The Ballarat Regional Trades and Labour Council said the working people of Ballarat do not support fascists. Kerry Smith reports.
Eureka flag
In a clear win for the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU), the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has ruled that Eureka Flags and other union banners can be flown from cranes on building sites.
The federal government’s building industry watchdog, the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), has issued new Building Code rules that specifically ban the Eureka Flag from being displayed on building sites. If an employer breaches the code, they become ineligible to compete for government work.
The purpose of the Turnbull government is to clear every obstacle it can to help big business maximise its profits.
No environmental protection or social good is too important to be sacrificed for this goal. No surprise then that they are trying to cripple freedom of expression. For them, the more people are ignorant, confused and in fear the better.
Take these three assaults on our ability to analyse and criticise their actions.
This month we celebrate the 163rd anniversary of the Eureka Stockade.
It is important to celebrate and mark historical anniversaries, especially one such as the Eureka Stockade, whose legacy has played such a pivotal role in the struggles of Australia’s working people for a fair, just and democratic society.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) approved the right-wing Australia First Party’s use of the Eureka flag as its logo on October 13, despite 11 written submissions opposing its use.
The AEC said the objectors provided “insufficient evidence” the application should be refused. It said it had no discretion to consider “historical and cultural claims” surrounding the Eureka flag.
Ballarat Trades Hall Council secretary Brett Edgington said the decision by the AEC marked a “sad day for Australia”.
The Australia First Party will not be able to use the Eureka flag as its logo on ballot papers in the federal election on July 2.
Their application was ineligible because it had not been advertised for 30 days as required by law. However, the application will be considered again in 100 days' time, well after voters head to the ballot box.