Socialist candidate calls for youth voice
By Bill Mason
BRISBANE — Kathy Newnam, Democratic Socialist candidate for Central ward in the March 15 Brisbane City Council elections, has called for a greater voice on council for young people and women.
Newnam told the suburban newspaper Northern News, "I believe my campaign can give a voice to the unemployed and students who are suffering under the impact of government cutbacks.
"The Democratic Socialists are campaigning to defend the interests of the poor against the wealthy and the big developers", the paper reported. "She [Newnam] wants support for a program of real jobs developed by the council, no bogus 'work for the dole' schemes; full community participation in council decision-making; a comprehensive plan for urban redevelopment including low-cost public housing; and to force companies which pollute the environment to pay for the clean-up."
The Democratic Socialists launched their campaign with a picnic in New Farm Park on February 23.
Coral Wynter, candidate for Dutton Park, explained that the campaign slogan "Real jobs before private profits" meant an urban renewal policy that protects the interests of working people and low-income groups against the plans of the big developers to push them out of inner suburbs like West End and New Farm.
Newnam stressed the need to expand the public transport system, with cheaper and more frequent buses and further concessions for health-care card holders. She emphasised the Democratic Socialists' opposition to privatisation or corporatisation of Brisbane's bus system.
"With very few progressive candidates running in these council elections, it is important for those who want to begin to build a genuine alternative to the major parties to support the Democratic Socialist campaign, to show that the people of Brisbane are not happy with pro-big business government", Wynter said.
The Democratic Socialists can be contacted at 29 Terrace Street, New Farm, phone (07) 3254 0565.