Picket greets Howard
ROCKHAMPTON — A hastily convened picket on April 15, attended by 40 trade unionists and environmentalists, told PM John Howard he is not welcome in central Queensland. Although armed only with conviction and placards, the protesters forced the PM to enter the venue where he was speaking through a back door.
The Stop Jabiluka campaign was launched here on April 5 with a presentation of David Bradbury's documentary Jabiluka. The screening has helped raise awareness in central Queensland of the issues surrounding the proposed mine, and has strengthened solidarity with the Mirrar people. Thirty people attended and many decided to get involved in the campaign.
FMLN fundraiser a success
BRISBANE — Australia Aid for El Salvador held the first of a series of fundraisers here on April 4 at the Migrant Resource Centre. More than 100 supporters attended a lively fiesta to raise awareness and funds for the progressive left party, the Farabundo Marti Liberation Front.
Ricardo Martinez from AAES told Â鶹´«Ã½, "the FMLN is the only party to propose solutions to the problems facing El Salvador". The FMLN is favoured to win the presidential election later this year.
The evening also launched the AAES's newsletter El Izote. A second fundraiser will take place on April 17 at Yungabar, 120 Main St, Kangaroo Point. It will feature Cuban and Brazilian dancers and the Afro-Latin band La Gran Salsa.
Resistance plans action
ADELAIDE — Resistance met on April 4 to plan campaigns and actions for the coming months. Discussion focussed on the democracy movement in Indonesia and the urgent need to build solidarity with it. As part of the national day of solidarity with Indonesia on April 24, there will be an all-day campaigning stall outside the Indonesian consulate in King William St, followed by a speak-out at 5pm.
The meeting also discussed the campaigns against the Jabiluka uranium mine and for free education. Plans were made to initiate an activist ticket for the coming student association election at Flinders University.