Upcoming Gaza Solidarity protests and meetings (UPDATED JAN 7):

Socialist Alliance national co-convener Dick Nichols today welcomed the December 20 decision of the New South Wales government to restore free student travel.

“People pressure works”, he said. “The Rees’ government’s November mini-budget decision to axe free travel for students would have hurt working class communities and students most. Had it remained NSW Labor would have had no chance of improving its abysmal poll showing.

“If Rees and Roozendaal started reducing public transport fares, boosting investment in public transport infrastructure and overcoming their obsession about keeping NSW in the black, working class families and communities, the economy, the environment and even Labor’s electoral chances would benefit.”]]> http://www.socialist-alliance.org/page.php?page=810 Media Release, Dec 15, 2008

The Rudd Government’s emissions reduction target of 5 -15 % by 2020 and its decisions to accept a target of 450 ppm CO2e (parts per million, carbon dioxide equivalent) and to give free permits to the worst industrial polluters, are appalling and disgraceful. It must be roundly condemned by the 80% of Australians who realise that immediate and emergency action is essential if we are to save our environment for future generations.

A target of 450ppm is not even a firm +2°C target, as statistically there is a 78% chance of exceeding 2°. The Socialist Alliance says that GHG emissions must peak by no later than 2015, then fall by at least 5% annually, to achieve a target of 300-325 ppm CO2 and have any chance of stopping the most severe impact of climate change.

The laws of science aren't interested in political compromises and steering "a balanced course". Climate targets must be set according to the scientific imperatives, and putting them through political filters can only imperil the planet.

The speakers who addressed the conference reflected the Socialist Alliance's successful work in building alliances with a broad range of socialist and progressive activists and organisations around Australia and abroad over the past few years.

View a video presentation of the conference

Bolton added that the increase in the socialist vote was part of a progressive swing in politics, as the increased vote for the Greens confirmed.

“People are increasingly voting against mainstream Lib-Lab politics. The Socialist Alliance will build on these results to strengthen real worker and community resistance to the economic crisis, destruction of services and degradation of the environment. We look forward to collaborating with all other political forces that support those goals.”

November 29, 2008

“The Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecution’s dropping of charges against Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union official Noel Washington is a victory for all workers and our rights at work. As a result the anti-worker Australian Building and Construction Commission has been seriously weakened”, Margarita Windisch, Socialist Alliance Acting National Trade Union coo ...]]> http://www.socialist-alliance.org/page.php?page=806

Don't miss the Socialist Alliance National Conference

Conference Highlights

SPECIAL PUBLIC FORUM

Saturday, December 6

Financial Meltdown – What Response?

• The financial, environmental and social roots of the crisis

Jamie Doughney (Victoria Uni ...]]> http://www.socialist-alliance.org/page.php?page=805 http://www.socialist-alliance.org/page.php?page=804
Socialist Alliance Indigenous Rights Spokesperson and Aboriginal activist Sam Watson has called for major rallies in cities across Australia in response to Palm Island Aboriginal man Lex Wotton being found guilty on October 24 of “rioting with destruction”. He has been sentenced to seven years in jail.