Throw the Liberals out, urge ACT socialists
By Russell Pickering
CANBERRA — The Democratic Socialists have called on small parties and independents not to support the formation of another Liberal government after the February 21 ACT elections.
Sue Bull, one of the socialist candidates for the seat of Molonglo, issued the call in a letter sent to the ACT Greens, Australian Democrats, Progressive Labour Party and independent candidates.
Bull also called on "all progressive MLAs to refuse to vote for economic rationalist measures proposed by any elected government".
After the bitter experience of the minority Carnell Liberal government, the Democratic Socialists believe small parties and independents cannot adopt a wait-and-see attitude.
"The last election was a fraud, with seemingly progressive candidates and independents voting with the Liberals after the election", Bull told Green Left Weekly. "The people of Canberra deserve to know the true colours of those they are voting for before polling day — it's their democratic right."
In response, the Progressive Labour Party has indicated it will not support another Liberal government, while independent Michael Moore has said he will not commit himself. Moore wholeheartedly supported the Liberals in 1996 when they attempted to destroy government employees' working conditions as part of an enterprise agreement.
The Australian Democrats have not indicated their position. The ACT Greens are willing to discuss their position at a meeting to be arranged.
The Democratic Socialists believe a principled opposition to the major parties' economic rationalist agenda is the bottom line in a fight back by the left.
"Our politics are based on the defence of the working class, and we call upon all progressive people and the trade union movement to mobilise in the defence of the Maritime Union of Australia which is currently under attack. The attack on the MUA is an attack on all workers' rights", Bull said.