ADELAIDE — A Green Left Weekly seller was assaulted by a member of the right-wing group National Action on Friday night, June 17, at the East End pub Crown and Anchor. Two police officers near the scene refused to render assistance or apprehend the assailant. The Anti-Racist Alliance is planning to hold a public meeting soon to decide on future action. Those wishing to be involved can contact Andrew on 231 6982.
ADELAIDE — As part of the Liberal government audit report recommendations, the Engineering and Water Supply depot at Ottoway will lose up to 350 jobs. This is part of a projected 5500 jobs to be cut in South Australia. Many of the tasks will be privatised. Millions of dollars of new technology has recently been invested in Ottoway; closing down much of the depot would mean resale of this technology at discounted prices.
CAIRNS — Although work was not scheduled to begin until July, forest clearing in the Barron Gorge National Park began last week for the proposed Kuranda Skyrail. Ten cable station sites have been cleared of trees. The development, 30 kilometres north of Cairns, is in a World Heritage-listed area. It contains sites of cultural importance to the local indigenous people, the Djabugay. Those interested in joining non-violent action against the development can phone (02) 267 7929 or (070) 937 255.
WOLLONGONG — Three Green Left Weekly sellers were threatened with arrest on June 15 for distributing political literature in the Crown Street mall. The mall is patrolled by security officers who have the power of arrest. Resistance and the Democratic Socialist Party have initiated a campaign to end the harassment of Green Left distributors. According to the Wollongong DSP branch organiser, Sean Moysey, the mall management "has elevated itself into a political censor and is engaging in the suppression of free speech".