Fascists harass CPA
ADELAIDE — The fascist organisation National Action has been stepping up its attacks on progressive political activists here. In the latest incident, NA leader Michael Brander and half a dozen thugs turned up at the Platon Club (premises of the Communist Party of Australia) and harassed the regulars at the Friday night dinner of the Greek members and their families. This was apparently a response to an article in the CPA paper Guardian about the recently formed anti-racist Celebrating Diversity Coalition.
Rabelais case progresses
MELBOURNE — Thirty people attended a picket on May 22 to support the 1995 editors of La Trobe student newspaper Rabelais, who were convicted last year of publishing a document inciting the public to commit a crime. The article in question was a satirical piece on shoplifting. The editors, who are being defended by Stuart Littlemore, QC, have taken the case to the Federal Court in an attempt to get the decision overturned. Speakers discussed the implications of the case for freedom of speech, particularly for the provision of information on safe drug use, abortion access and secondary boycotts. The judge has reserved his decision.