Queensland University occupied
BRISBANE — Two hundred and fifty students occupied the student union offices at the University of Queensland on April 18 in response to the student union's failure to represent them, in particular the union president voting in favour of library fines. The union is controlled by the Young Liberals. There will be a follow-up rally on May 2.
ANZ workers strike
SYDNEY — A Finances Sector Union mass meeting of almost 600 ANZ bank staff on April 19 decided on a 24-hour strike to protest management's demands of trade offs for a 12% pay claim. The meeting decided 464 to 90 for the strike and for further rolling strikes if management does not agree to the pay claim. Management was given a deadline of May 1.
Maritime defence committee launch
SYDNEY — With attacks on maritime workers impending, a Maritime Defence Committee has been launched. The committee has already met twice and has adopted a charter. The aim is to mobilise community support when maritime workers are attacked. Those attending meetings include organisers from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the National Union of Workers, and left parties including the Democratic Socialist Party and Militant. The committee is planning a public meeting on May 11.
Bougainville rally
SYDNEY — About 40 people rallied at Town Hall on April 20 to protest against the PNG government's stepped-up war against the people of Bougainville. Organised by the Bougainville Freedom Movement, the crowd marched to the Department of Defence, where speakers condemned the Australian government for supplying weapons to the PNG defence forces.
Blue stocking week
HOBART — A week of actions celebrating Women in Education was organised by the National Union of Students Women's department at the University of Tasmania last week. Highlights included the annual women's breakfast, addressed by Lara Giddings, a young ALP parliamentarian, the English department's Jenny Mead and businesswomen Kate Domeney, and a forum, "Feminism in 20 years, where should we be?".
Resistance speaker Carol Mitchell argued against the idea that the struggle for women's liberation is over. Sociology academic Roberta Julian spoke about the need for independent, fully funded women's studies departments in tertiary institutions. International students women's officer Pusheua Kikkert spoke about the sexist attitudes and cultural stereotypes faced by overseas women students.
Tram workers form group
MELBOURNE — A much-needed rank and file group, Tramweb, has been formed by tram workers, in response to Public Transport Union officials' proposal for the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 3, which does not reflect or meet the needs of most workers. The group aims to improve communication between workers at the eight tram depots so that they can more effectively fight attacks on services, jobs and working conditions. For more information, contact Tully or Chantal on (03) 9384 0019.