ADELAIDE — A rescheduled debate on abortion took place at Adelaide University on August 19. Resistance and Pro-Choice debated Pro-Life, this time free of National Action interruptions; NA broke up the previous debate. The organisers were prepared this time with campus security and police on the door, but the neo-Nazis were not among the lively crowd of 160. While both sides were united in their opposition to the fascist tactics of NA, the same could not be said about the subject under debate. The misnamed Pro-Life club explained their "foetal rights" position but glossed over suffering of millions of women around the world who are denied access to safe abortion.
ADELAIDE — On August 18, secondary students and other supporters from Secondary Students Against the Cuts (SSAC) protested against the state Liberal government's cuts to education. An enthusiastic crowd grouped in front of the Education Department building and marched to Rundle Mall where the rally ended. Kristy Koglin and Lyndsey Danielson from Resistance spoke about the cuts and student rights. A newsletter for secondary students was distributed which took up similar issues. On August 20 a follow-up meeting to discus future campaigns was held. For more information on SSAC contact Merrie on 231 6982.
HOBART — A 250-strong public meeting was held at the Hobart Town Hall on August 16 to protest the increase in the export quotas for woodchips, and to support federal Environment Minister John Faulkner's undertaking to phase out woodchipping by the year 2000. The speakers included Tasmanian Greens Peg Putt, Christine Milne and Bob Brown and Labor Party Senator John Devereaux and Wilderness Society activist Alec Marr. The meeting highlighted the PM's hypocritical criticisms of Pacific nations' environmental practices whilst allowing the same practices to continue in Australia. Marr announced a National Day of Action for September 1. Further protests will be held at the ALP National Conference here later next month. For more details contact the Wilderness Society on 349 366.
SYDNEY — As part of a national campaign for East Timor, Resistance held a public meeting at Sydney University on Thursday August 18. The crowd of more than 40 people heard Alico Santos, of Fretilin Youth, describe the atrocities he witnessed at the Dili massacre in 1991. Harold Moucho from Fretilin explained the organisations role in the liberation struggle as well as emphasising the need for people in Australia to actively support the movement. Resistance is holding similar meetings on all Sydney campuses and is planning future actions, people wishing to find out more can call Andrew on 690 1977.
SYDNEY — Sixty people attended an AKSI dinner and book launch at the Maritime Workers Union on August 19. As well as launching Revive your imagination, my Indonesia, the court room speech by gaoled student leader Lukas Luwarso, attendants were treated to a lively account of the 1942- 1946 solidarity movement for Indonesian independence. Phyllis and Johno Johnson, former members of the Communist Party and participants in the boycott against Dutch ships, gave a first-hand description of the campaign. They finished on an optimistic note by acknowledging the number of young people in attendance and making a passionate plea for people to continue the fight.