Solidarity with the Tamil refugees

In recent weeks we have seen an increase in the number of Sri Lankan Tamils seeking asylum in Australia. Most of these people have been travelling by boat via Indonesia and Malaysia. This has put the refugee issue back on the main stage for the first time since the 2004 Federal election.

CBD violence: The solution is to undermine the cause

For the past few months the capitalist press has bombarded us with stories about alcohol-fuelled street violence in Australia’s major cities. Socialists accept that crime and late night anti-social behaviour is a problem in many areas. We wholeheartedly understand people’s concerns.

Save Solar Systems – Nationalise now!

200 rally to save Solar Systems factory!

A few hundred people rallied in inner northern Melbourne today against the closure of the Solar Systems factory. The rally heard speakers from local environment groups, the manufacturing workers union, internet lobby group Get Up and the Greens. A Solar Systems worker who was recently made redundant also addressed the crowd.

Economic crisis: Is the worst over?

One year on from the biggest financial crisis for 80 years most people are hoping that the worst is over. It is true that the stimulus packages introduced by the Rudd government have cushioned the effects of the crisis and postponed a significant increase in unemployment. This has meant that while many workers are concerned about the future most are not yet feeling the full effects of the downturn.

7-Eleven: Pressure mounts on Eddie Chan

More than 30 people attended a protest outside the 7-Eleven store on Domain Rd, South Yarra last Friday evening. The action was organised by UNITE, the union campaigning against the underpayment of wages in 7-Eleven stores.

Oppose weakening OH&S laws

Safety not profits!

The Rudd-Gillard government was elected in 2007 with a mandate to improve workers rights. Since then they have done exactly the opposite and pandered solely to the needs of the bosses. Labor has kept the vast bulk of WorkChoices, maintained the ABCC and now they want to water down hard won OH&S laws.

New Zealand: Recession – is the worst over?

In recent weeks the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, has flagged an end to the country’s recession. A National Bank of New Zealand business survey has also outlined a return to positive growth after the nation recorded negative growth since the first quarter of 2008. Does this mean the worst is now over?

Asia Pacific: Pacific Islands Forum

Australia & New Zealand push neo-colonial agenda

The 40th annual Pacific Islands Forum took place in the Queensland city of Cairns on August 5-6. Fifteen heads of state from the region met to discuss a range of issues including a new regional free trade agreement, the situation in Fiji and climate change.

The issues behind Australia’s military build up

While the government is busy telling workers to tighten their belts, they have announced plans to increase defence spending by more than 20 per cent. The reasons outlined for this enormous increase have been explained in the government’s Defence White Paper which was released in May.

Bligh set to sell off Queensland!

The Bligh State Labor Government in Queensland is set to sell off $15 billion worth of public assets. The Government claims that with most of their trading partners in recession, they need to raise billions of dollars in order to maintain government services and their AAA credit rating.