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The Hijacking of May Day
Unionists watching the shambolic and violent affair that was the M1 protest could be forgiven for wondering what has become of the traditional workers' day?
Interview: Youth Group
Federal Labor's youngest frontbencher, Nicola Roxon, on how the ALP can win back the hearts and minds of the young.
History: Back To The Future
As building unions put old animosity aside, Neale Towart looks at the history of the 'demarc' - and the steps taken to avoid them.
Industrial: On the Street
Jim Marr looks at the human cost of Treasurer Peter Costello's refusal to fund a pay rise for community workers.
Unions: The New Deal
Adam Kerslake outlines the importance of the ground-breaking pact between unions in the building and civil construction industries.
Legal: The Police State Road
Rowan Cahill argues that the Howard Government's new anti-terror laws carries echoes of a more sinister past.
Women: What Women Want
When 300 ALP women from around Australia converged on Canberra for the National Labor Women’s Conference they had more than quotas on thier minds, Alison Peters reports.
Politics: Street Party
Paul Howes looks at how May Day was celebrated around the Globe by those involved in trade unions and those who are not.
International: The Costs of War
Ariel Sharon is facing growing pressure from Israeli unions over the conduct of his war on Palestine, reports Andrew Casey.
Review: Songs of Solidarity
It had rock, grunge, pop and rap. The May Day union anthem song contest had everything, including an element of surprise thanks to competition winner Swarmy G.
Satire: Bono Satisfies World Hunger for Preachy Rockstars
U2’s lead singer Bono has launched a daring solo mission to end the world’s hunger for rock stars who use their high profiles to crap on self-righteously about charitable causes.
Poetry: Woomera
Divide and rule, that age old tactic...the lips of defence personnel inexcusably sewn to dehumanise an imaginary threat, the lives of asylum seekers incomprehensively dehumanised so as to defend a threatening image.
 Yarra Seamen Take Border Stand
War on Terror Targets Unions
Year Zero for Building Unions
Kinkos Copies Anti-Union Script
Nike Told to Shoosh on Sweatshops
Rapper Wins Wobbly Anthem Prize
Technicians Take Aim At Canon
Unions Target Labour Hire Bidding War
Rally Targets Tight-Arse Costello
Councils To Be Audited On Language Allowance
Scope For Payback In Privacy Limitations
Heavyweight Push For Medibank Private To Stay Public
What About Dad? - TWU
East Timor MPs Question Timor Gap Plan
Artists' Union Bans Voice For Peace
Activist Notebook
The Soapbox
Maurie on May Day
PSA supremo Maurie O'Sullivan had them in the palms of his hands when he delivered the traditional May Day Toast. The Locker Room
Impractical Punting
Most of life is six to five against. That is, unless you know a Packer or a Waterhouse. Phil Doyle expands. Bosswatch
Show Me The Money!
It may be May Day - but life in the banking industry has never been sweeter - unless you're in the gambling caper.
Week in Review
Two Bob Each Way
The double standards of modern life have left Jim Marr scratching his head. Tool Shed
Border Insurgent
Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson has blockaded himself into the Tool Shed this week for opening Australia's borders up to flag of convenience ships with Third World crews.
Doctors in the Bush
M1 Open Letter
Julian Online
May Day Debacle
Mothers Day Musings
Greetings From Canada
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Poetry
Woomera
By David Peetz
Divide and rule, that age old tactic...the lips of defence personnel inexcusably sewn to dehumanise an imaginary threat, the lives of asylum seekers incomprehensively dehumanised so as to defend a threatening image.
The ast fortnight has revealed further evidence about our treatment of fellow human beings and our treatment of the truth. If you want to do something about it, you could start by adding your name to the petition calling for a royal commission into the government's treatment of asylum seekers ( http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ausrefug/petition.html ). In the meatime, we reflect on a name...
WOOMERA
you were named for the carved stick used to launch spears
to bring down kangaroos
and feed tribes,
as a child I thought of you
as a great place
in the midst of the wild desert
where wondrous things took place;
where massive flames from rockets
lit up the red sand
and launched this land into space.
as the people poured off the boats from lands far away
and into the factories
and onto the mountains to build grand hydro-electric visions
and we lauded their courage.
you showed the world
that we looked outward, beyond our shores,
you showed the world
we looked forward to an exciting
unknown future.
Woomera, why have you changed so much?
I cannot recognise you now.
Is it really you, or has someone secretly killed you
and stolen your identity?
now the people trickle off the boats from lands far away
into your camp,
that is a prison by another name
- no worse -
hidden from wondering eyes.
we don't want their skills to build grand new visions,
we despise their courage.
and you show the world
how inward-looking we are,
you show the world
how we look backward to times long best forgotten.
what does your name mean now, Woomera?
something to launch fears?
to bring down a nation's spirit?
to feed the maggots of hatred that gnaw at a national character?
Is it really you? Who has done this to you? Who?
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Issue 134 contents
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