Tamil solidarity meeting in Sydney
SYDNEY — A meeting at the Glebe Town Hall organised by
Green Left Weekly and the Australian Federation of Tamil Associations (AFTA) on the Eelam Tamil nation's struggle for self-determination drew nearly 100 people on November 28. The meeting was prompted by the most recent Sri Lankan government's onslaught against the Tamils. Ana Pararajasingham, representative of the AFTA and editor of the
Tamil Monitor, outlined the events which led up to the war, and called on Australians to take action in solidarity with the Tamils.
Green Left Weekly journalist, Sujatha Fernandes, spoke of the Australian media's sensationalised and one-sided coverage of the war and the West's support for the Sri Lankan government's attacks.
Child labour in India
PERTH — Kavita Ratna, a member of the non-governmental organisation Concern for Working Children, spoke at the Young Christian Workers Centre on November 28 on exploited child labour in India. She said that the plight of the millions of working children could not be improved by individual boycotts or work by isolated NGOs. Ratna said that only a radical change in the relationship between the First and Third World would end the exploitation and that recognising this is the first step in bringing this about.
Vickery strike
NEWCASTLE — For almost four months Vickery mine workers have been picketing their pit in protest over their treatment during negotiations for a new work place agreement. CRA subsidiary Novacoal intended to introduce 12&189; hour shifts with less than the current pay rate, and refused to give employ unionists over non-unionists. The striking workers rejected Novacoal's enterprise agreement on November 28. According to unionists, the dispute's key issues still have not been addressed. ACTU secretary Bill Kelty has now entered the dispute and is expected to have talks with CRA this week. Despite a November 20 mass meeting decision to strike for 24 hours if the dispute was not resolved, CRA is hoping that Kelty will be able to convince the workers to go back to work. All 29 strikers have been called to a compulsory conference of the Industrial Relations Commission in Sydney on December 5.
Women's Party launch
BRISBANE — Launching the Australian Women's Party on November 26, AWP secretary Jenny Hughey told 200 people that, "Many women and men are fed up with the spending priorities and economic policies of both Liberal and Labor governments". Other speakers included former Communist Party national committee member and women's rights activist Alice Hughes; Murri activist Linda McBride and Janet Irwin. While the speakers did not address specific AWP policies, they said the party would be a "strong voice for women" who should be present alongside men in equal numbers in parliament and other institutions. With 900 members nationally and over 500 in Queensland, the AWP is planning to stand Senate candidates and to contest the likely by-election in Mundingburra (Qld). Around 30 women attended the AWP's launch in Lane Cove in Sydney on November 26.
End-of-year Green It Up
BRISBANE — Green It Up, the fortnightly alternative music night held at the Shamrock Hotel as a fundraiser for
Green Left Weekly, finished with a special end-of-year gig on November 30. Bands included the fabulous Sons of Bee Gees, the Lantana Band, the Long Grass Band, and the Brunswick Street Band.
Fundraisers for Bert and Norma Nord
BRISBANE — A function at the Paddington Workers Club on November 25 raised funds for Bert and Norma Nord, who lost all their personal belongings and papers in a fire that destroyed their home several months ago. The function was organised by the Transport Workers Union, of which Bert is a long-time "life member". Bert and Norma are well-known left activists in Brisbane and former veteran members of the Communist Party of Australia. Support has poured in for the Nords; a BBQ for them some weeks ago was attended by members of the Greens, the Democratic Socialist Party and others.