The Socialist Alliance is not your typical political party. When it comes to elections we are outspent and outnumbered by the other contenders. But we run because we want to use the space created by an election to raise the issues that we are passionate about.
Throughout this election campaign Jenny and I have spoken at public forums on LGBTI rights, climate change, women's rights, Ralph's Bay, and college education. We attended the Teachers rally, we welcomed home the Sea Shepherd crew, ate a sausage at a union picnic, participated in the AEU stop work meeting, and lots more things.
The Socialist Alliance does all of these things even when elections aren't on. Because we believe that to change the world people need to get themselves organised and active. We believe that working people themselves, by acting in the workplace, the community, and the street, can develop the power to create a just and environmentally sustainable alternative to profit-driven capitalism.
We ask that you vote for the Socialist Alliance on Saturday. Why should you vote for us when we have little chance of getting in? It sends a clear signal to the major parties that you support strong action on the issues that we stand for - community democracy and a healthy environment. If you put us number 1 then, when we don't get in, you're whole vote will be transferred to your next preference. In this election parties cannot direct preferences, so you need to number at least 5 candidates and we're recommending that you put the Greens second.
More than just voting for the Socialist Alliance we want you to become an active member. No matter who gets elected on Saturday we're still going to need a powerful people's movement to keep challenging the government when it puts the needs of big business before the environment, working people and our communities.
So please come to our next meeting on Thursday, March 25 at 6.30pm. (225 Murray St, Hobart)
Don't forget to help us celebrate at our election night party on Saturday night. Everyone's invited. It's at 81 Channel Highway, Kingston. Give me a call if you want a lift out there or directions. Starts about 6pm, goes until late.
We've had alot of support throughout this election campaign, so to everybody who helped us out, thank you!
Yours in struggle,
--
Melanie Barnes
0423 978 518
Please Vote 1 for Socialist Alliance candidates on Saturday - Melanie Barnes in Denison or Jenny Forward in Franklin.
Want more info to help you make up your mind?
Our slogan has been "Resource public services, not Gunns! For a healthy, socially just, sustainable and democratic state" and we have been campaigning for:
· A big funding boost for public health, education, and housing
· Tasmania to lead the way on climate change by protecting old growth forests, achieving 100% renewable energy by 2020 and stopping subsidies to big polluters
· Scrapping water and sewerage charges, returning it to local control with state government back-up
· Public transport – free and frequent local buses or light rail, fast-speed trains not more Midland highway lanes.
Both activists are passionate about transforming Tasmania into a more democratic and sustainable state that can ensure jobs a good quality of life for ordinary people and lead the way on preventing climate change.
Melanie Barnes is a 26 year old climate change activist who works for an environmental NGO. She has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Indonesian and political science from the University of Queensland. She has been a leader of Students Against the Pulp Mill protests, Walk Against Warming actions, as well as anti-war, refugee, education and women's rights campaigns. She is the Hobart organizer of the socialist youth group Resistance. She has also studied in Indonesiaand represented Tasmania in an educational solidarity tour of Venezuela.
Jenny Forward has been an activist over the past 25 years both here in Tasmania and in Chile, for issues including women's and children's and worker's rights, international solidarity, and the environment. She has also been a member of the National Council of Single Mothers and Their Children as she is also a single parent of a 17-year-old. Jenny became a social worker as a mature age student in 2001 whilst working part-time as a Spanish interpreter with refugees. As a social worker she has worked as a tenants advocate, child protection worker and for the past 2 years with migrants and refugees at a public hospital. Jenny is also an active union delegate. "I am standing as a candidate for Socialist Alliance as I believe that we need to build an independent and grass-roots resistance to the dominant groups in society who believe that making a profit at any cost to people or the environment is best."
A different Tasmania is possible … Vote 1 for Socialist Alliance candidates on Saturday - Melanie Barnes in Denison or Jenny Forward in Franklin.
