Freedom of speech under a cloud
ADELAIDE — On May 14, Adelaide's Murdoch-owned sole daily paper, the Advertiser, reported that the Adelaide City Council had passed new by-laws that place restrictions on the "handing out of advertising material and people who preach in public places".
The article states that permission will be required for businesses and others to use amplification, distribute pamphlets and place handbills on vehicles — although apparently election material will be exempted. The most worrying reference is that "preaching" is deemed to include "people that canvass, harangue, tout for a business or conduct surveys or opinion polls".
According to the Advertiser, council CEO Mal Hemmerling claimed that the laws were designed to keep out people and organisations that used the city to spread "unnecessary or inflammatory" ideas.
In 1998, supporters of Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly won a significant victory against attempts by the council to prevent distribution of the paper and leaflets in the streets and markets. At that time, there was enormous support for the principles of freedom of speech and expression.
Many small progressive organisations — and even businesses — have the potential to be disadvantaged by this attempt to restrict access to alternative information.
Melanie Sjoberg
Save VICNET
MELBOURNE — Around 80 members of the Community and Public Sector Union protested outside the Victorian state library on May 13, calling on the state ALP government to reverse planned cuts to VICNET.
The cuts threaten the jobs of around 30 CPSU members. Over the last 10 years, VICNET — a business unit within the state library — has taught thousands of Victorians to use the internet. It also provides affordable internet access to public libraries, community groups and others.
Graham Matthews
Mental health services defended
HOBART — Hundreds of health workers and clients marched to the Tasmanian parliament on May 8 to demand improvements to the mental health system. Speakers condemned the downgrading of services and called for a public inquiry into funding for better services.
Deb Cairns, an organiser for the Health and Community Services Union, said that because "resources are inadequate within all areas of mental health", workers are "put under increasing pressure each day".
Duncan Meerding
Secrets and lies destroy democracy
North Shore Peace and Democracy held a 400-strong forum on May 3 titled "Secrets and lies destroy democracy: the impact of decisions behind closed doors on democracy in Australia".
The panel consisted of Greens Senator Kerry Nettle, Labor shadow foreign minister Kevin Rudd, Democrats Senator Aden Ridgeway and Liberal Senator Marise Payne.
Questions and discussion addressed the justification for the invasion of Iraq; the causes of terrorism; the negative budget implications for education, health and welfare; and Australia's human rights hypocrisy in light of racism towards Indigenous people, Muslims and refugees.
[Full transcripts are available at .]
Damien Spanjer
From Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly, May 19, 2004.
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