LL:INFO: Protesting the Olympics - in support of Indigenous rights
Dear Friends, You are invited to become involved in the Anti-Olympic Alliance. The Anti-Olympics Alliance is a newly formed activist group made of community, student and progressive forces, such as Rentwatchers, the Indigenous Student Network, Justice Action and many others. The Alliance works in conjunction and solidarity with Indigenous groups and organisations, such as the Metropolitan Land Council and is active in organising protests (for more details see below) and events to highlight the negative impact of the Olympic Games, as well as racism and social injustice in Sydney and Australia. Some of the issues the Alliance is seeking to highlight are: · For the Redfern Koori Community, the Olympics means forced relocation. · Indigenous Australians are still the most socially and economically disadvantaged section of the Australian community, with Indigenous adults dying 20 years younger than other Australians, and a child mortality rate 3 times higher than non-Indigenous children. · While the NSW government has spent over $2 and half billion on the Olympics, there has been massive cuts to public hospital, public education, childcare and social welfare spending. Government priorities are for increasing profits to big business, increasing the divide between rich and poor. · There are 30,000 homeless people in the greater Sydney area per night, a number that will be exacerbated by the Olympics. Sydney has a 9-year waiting list for public housing. · It is estimated that there will be in excess of 50,000 police and security forces used at the Olympics, including over 30,000 security guards, 4000 Australian military (the same size of the Australian force sent to East Timor), as well as American and Israeli intelligence and security forces. · The NSW government has passed laws making Sydney and NSW an "Olympic police state" with these laws designed to curtail and stop legitimate protest and dissent. Under these new laws, "authorised officers" with little security training can use force to remove you, without giving a reason or producing identification (unless requested), can issue a $200 on the spot fine and search your property and bags without reason. OPENING CEREMONY PROTEST IN SUPPORT OF INDIGENOUS RIGHTS The primary focus of the Alliance is to organise for the demonstration which will take place on the opening day of the 2000 Olympics - Friday, September 15, 2000, in support of Indigenous rights and social justice issues effecting all Australians. The Alliance invites all interested parties - community groups, unions, social justice and progressive organisations, churches and student organisations - to get involved, by either attending our meeting and helping to organise the demonstration, commit a contingent to participate in the demonstration, and/or to make a donation of resources or financial assistance to the Alliance. The September 15 demonstration is being organised separately, but in consultation and solidarity with Indigenous groups - with the logistics of the action being decided in conjunction with Indigenous groups. A second focus of the Alliance is to build other anti-Olympic related events in the lead up to September 15. This will provide an opportunity to coordinate with other groups and to publicise the September 15 actions, as well as highlight other social justice issues related to the Olympics. These include violation of civil liberties as a result of increased police and Olympic security powers which restrict freedom of movement and the right to protest, the prioritisation of Olympic spending over on public housing, health and education. For more information on how to become involved with the Alliance and/or to register your interest in attending the September 15 rally and march please reply by email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] NEXT MEETING: The next meeting of the Anti-Olympic Alliance is: Wednesday, 12 July, 2000 at 6pm Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. ANTI-OLYMPIC ALLIANCE LAUNCH The Alliance will be hosting a public forum to highlight its activities on Friday, July 21 (venue to confirmed). ALL WELCOME. EMAIL DISCUSSION LIST: Through the 'olympic-link e group'. To get on this group join by sending an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note: the 'olympic-link egroup' is an information network for people who want to be informed of Olympic related events and as such is used by a wide variety of groups and individuals, including the Anti-Olympic Alliance. Yours sincerely, Kim Bullimore On behalf of the Anti-Olympic Alliance Networking Committee. -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:AA: Aust govt intervenes in ILO to destroy working womens'
conditions Sender: [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-Loop: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Precedence: bulk Please distribute as you see fit. Yet another reason why unions are just as relevant in the 21st century as they were in the 19th and are now. Women @ Work ** MATERNITY PROTECTION ATTACK ** ** Women urged to be vigilant ** The Australian Government recently sent 12 male delegates to the 87th Session of the ILO Conference to represent Australia in debate on the review of the Maternity Protection Convention No. 103. The only Australian woman at the conference, ACTU delegate Lisa Heap, was not recognised by the Australian Government, and was forced to join an international union delegation, in order to attend. It was reported that the Australian Government delegates indicated support for pregnancy testing prior to employment, and maternity leave rights applying only to full-time permanent employees. They opposed maternity leave applying to adoption, and paid maternity leave. In her report "Maternity Protection: A Duty of Society" Lisa Heap says the Australian Government also proposed to delete the paragraph that allows for an extension of the maternity leave period in the case of illness,complications or risk of complications arising out of pregnancy or confinement. Thankfully, these proposals didn't see the light of day, however it is a sign that Australian women need to remain vigilant, said CPSU/SPSF State Secretary Karen Batt. It should be noted with alarm that our federal government did not send a woman to this conference, and refused to recognise the only Australian woman there, because she was representing workers. The message is, women workers cannot rely on their government to protect their interests. I think its disgraceful that Australian women at the end of the twentieth century still face the threat of losing their maternity related entitlements, after fighting for them for so long. Not only are current entitlements at risk, but women face the threat of new forms of discrimination in employment, such as pregnancy testing when applying for jobs. Karen said Australian women should lobby the federal government between now and June 2000, when the final debate of a new Convention and Recommendations will take place. ** WHAT CAN WOMEN DO ABOUT IT? ** Distribute this information to as many other women as you can. Hold meetings at your workplace to discuss the legislation. Be prepared to participate in union meetings and rallies in the campaign against the legislation. Write to Senator Andrew Murray, the Australian Democrat spokesperson on industrial relations. Stop this unfair legislation being passed. Senator Murray can be contacted @ Fax: 02 6277 3767 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Also write to other Democrat Senators, particularly Meg Lees, Fax: 02 6277 3996 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Natasha Stott-Despoja, Fax: 02 6277 3235 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Vicki Bourne, Fax: 02 6277 3815 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Lyn Allison, Fax: 02 6277 3087 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Encourage as many women as you can to make submissions to the Senate Inquiry which will be held late in September. ** EVENTS ** CLARE BURTON MEMORIAL LECTURES The Beauty Therapist, The Mechanic, The Geoscientist and The Librarian: Addressing Undervaluation of Women's Work Speaker: Associate Professor Rosemary Hunter 5.00 pm 21 October 1999 RMIT University, Ethel Osborne Hall, Russell Street, Melbourne RSVP: Ph: (02) 9514 2909 Fax: (02) 9514 2930 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDA: Canberra East Timor Speakout
Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor (Canberra) will be having an emergency speakout against the continuing violence in East Timor. Details:12.30 pm -Garema Place, Civic Wed, 8th September 1999 Free East Timor! Stop the Violence! End Military Ties! For more info: Jo, Dave or Kim on (02) 6247 2424 LL.AI -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:ART: Democrats claim students better of under the GST
EDUCATION UNIONS CONDEMN DEMOCRATS - Daily Telegraph 2/6/99 by Kate Hannon and Debra Way The Federal government and the Australian Democrats yesterday insisted students would be better off under the GST as they fought off a barage of criticism from education unions. Leading unions joined forces to condem the GST deal sayin it failed students miserably. But Education Minister David Kemb and Democrats education spokes woman Lyn Allison said students would be better off than ever before. Democrats Leader Meg Lees added full to the fire by suggesting students angry about the new tax plan should forget about a new pair of runners or jeans and go to an Op shop instead. Senator Lees said "lots of students" buy second hand clothes and they won't have to pay a GST on used clothing. But in the tax package its is only donated second hand clothes which will be exempt. National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) president Carolyn Allport said the Democrats had dashed their good record of supporting the education sector by caving ino the Government's demands. "The Democrats have gained respect among those working and studying among those working and studying in the education sector", Dr Allport said. "This goodwill and support will be seriously damaged if the Democrats carry through and vote to support this anti education package". Australian Education Union president Sharan Burrow accused the two parties of selling out public education and jeopardising the future of Australia's children. "What is most shocking is that the Democrats have always been strong spporters of public education and we expected that they would fight it out. "Instead, GST, costs on books, learning materials, sporting materials, professional development and transport, along with the burden of compliance will cripple many schols and parent organisations", Ms Burrows said. An Independent Education Union federal secretary Lynne Rolly predicted taht the Democrats' deal would creat as much unfairness and chaos in shools as in supermarkets. But Dr Kemp said the GST would make education more affordable for Australian families. "Ther will be no GST on school fees", he told Parliament. Senator Allision issued a statement saying the costss of running schools woul fall and States' revenues would rise under the deal. "The Democrats would not signed up to a pacakage that is anti education and education unions hve simply not bothered to consider the full facts." Senator Allison said. -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDA: JABILUKA
PUBLIC MEETING - WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ACT JABILUKA ACTION GROUP (JAG) Invites all interested persons to a World Environment Day Public Meeting. Speakers include: Senator Dee Margetts - West Australian Greens Dr Jim Green - People Against the New Nuclear Reactor Senator Margetts is a long term campaigner for the environment will discuss the eleven new proposed mines for Western Australia and the impact that they will have on the environment. Dr Jim Green is a well known anti nuclear campaigner who writes regularly for Green Left Weekly and has been long term campaigner against the new nuclear reactor for Lucas Heights which has been recently approved by the Federal government. Dr Green will speak on the Howard government's nuclear agenda for Australia, as well as the campaign to stop the new reactor. Time has been allocated to allow questions and comments from the public once guests have concluded speaking. MEETING DETAILS: WHEN: 7 pm - Friday, 4 June 1999 WHERE: Hayden Allen Tank -ANU COST: Entry by gold coin donation Refreshments will be available FILM NIGHT ACT Jabiluka Action Group presents a film night fundraiser. FILMS: Pangea Promotional Film -See the promotional video used by Pangea to sell Australia as the nuclear waste dump of the world. E.R.A. of Destruction - The latest News Unlimited Film on the Jabiluka Campaign. Currently there is legal action being taken to stop this film being shown around Australia. See it while you can WHEN: 6. 00 pm Wednesday, 26 May 1999 (National Sorry Day) WHERE: Hayden Allen Tank - ANU COST: $5 waged/ $3 unwaged or concession. Tickets at the door. Refreshments will be available -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDA:Night of Solidarity
On Saturday May 1, Greenleft Weekly will be holding its annual Canberra May Day dinner at the Pensioners Club, Marcus Clarke St, Canberra City. FOOD: Scrumptious Mediterranean menu SPEAKERS: Grant Holden Grant is currently running on the Rank and File Group ticket for the position of National Assistant Secretary in the national MUA elections. Grant will be discussing the way forward for the MUA in the light of last years attack by Patrick's and the Coalition government. John Percy John is the national secretary of the Democratic Socialist Party and has just returned from Europe and Asia. John will discuss some of the major issues currently affecting these areas and the responses of groups in Europe and Asia to them. ENTERTAINMENT: Will be provided by "UnAustralian" Folk singer, David Beniuk. David who describes his music as "dysfunctional, flannelette, virtual reality, shopping mall, generation X folk music" has recorded 2 CD's. The latest one entitled "UnAustralian Folksongs" reflects contemporary Australia under the Coalition government. According to David, he called his album "UnAustralian" because the word is increasingly being used to put down anyone who questions the status quo. The word, he said, "Is very reminiscent of McCarthy's use of UnAmerican to purge the so called Communists in the US in the 50s"! ENJOY AN EVENING OF SOLIDARITY, WITH GREAT FOOD, SPEAKERS AND ENTERTAINMENT. COST $20 - waged or $16 - unwaged/students/pensioners Telephone: JAMES (02) 6247 2424 for tickets. LL:AE Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
