By Arun Pradhan
PERTH — A September 5 rally of more than1500 people was the first time here that high school, TAFE and campus staff and students united to oppose the attacks on the education sector.
Previous campus actions in Perth have been coordinated by the Student Unionism Network, consisting of Resistance, the ALP left and a few independents. However, SUN has been deteriorating, largely due to not enough new activists and internal politicking in NUS which has led to John Carrey, ALP left NUS West president, not even bothering to turn up to meetings.
In mid-August, Resistance members in TAFE raised the idea of a new coalition involving TAFE, high school and campus students. After consultation with NUS office bearers, independent activists and several ALP members, a meeting was planned and the details announced to the 5000-strong August 19 anti-budget rally.
The new coalition's first meeting involved more than 40 people, including representatives from all campuses, several TAFEs, two high schools and at least two trade union organisers. It has been a healthy development for the student movement, with new and enthusiastic people participating.
Unfortunately, despite several ALP members being personally invited, none attended that meeting. Some have since commented that they were too busy organising student elections to attend, but when contesting elections contradicts the goal of building a campaign against the cuts, you know there is something wrong.
Resistance initiated an election ticket at Curtin University, and it is no coincidence that the biggest attendance at the coalition meetings was from that campus. At every ticket meeting on Curtin, the first agenda item has been "the education campaign".
Worse than not coming on board because they were busy, several ALP members have undermined the coalition. Carrey, for example, raised doubts about the September 5 rally with the Trades and Labour Council because of Resistance's involvement.
Resistance has been accused of "taking over the student movement in Perth". It is true that we have been a driving force behind the movement here, but I would have thought we would be congratulated for this.
We have members on all campuses, and no-one would question the role of Resistance members who are taking the lead in TAFE and on high schools. I encourage people to take up socialist politics and join Resistance as an effective way to strengthen the campaign.
But yes, it's true, Resistance has another agenda. We intend to help build a broader student leadership. No one organisation is capable of winning against the Liberals, and part of what we have had to come to terms with is the decline and demoralisation of the student movement leadership at a time when it is most needed.
We have continually attempted to involve new people, not only in planning the next rally, but as leaders of a movement. When Resistance initiated a "burn the budget" action just days after the education cuts were announced, we did not just tell people about it; we called an organising meeting and let new activists have their say.
Our immediate agenda is to empower more people to take the lead in this campaign, and to bring together those sectors under attack to build the most effective fight back. The education coalition and September 5 rally are testament to this: many of the high school, TAFE and campus activists involved were new to activism, and for the first time education activists were able to work closely with many committed trade unionists.
To the very few ALP students who did support the rally from the start, my thanks for your work. For those who dragged their feet on building it, did not attend the coalition meetings and complained about Resistance's involvement, I hope you reply to Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly to explain your agenda.
[Arun Pradhan is Perth Resistance organiser.]