Socialists launch council campaign
By Jim McIlroy
BRISBANE — The Democratic Socialists on February 26 launched their policy statement for the March 25 Brisbane City Council (BCC) election. The Democratic Socialists are standing Graham Matthews for Dutton Park ward and Dr Coral Wynter for Central ward.
Headed "Vote Socialist, for a workers' alternative to Labor", the statement calls for a city council that "truly represents the working people of Brisbane".
"With the Howard Coalition government on the rampage at the national level, introducing its vicious GST, cuts in social welfare and other services, privatisation of Telstra and other key public facilities, working people are calling out for an end to so-called economic rationalism", the statement continues. "But what do we get from the ALP administrations at state and local council levels? More of the same policies that put big business profits before the interests of the community and workers."
The socialist candidates are standing for:
"Democracy: direct community control over major council decisions. Regular open council meetings to vote on key issues. Proportional representation to give fair expression for all views. Right of recall of elected councillors by local referendum.
"Job creation: a major plan, developed with full community participation, for a large-scale program of public works, including housing, traffic calming, bike paths and parks to create thousands of full-time jobs. No involvement in work for the dole schemes!
"International: enforce Brisbane's declaration of a nuclear-free city. No nuclear ships or material to be permitted to enter the council area. Support the rebuilding of an independent East Timor by the BCC providing substantial assistance in aid and training to help the people reconstruct their devastated country.
"Aboriginal rights: BCC to support native title claims by Brisbane Murris and provide compensation and additional services to Aboriginal communities. End racist treatment of Murris. Full backing to Murri rights over Musgrave Park.
"Public transport: expand and improve the bus system, with greater of services and cheaper ticket prices. Free travel for students and concession card holders. No privatisation or outsourcing of council bus services. Introduce light rail as part of a comprehensive plan to integrate and upgrade all forms of public transport, in place of private cars and new roads. No to the Inner City Bypass!
"Urban renewal: a comprehensive plan for urban renewal under community control. Low-priced housing for the poor, students and pensioners. Build public housing with council labour to create many new jobs. Protect our historical neighbourhoods.
"Environment: force companies which pollute to pay for clean-up operations. A program to reduce waste, not just recycling, on an industrial and residential level. Clean up the Brisbane River. Protect and expand the vegetation cover of the greater city area. More public parks, not freeways and private developments."
For more information about the Democratic Socialist campaign, phone (07) 3254 0565 or e-mail <brisbane@dsp.org.au>.