PERTH — One thousand people rallied in Perth on March 27 to demonstrate their outrage at the assassination of Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmad Yassin by the Israeli military.
The rally, organised by the Muslim community, called for a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many young people participated in the protest.
Sheikh Omran from the Australian Islamic College condemned the Israeli government's disregard for international law and the human rights of Palestinians. He highlighted the unwillingness of the US to condemn the assassination. Omran also called for an end to "the new colonialism in Iraq", and said that the "troops must get out now".
University of Western Australia student Joshua Taafe spoke on behalf of Australians for Justice and Peace in Palestine, stressing the importance of international solidarity. "Events such as this assassination may grab our attention, but we must also remember the humiliation and injustices facing ordinary people each day in their struggle to survive under the occupation."
The rally was followed by a loud, spirited and peaceful march through the streets of Perth.
Emma Clancy
Ridge destruction halted
CANBERRA — On March 23, after a long campaign to defend bushland on the Bruce/O'Connor Ridge, the Save the Ridge group obtained a court injunction halting work on the Gunghalin drive extension for one week.
On March 31, the ACT Supreme Court ruled that the ACT government had not followed environmental planning procedures, and ordered work on the site to cease until this occurred.
A public rally outside the Legislative Assembly on April 1 turned into a victory celebration attended by 300 people.
Kerrie Tucker, Greens MLA, recounted the territory Labor government's double dealing, when it pledged before the last election to save the bush on the ridge, but instead proceeded with construction of the road.
Australian National University professor Andrew Cockburn detailed the importance of the biodiversity of the bush of Black Mountain, which will be affected by the road, including the nesting sites of Boobook Owls.
Save the Ridge organiser Anton Vikstrom called on the ACT government to come to the bargaining table and discuss sustainable public transport solutions for the people of the northern Canberra suburban area of Gungahlin, for whom the road is ostensibly being planned.
Paul Oboohov
Meatworkers' victory upheld
HOBART — On March 29, the Tasmanian Supreme Court upheld the industrial commission's order for the reinstatement of seventeen meatworkers at the Blue Ribbon plant near Launceston.
The workers had been locked out of the Killafady plant since April 3, 2003, after refusing to sign individual contracts that abolished award conditions such as job security, holiday pay, long-service leave and sick pay.
The industrial court had ordered reinstatement by October 22, but due to the appeal process the workers have now been out of work and unpaid for over a year. Media reports indicate that the company is considering a further appeal.
Kamala Emanuel
From Green Left Weekly, April 7, 2004.
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