New plays launched
BRISBANE — Lucky Hearts cooperative theatre group is presenting a new venture in alternative theatre from April 25 to May 18 at 588 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, opposite the Mater Hospital.
Shadowboxing, a one-person play about a fighter struggling to come to terms with his homosexuality, features Dushyant Kumar with guitarist Carolyn Cleak under the direction of Doug Leonard. On the same bill is a dark comedy about the crisis in contemporary Russia, From Moscow to Petushki, featuring the same players. For bookings, contact Chris Maver on (07)3846 1060.
Gay law reform push
HOBART — With both the Tasmanian Greens and the state Labor Party looking to introduce gay law reform into state parliament, the Liberal Party has allowed its members a conscience vote on the issue.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson Rodney Croome has welcomed the decision, believing it offers the best chance for a bill to get through Tasmania's conservative upper house. However, the TGLRG is continuing its High Court challenge to Tasmania's anti-gay laws in case the bill is defeated.
Aborigines worked in 'slave labour'
BRISBANE — Aborigines working for the Queensland government up until the mid-1980s were forced to work up to 16 hours a day, seven days a week and never received sickness benefits, witnesses into an inquiry on Palm Island, off Ingham, said on April 16.
Aboriginal workers received up to $60 per week below the minimum wage, it was admitted by government officials at the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission inquiry. Seven island elders are claiming compensation for alleged poor wages, unpaid sick and holiday leave, unpaid workers' compensation and humiliation.