ADELAIDE — More than 100 information technology workers, members of the Public Service Association, struck for one day on June 30 to protest against the proposed privatisation of the state government's computer networks. Computer giants IBM and EDS are bidding for the contract. Workers oppose the privatisation because of: the loss of a public service, the possible loss of 1200 jobs and the government's haste and lack of consultation. A decision about the IT services is expected soon, and the union has not ruled out more industrial action.
BRISBANE — Forty people picketed the State Labor Conference (held at the Sheraton) on June 26 to demand a woman's right to choose abortion. Called by the University of Queensland's Pro-Choice Club, the picket was aimed at the state ALP, which has a policy of decriminalising abortion but has refused to implement it in government. After heated discussion, the conference passed a motion calling on state MPs to remove abortion from the Criminal Code. However, this means little since the ALP allows MPs a conscience vote on the issue. "A public and visible campaign is still essential", picket organiser Andre Stark said.
- More than 1500 protesters rallied here on June 26 to call on the state ALP government to decriminalise marijuana. The rally and march, organised by the HEMP (Help End Marijuana Prohibition) campaign, was its second and largest action, and highlighted the failure to implement the recommendations of the Fitzgerald Inquiry into "victimless crimes". Speakers at the rally at King George Square included Paul O'Shea from the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties, Maya Stuart-Fox from the Labor Party, John Jiggens from HEMP, Bill Boar, president of the Doctors Reform Society, Drew Hutton, convener of the Queensland Greens, John Ramsay from ALP Members for Drug Law Reform and John Tracy from the Australian Democrats.