Galilee Basin Alliance demand the right to say 'NO' to mining

Galilee Basin Alliance	23:17 (8 hours ago)		Clip
to bcc: me

Media Release:  

Monday, 30 November 2015

GALILEE BASIN DEMANDS THE RIGHT TO SAY ‘NO’ TO MINING

Farmers and landholders in Central Western Queensland are calling on Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg and state ministers to give them the right to say ‘no’ to mining at the next meeting of the COAG Energy Council on Friday 4^th December.

Minister Frydenberg said he'd put mining and land access on the agenda at the meeting.

Denice Campbell from the Galilee Basin Alliance said it was vital this meeting delivers tangible action and gives farmers, landholders and Traditional Owners the power to refuse mining companies access.

“While mining companies ultimately have the right to access someone else’s land and do to it what they will, usually without any consideration for the agricultural industry that is already in place, there will never be justice for ordinary people going about their businesses in this country. This applies equally to Traditional Owners.  It is wrong, ordinary people know it is wrong, politicians know it is wrong; they have said so in public forums.  Yet nothing continues to be done because the mining companies have powerful allies in all political arenas.  This corrupted process needs to end now or there will be huge costs to be faced in the future not unlike the stories and consequences of the “stolen generation”. 

“It is time for the buck-passing and bullying to end, and for our governments to legislate to give all landholders and communities a veto over mining that threatens our land, our water and way of life.

“Individuals and communities across Australia have experienced severe distress due to the laws being weighted so heavily in favor of multi-national mining corporations that they can legally force access to land without consent.

“All governments across Australia need to act now to end this special treatment for mining giants and to give us the basic right to a fair go and a real say over whether miners are allowed access”

“The bullying and harassment of landholders and Traditional Owners by mining corporations needs to end now. Governments need to prevent any further harm to rural and regional families“   Ms Campbell said.

We are asking that all governments:

• Reach an agreement at COAG to legislate the legal right for landholders and Traditional Owners to say ‘no’ to access by coal and unconventional gas mining companies.
• Provide state and territory governments six months to deliver legislative changes to that effect, and if they are not forthcoming, create national legislation using relevant powers.
• Immediately commission an inquiry by the ACCC, using powers it already has, to investigate whether the unconventional gas industry have engaged in unconscionable conduct in their dealings with landholders.

Inquiry on Landholders' Right to Refuse gas and coal Bill

The private senator’s bill proposed to make gas or coal mining activities undertaken without prior written authorisation from landholders unlawful and would ban constitutional corporations from engaging in hydraulic fracturing operations (fracking) for coal seam gas, shale gas and tight gas.

In addition to the 95 submissions listed below

http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Environment_and_Communications/Gas_and_Coal/Submissions

the committee received by email approximately 350 short statements and form letters in support of the bill or that discussed matters beyond the scope of this inquiry. The committee decided not to publish on its website every email and form letter it received. An example of each type of form letter has been published.

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Scorecard: Planning bills not up to scratch

November 13, 2015

A new scorecard for Queensland reveals proposed new planning laws would be worse for the Queensland community and the environment than the planning laws in place under the Bligh government in 2012.

The scorecard, prepared by Environmental Defenders Office Qld (EDO Qld) and Queensland Conservation Council (QCC), comes after Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Jackie Trad tabled the Government’s Planning Bill 2015and two related bills in Queensland Parliament late Thursday.

The LNP Opposition also has draft planning laws that will be up for consideration by parliament at the same time as the Government’s planning bills[1].

EDO Qld solicitor Revel Pointon said the scorecard was designed to help the community make sense of complex planning laws and revealed Queenslanders were not getting the first-class planning framework they deserved.

“We compared both the Government and the Opposition bills to see how they compared to planning laws in place under the Bligh and Newman governments.

“The QCC/EDO Qld scorecard assessed all the planning laws against four key indicators: protection of nature; support for community participation in planning; promotion of accountability and transparency; and whether they provide certainty to the community.

“The scorecard findings reveal the Opposition planning bills would be the worst outcome for Queensland, but disappointingly the current Government’s proposed laws are not much better.

“There are serious accountability and transparency shortfalls in both the Government’s and the Opposition’s proposed new planning and development assessment laws, mainly due to too much flexibility surrounding decision-making that tends to favour developers interests over the community.

“The current Government is clearly better on community involvement in planning and development assessment, in particular proposing to restore rules in the Planning and Environment Court that will protect the community from the threat of massive costs.

“However, the Government’s bills are only marginally ahead of the Opposition Bills on the other three measures.

“We are particularly concerned the government has decided to continue with its single assessment system – SARA – which weakens the role of specialist departments such Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.

“If the Deputy Premier wants planning based on the best science, we need our specialist departments to have a strong decision making role in planning and assessment decisions.

“We need strong, clear planning legislation to protect the environment for the future and to protect the community’s right to have their say on development that affects the places that matter to them,” said QCC planning spokesperson Karen Robinson.

“However both sets of planning laws will further entrench the presumption of development approval by weakening controls on code assessable applications.

“They also reduce the community’s rights to oppose development that does not comply with local plans and planning schemes,” Ms Robinson said.

“We are already seeing rising discontent in the community, particularly in south-east Queensland, as people wake up to find 15 and 20 storey apartment buildings approved where plans allowed just 6 and 12 storey.

“At the same time, scarce parkland and important koala habitat is being removed from protected zones and made available for development.

“People tell us they believe the planning system is broken, yet if the community is hoping any of the proposed new planning laws will fix this they are going to be seriously disappointed.”

[1] The Planning and Development (Planning for Prosperity) Bill 2015 (and two associated bills) were tabled in June as Private Members Bills by Shadow Treasurer Tim Nichols.

151113 Joint Media Release_Bills tabled _FINAL

https://www.qldconservation.org.au/take-action/queenslandplanningbill/

more

 https://www.qldconservation.org.au/2015/11/scorecard-planning-bills-not-up-to-scratch/

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Damaging Australia's reputation: the dab hands of the financial & banking system, the politicians and the military.

Picture from The Age

... and, Networkers, just in case you thought it was only the politicians who are damaging Australia's reputation with corrupt activity (see link in last sentence about paying people smugglers), here is our wonderful banking system on display.  Of course, the Commonwealth Bank​ is not alone.  The organisation at the pinnacle of Austrailia's financial system, the Reserve Bank of Australia, has its problems as well. Recall the Securency scandal. And then you may also recall the NAB​ scandal. And the ANZ scandal.  And then there is Westpac and to top it all, the cream on the cake (so to speak), the millionaires club of Macquarie Bank. 

So - wotcha reckon, Networkers?  

Are all those previously referenced descendants of Ned Kelly​ or do they make Ned look respectable?  Just remember - these people hide behind a cloak of financial and business respectability ---- and they are trashing Australia's reputation.

To further explain how our politicians - and our military - are damaging Australia's reputation, Amnesty International has a lot to say. 

No pay : No get special deals from governments?

One in five large private companies paid no tax last year: ATO (http://t.co/Fyx3xnbL9p) http://t.co/fV2lOfRNVw pic.twitter.com/cAYsZQsDo1

— 1001pts Australia (@1001ptsAU) September 23, 2015

Labor, Shorten and a failure to halt boat turn-backs by military vessels at sea

From The Guardian

Below is The Editorial from to-day's The Age

For readers who are not familiar with The Age,

it is one of two major daily newspapers in Melbourne, Australia.

It is published by Fairfax Media Limited.

The other newspaper is the Herald Sun which is part of Rupert Murdoch's empire. 

***********

The background for this editorial is that the

National Conference of the Australian Labor Party,

the major opposition party in Australia,

will be held in Melbourne this week-end.

Refugee policy - and its inherent cruelty - is a major issue.

***********

Shorten's backflip on boat turn-backs is reprehensible

Date ---July 24, 2015 - 12:15AM

In case anyone has forgotten, it was the Australian Labor Party that introduced banishment to Nauru and Manus Island as a way of halting the flow of boats carrying asylum seekers and economic migrants to our shores. And it was Labor under Kevin Rudd that declared "asylum seekers who come here by boat will never be settled in Australia". That uncompromising "solution", as some might glorify it, has been the most profound deterrent on people-trafficking in this region.

Turning back boats was an addendum to that policy. It was introduced by the Abbott government in late 2013, initially by towing boats to Indonesian waters, then transferring people into orange vessels and pointing them back to Indonesia. Later variations include detaining people on Australian vessels in international waters before handing them to authorities from other countries; using Australian naval vessels to sail asylum seekers directly to ports in their home countries; and, more recently, paying cash to persuade an Indonesian boat crew to turn their boat around and go back.

None of this is acceptable. Not the offshore processing system, nor the eternal banishment from Australia. Not the reprehensible prison-like conditions on Nauru and Manus Island, which are designed to crush people's spirits and, thus, deter others who might attempt the ocean journey. And certainly unacceptable, in our view, is the interception, towing or turning back of boats, let alone handing people back to those same countries which they  believe perpetrate persecution, are complicit in such oppression, or are unable or unwilling to protect them from harm and discrimination.

Bill Shorten this weekend will ask the Australian Labor Party's national conference to formally approve  a dramatic shift in policy and  adopt  the turn-back strategy of the Abbott government. We believe the policy is morally repugnant, and that Labor's rationale is flawed.

Richard Marles, Labor's spokesman on immigration, contends that while most people who attempt the sea journey from Indonesia to Australia are genuine refugees, this final leg "is not a flight from persecution. No one is fleeing persecution in Indonesia". This is simplistic rubbish. Ask Papua New Guinea about refugees who have fled oppressive authorities or racial and religious violence in West Papua and other eastern provinces. More importantly, however, we remind Mr Marles that superior courts around the world have confirmed repeatedly that it does not matter whether a refugee has come via one country or many to seek asylum. The claim must be assessed, on its merits, by the country where it is sought.

We believe this nation should uphold its obligations under international law, with respect paid to the needs of each person who seeks assistance. For that reason, The Age does not support turning back asylum seeker boats. Repelling people at sea, or depositing them in other countries, prematurely terminates their claims for protection. This is a ruthless and despicable relinquishment of Australia's obligations.  While the offshore detention system provides for some processing of refugee claims, it is terribly flawed, not least  in principle. 

We believe in justice, and in extending compassion and dignity to people who seek refuge. To that end, we believe processing of refugee claims and detention arrangements should be conducted in Australia, by Australian authorities, and with the prospect of permanent settlement here for those who demonstrate legitimate claims. The Age is not naive enough to presume that this could be adopted without the risk of a sudden flood of boats heading to our shores. It is why we have always argued for a regional solution, rather than a Fortress Australia mentality.

If Labor adopts Mr Shorten's proposal, it will suggest a party that too readily ditches important principles for political gain.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/comment/the-age-editorial/shortens-backflip-on-boat-turnbacks-is-reprehensible-20150723-giiymr.html#ixzz3gk7Uaa3G

Brandishing Brandis knows no bounds. Now he is throwing his weight around in The Yartz!

This man probably holds these views honestly -

because he thinks he is the best arbitrator of our thoughts -

and our arts.

This article was written in 2010.

Miss Eagle is a former Queenslander.

She doesn't wish to return to the bad politics and racism that are still there.

And, of course, there is Brandis.

Miss Eagle has lived in Sydney and Melbourne 

and knows how egocentric each can be -

as if the sun rises only in these two places.

It is nice to hear of good things happening in the arts in Brisbane -

but Brandis! 

Brandis bullying The Yartz?!

Siphoning money off to spend on his pleasure at his leisure.

I know Brandis has been flaunting himself around

various Brisbane arts institutions for years -

but does his ego have to be inflicted on the rest of us?!

Jodestar Munstar

1 hr

Dear Arts Colleagues and Friends,

As you will know by now, Federal Arts Minister George Brandis has taken $104.8 million off the Australia Council, over four years, to start a National Centre for Excellence run by his own office. This will decimate the Australia Council's discretionary budget, and has threatened the new programs and initiatives that started only this year.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

1. Please write to your local federal MP to tell them how poor this decision is, and how it threatens the fundamental democratic process of arts funding. It doesn't matter what political party they are from, they represent you and your interests.
> Click on: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Members
> Put in your postcode, and it will give you the contact details for your local MP.

2. Get busy on social media: ‪#‎FreeTheArts‬

3. Sign the petition: http://australiansforartisticfreedom.org (this is still under construction at time of writing, so please check back at the end of the day to add your name).

australiansforartisticfreedom.org

http://australiansforartisticfreedom.org

AUSTRALIANSFORARTISTICFREEDOM.ORG

First: Turn Back The Boats. Now: Turn Back Australian Ebola Patients

Anyone would think that the Abbott Government was entering the gymnastics section of the next Olympics. Another backflip after much criticism!  It seems the government is now supporting Australians anxious to help those stricken by the ebola virus in West Africa. Let's take a look at how it seems they might have arrived at this peculiar stance:

To begin with a small remembrance of the history of Michael Wooldridge.  It is assumed that this is the authorised and sanitised version.  Then this is some of the murkier history from 1999.  Lots of schmoozing encompassed by this article, it would seem!

And now back to the present day and the FeF - the Federal ebola Flip.  

The Abbott Government is still rejecting calls to send in military personnel.  And - surprise, surprise - the government has opted for an external contractor - Aspen Medical.  And - surprise, surprise - who sits on the board of Aspen?  None other than the man of murkiness, Michael Wooldridge.  There's more about the Aspen ebola fight here.  Is the government able to get mates' rates for us on this deal?

And now we not only have "Turn Back the Boats", we have a new policy of "Turn Back Suspected Australian Ebola Victims".  If Australians working with ebola patients in West Africa are suspected of contracting ebola, they will not return to Australia.  Australians will be treated in the UK.  The UK deal has come after rejecting a previous offer from the European Union. Could this possibly be another example of the Abbott Govt's preference for the right to be a bigot? How could non-English speaking people be expected to adequately treat Australian cases of ebola?

For more, please go here.

Treaty? Yeah!!!

<

Cory Bernardi's hate speech and Warren Entsch's reply - The Liberal Party might well be a broad church but can it contain Bernardi?

Following this marvellous response to Senator Cory Bernardi by Warren Entsch MLA, I decided to put my money where my mouth is and have written to both men this morning.  My emails to them are below.
~~~~~~~~

Dear Senator Bernardi, you might consider what you are doing leadership - but leadership of what, for whom, and to where.  I particularly find objectionable your statements about single parent families.  My mother-in-law was widowed twice by the time she was 38 and left with two children from each marriage.  So she struck out twice in your book - single parent, and a step-parent family.  My husband grew up in dire poverty.  This was before there were government payments either for widows or single parents.  The family lived in dire poverty.  The children did not grow up to be criminals. They were/are a very close knit family.  So where are you going with all this bigotry, hatred, and exclusion?  Have you lived too narrow an existence?  Is this the only way you can get your name iinto the MSM and draw attention to yourself?  Do you have your eye on an international stage and attracting the attention of Fox News in the USA?   I am a Christian - and this sort of behaviour was never exhibited by Him who I follow.   Your statements seem to fit more with the man who built gas ovens for those he despised - so what coloured star are you suggesting for single parent families and step-parents?  Are you going to lock up the kids just in case?  Many people in this wealthy nation grow up in deprivation, poverty and exclusion.  Many of them are Aboriginal people living out of sight and out of mind in communities where we won't even provide them the same local government services as suburban Australians take for granted.  Your government is cutting services to people.  It is favouring the rich against the poor - and you stand there sanctimoniously with exclusionist clap-trap.  What do you expect the end result of all this to be?  A blissfully happy and content society - or a society in which there are massive social controls.  I thought the latter was contrary to the political philosophy of the Liberal Party of Australia. So what are you doing  about resigning your membership?   I wonder if you can answer my questions specifically - not form letter claptrap but specifically, genuinely, and personally.

#####

Well, Warren Entsch, aren't you one of the wonders of the modern world.  Thank you for speaking out and getting stuck into Cory Bernardi.  It would be all very well if Senator Bernardi was a constituency of one or may be two if including his spouse.  However, there is something very nasty abroad in the political discourse of this nation at this time.  It seemed to me to begin with the Julia Gillard comments of the Liberal Party, Alan Jones, and the convoy who wanted to Ditch the Witch and has gone well past political sloganeering to infect the political policies and discourse of the nation.  The sort of stuff that Cory Bernardi says is now OK.  Because the Prime Minister has not altered his discourse or called out such people as Bernardi, it is now OK to be  nasty to the people one doesn't like or of whom one disapproves.  Will be see action at Cronulla once again?  Your statement has come into the public arena in a very refreshing way. I welcome it and I hope I can see more of it - from others as well.  My view is that Australia as a nation has lost or is losing its way.  The national ethos of a fair go has all but gone - swamped by greed, consumerism, bigotry, racism, and xenophobia.  Who or what are we to become unless our national and political leadership turns those selfish and exclusionist boats around.  I hope to hear more of your refreshing public voice and I hope your voice and the voices of others like you can lead us out of the darkness now enveloping us.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Further reading:

Amazon flooded with reviews mocking Cory Bernardi's book

Tony Abbott keeps distance from Cory Bernardi abortion comments

Successive Australian Govts have introduced life-changing policies for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory resulting in frustration and the re-introduction of whitefella paternalism. Time for Treaty - yeah!

 ‘In the Absence of Treaty’

 December 2013

‘In the Absence of Treaty’ defines how, through changes to legislation and by engaging Aboriginal peoples in decision-making without access to independent advice, control is slipping away from them.

This book explores the current inadequacy of the processes used in engaging Aboriginal people. The Australia government has continued to blatantly ignore the recommendations of its own committees in this regard. 

For anyone wanting to explore more deeply the reasons for the ongoing and growing frustration of many Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory, In The Absence of Treaty provides a concise but incisive account from recent reports. In doing this it hints at possibly the only solution – treaties.

.  Please go here for an Order Form

Northern Territory Intervention revisited - along with more children stolen from their parents

Picture from the Remote Indigenous Gardens Network

Before the Intervention, before all the work stopped in our community, I used to work as a nutritionist at the Family Centre. But there’s nothing here now any more.
We used to provide food and I would encourage all the young mothers. How to look after their kids, how to make sure [the children] were fed healthy food. But now it’s gone, we never got an explanation why.
It’s hard for the young mothers now. If their little babies don’t put on weight for two or three weeks, they’ll be taken away from their mother’s arms by welfare.
I’ve seen it. It’s really sad for me because when I was working here I used to encourage them. Now they get no encouragement. There’s just a report typed into the computer for welfare.
For Aboriginal people, this thing is coming back for us. Stolen Generation. Taking kids away from own mother.
And that’s really sad. It’s really no good. It’s not just happening here, it’s happening everywhere in our communities.

This testimony is from a strong Aboriginal woman in a remote community in the Northern Territory. It was given in the spring of 2011 when her people were preparing for a festival and protest. She had worked as a nutritionist, a vital service in a poverty-stricken community where raising children is a daily struggle. Cuts to the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) program closed the service down. The cuts began with the Northern Territory Intervention.

Please read more here

No grazing in Victoria's Alpine Park - please organise to ensure this does not happen

I have taken this from Cam Walker's blog, Mountain Journal ~~~

Shortly after the election of the Coalition to power, the Mountain Cattleman’s Association of Victoria (September 17, 2013) issued a call for the new Federal government to overturn the current ban on grazing in the Alpine Park in Victoria.

In response, a spokesperson for Gippsland MHR Darren Chester said the federal government would “look at the issue should the state government put it forward”.

“Darren is still fully supportive (of cattle grazing) and we would be happy to take it to the party room if and when it happens.”

Such an action would be consistent with Mr Abbott’s intention to get rid of ‘green tape’ (ie, environmental protections), thereby removing the federal government from involvement in most key environmental decision making processes. It was only intervention by the previous Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, that saw the removal of the cattle after they were introduced by the Victorian government.

If this troubles you, please contact the new Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt, making it clear you would not support such a move.

E: greg.hunt.mp@aph.gov.au

Website: www.greghunt.com.au

Twitter: https://twitter.com/greghuntmp

Possible tweet:

Congratulations to new Enviro Minister @GregHuntMP Darren Chester says Gov will look at ending grazing ban. No cattle in the Alpine Park.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greg.hunt.mp

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar - 2013-08-28 : Women, Feminism, East-West Tunnel, Refugees, Debt & Environmental Damage

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar

August 28, 2013

Rally Slutwalk Melbourne 2013 Saturday, August 31, 12 noon. State Library, cnr Swanston & La Trobe Sts, City. Because it's never okay to blame the victim. In solidarity with international cities, SlutWalk Melbourne stands against victim-blaming and slut-shaming.

Rally Say no to the East-West Tunnel Saturday, August 31, 1pm. Smith Reserve, cnr Alexandra Pde & George St, Fitzroy.

Election night parties Celebrate with Socialist Alliance Saturday, September 7. After the close of polls, join with Socialist Alliance in Melbourne or Geelong, cheer and groan, and celebrate the socialist campaigns! Wills: From 6pm. Join us at Tony & Helen's place in Coburg for food, drinks and merriment, as we thank our candidate, Margarita Windisch, our election volunteers and supporters. RSVP toSocialist Alliance or call 9639 8622 to receive the address and directions for how to get to the party! Corio: From 6:30pm. Join with socialist candidate Sue Bull. Food & drink available. Downstairs, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St, Geelong.

This is the regular Melbourne activist calendar compiled by Green Left Weekly. Emailed to subscribers each Wednesday fortnight, it is a one-stop listing of the main left and progressive events in Melbourne and Geelong. Since it began in early 1991, Green Left Weekly has offered an indispensable alternative to the lies of the big-business media and has helped build the various movements for social change. To subscribe toGreen Left Weekly, visit our secure online website for rates and payment at Green Left Weekly or call our national hotline on 1800 634 206. You can also contact us at the Resistance Centre, 5th floor, 407 Swanston St, City; ph 9639 8622. In Geelong we are at the Activist Centre, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St (opening hours: Mon 2-4:30pm, Fri 10am-4:30pm); ph 5222 6900. New email address? Not already receiving this calendar regularly? Want to subscribe someone else? Let us know at Greenleft Melbourne.

Other coming events

Friday, August 30

Candidates meeting: Hear Wills candidates. Uniting Church, 212 Sydney Road (cnr Merri St), Brunswick. Presented by Brunswick Uniting Church. 7pm. For more info ph 0409 285 182.

Saturday, August 31

Rally: Livewire for Refugees: 24-hour non-stop community speakout for refugee rights. On the speakers list so far: Jeannie Rea (NTEU); Wendy Bacon (academic); Doctors for Refugees; Rebecca Eckard (Refugee Council of Australia); Misha Coleman (Australian Churches Refugees Taskforce); Pamela Curr (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre); Rural Australians for Refugees (Phillip Island); Jews for Refugees; Aran (Tamil Refugee Council); Friends of the Earth; Anna Funder (award-winning writer); Denis Altman (academic). 12 noon. City Square, cnr Collins & Swanston Sts, City. Hosted by Refugee Action Collective.

Rally: Slutwalk Melbourne 2013. Because it's never okay to blame the victim. In solidarity with international cities, SlutWalk Melbourne stands against victim-blaming and slut-shaming. 12 noon. State Library.

Rally: Say no to the East-West Tunnel. 1pm. Smith Reserve, cnr Alexandra Pde & George St, Fitzroy.

Public meeting: The forgotten war. On Anzac Day we remember Australian soldiers who served in wars overseas. Yet the 'frontier wars' fought between indigenous Australians and European settlers barely register on our historic radar. Eminent historian Henry Reynolds asks whether we can achieve genuine reconciliation without acknowledging almost 150 years of conflict on Australian soil. 1pm. Deakin Edge, Federation Square. To book visit Melb Writers' Festival.

Public meeting: Feminism now. Contemporary cultural messages about work, sex and the female body defy notions of equal opportunity for modern women. Writers Anna Goldsworthy and Monica Dux join women's rights campaigner Samah Hadid to discuss the trajectory of feminism and its status in the 21st century with media expert Lynne Haultain. Proudly supported by the Queen Victoria Women's Centre. 2:30pm. Deakin Edge, Federation Square. To book visit Melb Writers' Festival.

Public meeting: Intergenerational war. Satyajit Das argues that our economic growth and prosperity is based on excessive debt, irreversible environmental damage and overuse of non-renewable resources, including oil and water. It is an official policy of 'extend and pretend' where problems and costs are pushed into the future to feed current consumption and lifestyles. But the transfer of wealth from the future cannot go on forever and robs the generations to come. Can we adjust our behaviours? Will we stop eating our own children? Introduced by Michael Webster. 7pm. Deakin Edge, Federation Square. To book visit Melb Writers' Festival.

Fundraiser: Latin fiesta. With two amazing bands, The Conch & Son3. 7:30pm. MUA Hall, 54 Ireland St, West Melbourne. $15/$10. Organised by LASNET. Bookings essential, ph 0414 970 418 or 0425 539 149.

Monday, September 2

Public meeting: Beyond Zero Emissions Discussion Group. Speaker: Dr Scott Watkins (Stream Leader, Organic Photovoltaics, Materials Science and Engineering at CSIRO) is developing next generation organic solar cells. He will talk about the new manufacturing facility in Melbourne printing solar cells at the size of an A3 sheet of paper, which are one of the largest in the world. 6:30pm. Fritz Loewe Theatre (entry via Level 2), McCoy Building, Melbourne University, cnr Elgin & Swanston Sts, Carlton.

Tuesday, September 3- Friday, September 6

Comedy: Political Asylum decides: Election 2013. A hilarious final-week analysis of the election campaign in all it's absurdity, delivered by the masters of political mirth, Mathew Kenneally & Toby Halligan. Featuring nightly appearances by special correspondents: Tues, Sep 3: Rod Quantock, Aamer Rahman, Mick Neven; Wed, Sep 4: Aamer Rahman, Nicholas J Johnson; Thu, Sep 5: Stella Young, Ben Pobjie; Fri, Sep 6: Nelly Thomas, Stella Young. 6:30pm (1 hour show). The Brunswick Green, 313 Sydney Rd, Brunswick. $15/$12. To book visit Political Asylum.

Wednesday, September 4

Public meeting: How the workers are organising: Iran, Turkey & Egypt. Examining the role of the labour movement in the Middle East and North Africa's significant uprisings. 6pm. Evatt Room, Trades Hall, Cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South. Organised by Australia Asia Worker Links.

Concert: David Rovics 'into a prism' world tour 2013. These days David lives in Portland, Oregon and tours regularly on four continents, playing for audiences large and small at cafes, pubs, universities, churches, union halls and protest rallies. He has shared the stage with a veritable who's who of the left in two dozen countries, and has had his music featured on Democracy Now!, BBC, Al-Jazeera and other networks. His essays are published regularly on CounterPunch and elsewhere, and the 200+ songs he makes available for free on the web have been downloaded more than a million times. Most importantly, he's really good. Support act Les Thomas has played at many protests and venues across Melbourne and has been recording his debut album with the likes of Jeff Lang and The Stillsons. 7pm. $15 at the door. Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton South. Presented by Renegade Activists. Any profits donated to refugee campaign.

Thursday, September 5

Exhibition: Unseen Habitation. A site-specific exhibition, a walk through maze of installations created by 5 Australian artists of colour from diverse migration experiences: Somalia, Eritrea, Egypt, Vietnam and Bosnia. Each artist will explore how communities reconstruct place and home post-migration making use of various art forms, including; sculpture, installation, mixed media, and photography. Goodtime Studio, 746 Swanston St, Carlton (directly opposite Melbourne University). For more info ph Dominic Golding 0403 851 240.

Thursday, September 5-Friday, September 13

Film screening: Environmental film festival. Groundbreaking films, traversing the relationship between humans and their environments, challenging the way people think about the natural world and inspiring them to discuss, explore and act on important environmental issues. For bookings or info visit EFFM.

Friday, September 6

Public lecture: The politics of ungrievable lives. An analysis of the massacre of 1988 in the global context, a public lecture by Shahla Talebi of Arizona State University, herself a political prisoner under both the Pahlavi regime and the Islamic Republic. 7pm. Kaleide Theatre RMIT, 360 Swanston St, City. Presented by Iran Solidarity Melbourne & the Coalition of Iranian Activists of Sydney. For more info ph Shannon Woodcock on 0416 801 653 or Afshin Nikouseresht on 0402 360 442.

Saturday, September 7

Election night party: Socialist Alliance Wills campaign. 6pm. After the close of polls, join us at Tony & Helen's place in Coburg for food, drinks and merriment, as we thank our candidate, Margarita Windisch, our election volunteers and supporters. RSVP to Socialist Alliance to receive the address and directions for how to get to the party!

Conference: Chile 40 years. It has been 40 years since the overthrow of the popular and democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende in Chile. Local and international speakers, a film night with music, Latin American and Chilean activists. 10am-7pm. Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Rd, Richmond. For more info ph Maria Teresa 0429 947 776, Andrea 0431 125 709 or Marisol 0447 138 517.

Saturday, September 21

Rally: Let the refugees in! Seeking asylum is a human right. No matter who wins the election, refugees will lose. We need too keep up the fight for refugee rights. 1pm. State Library, cnr Swanston &amp La Trobe Sts, City. Organised by Refugee Action Collective.

Thursday, September 26

Concert: UK Subs last ever Australian tour. The UK Subs are one of the most visibly successful punk bands of all time, establishing themselves in the history books with a staggering amount of releases and a relentless touring schedule that continues to this day. 'Punk pioneers UK Subs released their 24th politically-charged album last month, to rave reviews' (see Green Left Weekly). The Bendigo, 125 Johnston St, Collingwood. To book visit OZ tix.

Monday, September 30-Tuesday, October 1

The Victorian Trade Union Choir: I'll be there: Songs and stories of solidarity. Created and produced by choir members with award-winning playwright Rebecca Lister and musical director Michael Roper, over an hour of songs and stories gathered from the rich history of the trade union and labour movements and the Victorian Trade Union Choir. 7:30pm. La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton. $25/$15. Bookings: La Mama or at the door or ph La Mama 9347 6142.

Wednesday, December 4-Saturday, December 13

Venezuela Solidarity Brigade: Participatory democracy, solidarity & socialism. Witness a people's revolution in the making. The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network's 14th solidarity brigade to Venezuela this December is a very special opportunity to observe, learn about and be inspired by the Bolivarian revolution that is transforming Latin America and challenging the greed, exploitation and destructiveness of global capitalism by showing that a better world is possible. Bookings close October 1. For bookings or info visit AVSN.

Geelong & regional Victoria

Thursday, August 29

Public meeting: Geelong Combined Refugee Action Group student meeting. 1pm. 1st Floor Library, Deakin Waurn Ponds Campus (near the cafe). For more info email Combined Refugee Action Group.

Friday, August 30

Drouin Public meeting: Drouin CSG information meeting. Speakers: Dr Gavin Mudd (Groundwater Specialist); Felicity Millner (Environment Defenders Office); Merryn Reddenbach (Doctors for the Environment). 7pm. The Drouin South Hall, Drouin-Korumburra Road. For more info email CSG Free.

Ballarat Public meeting: Where is Father Francis Joseph? In early 2013, the Commission for Justice & Peace of the Catholic Diocese of Jaffna wrote a letter to the President and members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka and pointed out that 146,000 Tamil people were missing and still unaccounted for. One of the missing was Catholic priest, Father Francis Joseph. He was last seen on May 18, 2009 being taken by the Sri Lankan Army. Over the past 4 years, several attempts have been made to the Sri Lankan security agencies on his whereabouts but no information has been forthcoming. We are conducting a campaign to get 10,000 signatures to the Sri Lankan Government to provide information on his whereabouts. 5pm. The Diocesan Centre, 49 Lydiard St South, Ballarat. Organised by Campaign for Tamil Justice. For more info ph Aran 0410 197 814.

Saturday, August 31

Ballarat Rally: Ballarat for Equal Marriage. If you support same-sex marriage and believe everyone deserves equal rights we invite you to join us. 2pm. Ballarat skate park, Barkley St, Ballarat.

Saturday, September 7

Election night party:Join with the Socialist Alliance Corio campaign. Food & drink available. 6:30pm. Downstairs, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St, Geelong.

Friday, September 20

Red Cinema: Requiem for Detroit. What capitalism does: the rise and fall of a great industrial city. 7pm (meal from 6:30pm). Entry by donation. Downstairs, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St, Geelong. For more info ph 5222 6900.

Campaign committees

Beyond Zero Emissions Melbourne branch meetings. BZE's monthly branch meetings are a way for current and prospective BZE volunteers to meet up, get to know each other and discuss upcoming events such as presentations, stalls, film nights and discussion groups. Meets on the third Monday of every month at Level 2, Kindness House, 288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. Active and prospective volunteers welcome. For more info email Chitra Perez or ph 0401 087 085.

Friends of the Earth's Anti-Nuclear & Clean Energy (ACE) collective meetings. Meets every second Tuesday. FoE office, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. For meeting times & more info email Zin.

Indigenous Social Justice Association. The Indigenous Social Justice Association was established in January 2005 to organise a Melbourne rally and march as part of a National Day of Action to mark the first anniversary of the death of Kamilaroi teenager, TJ Hickey in Redfern, and to demand a fresh inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death. Those organising this held consultations with interested members of the Victorian Aboriginal community. Participants in these consultations enthusiastically supported the proposal for a Melbourne rally to demand justice for TJ but asked that this not be a one-off event but part of an ongoing effort to permanently stop Aboriginal deaths in custody. During 2013, ISJA will meet the first Thursday of every month. For more info visit ISJA.

Melbourne Feminist Action Group. We think it's time to put women's rights back on the public agenda. We've started an open organising group and everyone's invited, from already existing women's rights groups and activist organisations, to women and men who may never have been involved in feminist action in their lives but just want to do something. We want to get together to have that crucial discussion: what can we do, right now, that will give this movement a push? It's open to everyone; anyone who attends can have their say. If you can make it, bring your ideas about what you would like to see happen next. For more info ph 0438 869 790 or email MelbFemAction.

Quit Coal: No New Coal Power for Victoria. A Melbourne-based collective which campaigns against expansion of the coal industry in Victoria. We believe this is important because building new coal infrastructure locks in decades of dirty, old technology, when we should be moving towards clean, renewable energy. Quit Coal meets each Wednesday at 6pm, at FOE, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. For more info visitQuit Coal or email Quit Coal.

Refugee Action Collective (RAC). Established in 2000, RAC is a democratic, grassroots activist collective, representing a broad cross section of the community. It aims to mobilise opposition to Australia's inhuman refugee policies. For more info ph 0413 377 978 or visit RAC.

Victorian Climate Action Calendar. For a comprehensive list of climate action events in our state. The VCAC covers events in Victoria and major events elsewhere and is intended to inform, educate and inspire. To subscribe to the calendar email Monique Decortis. Weekly updates are e-mailed out and online updates are available at VCAC. To add an event to the calendar, please download the Event Template from the website. Feel free to forward the VCAC to other interested people.

Workers Solidarity Network. WSN believes that we, as workers, have the power to improve our working conditions and bring about positive social change. WSN believes that our country is not a real democracy unless we have democratic workplaces where workers have a say. WSN believes that the only way to bring about a fairer share of resources in our society in by forming active unions and community organisations to fight for it. For more info visit WSN.

Resources

Recent articles from Green Left Weekly Principles should determine preferences Victorian farmers rally against fracking Media owned by billionaires is not independent Mass rebellion will win equal marriage rights Check out Green Left TV: See Refugee bashing is a weapon of mass distraction. To subscribe to Green Left Weekly visit our secure online website for rates and payment at Green Left Weekly or call our national hotline on 1800 634 206. Join us on Facebook. You can also contact us at the Resistance Centre, 5th floor, 407 Swanston St, City; ph 9639 8622. In Geelong: Activist Centre, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St (opening hours: Mon 2-4.30pm, Fri 10am-4.30pm); ph 5222 6900.

Broad, non-sectarian, activist Socialist Alliance Socialist Alliance is a proud supporter of the Green Left Weekly project and contributes a regular column. Socialist Alliance is a broad, non-sectarian socialist party, dedicated to bringing together all those who want to resist the capitalist assault on our planet and its people and fight for a socialist society that puts people's needs before business profits. Anyone who agrees with the general approach of our policies is welcome to join and organisations are invited to affiliate. For more information visit Socialist Alliance. Join us on Facebook. See our recent statements: Take back the wealth: Five reasons to nationalise the mines Socialist Alliance 2013 federal election campaign: Take back the wealth! Climate emergency Get involved Moreland Socialists The group is open to anyone (even if you live outside the area) who wants to work constructively to support Socialist Alliance councillor Sue Bolton and use her position to build up a stronger activist left presence in Moreland. In general, we meet monthly and alternate between Coburg and Fawkner. If you want to get involved in the group, email us at Socialist Alliance or phone Sue on 9639 8622 or 0413 377 978. For news and opinion visit Sue's Moreland Report. Contact Socialist Alliance. Join with other socialists in the struggle. Melbourne: Visit us at the Resistance Centre, 5th floor, 407 Swanston St, City; ph 9639 8622. In Melbourne, Socialist Alliance meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm, at the Resistance Centre. Geelong: Activist Centre, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St (opening hours: Mon 2-4:30pm, Fri 10am-4:30pm); ph 5222 6900.

Links: 'socialism for the 21st century' Links is an online journal which seeks to provide a forum for open and constructive dialogue between active socialists from different political traditions. It seeks to bring together those in the international left who are opposed to neoliberal economic and social policies, and reject the bureaucratic model of 'socialism' that arose in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Inspired by the unfolding socialist revolution in Venezuela, Links is a journal for 'Socialism of the 21st Century' and the discussions and debates flowing from that powerful example of socialist renewal. Egypt: End the military repression! Federico Fuentes on socialism in the 21st century and revolutionary leadership in Latin America United States: Socialists, unionists organised MLK's 1963 March for Jobs and Freedom The role of the united-front tactic