Women and the corporate world in Australia - all push and no give

Picture from here

This was in The Age this morning. http://goo.gl/kJAPoQ - 

so I want to put the bleeding obvious out there 

which is constantly and consistently overlooked.

1. Australia has had a Sex Discrimination Act since 1984 - as part of Australia's ratification of United Nations Human Rights and the Convention to Eliminate Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

2. A decision was made - which has turned out to be less than really useful - to encourage Australian employers to do the "right thing" by a carrot and stick method which has proved, over time, to be almost completely ineffective.

3. At this stage in time we should not have targets like wouldn't it be nice to have 30% of women on boards. What would make more sense to me would be to have 50% of boards with only 30% of men on them.

I can see that Nicola Wakefield Evans and the @Australian Institute of Company Directors http://goo.gl/Uiee57 might want to do the right thing - but they are merely setting themselves up for yet another failure to effect any meaningful change. In fact, it is all too little and all too late. If someone wishes to make an argument for gradual change, so be it. But what is it worth after more than three decades of failure?

New target set: 30pc women on boards by 2018

The Australian Institute of Company Directors wants ASX 200 companies to voluntarily meet a target of 30 per cent of board seats to be filled by women by 2018.

THEAGE.COM.AU

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar - 2015-02-11

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar February 11, 2015 Public meeting: The Greek elections, Syriza and the fight against austerity in Europe Thursday, February 19, 6:30pm (meal from 6pm). Speakers: Dick Nichols (Green Left Weekly European correspondent, covered Greek elections); Afrodity Giannakis (resident in Greece, active in social movements and Syriza until mid-2014).  Multicultural Hub (Old Drill Hall), 506 Elizabeth St (opposite Victoria Markets). $10/$5. Presented by Socialist Alliance & Green Left Weekly. For more info ph 9639 8622. Facebook event ACTU day of action: Fight for our rights Wednesday, March 4, 10am. Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South. 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 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. Until Sunday, March 1 Sustainable Living Festival. Raises awareness and provides tools for change by showcasing leading solutions to the ecological and social challenges we face. It will again present a rich program of home and lifestyle solutions including talks, workshops, art, film, performance and markets to educate and inform the audience about their state of sustainability. For agenda visit SLF. Thursday, February 12 Forum: Preventing crimes against nature? How can the legal system be changed to better protect nature and sustain life? Speakers: Nicola Rivers (Environmental Justice Australia); Alessandro Pelizzon (Southern Cross University); Kate Auty (former Victorian Government Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability); Ellen Sandell (State Greens MP). 6pm. Entry Free. The Deakin Edge, Federation Square, City. Public meeting: A report-back on the Vienna Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons. Speakers: Robert Tickner(CEO, Red Cross), Phoebe Wynn-Pope (Red Cross), Tilman Ruff, Vanessa Macedo and  Michael Hamel-Green (Victoria University). 6pm. Australian Red Cross, 155 Pelham St, Carlton. Friday, February 13 - Friday, March 6 Transitions Film Festival. Australia’s largest sustainability film festival is dedicated to showcasing inspirational documentaries about the social and technological innovations, revolutionary ideas and trailblazing change-makers that are leading the way to a better world. For more info visit Transitions Film Festival. Friday, February 13  Sustainable Living Festival Great Debate: To collapse or not to collapse? Pushing for economic ruin or building a 'great transition'. As the climate crisis continues to unfold so too does the polarisation of core strategy within the environment movement. At one end of the spectrum, there are those who remain firmly dedicated to building a mass global movement to achieve a full-scale emergency, wartime -like transition of our economy. Counter to this position, some environmentalists are fueled by a strong belief that speeding up an implosion of the global financial system is the only thing that can prevent catastrophic climate change. Speakers: George Monbiot (video link); George Marshall; Jess Moore; David Holmgren & Nicole Foss. 6.30pm. $25. The Deakin Edge, Federation Square, City. Concert: Apology day celebration. In celebration of the anniversary of the apology to Australia's Stolen Generations. Featuring: Christine Anu, Archie Roach, Frank Yamma, Jimblah, Thelma Plum, Kurcha Edwards, Tim Rogers, Clare Bowditch, Horror Show and Blue King Brown. Singer/songwriter Eddie Perfect and actress Miranda Tapsell will take on hosting duties. Entry free. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. More information is available from Healing Foundation. Saturday, February 14 Global Divestment Day rally: Break up with fossil fuels. 11am. Star Lawns, Alexandra Gardens, behind the boat-sheds. Facebook event Forum: UK climate change communications specialist, George Marshall. Given everything we know about climate change why do many still ignore it? Climate communications specialist George Marshall helps us understand the psychological and social mechanisms behind our failure to engage with the urgency and seriousness of the issue. 2pm. RMIT, Building 80, Lecture theatre 80.02.007.445, Swanston St, City. Entry free but register here. Presented by Psychologists for a Safe Climate & Sustainable Living Festival. Sunday, February 15 Anatolian Peace & Friendship Festival. Special guest performer: Ilkay Akkaya. Live bands; dances, food, art & craft stalls. 11am-7pm. Coburg Lake Reserve. Tuesday, February 17 Rally: Commemorate one year since Reza Berati was murdered in Australian detention on Manus Island. One year ago, PNG mobile squad, detention staff and locals launched an attack on the refugees held in the Manus Island detention centre, and killed Reza Barati. The attack left others with slit throats, lost eyes, and countless injuries and trauma. To date, no one has yet been convicted for his murder. Reza Barati was the first victim of Australia's offshore detention hell. Speakers: Reza Yarahmadi (Iranian refugee); Arnold Zable (writer and human rights activist). 5:30pm. State Library, cnr Swanston & La Trobe Sts, City. Organised by Refugee Action Collective. Thursday, February 19 Public meeting: The Greek elections, Syriza and the fight against austerity in Europe. Speakers: Dick Nichols (Green Left Weekly European correspondent, covered Greek elections); Afrodity Giannakis (resident in Greece, active in social movements and Syriza until mid-2014). 6:30pm (meal from 6pm).Multicultural Hub (Old Drill Hall), 506 Elizabeth St (opposite Victoria Markets). $10/$5. Presented by Socialist Alliance & Green Left Weekly. For more info ph 9639 8622. Facebook event Monday, February 23 Public meeting: The plight of Tamil refugees. Come find out more about the plight of Tamil refugees in Sri Lanka, at a special Refugee Action Collective forum. 6:30pm. Australian Nurses Federation, 540 Elizabeth St, City (just north of Victoria St). Tuesday, February 24 Public meeting: Just transitions: Moving Australia beyond fossil fuels. Keynote speaker: Bob Massie (US economist). Entry free; register here. New Council Chambers, Trades Hall, cnr Victoria & Lygon Sts, Carlton South. 6pm. Presented by 350.org. Facebook event Wednesday, February 25 Public meeting: Roundup: miracle weedkiller or cause of disease? Guest speaker: Don Huber (Professor Emeritus in Plant Pathology at Purdue University, Indiana, USA). He is an award-winning, world-renowned scientist. He opposes the use of Roundup weedkiller and genetically manipulated (GM) crops and foods, after seeing the negative impacts of farm chemicals on the control of soil plant pathogens. 7pm. Fitzroy Town Hall, 201 Napier St, Fitzroy. Tickets: book your seat online Roundup or $10 at the door. Presented by MADGE, GM-Free Australia Alliance & Friends of the Earth.  Saturday, February 28 Film premiere: Chile's Student Uprising. Director Pablo Navarrete will talk after the screening. 6:30pm. $8/$5. RMIT, Building 80, Level 9, Room 12, 445 Swanston St, City. Presented by LASNET. Facebook event Wednesday, March 4 ACTU day of action: Fight for our rights. 10am, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South. Sunday, March 8 Rally & march: International Women's Day. 1pm. State Library, Swanston St, City. Saturday, March 14 Feminism & socialism discussion afternoon. 1:30pm (lunch from 1pm). Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City (opposite RMIT). Presented by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622. Wednesday, March 25 Protest: Student national day of action. We proved last year that protesting works when the Senate rejected Pyne's 'reforms'. But Pyne hasn't gotten the message yet. Let's redeliver it on March 25. 2pm.State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, City. Saturday, March 28 Rally: Stop terrorism in Australia by bringing Aussie troops home from Syria, Iraq & Afghanistan. 1pm. Federation Square. City. Facebook event  Sunday, March 29 Palm Sunday rally: Walk for justice for refugees. 1:30pm (speeches start 2pm). State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, City. We will then proceed down to Queen Victoria Gardens (opposite the NGV on St Kilda Road). Thursday, February 19 Love makes a way Bendigo court case.   On October 21 nine Christian leaders were arrested at the Bendigo office of Senator Bridget McKenzie after a peaceful prayer vigil. They were speaking out against the detention of refugee children. They will be facing court on February 19. If you would like to stand in solidarity with the group, please join us for prayer at 8:30am on the lawn of the Military Museum. From there we will head to Bendigo Magistrates Court at 9:30am. You are also welcome to join us in court to witness the hearing. After the group's case is heard we'll head back to the Military Museum for speeches. 8:30am. Bendigo Military Museum, 37–39 Pall Mall, Bendigo. Friday, February 20 Red Cinema: Ningla A-Na (Hungry for Our Land). The establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. Proudly screening on Wathaurong country. 7pm (meal 6:30pm). Entry by donation. Downstairs, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St, Geelong. For more info ph 5222 6900. Presented by Socialist Alliance. Australia Kurdistan Solidarity. Meets regularly to build solidarity with the Kurdish freedom struggle in Rojava (liberated zone in northern Syria), Turkey and elsewhere. For information ph Gulay 0412 926 706 or Aran 0410 197 814. Australian West Papua Association (AWPA). Struggles against the Indonesian occupation of West Papua and against environmental destruction and resource theft. For info 9510 2193 or email AWPA. Climate Action Moreland. Meets regularly to develop action on climate change in the Moreland area. For information ph Andrea on 0424 508 535 or email CAM. Friends of the Earth's Anti-Nuclear & Clean Energy (ACE) collective. 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 campaigns to permanently stop Aboriginal deaths in custody. During 2013, ISJA will meet the first Thursday of every month. For more info visit ISJA. 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 visit Quit Coal or email us. Refugee Action Collective. 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. Timor Sea Justice Campaign. For info visit TSJC, email Tom Clarke or ph 0422 545 763. Recent articles from Green Left Weekly New boost for people's struggles as Liberals feel the pressure Tony Abbott’s boat claim stopped by facts ACTU calls rally against Coalition government Syria: Why Rojava is different Check out Green Left TV: See Beyond Kobani: War, terrorism & revolution in the middle east To subscribe to Green Left Weekly visit our secure online website for rates and payment 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. Links: 'Socialism for the 21st century' Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal is a journal for the post-Cold War left; a journal that rejects the Stalinist distortion of the socialist project; a journal that takes into account ecological questions; a journal that is taking steps to bring together the forces for socialism in the world today; a journal that aspires to unite Marxists from different political traditions because it discusses openly and constructively. Links seeks to promote the international exchange of information, experiences of struggle, theoretical analysis and views on strategies and tactics within the international left. Greece: European elites declare war on SYRIZA government Greece: Why SYRIZA made the deal with the Independent Greeks (ANEL) Kurdistan: Why Kobanî did not fall Eleanor Marx and the dawn of socialist feminism Socialist Alliance: Broad, non-sectarian, activist 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 or join us on Facebook. See our recent statements: Paris massacre: Abbott's response 'no solution to cycle of violence Socialist Alliance warns against racial incitement in wake of Sydney hostage incident No to Abbott's back-door GP tax scam: Socialist candidate 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. Moreland Socialists Moreland Socialists 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 or Facebook. Resistance Bookshop Just out! 184 pp, $20. Available from Resistance Bookshop, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City & New International Bookshop, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South.

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar - 14-09-24

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar
	September 24, 2014

Film screening: 'Radical Wollongong' Melbourne premiere

Friday, September 26, 6:30pm. Documentary tale of miners battling deadly working conditions, women fighting Australia's biggest company, activists jailed for resisting the Vietnam draft, and today's movement to stop coal seam gas. From strikes to community rallies, from work-ins to parliament occupation, it features activist participants from Wollongong's unemployed unions, communists forced to set up an underground organisation, the battle against 'Pig Iron Bob', and struggles for Aboriginal justice in the Illawarra. This is the action-packed, people-powered story of Radical Wollongong. New Council Chambers, Trades Hall, 2 Lygon St, Carlton South. Tickets at the door. $20 solidarity, $15 full, $8 conc. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Thanks to Victorian Trades Hall Council for its support of the event. A fundraiser for 3CR Community Radio & Green Left Weekly.

Public meeting: Housing is a human right

Wednesday, October 15, 6:30pm. Speakers: Donna Bennett (Hope St Youth & Family Services); Fiona Ross (Friends of Public Housing); Sean Brockelhurst (Socialist Alliance); MC: Sue Bolton  (Socialist Alliance councillor for Moreland). 6:30pm. Old Court House, 1A Main St, Coburg (near Bell St). Presented by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622 or 0413 377 978.

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 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.

Until Friday, September 26 Comedy: Xavier Toby : Mining my own business.  What’s life really like on a mining site in Australia? Where everything’s huge, highly explosive or high visibility, expletives are punctuation, a $50 note is loose change, and there are more trucks than trees. Where dinner is steak, steak, or barbecue steak with salad, the safety regulations are tighter than NASA, and there’s enough dust to keep your nostrils filled from noon till night. It’s Australia’s Wild West. 9pm. Fringe Hub, Son of Loft, Lithuanian Club 44 Errol St, North Melbourne. $20/$15. Bookings: MFF. Until Tuesday, September 30 Exhibition: The art of silent protest. How do you protest without creating a disturbance? In view of new government legislation due to take effect in Victoria this year, a collective of Australian creatives respond to this question. Taking the form of the simple placard and exploring notions of social and ecological change, The Art of Silent Protest examines the visual impact of the art of activism. 11am-4pm (opening night: 6pm, September 17). The Snug, 447 High St, Northcote. Entry free. Until Saturday, October  Comedy: Rod Quantock: Invitation to a revolution. For 45 years Rod Quantock has been hurling Molotov Cocktails of Mirth at the deserving, cutting through bullshit with his Hatchet of Humour and now, because 'everyone has the right to be a bigot', he is saying things about Tony Abbott that would make a misogynist blush! But enough is enough, says Rod. There's still time for the Revolution. So rise up, get organised, buy a ticket and bring it on. There’s still time! Viva el Rod! (Special offer: Bring Jo Hockey to the show and you pay for his ticket too.) 8.15pm (Sun 7.15pm). 60 mins. Main Theatre, Lithuanian Club, 44 Errol St, North Melbourne. $28/$22. To book visit Invitation to a revolution Thursday, September 25- Sunday, September 28 FR!SK: Lucky Country. We have nothing to fear; we are the lucky country. We are entitled to equal opportunity and privilege is what we deserve. The only threat to our way of life is posed by the boats on our borders. It’s not our problem, yet we are accomplices in the denial of human rights. Lucky Country explores the struggle for human rights from the perspectives of asylum seekers and refugees, as well as their advocates and opposers. Thurs 6pm, Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm & 6pm, Sun 4pm & 8pm. Space 28, 28 Dodds St, Southbank. $19/$16. To book visit MFF14. FR!SK: The Adventures of Ophelia Sol (The Bride). In an audacious crusade against the world’s hostility towards same-sex marriage, one soul augments our love for people, not gender. The one, and only, fabulously flamboyant, Ophelia Sol invites you on a spectacular journey about love, identity and self-expression. Thurs, Fri: 6.30pm-10pm (30min); Sat, Sun: 2.30-9pm (30min). Space 28, 28 Dodds St, Southbank. Entry free. Thursday, September 25 Book Launch: John Tognolini's 'Brothers Part One: Gallipoli 1915'. Shows the horror of war for what it is, specifically, the hardship and suffering endured at Gallipoli. 7pm. New International Book Shop, Trades hall, cnr Victoria & Lygon sts, Carlton South. Friday, September 26 Speakout: Stop Abbott's attacks on Muslims. We reject the notion that Muslims are terrorists and we suggest that the real threat to the majority of Australians (Muslims, workers, the unemployed, women, LGBTI people and so on) is the Abbott government and the ruling elite. 5:30pm. City Square, Swanston St, City. Film screening: 'Radical Wollongong' Melbourne premiere. Documentary tale of miners battling deadly working conditions, women fighting Australia's biggest company, activists jailed for resisting the Vietnam draft, and today's movement to stop coal seam gas. From strikes to community rallies, from work-ins to parliament occupation, it features activist participants from Wollongong's unemployed unions, communists forced to set up an underground organisation, the battle against 'Pig Iron Bob', and struggles for Aboriginal justice in the Illawarra. This is the action-packed, people-powered story of Radical Wollongong. 6:30pm.New Council Chambers, Trades Hall, 2 Lygon St, Carlton South. Tickets at the door.  $20 solidarity, $15 full, $8 conc. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Thanks to Victorian Trades Hall Council for its support of the event. A fundraiser for 3CR Community Radio & Green Left Weekly. Saturday, September 27 Protest: Defend the Fertility Control Clinic. 9:30am. Fertility Control Clinic, 118 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne. Public meeting: Thileepan remembrance event. Tamils all over the world remember a martyr who died in 1987 after a hunger strike for Tamil rights in Sri Lanka. 6pm. St Judes Hall, 53 George St, Scoresby Victoria. Organised by Tamil Refugee Council. Sunday, September 28 Public meeting: Righteous rights at the round table 2014. Youth driven forum providing a creative space for culturally diverse youth expression and celebration. Hot topics for discussion this year include racial profiling, intergenerational relationships, gender relationships and intercultural relationships. For full program visit www.multiculturalarts.com.au. 12-5pm. North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne. Free entry. Monday, September 29 Fundraiser: National Union of Workers 'Battle of the Bands'. Victorian Battle of the Bands will be the NUW's first and the competition will be on at this year's union picnic day. The winner will share the stage with another amazing musician at this year's Fluro Fightback for Anti-Poverty Week in October. 10am- 3pm. Moonee Valley Racing Club, McPherson St, Moonee Ponds. Public meeting: Strategies of resistance: Beyond the border. Australia’s border policies have become increasingly punitive over the past decade, under a succession of governments, as we push the ‘problem’ of asylum seekers who come by boat beyond our borders. Speakers: Aran Mylvaganam (spokesperson for the Tamil Refugee Council and activist for refugee rights); Angela Mitropoulos (writer and activist). 6:15pm. The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale St, City.  This is a free event. Bookings are recommended. To book visit Wheeler Centre. Thursday, October 2 Forum: Rethinking feminist safety in a prison nation. Speaker: Erica Meiners, (Northeastern University in Chicago, Teachers Against Militarized Education). 6pm. Meeting Room 1, Trades Hall, Carlton South.Register at TryBooking. Forum: Jews and the left: The rise and fall of a political alliance. Speaker: Phillip Mendes (Monash University). $10/$5. 7pm. Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton South. Presented by New International Bookshop. To confirm your place on the night ph 9662 3744. Saturday, October 4-Sunday, October 5 Public meeting: 40 year commemoration of Miguel Enriquez. Enriquez (1944-74) was a doctor and founder of the Chilean Movement of the Revolutionary Left. He was killed by the Pinochet dictatorship.  8pm Saturday-6pm Sunday. Trades Hall, Carlton South. Organised by LASNET. Saturday, October 4 Theatre: I'l Be There!  An inspiring music theatre show featuring songs and stories of solidarity that people really connect with. It was created, produced and performed by the Victorian Trade Union Choir in collaboration with award winning playwright Rebecca Lister and our musical director Michael Roper. The show has already had two sold out seasons in Melbourne at Trades Hall in 2012 and at La Mama in 2013. Now we are taking the show on the road with one show only in Melbourne then we're off to regional Victoria. 7pm. Unitarian Peace Memorial Church, 110 Grey St, East Melbourne. Hosted by Victorian Trade Union Choir. To book visit La Mama. Facebook event Sunday, October 5-Monday, October 6 Rally: Shut down Elbit Systems: Oppose Israel's War Machine. Israel’s 2014 war on Gaza, which saw 1951 Palestinians killed and 10,193 injured, has rightly prompted worldwide outrage and protest. One of the targets of these protests has been the Israeli arms companies that produce the weapons that have been used to massacre Palestinians. Elbit Systems is Israel’s largest military company. It provides a wide range of equipment and services to the Israeli military, including surveillance equipment used in Israel’s illegal Wall and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), known as drones. Join Palestine solidarity groups and others in a community protest followed by a morning blockade of Elbit systems. Overnight protest camp, picket Monday from 7am. 235 Ingles St, Port Melbourne. For more info ph Vashti 0410 513 302. Sunday, October 5 Fundraiser: Rock 4 renewables. Featuring: Empat Lima, Alysia Manceau, Danny Walsh Banned, Nun of the Tongue. Plus DJ Emma Peel (PBS) & DJ Knave Knixx (Shack Shakers). $15. Doors at 4pm.Gasometer, 484 Smith St, Collingwood. Thursday, October 9 Public Meeting: Stopping the East West Link. Join Moreland Community against the East West Link (MCAT) for a public meeting on the campaign. Speakers: Andrew Herrington (author of East West Link blog and former advisor to the Brumby government); Sue Bolton (a co-convenor of MCAT, Socialist Alliance Councillor for Moreland); Mike Naismith (Tunnel Picket), Lambros Tapinos (mayor or Moreland). 7pm. Coburg Court House, 1A Main St, Coburg. Organised by MCAT. For more info contact Riki 0400 877 819, Michael 0417 354 169 or Sue 0413 377 978. Friday, October 10 Film screening: The Runner. The story of Western Sahara athlete Salah Hmatou Ameidan who became a symbol of the resistance of his country under Moroccan occupation since 1975. 97 mins. 6pm (for 6:30pm start). New Council Chambers, Trades Hall, Lygon St, Carlton South. $15 solidarity, $12 full, $8 concession. Presented by Australia Western Sahara Association. For info visit AWSA. Saturday, October 11 Rally: Protest the first anniversary of 'Operation Sovereign Borders'. No tow-backs! No offshore or onshore detention! Process asylum claims for permanent visas! Scrap 'Operation Sovereign Borders'! 2pm. State Library, City. Organised by the Refugee Action Collective. Fundraiser: Dinner for Lex Wotton speaking tour. This three-course dinner will cater for varied tastes including meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free. The event will feature a special performance by Ezekiel Ox, entertainer, singer/song writer and founding member of Musicians Against Police Violence. $40 solidarity, $25 waged , $15 unwaged. Bookings essential; to book email Sean Pickard. 7pm. Solidarity Salon, 580 Sydney Rd, Brunswick. Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association. Film screening: Nobody's Child: Waiting to go home. The inspiring and moving  story of five survivors of the Stolen Generations who grew up in children's homes in the Whitehorse area. Jack, Helen, John, Karen and Sharon share memories of the places they, as removed Aboriginal children, called home, of friendships forged as well as the challenges they face as adults. (52 min). 3pm. Yarran Dheran Info Centre, Mitcham (Mel 49 B6). For info ph 9719 7661 or 0409 519 829. Wednesday, October 15 2014 transport election: We demand our say! Pro-public transport groups discuss plans for action in the lead-up the state election and beyond. 6pm. Multicultural Hub, Elizabeth St, City. Public meeting: Housing is a human right. Speakers: Donna Bennett (Hope St Youth & Family Services); Fiona Ross (Friends of Public Housing); Sean Brockelhurst (Socialist Alliance); MC: Sue Bolton  (Socialist Alliance councillor for Moreland). 6:30pm. Old Court House, 1A Main St, Coburg (near Bell St).Presented by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622 or 0413 377 978. Thursday, October 16 Rally: Say no to $100,000 degrees. October 16 marks the first day of the senate inquiry into the Abbott government's budget. Students and young people are some of the worst hit by the budget and we have been protesting all year to stop its passage. 1pm. Bowen Lane, RMIT University (just behind Swanston St). Organised by National Union of Students. Saturday, October 18 Rally: Reclaim the night 2014. 7pm. Protest violence and harassment against women. Brunswick Town Hall, Sydney Rd, Brunswick. All welcome. Sunday, October 19 Rally: Stop Abbott's attacks on Muslims. No to the anti-terror laws, no to attacks on civil liberties. 1pm.State Library  City. Wednesday, October 22 Protest: Fluro Fightback. Rally to fight against casualisation and insecure work. 8:30am. Southern Cross Station, City. Organised by NUW. Forum: A night with the Pacific Climate Warriors. Australia's fossil fuels are destroying the Pacific.RMIT Cinema, Level 1, Room 002, 445 Swanston St, City. For more info visit Pacific Warriors. Saturday, November 15 Rally: Stop the East-West Link! Rip up the contracts! Invest in public transport! 1pm. Flinders St Station, City. December 2 - 13, 2014 2014 Australian solidarity tour to Venezuela will be a unique an opportunity to observe first-hand, learn about and be inspired by a grassroots movement that is transforming not only Venezuela, but all of Latin America, and is challenging the greed and destructiveness of global capitalism by showing that a better world is possible. The registration deadline is October 3, 2014. For more info visit Venezuela Solidarity.

Wednesday, September 24 GEELONG  Socialist Alliance election launch: Community need not corporate greed. Speaker: Sarah Hathway (SA candidate for Geelong). Please join the Geelong Socialist Alliance branch, friends and supporters to officially launch our state election campaign for the seat of Geelong. 6:30pm. Downstairs, Trades Hall 127 Myers St, Geelong. For more info ph 5222 6900. Sunday, September 28- Friday, October 3 QUEENSCLIFF  Protest: Swan Island Peace Convergence 2014. For the fifth year in a row, peace activists are returning to the Swan Island Military Base in Queenscliff, Victoria for a week of non-violently resisting the SAS's role in dirty wars, through peaceful direct action. Swan Island Military base is a key training facility for the SAS who continue to fight and kill in Afghanistan in Australia’s name. The SAS are a key plank in our contribution to US imperialism through the ANZUS alliance. For more info visithttp://swanislandpeace.org/ Tuesday, September 30 BALLARAT  Film screening: Mary Meets Mohammad. This film follows the arrival of Tasmania’s first detention centre through the eyes of local Christian woman and knitting club member Mary and Muslim Afghan Hazara asylum seeker Mohammad, who is detained inside the centre, as they connect through the gift of a knitted beanie. 9.30am. St Pauls Parish Centre, Bakery Hill. For more info 0435 750 155. Monday, October 6 GEELONG  Film screening: The Case Against 8.  7pm. Reading Cinemas Waurn Ponds, Cnr Pioneer Rd & Princes Hwy, Grovedale. $17. To book visit Tugg. Presented by Australian Marriage Equality. Saturday, November 1 ALBURY Rally: Rainbow Pride Day. A peaceful walk down Dean Street showing off your rainbow colours, a gathering in QEII Square featuring speakers, music, performers and stalls and a BBQ. Dean Street, Albury.

Australian West Papua Association (AWPA). Struggles against the Indonesian occupation of West Papua and against environmental destruction and resource theft. For info 9510 2193 or email AWPA. Friends of the Earth's Anti-Nuclear & Clean Energy (ACE) collective. 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 campaigns to permanently stop Aboriginal deaths in custody. During 2013, ISJA will meet the first Thursday of every month. For more info visit ISJA. 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 visit Quit Coal or email us. Refugee Action Collective. 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. Stop the East-West Link: Moreland Campaign Against the East-West Tunnel (MCAT) meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at the Temple Park Senior Citizens Centre, Hodgson St, Brunswick. For information contact Sue Bolton 0413 377 978; Michael Petit 0417 354 169; Riki Lane 0400 877 819 or go to Facebook. Yarra Campaign for Action on Transport (YCAT). For information on the campaign against the East-West Tunnel (pickets, meetings, info) visit YCAT. Timor Sea Justice Campaign. For info visit TSJC, email Tom Clarke or ph 0422 545 763.

Recent articles from Green Left Weekly

Kurdish liberated zone appeals for support against assault by Islamic State thugs Say no to Tony Abbott’s new war Refugees deported from Australia killed in Afghanistan NSW unionists call for industrial action Check out Green Left TV: See Van Badham Speaking at the Perth People's Climate Action To subscribe to Green Left Weekly visit our secure online website for rates and payment 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.

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. Scotland: 45% vote Yes despite ruling class panic; Business as usual is not an option; Labour for Independence statement Catalonia and the Spanish state on collision course South Africa: Workers need to speak with 'one voice', but whose voice? NATO’s new cold war redraws left, liberal views on imperialism and war

Socialist Alliance: Broad, non-sectarian, activist

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 or join us on Facebook. See our recent statements: Socialist Alliance: No Australian military involvement in Iraq Tax the rich to stop the cuts and fund a just, renewable future Government playing politics with refugees' lives 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.

Moreland Socialists

Moreland Socialists 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 or Facebook.

Resistance Bookshop

Christianity, Islam and Atheism: Reflections on religion, society and politics Indian-born and Catholic-educated, author Michael Cooke migrated to Australia in his teens. He moved away from religion and towards the political left. In this stimulating new work he focuses on issues where religion intersects with the secular society. He engages variously with the Catholic George Pell and the Muslim Waleed Aly. He also takes issue with Richard Dawkins and the so-called ‘New Athesists’. 124pp, $15. Available from Resistance Bookshop, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City or online from Resistance Books.