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BOUGAINVILLE: PNG frustrates independence referendum

BOUGAINVILLE: PNG frustrates independence referendum Statements by Sir Michael Somare, Papua New Guinea's minister for Bougainville affairs, have exposed the lack of sincerity behind the PNG government's apparent agreement to allow the people of

Let off for minister over Yanner affair

Let off for minister over Yanner affair BY BILL MASON BRISBANE — Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said on May 8 that he was taking no further action against mines and energy minister Tony McGrady for a letter the minister forwarded to the judge

SOUTH AFRICA: Misdirected strategy weakens workers' movement

SOUTH AFRICA: Misdirected strategy weakens workers' movement JOHANNESBURG — The broad left (both in South Africa and internationally) has taken a cautious approach to critically analysing the program and activities of South Africa's largest and

BRITAIN: Labour cracks down on asylum seekers

BRITAIN: Labour cracks down on asylum seekers LONDON — A plane hijacked by Afghan asylum seekers provided the pretext for a resurgence in overt racism against refugees, urged on by right-wing newspapers and Britain's Labour government. The social

Newcastle protests treatment of refugees

Newcastle protests treatment of refugees BY MELODY COUTMAN AND PETER ROBSON NEWCASTLE — As the refugees, some fleeing political oppression, others fleeing poverty, left the ferry in hope of finding a new life they were met by grim grey-suited

Rollercoaster@stockmarket.com

Rollercoaster@stockmarket.com BY EVA CHENG After skyrocketing some 260% in 17 months from 1400 points to the March 10 peak of 5048, Nasdaq — the United States index which measures the prices of key hi-tech stocks — suffered a series

SOUTH AFRICA: Millions strike over job losses

SOUTH AFRICA: Millions strike over job losses Close to 4 million workers in South Africa joined a national strike against job losses on May 10, according to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). Around 400,000 strikers marched

Child-care expansion not an option

Child-care expansion not an option BY MARGARET ALLUM "Some have wrongly attempted to stereotype my government as possessing what is described as an old-fashioned attitude to women. Not only is that wrong, but I think it is in part born of a

Students tell Nike: 'Just stop it'

Students tell Nike: 'Just stop it' MELBOURNE — Twenty students held a mock fashion parade outside the Nike Superstore during the lunchtime rush on May 10. The protesters were in calico bags emblazoned with the words, "I'd rather wear a bag than

Student action forces VC onto back foot

BY SHUA GARFIELD HOBART — Vice-chancellor Don McNichol has sought to stare down rising student discontent at the University of Tasmania, refusing to give any promises to meet a log of claims put to him by a student general meeting of 100 students

Peter Hicks' tour dates

Peter Hicks tour dates Peter Hicks' tour dates Peter Hicks is touring to launch The Times We've Been Through. He is playing with percussionist Jules Witek and promises "some pretty damn hot progressive music". Friday, June 2, Selby Folk Club,

What are shares really for?

What are shares really for? BY EVA CHENG Supporters of capitalism often claim that shares are issued to channel "savings" for productive activities, which would otherwise be underfunded and "malnourished" causing the economy and jobs to suffer.