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The left vote in the federal elections

By Peter Boyle The socialist vote declined in the October 3 federal election, reflecting the swing back to the ALP in traditional Labor seats, where most of the 39 left candidates stood. The Greens and the Australian Democrats also suffered a

How unions struck against destruction of Medibank

How unions struck against destruction of Medibank By Sue Boland July 12, 1976, was a historic date for Australian labour movement. It was the date of the first nationwide 24-hour strike called by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).

The myth of Indonesia's development of East Timor

The myth of Indonesia's development of East Timor By Simon Andrewartha The latest round of UN-sponsored talks between Indonesia and Portugal this month keeps the door of hope open for East Timor's supporters. Yet the daily reality in that country

War in the Balkans: the aftermath

By Paul Aiken Three years after the Croatian army took control of the Serbian-held areas of Croatia, those who were caught between the warring parties continue to face enormous obstacles in their attempts to return to their homes and way of life.

Asylum seekers demand end to '45 days' rule

BRISBANE — Believe it or not, there is a group of people Australia who are forbidden to earn a living. Because they cannot work, they cannot get Medicare. They also cannot receive social security benefits. They are not even allowed to do voluntary

Democracy and the environment

By Peter Montague The environmental movement is treading water and slowly drowning. There is abundant evidence that our efforts — and they have been formidable, even heroic — have largely failed. After 30 years of exceedingly hard work and

Play looks at Timor community's 'divided self'

By Vannessa Hearman MELBOURNE — Aifunan Midar (Sweet Flowers), a play devised and performed by 18 members of the East Timorese community, opened here on October 8 at Gasworks Theatre. The play uses traditional singing and drumming, coupled with

Amnesty International slams US human rights record

Despite its claim to be the world leader in human rights, the United States is failing to respect fundamental rights at home and abroad, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL said on October 6. AI has released a report on US human rights and launched its first

Renewed war in East Timor

Renewed war in East Timor The Indonesian military has increased troop numbers in eastern East Timor and is engaged in a renewed war against the people, according to the Australian East Timor Network (AETN). AETN said last week that it has reliable

Carr's public transport hypocrisy

Carr's public transport hypocrisy By Jenny Long SYDNEY — A last-minute deal saved the face of the state Labor government during NSW's inaugural Public Transport Week, October 5-11, when the railways unions called off a planned 24-hour strike.

Labor gains in campus elections

Labor gains in campus elections By Wendy Robertson The latest round of student elections has resulted in the ALP (both the "left" and right factions) gaining ground on many campuses, including those traditionally controlled by the activist left.

No agreement in West Papua

By Linda Kaucher Official Indonesian reports of a relaxing of the "military operations zone" status of Irian Jaya (West Papua), and of a cease-fire agreement with OPM (Free Papua Movement) activists, are contradicted by the OPM's denial of such an