ADELAIDE — The Campaign to Defend Public Services held its first public meeting here on September 28, with 40 people representing a wide range of areas under attack from the Brown Liberal government. A lively discussion developed around attacks on the social infrastructure including public transport and health, and plans to privatise the prison system. A rally was called for December 10, with a planning meeting on October 12, 7.45pm at the Global Education Centre, 155 Pirie St, City. For further information call Chris on 231 6982 or Peter on 278 8609.
- Two hundred and fifty people attended the largest Labour Day march here for several years on October 2. Max Adlam from the AFMEU told the crowd in Victoria Square that trade unions are fighting on two fronts: around the inequality in wages between men and women, and against the situation in which many workers are coming to view trade unions as unnecessary. ALP Opposition leader Mike Rann spoke on the need to re-elect Labor.
DARWIN — About 20 people and an ABC TV journalist were locked into a uranium storage site at an early morning action here last week. Under the slogan "Export Ede, not uranium" the activists chose the TNT site to draw attention to uranium shipments and oppose ALP proposals, supported by NT opposition leader Brian Ede, to scrap the three mines policy. They were locked in when management decided to close the compound gates until police arrived. No arrests were made, but the names and addresses of all the activists were taken.
- Around 800 workers are on their second week of strike at the Nobalco mine in Gove. The dispute between the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union and Nobalco began when Michael Buch, a CEPU member, was offered employment by one of Nobalco's subcontractors. The mining company used its veto powers over appointments by subcontractors to refuse employment to Buch. The CEPU argues that Buch was denied employment on the basis of union membership. Nobalco's intransigence "allowed this dispute to escalate, and now the strike includes Nobalco and other subcontractor workers", says Mark Crosson, secretary of the NT Trades and Labour Council. The matter is being heard this week by commissioner Merriman in Melbourne.
SYDNEY — The "Workplace Discrimination Project", a project of the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, is to survey 300 major employers throughout Australia to determine the extent of discrimination still being experienced by lesbians and gay men. The project will be conducted by the Australian Centre for Lesbian and Gay Research at the University of Sydney. Among those pledging financial support for the project are the Community and Public Sector Union, the Trades and Labour Councils of NSW and WA and the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The ACTU has declined a request for funding.
WOLLONGONG — The South Coast Labour Council has donated thousands of dollars worth of medical supplies to the people of Bougainville. The supplies, including bandages, nebulisers, anti-nausea, tropical and heart medicines, were gratefully accepted by the Bougainville Interim Government representative Moses Havini on October 5. The SCLC has established a special fund to provide ongoing medical assistance which has drawn support from local pharmacies and organisations. However, transportation costs remain a problem, and donations to assist with these costs should be sent to the Bougainville Medical Account, PO Box 134, Erskineville NSW 2043. For further information call Vikki Johns on (02) 550 4515.