By Melanie Sjoberg
ADELAIDE — The long-awaited decision on Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly distributors' right to use public space was made by Adelaide City Council at its meeting of October 6. The council supported the recommendations of a report stating that non-profit newspapers like GLW should not have to pay a distribution fee.
Councillor Leonie Ebert was instrumental in ensuring that the report did not linger in the bureaucracy. The report included a survey of how other capital cities treated papers such as GLW. It showed that most cities did not charge a fee, although some had a provision for it. While most required some form of licensing, this was implemented flexibly.
The decision ensures that all non-profit groups will now be allowed to distribute information free of charge in Rundle Mall and the Central Markets.
GLW distributors launched the free-speech campaign six months ago when security officers in the mall and markets suddenly began to move GLW sellers on under new by-laws requiring payment of a $10 fee before information could be distributed in the streets.
Initially, GLW supporters tried to solve the problem through official channels, but the council was intransigent in negotiations. Distributors and supporters then collected signatures on petitions and encouraged letters, faxes and phone calls of support to the directed to the relevant authorities. More than 100 people attended a rally in Rundle Mall. GLW was given away free in the markets.
The market management and council were inundated with faxes and phone calls. Twenty-six progressive organisations endorsed a letter of support for GLW and a motion of support was passed by the SA United Trades and Labor Council.
At times there was debate within the left about what tactics to follow. Some groups expressed disdain for public activities, suggesting that one-to-one discussion with the right people would suffice.
While such individual actions can be important, it is clear from this campaign that public actions — which allowed many people to participate in the campaign — were the most effective way to raise awareness and build widespread support for the cause. It was the public expression of outrage at the council's denial of free speech that convinced the majority of councillors to back off.
Supporters celebrated at the Central Markets on October 9. It was a great pleasure to sell the paper unhindered. Congratulations were offered by many regular buyers and two GLW subscriptions were sold.
Resistance member and enthusiastic GLW seller Jo Ellis summed up the mood: "GLW sales will rock now. Freedom of speech has been upheld, so progressive newspapers can be around with no more hassles." Resistance member Sam King told Â鶹´«Ã½: "This demonstrates that we can make gains that benefit ordinary people. This is a victory for community action."
April Lewis, just returned from the Jabiluka blockade, added: "I feel even stronger with another victory for the left under our belt." Trade unionist Davey Thomason, present to express his solidarity with the free-speech win, said: "It's was a fantastic and courageous campaign and a victory for us all."
GLW thanks our many supporters in Adelaide and elsewhere for their encouragement and participation in the campaign.