left the site.
"Regardless of whether or not carbon sequestration works as an emissions reduction strategy — it can never be badged as a conservation strategy as there is no change to the destructive impacts of fossil fuel extraction."
Bill Mason
Reception for Cuban leader
BRISBANE — 'Restrictions placed against Cuba by Bush's administration, will not stop the Cuban people organising against the illegal blockade", Liliana Hernandez, a leading member of the Cuban Communist Party told a reception on September 12.
The reception was organised by the Brisbane branch of the Communist Party of Australia and was held at the Annerley Community Bookshop. It was attended by 25 people.
Lynda Hansen, the Socialist Alliance's candidate for the federal seat of Griffith, gave formal greetings on behalf of the Socialist Alliance.
Rafael Pacheco from Australia Solidarity with Latin America presented funds raised from the Brisbane-based Free the Cuba Five Committee to Hernandez, to be passed on to the founding group in Cuba.
Andrew Martin
Venezuelan ambassador speaks
CANBERRA — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has always said the only possible solution to poverty is to give power to the poor, Leonel Vivas, the Venezuelan ambassador to Australia, told a public forum on September 15.
The forum, organised by the Socialist Alliance, was attended by a wide range of people interested in the Venezuelan revolution, with many questions and comments following Vivas' address.
James Caulfield
Saharawi solidarity night
SYDNEY — On September 14, an evening of solidarity with Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara was held at the NSW Parliament House. The function was hosted by the Legislative Council president Meredith Burgmann.
Kamal Fadel, representative of the Polarisio Front in Australia, talked about the latest developments in his people's struggle.
Annette O'Neill, from the Australia Western Sahara Association, said that the Saharawis' struggle had striking parallels with the struggle of the people of East Timor.
Tuart trees bulldozed
PERTH — Throughout the first week of September, Bemax Resources has bulldozed 500 Tuart trees, in the last remaining Tall Tuart forest on earth in Ludlow.
Bemax is building a titanium mine in the forest, having recently received approval from the state Labor government, against environmental protests.
In 2002, the National Trust listed the forest as a endangered place.
Twenty-five protesters were arrested trying to stop the logging. Bemax intends to log another 500 trees. To support the protests, visit <http://savethetuarts.org/index.html>.
From Green Left Weekly, September 22, 2004.
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