Court ruling throws Qld ALP into crisis
BRISBANE — A by-election for the north Queensland state seat of Mundingburra will take place early in the new year after a court ruled that the Goss government had not won the seat in the state election last July 15. The decision by the Court of Dispute Returns leaves the ALP with only 44 seats in the 89-member Legislative Assembly — a situation which could eventually lead to another general state election. Spokespeople for the Greens, the Australian Women's Party and others have indicated a sizeable number of alternative candidates are likely to contest Mundingburra.
Actions against Quaid development
BRISBANE — Developer George Quaid has recommenced construction on the South Edge road in northern Cairns in World Heritage and Crown land areas. The road is designed to open up a project to build seven artificial lakes alongside residential blocks. The Wilderness Society, Yirrganydji Aboriginal Corporation, and the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre are opposing the development because no EIS was carried out and there was no consultation with traditional landowners. The road will destroy valuable ecological systems in the area. Peaceful actions and flora re-vegetation work will begin soon to try to halt road construction. Contact the Wilderness Society on 229 4533 or 070 321746 to join the actions.
Women's Information Switchboard retains service
ADELAIDE — Hundreds of submissions from women's groups has forced the state government to withdraw its plans to close the Women's Information Switchboard (WIS) walk-in service. WIS ethnic radio programs will also be funded, and a new telephone network will enable WIS to connect women to other services. However, from February 1996, WIS opening hours will be cut.
Australian Womens Party forms in SA
ADELAIDE — The Australian Women's Party has formed a branch in SA. Deborah McCulloch, a long-term feminist activist and member of the Women's Electoral Lobby, is the state coordinator. AWP members have indicated that their preferences will be allocated according to parties' record on women's participation.
Cultural centre forced to close
DARWIN — The Music Development Centre, better known as the Old Workers Club, has been given an eviction notice by Department of Lands and Housing. Workers Club secretary, Vaughan Williams told
Green Left "the space provides a much needed venue for young bands and performers". The club has given support to young Aboriginal bands, Reclaim the Night dances, East Timor benefits and many other grassroots cultural events. While excessive noise is the official reason for the eviction, club volunteers have spent over $5000 on sound proofing. Mandawuy Yunupingu from Yothu Yindi has expressed outrage at the move to close this important arts venue.
RZM sandmining at Tomago
NEWCASTLE — The Land and Environment Court revoked RZM's license to mine sand at Tomago following a 14-day protest which began on October 27. The pollution of the clean water reserves of the aquifer and the near extinction of koalas at Port Stephens have been attributed to the sandmining. RZM's license was revoked because it did not comply with the EPA Act and the National Parks and Wildlife Service Act, hence it has not been valid since 1979. The Carr cabinet has agreed to validate licenses granted prior to 1979 (such as Tomago's). If parliament agrees, it may well affect Tomago's court appeal, due to be heard on December 18. Groups involved in the campaign include the Koala Preservation Society, Native Animal Trust Fund, the Wilderness Society, North East Forest Alliance, Northern Parks and Playgrounds, and local Greens groups. uphead = New report on women farmers 9point =
Women on Farms, a report released on December 7 by the research agency of the Department of Primary Industries and Energy reveals that women spend more time working off-farm than their male counterparts, and a greater proportion of women than men had a high level of formal education. On farms with high debt levels, women spend more time working both on and off the farm.