GEELONG — Some 2000 people participated in a noisy rally against tariff cuts here on August 7. The rally was called by the Geelong Trades and Labour Council and the Australia First Campaign and was addressed by Victorian Premier Joan Kirner and Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary John Halfpenny.
MELBOURNE — An August 6 meeting at Melbourne University which was to be addressed by foreign minister Senator Gareth Evans was cancelled when a group of student protesters refused to allow Evans to speak. The meeting was on the situation in Cambodia. About a dozen demonstrators chased Evans out and attempted to stop his car driving off. Security agents intervened,
and a few students were slightly injured.
- The 47th anniversary of the destruction of Hiroshima by a United States atomic bomb was marked by protesters holding a "die-in" at the Bourke St Mall here on August 6. Calling for the creation of a "culture of peace", Victorian Democrat Senator Sid Spindler condemned the Australian government's spending of $25 million a day on armaments. The Avalon Aerospace Expo and Airshow, starting on October 21, was also a focus for the picketers.
The Melbourne University Women's Department became enshrined in the Student Union constitution on August 4. About 600 students voted 92% in favour. The constitution now states that only women may run for the positions of women's officers and women's committee members.
SYDNEY —
About 400 people marched and rallied on August 8 in commemoration of Hiroshima Day. Speakers included Diana Ingram from
the Sydney Peace Squadron and the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific and Andy Graham, secretary of the peace and disarmament group of the NSW Teachers Federation. Entertainment was provided by the Galston High School Music Group and the band Urban Guerillas.
PERTH — The Cuba Solidarity Coalition held a picket at Wesley Church on July 25 to call for an end to the United States blockade of Cuba. Many information leaflets were distributed, and over $30 was donated to the Ship to Cuba Campaign by passers-by. On August 1 a Caribbean Party with local bands Los Chasquis and Sonido 7 was organised by the Cuba Solidarity Committee. With a turnout of more than 100 people, over $600 was raised for the Ship to Cuba Campaign.
- A student was arrested when effigies were burnt outside the office of federal employment, education and training minister Kim Beazley on August 7. About 50 students were opposing the Austudy loans scheme approved by federal cabinet. The arrested student was later freed when protesters obstructed the police vehicle and demanded his release.