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Lights Out on The Hill
If it's any consolation, the Labor Party is not alone in tying itself into knots over what it stands for in the 21st century.
Interview: Change Agent
ALP national secretary Geoff Walsh on the changing nature of politics, the influence of the corporates and the upcoming review of the party.
Industrial: Balancing the Books
Jim Marr talks to one of the beneficiaries of the historic equal pay decision for librarians and archivists.
Unions: Breaking Out
When a bank executive stepped into the witness box to defend the gagging of a worker from talking to the media, the excuses collapsed into a sea of psycho-babble.
Politics: Pissing on the Light on the Hill
Paul Smith argues that those who don�t like the ALP's Socialist Objective should consider joining another party.
History: Of Death and Taxes
He was a conservative economist who became the darling of the Left. Neale Towart looks back on the myth and realty of James Tobin.
International: Now That's a Strike!
After one of the largest mobilisations of workers in history, Italian trade unionists are planning to do it all again.
Satire: Mugabe Voted Miss Zimbabwe: Denies Election Rigged
The newly re-elected Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe, has officially been crowned Miss Zimbabwe, describing his triumph as �a victory for black fashionablism�.
Poetry: Flick Go The Branches
Once upon a time, the song �Click Go The Shears� could be heard echoing through the pubs of vibrant country towns.
Review: Red, Red Clydeside
Renowned folk singer Alistair Hulett is currently touring Australia with his new album �Red Clydeside�. He speaks to Nick Martin.
 NAB Gambles, Aussies Lose
Brogden's Worker Creds On The Line
Cole Cleans Up
Melbourne Faces Budget Day Gridlock
Equity Drive Gathers Steam
Unions Call for Middle East Peace
Queensland Casuals Step Forward
Worker Stood Down for Dunny Action
Zoo Workers in Wage Jungle
Indigenous Jobs on Union Agenda
Building Workers Honour Fallen Cop
Robbo and Latham to Go Three Rounds
ACT Health Workers Flex Muscles
Small Victory at Shangri-La
Casual Rights On Agenda As Full-Time Jobs Collapse
Workers Health Centre Offers Affordable Care
Activists Notebook
The Soapbox
What's Wrong With the Liberals
Liberal figure and ARM chief Greg Barnes argues that the modern Liberal Party has little to do with liberalism. Sport
When The Axe Comes Down
Phil Doyle braved the crowds at the Royal Easter Show to witness one of the giants of the wood-chopping game. Week in Review
Battle Cries
What an Easter � Sydneysiders soak up the sun saluting Sunline while, elsewhere, the dogs of war are slipping their chains. Postcard
Razor's Edge
Vince Caughley writes from Woomera where he participated in the protests over the Easter Long weekend.
Puplick's Sermon
Chikka's Legacy
Socialists in the UK
Organising Globally
Grape Disappointment
Union Resignations : Crisis or Opportunity?
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Poetry
Flick Go The Branches
By David Peetz
Once upon a time, the song �Click Go The Shears� could be heard echoing through the pubs of vibrant country towns.
These days, however, many towns are strangling as services, led by the banks, are being withdrawn. With yet another round of cuts announced this week, it seems the banks now have a new theme song of their own..... Flick Go The Branches Down in the Board,
the old banker stands,
Grasping his pen
in his thin moneyed hands;
Fixed is his gaze
on the staff list below,
Glory if he cuts them,
won't he make his bonus grow! CHORUS:
Flick go the Branches!
Flick! Flick! Flick!
Wide is his blow
And his pen moves quick,
The Staff look around
Being beaten by the blows,
And cursing the old banker
In his Rolls Silver Shadow! In the middle of the flow
In his soft velvet chair,
Sits the boss of the board
With his scalps everywhere,
Notes customers he's fleeced
As they come up on his screen,
Paying strict attention
That his bonus isn't seen. CHORUS The HR Boy is there
Waiting in demand,
With his blackened list of closures
In his trembling hands,
Spies one branch that's open,
Some customers are back,
Hears what he's waiting for
It's "Close it down, Jack!" CHORUS Now the round of cuts is over,
We've all got our cheques,
So pack up your belongings
We've been told to go to heck;
The bosses close the doors
And then behind them have a spree,
They open up the champers
And it's "have a drink with me!" CHORUS David Peetz
David [email protected]
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Issue 130 contents
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