Nick Everett, Canberra
On June 23, the Socialist Alliance launched its election campaign for the ACT federal seat of Fraser. Attended by 25 alliance members and supporters, the meeting was addressed by James Vassilopoulos, the alliance's candidate for the northern Canberra seat.
Vassilopoulos, a high-school teacher and the convener of the ACT Network Opposing War, said that the ideas of the Socialist Alliance are being well received by people engaged in political protests.
Michael Shaik, an activist in the Australians for Justice and Peace in Palestine group, said that the Socialist Alliance was the first party to speak out on the refugee issue. Now, it is the only party speaking out for the Palestinian people.
Claire Bruhns, a well-known refugee activist, praised the association between Green Left Weekly and the Socialist Alliance.
Ian Phillips, a singer-songwriter who sang at the recent ACT teacher strike rallies, performed a number of songs throughout the evening.
If you would like to help the Socialist Alliance's election campaign in Fraser, phone James on 0405 309 283.
From Green Left Weekly, June 30, 2004.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.