When
Where
Why
Resist the Billionaires: The struggle on the Streets and the Federal Elections
Socialist Alliance State Conference, Sunday 16 February
Geelong Trades Hall - 127 Myers St, Geelong
The election of right wing governments internationally countered by the rise of the greatest movement ever - for peace in Palestine, is starkly exposing the gulf between rich and poor, exploiters and exploited. This conference brings together socialists and progressive activists to unravel the dark times we live in and how we can build alternatives that strengthen a fightback to the billionaire takeovers.
10:30am - Registration
11am-12:30pm - Session 1 – What are the causes of inflation? A Marxist perspective
Speaker: Dr Jeremy Smith, Associate Professor, Sociology, Federation University
Inflation seems to have spiralled out of control. Workers’ wages have been hit hard while billionaire profits are carefully protected. Jeremy will analyse the long and short term causes of the cost-of-living crisis and the possible consequences of Trump’s rise for the world economy in the context of the crisis. How should socialists respond?
12:30pm-1:30pm – Lunch - BBQ on site
1:30-3:00pm - Session 2 - Australian Politics in the Trumpian Era
Speaker: Mick Bull, unionist and socialist.
As the Albanese government shifts political debate to the right, ruthless right wingers like Dutton are gaining popularity and the election of Trump seems to frame the dialogue of our times. Mick will look at the failures of Laborism and why hundreds of thousands of people are searching for alternatives.
3:15pm-4:45pm - Session 3 – Socialists on the Streets and the Federal Elections
Speakers: Sue Bolton, Meri-bek Councillor & Sarah Hathway, Socialist Alliance activist
Sue & Sarah are Socialist Alliances’ candidates in Victoria for the Federal Elections. Each of them are well known activists and are currently or have recently been councillors in their local areas. They will look at how socialists running in elections and activism in the community can help unite campaigns and build the movement for change.