Robert Manne has for many years been associated with anti-communism and a trenchant opposition to the Left in Australia. This has led to a tendency among leftists to dismiss him as just another apologist for rampant capitalism. The truth, as always, is more complex. In fact Manne has been a consistent liberal, believing in the… Read more »
indigenous struggles
Self-determination for West Papua!
History is repeating itself in West Papua. After finally being forced to reverse course on East Timor, both the Howard Government and the Labor opposition have been gripped by another bout of bipartisan opportunism. Their prime concern is to maintain “good relations” with the Indonesian bourgeoisie. The result? The legitimate aspirations of the West Papuan… Read more »
Charles Perkins: a life of commitment
Doctor Charles Nelson Perrurle Perkins died in a Sydney hospital on 18 October 2000 from complications arising from a kidney transplant which he received in 1972. He was 64 years old. Charlie was born in 1936 to Hetti, an eastern Arrernte woman. His father Martin was of Kalkadoon and Irish descent. His early years were… Read more »
Beyond Reconciliation: Fight for real justice for Aborigines
On Sunday, December 3, 2000, six hundred thousand people came out for Melbourne’s Walk for Reconciliation. Perth also had its biggest-ever rally that day, ending a year of similarly spectacular actions. On May 28, Sydney’s Harbour Bridge was crowded with 500,000 marchers. Cities and towns across the country also set their own records — 50,000… Read more »
Beyond the limits of reconciliation
On 28 May, half a million crossed Sydney Harbour Bridge in the Walk for Reconciliation. Actions followed in cities and towns across the country — 50,000 participated in Adelaide and 70,000 in Brisbane. But reconciliation is a vague, “feel good” concept, and does not address the fundamental injustices experienced by Indigenous Australians. Many marchers understood… Read more »
Jack Davis: Indigenous leader & playwright
Jack Davis, poet, playwright, actor and Aboriginal activist, died on 17 March at the age of 83. He leaves an extraordinary legacy. Born in 1917, Jack lived for a period at the Moore River Native Settlement and the Brookton Aboriginal Reserve. As a young man, Jack laboured as a stockman and an itinerant worker. His… Read more »
These Lands Were Never Empty: Indigenous revolt against the remnants of European colonialism
Aa kateaki auti aika a nangi ni bubura, aika a nangi n raoiroi, Iao ngai, au auti, e a tewenakoaki – E a kaakaki, ao e a tiku – ti – ti te atibu. Ao antai ae nang – bwa te aomata are e anaa tanon abau, ni kamwengaraoia iai Ngai naba, I tangira naba… Read more »
Fiji: pro-imperialist coup
The reasons behind the overthrow of the Fijian Labour Party Government are complex and sinister. The multiracial government of Mohendra Chaudry was popularly elected, and under the 1997 Constitution could not have won government without the backing of a large proportion of the Indigenous vote. The same Constitution guarantees Fijian ownership of traditional lands. The… Read more »
Racist Immigration Laws Resurrect White Australia Policy
Chasing votes. Enraging the remnants of One Nation, the Howard Government has pinched its immigration policy by enacting the Border Protection Act. This cruel law permits officials to board refugee boats and threaten the occupants. Refugees who are in danger of death will be limited to three-year temporary residency visas, if they’ve “arrived illegally.” The… Read more »
INTERFET Wins Beachhead For Australian Imperialism: East Timorese Independence Already Under Threat
After 24 years of brutal occupation by Indonesia, there was never any doubt that this year’s referendum on independence for the Maubere people of East Timor would succeed. Unfortunately, by the time the vote was held on August 30, 1999, there was no doubt that the Indonesian military had prepared a holocaust for the East… Read more »
