E D I T O R I A L

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.

F E A T U R E S

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.

N E W S

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

C O L U M N S

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.

L E T T E R S

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Socialists in the UK

Dear Comrdes

I thought the follwing report from the recent sucessful Socialist Alliance trade union copnference in the UK might flesh out your report last week on union disquiet around the world with labour and social democratic parties.

Regards

John Passant

Socialist Alliance's first UK trade union conference on Saturday 16 March was an outstanding success. The Camden Centre was packed, with 1,038 delegates registering for the conference. It was the biggest conference of rank and file trade unionists for two decades.

The morning session expressed anger against New Labour.

There was a general desire to see the trade union political funds democratised so that members could donate not only to the Labour Party, but also to other organisations and candidates who stood up for proper working class representation and union policies.

Medical secretaries from Sunderland on strike for decent pay received a standing ovation.

The morning plenary was followed by delegates meeting in groups in which all the major unions were represented. Fruitful discussion ensued on how to take the campaign forward in specific circumstances. Derek Simpson, the left candidate standing against Ken Jackson in Amicus, attended the Amicus union group discussion.

After lunch the conference debated supporting strikes and fighting privatisation. A standing ovation was given to 30 postal workers when they arrived from the CWU march & rally against privatisation of the post office.

Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary elect, addressed the conference in a personal capacity, calling for support for the May Day demonstration against privatisation and war.

Speakers from the Scottish Socialist Party, Rifondazione Comunista from Italy, and a speaker for the campaign against the anti-trade union laws were each given a rousing reception. Bob Crow, newly elected general secretary of the RMT, sent his apologies to the conference, wishing it every success.

The vast majority of delegates left the conference with spirits lifted, more determined than ever to take into the trade union movement the argument to end Labour's monopoly over the political fund. Many will be going on to campaign in the local elections for the Socialist Alliance - the embryo of a socialist alternative to New Labour.

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