Dynamics of the Cuban Revolution

Lessons for activists today

Wed 5 September

Perth Activist Centre, 15/5 Aberdeen St, Perth
(next to McIver station)

Hosted by Socialist Alliance and Resistance.

Ph 9218 9608, 0413 976 638

Northam convergence for refugee rights

Around 160 refugee rights activists traveled to the Yongah Hill detention centre near Northam on Sunday 26 August. Three buses, two mini-vans and several private cars joined the convoy from Perth alongside a small number of locals who came to support refugee rights and an end to mandatory detention.

The protest also was the first major expression in Perth of opposition to the reintroduction of offshore "dumping" of refugees at Manus Island and Nauru.

Speakers included Greens senator Scott Ludlam, Serco Watch convenor Colin Penter and academic Caroline Fleay. A particularly moving speech was given by former detainee called Jacob.

After hearing speakers, protesters proceeded up a nearby hill to be able to establish visual contact with refugees inside. A giant "Free the Refugees" banner was unfurled and balloons with freedom messages were released. A radio broadcast was also set up so that refugees inside could hear from the protesters directly.

Media reports came from The West Australian, The Australian and ABC online and several TV stations.

Colin Barnett tackles "out of control" parties

In a "stunning victory for civil liberties", the Barnett government has announced that they will introduce legislation to enable police officers to enter private houses without a search warrant and without the permission of the property owner.

The Evening News investigates the implications of this move.

Evening News is produced by Green Left TV:
http://www.GreenLeftTV.org.au

Convergence to Northam for refugee rights

On Sunday 26th of August, Refugee Rights Action Network will be converging on the recently opened Northam Detention Centre (at Yongah Hill) to protest against mandatory detention of refugees.

Given the recent (disgraceful) adoption of the lethal and unjust "Pacific Solution" by the federal Labor government, there couldn't be a better time to show your support for justice for refugees.

The convergence is gathering a lot of support (four buses have been booked) but it is not too late to come along and get on board.

The convergence will depart from East Perth train station on Sunday 26 August at 10am.

Please register in advance and if possible pay the bus fee of $20 solidarity, $15 waged, $10 concession in advance (but paying on the day is also possible).

(Some people will be self-driving as well.)

Take this opportunity to support refugee rights.

Register for Northam convergence via Refugee Rights Action Network site:
rran.org/blog/2012/06/northam-convergence-2012-2

More information about refugee rights:
Labor, Liberal partners in crime against asylum seekers
www.greenleft.org.au/node/51915

GREEN LEFT TV: Tony Kevin exposes the anti-refugee 'people smuggler' myths
www.greenleft.org.au/node/51948

SATIRE: Carlo's Corner - let's all welcome Prime Minister Tony Abbott
www.greenleft.org.au/node/51943

Socialist Alliance: Unholy Abbott/Gillard alliance strengthens racist 'Fortress Australia'
www.greenleft.org.au/node/51928

The 'moral bankruptcy of our ruling classes'
www.greenleft.org.au/node/51927

The environmental record of Bulldozer Barnett

James Price Point, the recent forestry plan, gas fracking in WA, urban bushland, the waterfront...

These are some of the issues in which the Barnett Liberal government has failed in its environmental responsibilities.

This forum will discuss the environmental record of the Barnett government and canvas ideas for action.

Speakers:
Beth Schultz (Forest Alliance)
Claire McKinnon (No Fracking Way)
Dale Jones (Forest Rescue)
Joe O’Keith (City Gatekeepers)
Zeb Parkes (Socialist Alliance)

6:30pm Wed 29 August

Perth Activist Centre,
15/5 Aberdeen St, (next to McIver station)

Attend on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/353047231440011

Hosted by Socialist Alliance and Resistance
Ph 9218 9608, 0413 976 638

Human Rights under attack in Sri Lanka - a new network in WA

* Genocide against Tamils
* Australia sending refugees back to torture
* Activists "disappeared" in Colombo

Special presentation:
Brian Senewiratne
The human rights crisis in Sri Lanka - the reality in the North and the East - which way forward?

Plus contributions from:
Dr T Rajeswaran
Experience of the Tamil Diaspora

Phil Chilton
Tamil refugees: Australia’s political prisoners

PA Subramaniam
Discrimination and violence against Tamils

Sam Wainwright
Establishing a WA campaign network

2pm, Sat 1 September

Reception Room (Administration Building), Fremantle Town Hall
(enter via stairs and patio near playground)

WA Network for Human Rights in Tamil Eelam and Sri Lanka
Contact: Sam Wainwright 0412 751 508 or PA Subramaniam 6364 3670
humanrightstamileelamsrilanka@ymail.com

Charter for Human Rights in Sri Lanka and Tamil Eelam
We are working for:

• an immediate halt to extra-judicial killings by all forces, including the Government of Sri Lanka.

• the recognition and respect for the human rights of all citizens of the island of Sri Lanka; including the right to free speech, freedom of assembly, workers’ organisation and freedom from arrest and imprisonment without trial.

• the immediate release of all political prisoners.

• an immediate end to the internment and ethnic cleansing of Tamils from their traditional homeland, and the deliberate resettlement of people from elsewhere on the island into these areas for the purpose of breaking up the Ilankai Tamil nation.

• the right of all citizens displaced by war, internment and ethnic cleansing to return to their homes.

• the prosecution of all those who have committed war crimes.

• demilitarisation of the traditional Ilankai Tamil regions by the GOSL.

• the right of the Ilankai Tamil nation to self-determination.

• Australia should do all it can to assist the safe passage of and give shelter to all those fleeing violence and persecution on the island of Sri Lanka.

Endorsed by: Refugee Rights Action Network, Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam, Australian Tamil Congress WA, Ilankai Tamil Sangham, Socialist Alliance

Carolus Wimmer Speaking in Perth

Venezuelan revolutionary Carolus Wimmer speaking in Perth on August 16 as part of a national tour organised by the Communist Party of Australia.

Green Left TV July-August appeal

Thermometer as at August 16

can you help get us get there?

As you may know, the new Green Left TV online video project, in conjunction with Green Left Weekly, is running an appeal to raise $60,000 in July and August.

A fantastic $32,000 has been donated to the July-August Green Left TV appeal, from many individual supporters, and from fundraising events everywhere from Armidale to Hobart to Perth. Thanks so much to everyone who has given such encouraging support.

Green Left TV’s YouTube channel is growing daily. It is now over 36,000 channel views with over 225 subscribers, having made 78 videos on a large range of issues.

A brilliant example of Green Left TV is Daryl Davies' amazing interview with forest activist Miranda Gibson - 60 metres up a Tassie old growth tree (spectacular views but those with vertigo beware)! Also recently, Green Left TV turned the tables on the corporate media, with Channel 7 coming to us for footage of Resistance activists occupying Coles in support of striking workers. 

Other new pieces worth checking out on Green Left TV include a support action for Aboriginal boxer Damien Hooper; dramatic footage of police moving against the Lizard’s revenge anti-uranium protest at Olympic dam; a ‘What is socialism?’100 second compilation; and the newest episode of the Green Left Report – featuring refugee rights and more.

The thousands watching and sharing Green Left TV shows the importance of this new extension to Green Left Weekly’s 20+ years of people powered media. 

But we are still $28,000 short of our target. Please help us have a huge 14 days to get as close as possible to $60,000, so GLTV can really get on it's feet to be a permanent media for the 99%. 

The are 2 ways you can support the appeal:

1. Donating directly to the Green Left TV appeal: Please consider a contribution, whether $50 or $500, it all helps. Donate now online here, freecall 1800 634 206 to donate over the phone, mail a cheque or money order to PO Box 394, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia, or give a cash donation to your local Green Left organiser. You can check here the ‘rewards’ on offer for various levels of donation. 

2. Support upcoming fundraising events: There are fundraising events in many cities over the next couple of weeks - with all funds raised going to Green Left TV. Go along to the events, and consider chucking in an extra donation for the appeal. 

Check out Green Left Weekly for regular updates on the appeal. Thanks again for the support so far, yours in solidarity,

The Green Left TV and Green Left Weekly teams

Venezuelan revolutionary Carolus Wimmer to speak in Perth

Perth public meeting

Maritime Union Hall
2-4 Kwong Alley, North Fremantle

6pm Thursday 16 August 2012

Hosted by the Communist Party of Australia.

Ph 0419 812 872.



DR CAROLUS WIMMER

Dr Wimmer is a widely respected Venezuelan political scientist, educator and writer, lecturer and columnist nationally and internationally.

Elected to the Latin American Parliament in 2005 he served as Vice-President from 2008 to 2011. Dr Wimmer was re-elected as a deputy to the Latin American Parliament for 2011 to 2016 and for this period Dr Wimmer is Chairman of the Latin American Parliament’s Committee on Energy and Mines and a member of the Committees on Indigenous Peoples, Agriculture, and Education and Culture.

He was Director of International Relations of the Venezuelan National Assembly from 2002 to 2005 and International Advisor to the President of the National Assembly from 2001 to 2002.

Dr Wimmer is a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Venezuela (PVC) and International Relations Secretary of the CPV.

He is founder and Director of Open Debate, a journal of political ideas. His many awards include the National Book Award of Venezuela in 2004 and 2007, the National Award for Communication from the Ministry of Communication and Information in 2008, the Municipal Social Communication Award from the Municipality Libertador Bolivarian in 2009, and the order “Ezequiel Zamora” 1st Class

Equal Marriage rally in Perth

The video above gives a flavour of the Perth rally for equal marriage rights on the 8th anniversary of the Liberal-Labor ban on same-sex marriages.

Between 700 and 1000 people participated in the Perth rally which was addressed by Lynn MacLaren (Greens), Louise Pratt (ALP) and Bec Leighton (NUS).

The video below is the national round-up video by Green Left TV.

VIDEO: Stop the Super Trawler

Video from the August 11 Perth action against the Super Trawler which threatens Australia's marine eco-systems.

Rally for marriage equality: 11 August 2012

Don't give up the fight!

Rally for marriage equality
on the 8th anniversary of the ban on equal marriage rights

1pm Sat 11 August

Stirling Gardens, Perth CBD
(corner of Barrack St & St George's Terrace)

Great news: Greens to put marriage bill, Tasmania to legislate for marriage
A sign of the growing momentum for marriage equality came with the announcement at the Tasmanian state Labor conference on August 4 that the Labor-led Tasmanian government would aim to pass legislation this year to legalise same-sex marriage in the state, should federal parliament fail to do so. [Read more]

Record support for Marriage Equality but bill on hold
A Senate committee recommended on June 25 that Australian parliament make marriage equality law after almost 60% of 46,000 submissions were in favour. A report tabled for the lower house on June 18 also had overwhelming support, but did not support or reject the two marriage equality bills before parliament.

The lower house committee received a record 276,000 responses during its inquiry, with more than two-thirds in support of gay marriage. [Read more]

A previous demonstration for equal marriage and against bigotry in Perth

The struggle for democracy and environment in Malaysia

Former political prisoner speaks out

Choo Chon Kai is a Leader of the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and editor of its Chinese language newspaper.

He was detained under Emergency Ordinance (EO) together with five other PSM members for 27 days in 2011 prior to Bersih 2.0 rally.

Coordinator for the human rights organisation Suaram from 2002 as 2007 and also campaigned for the repeal of Malaysia’s repressive Internal Security Act.

Choo Chon Kai will also be speaking on the campaign to stop Lynas Corporation from processing Rare Earth Concentrate in Malaysia from its Mt Weld mine in Western Australia.

This is your chance to hear first hand about the struggle for democracy and the largest environmental campaign in Malaysia’s history

6:30pm Tuesday 7 August,

Venue: Hilton Community Centre: 34 Paget St, Hilton.

Contact: Marcus Atkinson 0400 505 765 or Sam Wainwright 0412 751 508

Sponsored by: Bersihkan Malaysia Perth, Stop Lynas, Anti-Nuclear Alliance of WA, Socialist Alliance.

Towards a Socialist Australia: a one day conference August 4

This one day conference will be exploring socialist ideas and strategies as part of an extended public discussion about the draft "Towards a Socialist Australia" document produced by Socialist Alliance.

Saturday 4 August 2012

Perth Activist Centre
15/5 Aberdeen St, Perth (next to McIver station)

Program
11am The Ugly Truth of Australian Capitalism
What boom? - Sam Wainwright 
Aboriginal rights and the sovereignty movement - Marianne Mackay
Fracking, climate & environmental justice - Claire McKinnon
Corporate greed - Colin Penter

1pm The Struggle for Democracy and Socialism in Malaysia
Speaker: Choo Chon Kai
(Choo Chon Kai is a member of the central committee of the Malaysian Socialist Party and coordinator of their international bureau. He was one of the activists detained under the Emergency Ordinance for 27 days in 2011 during the police crackdown prior to Bersih 2.0 rally.)

2:30pm Building an anti-capitalist voice in Australian politics
Speaker: Peter Boyle (National co-convenor of Socialist Alliance)

4pm Towards a Socialist Australia
A panel of speakers sharing visions and perspectives and thoughts on the new document "Towards a Socialist Australia" including Kamala Emanuel, Clare Middlemas, Beck Copestake and Alex Whisson.

Organised by Socialist Alliance and Resistance.

Ph 9218 9608, 0413 976 638.

Malaysian democracy activist to speak in Perth

Malaysian Democracy activist Choo Chon Kai will be speaking at two public events in Perth in the next week:

• "The struggle for democracy and socialism in Malaysia"
  As part of the Towards a Socialist Australia conference
  Perth Activist Centre, 15/5 Aberdeen St, Perth (next to McIver station)
  
• "Campaigning against Lynas toxic waste dump"
  Foyer, Hilton Community Centre, 34 Paget Road, Hilton

Chon Kai is a central committee member of the Malaysian Socialist Party (PSM) and is currently editor of their Chinese language newspaper. He is also coordinator of the PSM international bureau.

Chon Kai was a student activist when studying at the Universiti Sains Malaysia and was suspended for a semester for selling badges that criticised the Internal Security Act.

Between 2002 and 2007 he worked as coordinator of the human rights organisation Suaram.

In 2011 he was detained for 27 days under the Emergency Ordinance as part of the police crackdown prior to the Bersih 2.0 rally for democratic and "clean" elections.