Today friends, unionists and activists gathered at the Town Hall to celebrate the extraordinary life of Jack Mundey. Jack had been a rugby league player, labourer, unionist and left intellectual. The Green Ban era was ground breaking. But he packed in so much more. His dedication to building mass movements was inspirational. I was fortunate … Continue reading My speech at State Memorial for Jack Mundey
Kashmir Suffers Under Indian-Imposed Internet Cuts
This article was first published by the Australian Institute of International Affairs in the online publication "Australian Outlook". In 2019, the Indian government imposed a lockdown on Kashmir with no phone connection and no internet service. The impact on the health, education, and economy of this once prosperous Indian state has been massive. Prior to … Continue reading Kashmir Suffers Under Indian-Imposed Internet Cuts
Palestinian National Day – Sydney speech
I acknowledge traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay tribute to their history, their culture and their ongoing fights for justice. Thank you to the organisers for the invitation to join you tonight - the General Union of Palestinian Workers, the Australian Palestinian Club and Australia Palestinian Graduates Association I appreciate … Continue reading Palestinian National Day – Sydney speech
Turkish political prisoners at COVID-19 risk — Prime Minister Erdogan’s dangerous move
Are the Turkish authorities using the COVID-19 crisis to kill off those who oppose their rule? This might seem to be an extreme proposition but it is a fair conclusion in light of recent actions of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that leaves thousands of his opponents locked in gaols where they are exposed to … Continue reading Turkish political prisoners at COVID-19 risk — Prime Minister Erdogan’s dangerous move
One Member One Vote – only democratic option for a Greens Party
This week Greens members around the country should receive their ballot paper to vote in a plebiscite to determine how the federal parliamentary leader of the Australian Greens will be selected. I would like to explain how I am voting. There is some complexity because of the way the questions are phrased. There are three … Continue reading One Member One Vote – only democratic option for a Greens Party
Working for a strong vote for the Greens and exposing the false narrative about the Greens NSW
The coming elections are clearly challenging for the Greens NSW. Biased and highly misleading reports about our party and some members, based on misinformation being fed to the media, particularly the SMH, have been published on a regular basis. At the same time the need for a strong, united progressive voice in our parliaments and … Continue reading Working for a strong vote for the Greens and exposing the false narrative about the Greens NSW
Book launch – “How Labour Built Neoliberalism”
In August Laurie Carmichael, former AMWU and ACTU leader, former president of the Communist Party of Australia and one of the architects of the accord, died. In October commemorations of Laurie’s life were held in Melbourne and Sydney. I attended the Sydney event. It was very moving and obviously Laurie’s work on the Accord was … Continue reading Book launch – “How Labour Built Neoliberalism”
Strong support to change Lord’s Prayer opening to Senate
Just prior to leaving the Senate I put forward a motion requesting that the Senate Procedure Committee inquire into a proposal to replace the Christian prayer that is read out by the Senate President at the start of each parliamentary sitting day with a statement that invites all Senators to pray or reflect on their … Continue reading Strong support to change Lord’s Prayer opening to Senate
Smash the state – let’s be careful what we wish for
In the 1970s one of the most popular radical slogans was ‘Smash the State’. As the subsequent experience with neoliberalism has taught us, it is wise to be careful what you wish for. Incredible as it must seem now, one of the chief selling points for neoliberalism was its claim to stand for slashing the … Continue reading Smash the state – let’s be careful what we wish for
Hoping Four Corners goes beyond vendettas, ambition and madness
Tonight’s ABC Four Corners program “A form of madness” looks at the end of the Turnbull government. I very much hope it goes beyond talk of personal vendattas, individual ambition and sheer madness, and deals with the role of corporate power and media players. Our country now has a pattern that stretches back over a … Continue reading Hoping Four Corners goes beyond vendettas, ambition and madness
Lee Rhiannon 