Victorian election shows the potential for a genuine left alternative
In an age when governments are lucky to inspire anything other than contempt among the mass of people, the Victorian Labor government gained a significant swing in the 24 November election. The ALP will likely increase its lower house majority from 45 seats to more than 55 (of 88) and is o...CONTINUE READING
Australia’s poverty disgrace
Two reports published in October make clear the widening gulf between rich and poor: luxury at the one end, barely getting by at the other. Investment bank Credit Suisse’s latest global wealth report revealed that there are nearly 3,000 super rich in Australia – those with wealth of more t...CONTINUE READING
Yindjibarndis vs. Twiggy: ‘We will make you pay dearly’
The Yindjibarndi people are no strangers to struggle. After a 14-year battle with Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest’s Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), they are one step closer to gaining compensation from a mining company — a first in Australian history. Initiated in 2003, the case is one of the longes...CONTINUE READING
‘Yes’ victory has changed the game
What better way to celebrate the first anniversary of the victorious “yes” vote for marriage equality than by watching the Liberal Party and the Christian right’s handling of the Religious Freedom Review. From Howard to Morrison, the right have positioned themselves as valiant fighters for...CONTINUE READING
Inside the Victorian Socialists path-breaking campaign
A recent Guardian article pointed out that you can’t go anywhere in the north of Melbourne without seeing Steve Jolly's face. Can you give me an idea of the scale of the Victorian Socialists campaign in the Northern Metro area? This is the biggest socialist election campaign in generations...CONTINUE READING
On the campaign trail with the Victorian Socialists
“Jeez, you’re up early!” Perhaps he could tell I’ve never been much of a morning person, despite two decades of early starts in construction. Or perhaps candidates for parliament rarely get to Craigieburn station to leaflet passengers scrambling onto the 5:43am to the city. This train land...CONTINUE READING
Government’s binge on consultants goes ballistic
The Big Four global accounting firms have banked $3.1 billion in taxpayer income in the past six years for government consulting. That’s three thousand one hundred million dollars in government revenue to just four firms – PwC, EY, KPMG and Deloitte – for providing advice. The four firms a...CONTINUE READING
Endless cruelty to refugees must stop
The Morrison government has indicated that it will transfer all refugee children and their families detained on Nauru to Australia for medical treatment by Christmas. But don’t start celebrating. While the announcement by George Brandis, Australia’s ambassador to the UK, was welcomed by ma...CONTINUE READING
Victoria: the police state
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews hails from the Socialist Left faction of the Labor Party. This has not stopped his government pursuing a repressive law and order agenda that would make Donald Trump blush. Crime in Victoria is at record lows. Figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show t...CONTINUE READING