By Adam Hanieh
ADELAIDE — The Keep Telstra Public Alliance has been formed to lead the campaign against the privatisation of Telstra.
KTPA brings together a range of organisations such as the CEPU, CPSU, ACF, Friends of the Earth, Green Party, Flinders University Student Association, Australian Democrats, Democratic Socialist Party, Socialist Party of Australia and ALP. Andy Docherty of the CEPU has been coopted as coordinator of the group, which will meet regularly to plan actions against the proposed privatisation.
The federal Coalition is attempting to divide the environmental movement from the union movement by hinging its environment package on the partial sale of Telstra. This approach is condemned by KTPA, which argues that funding should come from cuts to military spending and an increase in the company tax rate.
KTPA will be launched at a public meeting on May 15 at 6pm at the Pilgrim Church Hall, 12 Flinders St, Adelaide. Senators Meg Lees (Democrat) and Chris Schacht (ALP), Rowena McLean from the ACF, a representative from the Australian Greens and Col Cooper from the CEPU will be speaking. For more information phone 231 6982.