Further Medicare rally planned
MELBOURNE — At its September 25 meeting, the Defend and Extend Medicare (DEM) group voted to follow its planned October 3 rally with another on November 7.
DEM joint coordinator Joe Toscano, arguing for the extra rally, told the meeting that the federal government "is terrified of people taking to the streets" on the Medicare issue. He said that as people become more aware of planned changes to Medicare, which will virtually eliminate bulk-billing for non-concession card holders, support for protest action will grow.
The October 3 rally will begin at 5pm at the State Library, Swanston Street, Melbourne.
VPN discusses Korea
MELBOURNE — On September 25, a dozen people attended the first of a series of monthly educational forums to be organised by the Victorian Peace Network (VPN).
At its last affiliates meeting, VPN decided that its decision-making meetings would no longer occur fortnightly, but would be held monthly.
Meg Irwin from the Korean Support and Information Network and Nic McLellan from the VPN discussed the political history of Korea and the current situation. It was the first in a series of meetings to discuss the VPN's position on Korea.
In discussion, there was general agreement that the VPN should oppose US interdiction of North Korean ships and economic sanctions on North Korea, and call for nuclear disarmament to begin with the US and that US military bases be withdrawn from South Korea.
From Green Left Weekly, October 1, 2003.
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