New MUA solidarity group
LISMORE — The Lismore Wharfies Support Group has been set up to organise local solidarity activity for the Maritime Union of Australia and to inform people about the Howard government's attacks on working people.
The group, formed by members of the Australian Services Union, Community and Public Sector Union, Industrial Workers of the World, Resistance and the Democratic Socialist Party, organised a bus full of people to attend the Brisbane May Day march on May 4. It is also organising a public forum on the waterfront dispute on Thursday, May 7 at 7pm at the Lismore Town Hall. Feature speakers will include wharfies from the Brisbane branch of the MUA and local trade union activists.
The Lismore Wharfies Support Group meets Thursdays at 6.30pm at the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre, McKenzie Street. For more information, telephone Patti Munro at the Neighbourhood Centre on 66215 275.
Child-care rally
ADELAIDE — On April 29, about 50 concerned parents and supporters gathered outside the Town Hall to hear speakers condemn the federal government's attacks on child-care.
The rally was organised by the South Australian Child Care Coalition. Slogans on placards, such as "Howard — what about choice for women?" and "68.7% of parents experienced fee increases" reflected the crowd's anger at the government's funding cuts.