Scrap all anti-graffiti laws

In recent years most states in Australia have introduced new ‘anti-graffiti’ laws. Western Australia followed suit on January 1 with state wide legislation that threatens graffiti artists with up to two years jail or fines of $24,000.

Music fans rally to save the Tote

For more than 25 years the Tote Hotel in Collingwood has been at the centre of Melbourne’s live music scene. The venue has helped launch some of Australia’s best known bands and played host to a long list of international acts. The pictures and posters that adorn the walls of the bar and band room give only a taste of the musical greats that have played at the venue.

A pathetic response to executive pay

When clothing manufacturer Pacific Brands announced in February last year that it would be moving offshore and sacking 1850 workers, people were clearly angry. But when it came out soon after that Pacific Brands chief executive Sue Morphet would have her pay increased from $685,775 to $1.8 million that anger turned into outrage.

Postal strike brings mail to a halt

More than 20,000 Australia Post workers walked off the job yesterday as part of a nationwide strike. Australia Post management said there was a significant backlog of post with about 4.1 million letters and parcels remaining undelivered.

Indonesia: Occupation of Istana factory continues

Interview with union Chairman, Kiswoyo

Textile workers from the Istana Magnoliatama factory in north Jakarta have been occupying their workplace for more than 2 years. Below is an interview with Kiswoyo – a member of KASBI and the union Chairman at the plant.

Eyewitness report from refugee boat in Merak

On Friday November 20th I had the opportunity to visit the 254 Tamil refugees who are on a boat moored at the port of Merak in Indonesia. Prior to my visit I had been in regular phone contact with the refugees but to see the deplorable conditions on the boat first hand was indeed a shock.

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.