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BY SARAH STEPHEN "Offensive to human dignity — With these four words the UN human rights envoy, Justice Bhagwati, has encapsulated the moral vacuum at the heart of Australia's mandatory detention of refugees", wrote Howard Dick, an associate
US President George Bush is preparing for a new war on Iraq using the pretext that Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is threatening the world with “weapons of mass destruction”. Pentagon papers leaked on July 4 reveal plans for an assault on
Museworthy: The Birds' Necks The birds' necks are as fatas a baby's thighsI know, I wring themWhen the birds are deadthey look very eternallying with their headsat the spirit's angleI place my lips to their feathersand feel their speechTheir
Among the ancient rocks I pace,Scattered through the friendlyStringybarks, and gaping waterhole,Which feeds the parched red clay. And gazing on antipodean stone,I shield my eyes from glaringWinter, solstice sun. Then in a flash I am
BY SHANE BENTLEY SYDNEY — Members of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) are again protesting against shipping company attempts to reflag Australian crewed and flagged ships as "flag of convenience" vessels with exploited Third World crews.
BY NICK EVERETT SYDNEY — The branch of the Democratic Socialist Party previously located in Burwood has relocated to Sydney's south-west. A new Bankstown office was opened on July 26 with a toast to the Cuban revolution and a celebration of the
BY CHRIS CAIN Many rank-and-file trade unionists, officials and others are now turning their backs on Labor, because they see that much of that party is no better than the Liberals. And I have to say quite honestly that they wouldn't be far wrong.
BY NATASHA IZATT LONDON — On July 17, 750,000 local government workers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland went on strike in support of a pay increase. Between 70% and 80% of union members participated. Teachers aides, caretakers,
The NavigatorsDirected by Ken LoachWritten by Rob DawberScreening in most major cities from August 8 REVIEW BY JANET BURSTALL Ken Loach's latest film, The Navigators, depicts the impact of privatisation on a group of former British Rail workers.
BY SUE BOLTON As the royal commission into the building industry continues its assault on militants in the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, state attacks on the Victorian branch of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union
BY FIDEL CASTRO [The following is a slightly abridged version of a speech given on July 26 by Cuban President Fidel Castro at a rally of 150,000 people in the Cuban central province of Ciego de Avila.] History has proved that nothing could defeat
Geelong construction workers prepare for the building industry royal commission's return to Victoria on August 12 by proudly hoisting their flag on Geelong's largest building site in defiance of bosses' wishes. Unionists and supporters will rally at