Showing posts with label Elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elections. Show all posts
March 10, 2014
February 18, 2014
Socialist Alliance Candidate for Denison,Tasmanian State Election 2014
Shaine Stephen runs a small business in Hobart and lives with his wife in the foothills of Mt Wellington. Shaine is passionate about Tasmania’s potential to be able to deliver the things people really need – a healthy environment, fulfilling jobs, community democracy and good healthcare and housing.
Shaine condemns the recent cuts to health, education and other public services and believes that the government can create jobs, revitalise the economy and look after people by boosting funding to these services. Shaine opposes the partial privatisation of public housing, the attempts to privatise Aurora and the selling of public assets. Instead, he calls for more high-quality, energy efficient public housing to be built and for Tasmania to become powered by 100% renewable energy. He opposes the pulp mill and calls for free, frequent, energy efficient public transport and for an end to handouts to big corporations, especially ones that destroy the environment.
In addition, Shaine supports justice for Aboriginal people and refugees and stands up for workers’ rights, women’s rights and equality for all.
Shaine is an activist committed to building movements that put people and the environment before profit.
A vote for Shaine Stephen and the Socialist Alliance is a vote for a progressive Tasmania!
Socialist Alliance Candidate for Franklin, Tasmanian State Election 2014
Jenny Forward grew up in the Huon, where her family has lived for generations, but she now lives in Kingston. She’s well aware of the hardships faced by rural communities and therefore she will stand up for better access to employment, education and training, affordable housing, health care and community services. Jenny will also protect Tasmania’s share of the GST.
She’s currently a public hospital social worker and a union delegate for the CPSU. Jenny has also worked as tenant's advocate and child protection worker so she understands the challenges that many families face in making ends meet. She firmly believes that we need to increase the discount given to Tasmanian pensioners and low-income earners to help them pay their electricity, water, and sewerage bills and explore scrapping water and sewerage charges.
Jenny is also campaigning for: urgent action on climate change, an energy future based on renewables and green jobs, no fracking in Tasmania, no Tamar Valley pulp mill; marriage equality and equal rights for all; public ownership of essential services (including the Hydro) and free and frequent public transport and an increased funding boost for health, education and housing.
A vote for Socialist Alliance is not a vote lost as the full value of your vote will go to your next preference. Your vote for Socialist Alliance sends a clear message to the other parties that there is discontent in the Franklin electorate.
Jenny Forward is standing as a candidate for Socialist Alliance as she believes that together we can build an independent and grass-roots community that places the environment and people before profit. The needs of the battlers must take priority over the greed of big business. Vote for a progressive alternative by voting for Socialist Alliance and join us in the struggle for a better world.
August 17, 2010
August 11, 2010
Come Along and Support Mel Barnes at Election Campaign Benefit Gig
Mel Barnes, Socialist Alliance Candidate for Denison Election Campaign benefit gig
Thursday 19th August 8pm Alley Cat Bar, North Hobart
August 05, 2010
Hobart Town Hall Debate
Hobart Town Hall Debate
Forget about twitter and facebook.
It's time for a good old fashioned
Town Hall political debate.
Come along and hear what your
have to say as they via for your vote.
Plenty of opportunity to test their mettle on the issue of your choice.
Wednesday 18th August
6.30 – 8.30 pm
Mel Barnes, Socialist Alliance
Geoff Couser, Greens
Jonathan Jackson, ALP
Cameron Simpkins, Liberal
Andrew Wilkie, Independent
You are also invited to ask a question on behalf of your organisation.
Please let me know in advance so I can add you to the list.
There will also be plenty of opportunity for a general Q & A session.
Could you also please distribute this invitation amongst your networks?
Organised by Hobart
For further information - 0428 243 964
Written and authorised by Bill Harvey
C/- Town Hall Hobart
Election Campaigning Update
Hi all,
There are only 2 weeks and 2 days to go before Australians head to the polls to elect a new national government. We are doing all that we can to try and make sure that people vote for alternative parties that will stand up for the environment and the needs of ordinary people. The campaign for Mel Barnes, our Socialist Alliance candidate in Denison
Mel attended a demonstration today against the proposed plan to burn native forests for power. As a dedicated climate change activist, Mel is also proud to see that the Vote Climate website www.voteclimate.
Have you signed up to her `Mel Barnes for Denison North Hobart on Thursday August 19th, so please note it in your diary and we'll send out more details when they are confirmed.
In solidarity,
Susan Austin
July 11, 2010
Mel Barnes for DENISON in FEDERAL ELECTION 2010
Mel Barnes: Vote for real change
Mel Barnes, a well-known Tasmanian political activist, will contest the seat of Denison in the upcoming federal elections, for the Socialist Alliance. Barnes is a leading climate and renewable energy campaigner involved in Climate Action Hobart.
She has also campaigned for women’s rights, Palestine solidarity, refugee rights and Latin American solidarity. In 2006, Barnes went on a solidarity tour of Venezuela to learn about the revolutionary changes occurring there. Barnes stood for the Socialist Alliance in the recent state elections.
Barnes is running on a platform of 100% renewable energy by 2020, ending native forest logging, ending the racist Northern Territory intervention and bringing all troops back from Afghanistan.
“Climate change is the greatest threat to ever face humanity”, Barnes told Green Left Weekly. “Yet both major parties have abandoned any action to reduce carbon emissions. They are totally tied to the interests of big polluters and refuse to put people and the planet before profits.”
Barnes called for a vote for actual political change, not a mere rebranding exercise.
"In the face of Kevin Rudd's epic nosedive in the polls since April, the prime ministerial change from Rudd to Julia Gillard is a desperate attempt by Labor to rebrand itself. But Gillard will only mean more of the same.
“Gillard has been responsible for some of this government's most anti-social acts. As federal workplace relations minister, she maintained the Australian Building and Construction Commission, which denies construction workers basic human rights. As education minister, she allowed damaging school league tables to be used by the media, stigmatising those from disadvantaged schools.”
Barnes said the federal Labor government was motivated by short-term political interest, not society’s best interest.
“We must reject this style of politics and vote for parties committed towards genuine change”, she said.
GREEN LEFT WEEKLY ARTICLE (see http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/44659)
Saturday, July 3, 2010 By Susan Austin, Hobart
Authorised by D Nichols. 23 Abercrombie St Chippendale 2008.
Mel Barnes, a well-known Tasmanian political activist, will contest the seat of Denison in the upcoming federal elections, for the Socialist Alliance. Barnes is a leading climate and renewable energy campaigner involved in Climate Action Hobart.
She has also campaigned for women’s rights, Palestine solidarity, refugee rights and Latin American solidarity. In 2006, Barnes went on a solidarity tour of Venezuela to learn about the revolutionary changes occurring there. Barnes stood for the Socialist Alliance in the recent state elections.
Barnes is running on a platform of 100% renewable energy by 2020, ending native forest logging, ending the racist Northern Territory intervention and bringing all troops back from Afghanistan.
“Climate change is the greatest threat to ever face humanity”, Barnes told Green Left Weekly. “Yet both major parties have abandoned any action to reduce carbon emissions. They are totally tied to the interests of big polluters and refuse to put people and the planet before profits.”
Barnes called for a vote for actual political change, not a mere rebranding exercise.
"In the face of Kevin Rudd's epic nosedive in the polls since April, the prime ministerial change from Rudd to Julia Gillard is a desperate attempt by Labor to rebrand itself. But Gillard will only mean more of the same.
“Gillard has been responsible for some of this government's most anti-social acts. As federal workplace relations minister, she maintained the Australian Building and Construction Commission, which denies construction workers basic human rights. As education minister, she allowed damaging school league tables to be used by the media, stigmatising those from disadvantaged schools.”
Barnes said the federal Labor government was motivated by short-term political interest, not society’s best interest.
“We must reject this style of politics and vote for parties committed towards genuine change”, she said.
GREEN LEFT WEEKLY ARTICLE (see http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/44659)
Saturday, July 3, 2010 By Susan Austin, Hobart
Authorised by D Nichols. 23 Abercrombie St Chippendale 2008.
July 10, 2010
“DON’T LOCK UP REFUGEES IN TASMANIA!”
“DON’T LOCK UP REFUGEES IN TASMANIA!” Denison Candidate argues against Kevin Harkins' proposal
Socialist Alliance candidate for Denison, Mel Barnes, agrees with Kevin Harkins suggestion to bring refugees to Tasmania. However under one of his proposals Harkins suggests building a detention centre in the North-West in order to create jobs.
“This is an opportunistic and inadequate response to refugees”, Barnes said. “We should allow refugees to settle in the community. Being locked up in detention causes acute mental health problems in people who are already traumatised from war. Detention centres are also the most expensive option for the government to pursue. Why can’t the ALP show some leadership and compassion and close down all detention centres? We should process people’s claims quickly, in the community.”
98 % of people who arrive by boat have been found to be genuine refugees.
Most Australians are sympathetic towards the plight of refugees with eight out of 10 people saying they would help a refugee to settle into their community, according to the results of an Australian Red Cross survey.
The survey of 1,000 people across Australia, released on 21st June, also found the majority of people (67%) agreed or strongly agreed that refugees have made a positive contribution to society. It also revealed 83% of Australians agree that those fleeing persecution should be able to take refuge in another country and 86% said they too would flee to a safe country if they lived in a conflict zone and were under threat.
Barnes said “These results show that the federal ALP government is out of touch with ordinary Australians. Instead of continuing Howard’s agenda of trying to bully other poor countries in the region to do Australia’s dirty work, Gillard should be taking a principled stand by:
- allowing the boats to land on Australian soil and processing claims quickly
- calling for Tamil’s human rights to be respected in Sri Lanka and pulling troops out of Aghanistan
- settling refugees into the community with full services and support.”
Socialist Alliance candidate for Denison, Mel Barnes, agrees with Kevin Harkins suggestion to bring refugees to Tasmania. However under one of his proposals Harkins suggests building a detention centre in the North-West in order to create jobs.
“This is an opportunistic and inadequate response to refugees”, Barnes said. “We should allow refugees to settle in the community. Being locked up in detention causes acute mental health problems in people who are already traumatised from war. Detention centres are also the most expensive option for the government to pursue. Why can’t the ALP show some leadership and compassion and close down all detention centres? We should process people’s claims quickly, in the community.”
98 % of people who arrive by boat have been found to be genuine refugees.
Most Australians are sympathetic towards the plight of refugees with eight out of 10 people saying they would help a refugee to settle into their community, according to the results of an Australian Red Cross survey.
The survey of 1,000 people across Australia, released on 21st June, also found the majority of people (67%) agreed or strongly agreed that refugees have made a positive contribution to society. It also revealed 83% of Australians agree that those fleeing persecution should be able to take refuge in another country and 86% said they too would flee to a safe country if they lived in a conflict zone and were under threat.
Barnes said “These results show that the federal ALP government is out of touch with ordinary Australians. Instead of continuing Howard’s agenda of trying to bully other poor countries in the region to do Australia’s dirty work, Gillard should be taking a principled stand by:
- allowing the boats to land on Australian soil and processing claims quickly
- calling for Tamil’s human rights to be respected in Sri Lanka and pulling troops out of Aghanistan
- settling refugees into the community with full services and support.”
July 02, 2010
Mel Barnes for Denison!
Mel Barnes, a well known political activist, will contest the seat of Denison in the upcoming federal elections for the Socialist Alliance. Barnes is a leading climate and renewable energy campaigner in Hobart through her involvement in local group Climate Action Hobart. She also has been involved in various political campaigns, including women’s rights, Palestine solidarity, refugee rights and Latin American solidarity campaigns. In 2006 Barnes took part in a solidarity tour of Venezuela to learn about the profoundly democratic and revolutionary changes occurring in that country. Barnes was also a candidate for the Socialist Alliance in the 2010 Tasmanian State elections.
Barnes will be running on a platform of 100% renewable energy by 2020, ending native forest logging, ending the racist Northern Territory intervention and bringing all troops back from Afghanistan.
“Climate change is the greatest threat to ever face humanity. Yet both major parties have abandoned any action to reduce carbon emissions. They are totally tied to the interests of big polluters and refuse to put people and the planet before profits.
The technology exists to move Australia to 100% renewable energy within ten years. We must make the changes that the planet needs. We can't let current government inaction destroy our future." Barnes said.
In light of recent federal political developments Barnes has called people to vote for actual political change, not a mere re-branding exercise.
"In the face of Rudd's epic nosedive in the polls since April the change from Rudd to Gillard is a desperate attempt by Labor to re-brand itself. But the swearing in of Julia Gillard as Prime Minister will only mean more of the same for the people of Australia. Gillard has been responsible for some of this government's most anti-social acts. As federal workplace relations minister, she maintained the Australian Building and Construction Commission which denies construction workers basic human rights. As education minister she allowed damaging school league tables to be used by the media, stigmatising those from disadvantaged schools.”
"People shouldn’t be hoodwinked into believing we are in the dawn of a new era. Julia Gillard’s reign as prime minister will continue along the same path trodden by Rudd. The federal ALP government is not motivated by what is in society’s interest but rather by what is in their short-term political interest. We must reject this style of politics and vote for parties committed towards genuine change.”
Mel Barnes for Denison!
Barnes will be running on a platform of 100% renewable energy by 2020, ending native forest logging, ending the racist Northern Territory intervention and bringing all troops back from Afghanistan.
“Climate change is the greatest threat to ever face humanity. Yet both major parties have abandoned any action to reduce carbon emissions. They are totally tied to the interests of big polluters and refuse to put people and the planet before profits.
The technology exists to move Australia to 100% renewable energy within ten years. We must make the changes that the planet needs. We can't let current government inaction destroy our future." Barnes said.
In light of recent federal political developments Barnes has called people to vote for actual political change, not a mere re-branding exercise.
"In the face of Rudd's epic nosedive in the polls since April the change from Rudd to Gillard is a desperate attempt by Labor to re-brand itself. But the swearing in of Julia Gillard as Prime Minister will only mean more of the same for the people of Australia. Gillard has been responsible for some of this government's most anti-social acts. As federal workplace relations minister, she maintained the Australian Building and Construction Commission which denies construction workers basic human rights. As education minister she allowed damaging school league tables to be used by the media, stigmatising those from disadvantaged schools.”
"People shouldn’t be hoodwinked into believing we are in the dawn of a new era. Julia Gillard’s reign as prime minister will continue along the same path trodden by Rudd. The federal ALP government is not motivated by what is in society’s interest but rather by what is in their short-term political interest. We must reject this style of politics and vote for parties committed towards genuine change.”
Mel Barnes for Denison!
April 22, 2010
Socialist Alliance Supports Kartika Franks in Elwick
The Socialist Alliance will be supporting and campaigning for the election of Kartika Franks in the upcoming Legislative Council elections in Elwick on May the 1st.
“The Socialist Alliance supports Franks’ commitment towards improving public transport in the Northern Suburbs, as well as disability support services. The Northern Suburbs has woeful public transport access and we agree with her support for the Northern Suburbs railway. We also acknowledge Franks’ strong and consistent support for the public sector, which we believe needs to be massively expanded to deal with the environmental and social problems we face in this state”, said Susan Austin, convenor of Socialist Alliance in Hobart
The Socialist Alliance ran in the 2004 Elwick election and received 5.2% of the vote.
The Socialist Alliance ran in the 2004 Elwick election and received 5.2% of the vote.
“Elwick is made up of mostly working class suburbs, which may be why the Liberals aren’t standing. The Labor Party, however, has constantly betrayed its working class base of supporters by failing to properly fund the public sector and by its slavish support of big business (such as Gunns Ltd) at the expense of working people. We believe that working class voters have more in common with the Greens than the pro-business ALP and we will be campaigning with Green members to try to achieve the highest vote possible for Kartika”, continued Austin.
Comment:
Susan Austin: 0418 643 133
Tim Dobson: 0430 109 865
Comment:
Susan Austin: 0418 643 133
Tim Dobson: 0430 109 865
March 18, 2010
Legalising Euthanasia
Socialist Alliance supports legalising euthanasia and we've advised Dying with Dignity Tasmania (Inc) of this so they've included us on their election website at
http://www.dwdtas.org.au/political/candidates_2010.php
Here is part of our response:
"I am the Socialist Alliance candidate for Franklin. I was given your letter to respond to regarding our position on the proposals outlined...
... I chose to respond to your letter because I currently work as a social worker in a public hospital. I therefore have seen first hand and heard from others the dreadful things that happen because people are not allowed to die with dignity.
I have also just finished the Respecting Patients Choices training about advance care planning. Some of the readings recommended as part of this training highlighted how often patients choices are not respected which is unacceptable and for more needs to be done to ensure that people's choices are honoured...
Socialist Alliance believes that people should have access to legalised
euthanasia with the rigorous protection measures that you outlined in your
letter. We supported the Dying with Dignity private members bill which
was brought forward by the Greens last year. Of course Socialist Alliance
was extremely disappointed that this bill was voted down.
Socialist Alliance will continue to look for opportunities to support any
campaigns to legalise euthanasia in Tasmania and Australia. This is
supported by the majority of the community as highlighted by a recent poll
commissioned poll by Enterprise Marketing and Research Services found 78%
of Tasmanians support euthanasia becoming legal.
We commend your organisation for the wonderful work you do in campaigning
for euthanasia and we will continue to support you and the campaign to
legalise euthanasia in any way that we can.
Kind regards
Jenny Forward
Socialist Alliance for Franklin and
(on behalf of)
Mel Barnes
Socialist Alliance candidate for Denison
http://www.dwdtas.org.au/political/candidates_2010.php
Here is part of our response:
"I am the Socialist Alliance candidate for Franklin. I was given your letter to respond to regarding our position on the proposals outlined...
... I chose to respond to your letter because I currently work as a social worker in a public hospital. I therefore have seen first hand and heard from others the dreadful things that happen because people are not allowed to die with dignity.
I have also just finished the Respecting Patients Choices training about advance care planning. Some of the readings recommended as part of this training highlighted how often patients choices are not respected which is unacceptable and for more needs to be done to ensure that people's choices are honoured...
Socialist Alliance believes that people should have access to legalised
euthanasia with the rigorous protection measures that you outlined in your
letter. We supported the Dying with Dignity private members bill which
was brought forward by the Greens last year. Of course Socialist Alliance
was extremely disappointed that this bill was voted down.
Socialist Alliance will continue to look for opportunities to support any
campaigns to legalise euthanasia in Tasmania and Australia. This is
supported by the majority of the community as highlighted by a recent poll
commissioned poll by Enterprise Marketing and Research Services found 78%
of Tasmanians support euthanasia becoming legal.
We commend your organisation for the wonderful work you do in campaigning
for euthanasia and we will continue to support you and the campaign to
legalise euthanasia in any way that we can.
Kind regards
Jenny Forward
Socialist Alliance for Franklin and
(on behalf of)
Mel Barnes
Socialist Alliance candidate for Denison
Save Ralphs Bay Election Forum
It was a great privilege to speak at the Save Ralphs Bay forum last night in front of such a passionate audience who’ve been fighting heroically now for 6 years against the disgusting canal development proposal which would privatise a publicly owned conservation area. I told them amongst other things that Socialist Alliance supports a ban on canal estates in Tasmania.
Our response includes:
The Socialist Alliance fully supports the Save Ralphs Bay campaign and the dedicated work that you have put into submissions and community protest to explain the inappropriateness of this development. It is obvious that the majority of the local community is opposed but furthermore that many others who appreciate the beauty of this area are also opposed.
We believe that the social and environmental impacts far outweigh the benefits of the development and let’s face it what would be the so called benefits if not just profits for a few already-wealthy corporate bosses and shareholders. Why should a greedy minority dictate what we do as ordinary people with the land? "
Socialist Alliance supports additional funding for the Tasmanian Planning Commission, to provide assistance for the Tasmanian community to engage large
corporations in the Commission process fairly and on an even playing field. We supprot this as I am sure that the Save Ralphs Bay group would have discovered through experience that this is necessary.
Socialist Alliance believes that additional funding for the Tasmanian Planning Commission needs to be provided to produce transcripts of TPC hearings, freely available for scrutiny by media and the public on the Commission's website. We believe that this would improve transparency and public accountability.
The SA supports a strong State Coastal Policy, able to protect Tasmania’s beautiful coastlines, coastal wildlife and peaceful communities from multiple threats.
The state government started a review of the State Coastal Policy in 2004 and why hasn’t the final policy been released.
See their website for our submission http://www.saveralphsbay.org/
Our response includes:
The Socialist Alliance fully supports the Save Ralphs Bay campaign and the dedicated work that you have put into submissions and community protest to explain the inappropriateness of this development. It is obvious that the majority of the local community is opposed but furthermore that many others who appreciate the beauty of this area are also opposed.
We believe that the social and environmental impacts far outweigh the benefits of the development and let’s face it what would be the so called benefits if not just profits for a few already-wealthy corporate bosses and shareholders. Why should a greedy minority dictate what we do as ordinary people with the land? "
Socialist Alliance supports additional funding for the Tasmanian Planning Commission, to provide assistance for the Tasmanian community to engage large
corporations in the Commission process fairly and on an even playing field. We supprot this as I am sure that the Save Ralphs Bay group would have discovered through experience that this is necessary.
Socialist Alliance believes that additional funding for the Tasmanian Planning Commission needs to be provided to produce transcripts of TPC hearings, freely available for scrutiny by media and the public on the Commission's website. We believe that this would improve transparency and public accountability.
The SA supports a strong State Coastal Policy, able to protect Tasmania’s beautiful coastlines, coastal wildlife and peaceful communities from multiple threats.
The state government started a review of the State Coastal Policy in 2004 and why hasn’t the final policy been released.
See their website for our submission http://www.saveralphsbay.org/
We oppose the ALP's Post Yr 10 Education Reforms
Here is a speech I drafted for a talk I gave at Hobart College which was attended by over 50 students and staff. I ad-libbed a lot so this isn't exactly what I said...
Hi my name is Jenny Forward and I am the Socialist Alliance candidate for Franklin. I’ll start by letting you know that the Socialist Alliance opposes the Tas Tomorrow reforms . Today though I’d firstly I’d like to give you some background information to the SA, and then I’ll talk to you about the SA’s position on the Tasmania Tomorrow reforms before finishing off with a brief summary regarding the SA Youth Policy recently adopted at out Seventh National Conference in January of this year.
Background re the SA
The Socialist Alliance is an anti-capitalist party, which formed in 2001 Since then members of the Socialist Alliance have been active in campaigns on a wide range of issues, from student’s and workers' rights, global warming to civil liberties, from refugee and gay and lesbian rights to justice for Aboriginal Australia and international solidarity.
We believe that ordinary 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.
The Socialist Alliance stands candidates in elections at every level of government, but unlike other parties we don't see parliament as the main vehicle for social change. If elected, our candidates will take only an average worker's wage, donating the balance to struggles for a better society.
What is education for?
Education is about personal growth and development and about creating new and different futures as TS Eliot so concisely out it : “It is in fact a part of the function of education to help us escape, not from our own time -- for we are bound by that -- but from the intellectual and emotional limitations of our time.” The SA does not believe that Tas Tomorrow is anyway assisting the young people of Tasmania to escape these limitations but in fact Tas Tomorrow is limited young people.
The SA Position re Tas Tomorrow
The SA opposes the Tas Tomorrow reforms for many reasons. Whilst these reasons are significant what also is of importance is how we’ve reached our position! We have concluded that Tas Tomorrow is having a negative impact on improving the educational outcomes for post Gr 10 students by consulting those who best understand and know about the current and potential impact of the reforms: namely teachers, the teachers unions and students. Personal note: one of students I’ve consulted is my 17 yr old daughter Gr 12.
Why do we oppose Tas Tomorrow:
1. Inequalities in the community are further reinforced by imposing a choice over academic or vocational pathways at the end of grade 10. (this is way to early – nowadays people change careers on av. 7 times in their lifetime – I didn’t decide on my degree until I was 40!)
2. The autonomy of colleges has been threatened by the state-wide management structure. This means that many teachers, support and admin staff now feel that they don’t have the power to influence changes that will improve how the colleges respond to student’s needs. (systems respond better when those closest to have a say and power over what affects them)
3. The work of managers is being duplicated on shared Polytechnic/Academy campuses which results in less resources being available where they are most need which is on the ground – with the teachers and students
4. Students have had their options for study reduced because of the difficulties of organizing the time tables on a shared campus. (We need system that increases options not
5. On one campus, in the second year of implementation, the reforms caused the situation where students had no timetables and teachers had no classrooms on the first day of term. (my daughter has experienced this – many enrolled in Rosny to escape the problems – as she did)
Of course the SA agrees that much more must be done to improve the retention rates from Year 10 into years 11 and 12 which were some of the lowest in the country, we also have the poorest participation rate for 16- to 24-year-olds, and the large percentage of people in the workforce who are deemed to be illiterate. In practice however, the reforms appear to have been developed and introduced with insufficient consultation and are now being mismanaged.
It appears that Cost-cutting measures and privatization are the main goals of the new organizations:
• Why haven’t they employed qualified adult literacy coordinators as recommended by a recent study by Queensland University?
• Why is the Skills Institute tendering for external providers at the lowest price?
It appears that Tasmania Together is more interested in reducing education provision simply to the pressures of the market!
If anyone doubts that here - it is very interesting to note that on the news the only group that I saw speaking out publicly in favor of the Tas Tomorrow changes was the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry whose only interests are those of big business owners!!
So it’s quite obvious to many of us that the majority of teachers, the majority of teachers who are members of the AEU, the majority of students, the Greens, some independents including Andrew Wilkie and the Liberal Party are not happy with Tas Tomorrow – and the only ones who support this obvious failure are the ALP and business. I’m sorry but since when has business had the real interests of ordinary people at heart – let alone young people who are keen to develop their full potential through quality education! (we only have to look at how many overseas students have had their education ruined by dishonest business owners who are solely interested in making large amounts of profit regardless of the consequences for students who are already disadvantaged)
Since Bartlett has decided to make this an election issue instead of reviewing the mistakes that have been made throughout the Tas Tomorrow process then it’s important that we spread the word and speak to your friends, workmates and family and tell them not to vote Labor as this will mean a vote for the continuation of Tas Tomorrow.
We need to ensure that:
• the college system returns to be managed by the Ed Dept
• TAFE needs to be restored
• That adequate numbers of support staff are provided such as social workers and psychologists
• Adequate consultations then must be held to ensure that any reforms are truly democratic and not in interests of big business
How do we ensure these? Vote against them – sure that’s important but it’s not the only way. We need not just to vote to bring back TAFE but more importantly than this we need to continue to agitate, educate and organize (to quote old slogan from the 60’s) because this is the only way that we can achieve positive changes in society whether in the area of education or others! (one of my favorotie examples of the power of students was May 1968 in France)
Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. Wiliam Butler Yeats
SO it’s not about in this case filling young peoples minds – which are labeled either Academic or Polytechnic it’s about giving them the opportunity to dabble in both as they so choose – about lighting the fire of passion in education in all areas until they have developed enough to discover what they are most interested in
OTHER RELATED POLICY INFO:
The SA Education Policy
We belive in a universal, free, quality secular education system – this is highlighted by opening paragraph of Ed policy of Seventh National Conference January 2-5, 2010:
“Education is a fundamental right for all people, yet the policies of successive governments has
been to turn education into a privilege; with wealth as the main entry qualification. At all levels, the public education system has been systematically dismantled, while private schools enjoy billions in taxpayer subsidies.”
The SA wants to make sure “that all young people have the same opportunities no matter what there families socio-economic background.” Therefore “the Socialist Alliance supports the reintroduction of free university education, This is because the Socialist Alliance believes that education is a right for all people. We oppose the fact that the private school sector now gets more federal funding than the entire public university sector. We believe that federal funding should go into providing free and quality public education from primary through to tertiary and vocational. We would also drop the current HECS debts.” AUSTRALIA CAN AFFORD FREE EDUCATION.
Lower the voting age to 16
“Many studies have shown that the youth actually have a stronger sense of social justice. There are also many decisions which are made based around youth issues without the input and views of the youth being represented or expressed. To make sure that youth views are expressed and addressed properly by parliamentarians the Socialist Alliance supports the lowering of the voting age to 16.”
Hi my name is Jenny Forward and I am the Socialist Alliance candidate for Franklin. I’ll start by letting you know that the Socialist Alliance opposes the Tas Tomorrow reforms . Today though I’d firstly I’d like to give you some background information to the SA, and then I’ll talk to you about the SA’s position on the Tasmania Tomorrow reforms before finishing off with a brief summary regarding the SA Youth Policy recently adopted at out Seventh National Conference in January of this year.
Background re the SA
The Socialist Alliance is an anti-capitalist party, which formed in 2001 Since then members of the Socialist Alliance have been active in campaigns on a wide range of issues, from student’s and workers' rights, global warming to civil liberties, from refugee and gay and lesbian rights to justice for Aboriginal Australia and international solidarity.
We believe that ordinary 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.
The Socialist Alliance stands candidates in elections at every level of government, but unlike other parties we don't see parliament as the main vehicle for social change. If elected, our candidates will take only an average worker's wage, donating the balance to struggles for a better society.
What is education for?
Education is about personal growth and development and about creating new and different futures as TS Eliot so concisely out it : “It is in fact a part of the function of education to help us escape, not from our own time -- for we are bound by that -- but from the intellectual and emotional limitations of our time.” The SA does not believe that Tas Tomorrow is anyway assisting the young people of Tasmania to escape these limitations but in fact Tas Tomorrow is limited young people.
The SA Position re Tas Tomorrow
The SA opposes the Tas Tomorrow reforms for many reasons. Whilst these reasons are significant what also is of importance is how we’ve reached our position! We have concluded that Tas Tomorrow is having a negative impact on improving the educational outcomes for post Gr 10 students by consulting those who best understand and know about the current and potential impact of the reforms: namely teachers, the teachers unions and students. Personal note: one of students I’ve consulted is my 17 yr old daughter Gr 12.
Why do we oppose Tas Tomorrow:
1. Inequalities in the community are further reinforced by imposing a choice over academic or vocational pathways at the end of grade 10. (this is way to early – nowadays people change careers on av. 7 times in their lifetime – I didn’t decide on my degree until I was 40!)
2. The autonomy of colleges has been threatened by the state-wide management structure. This means that many teachers, support and admin staff now feel that they don’t have the power to influence changes that will improve how the colleges respond to student’s needs. (systems respond better when those closest to have a say and power over what affects them)
3. The work of managers is being duplicated on shared Polytechnic/Academy campuses which results in less resources being available where they are most need which is on the ground – with the teachers and students
4. Students have had their options for study reduced because of the difficulties of organizing the time tables on a shared campus. (We need system that increases options not
5. On one campus, in the second year of implementation, the reforms caused the situation where students had no timetables and teachers had no classrooms on the first day of term. (my daughter has experienced this – many enrolled in Rosny to escape the problems – as she did)
Of course the SA agrees that much more must be done to improve the retention rates from Year 10 into years 11 and 12 which were some of the lowest in the country, we also have the poorest participation rate for 16- to 24-year-olds, and the large percentage of people in the workforce who are deemed to be illiterate. In practice however, the reforms appear to have been developed and introduced with insufficient consultation and are now being mismanaged.
It appears that Cost-cutting measures and privatization are the main goals of the new organizations:
• Why haven’t they employed qualified adult literacy coordinators as recommended by a recent study by Queensland University?
• Why is the Skills Institute tendering for external providers at the lowest price?
It appears that Tasmania Together is more interested in reducing education provision simply to the pressures of the market!
If anyone doubts that here - it is very interesting to note that on the news the only group that I saw speaking out publicly in favor of the Tas Tomorrow changes was the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry whose only interests are those of big business owners!!
So it’s quite obvious to many of us that the majority of teachers, the majority of teachers who are members of the AEU, the majority of students, the Greens, some independents including Andrew Wilkie and the Liberal Party are not happy with Tas Tomorrow – and the only ones who support this obvious failure are the ALP and business. I’m sorry but since when has business had the real interests of ordinary people at heart – let alone young people who are keen to develop their full potential through quality education! (we only have to look at how many overseas students have had their education ruined by dishonest business owners who are solely interested in making large amounts of profit regardless of the consequences for students who are already disadvantaged)
Since Bartlett has decided to make this an election issue instead of reviewing the mistakes that have been made throughout the Tas Tomorrow process then it’s important that we spread the word and speak to your friends, workmates and family and tell them not to vote Labor as this will mean a vote for the continuation of Tas Tomorrow.
We need to ensure that:
• the college system returns to be managed by the Ed Dept
• TAFE needs to be restored
• That adequate numbers of support staff are provided such as social workers and psychologists
• Adequate consultations then must be held to ensure that any reforms are truly democratic and not in interests of big business
How do we ensure these? Vote against them – sure that’s important but it’s not the only way. We need not just to vote to bring back TAFE but more importantly than this we need to continue to agitate, educate and organize (to quote old slogan from the 60’s) because this is the only way that we can achieve positive changes in society whether in the area of education or others! (one of my favorotie examples of the power of students was May 1968 in France)
Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. Wiliam Butler Yeats
SO it’s not about in this case filling young peoples minds – which are labeled either Academic or Polytechnic it’s about giving them the opportunity to dabble in both as they so choose – about lighting the fire of passion in education in all areas until they have developed enough to discover what they are most interested in
OTHER RELATED POLICY INFO:
The SA Education Policy
We belive in a universal, free, quality secular education system – this is highlighted by opening paragraph of Ed policy of Seventh National Conference January 2-5, 2010:
“Education is a fundamental right for all people, yet the policies of successive governments has
been to turn education into a privilege; with wealth as the main entry qualification. At all levels, the public education system has been systematically dismantled, while private schools enjoy billions in taxpayer subsidies.”
The SA wants to make sure “that all young people have the same opportunities no matter what there families socio-economic background.” Therefore “the Socialist Alliance supports the reintroduction of free university education, This is because the Socialist Alliance believes that education is a right for all people. We oppose the fact that the private school sector now gets more federal funding than the entire public university sector. We believe that federal funding should go into providing free and quality public education from primary through to tertiary and vocational. We would also drop the current HECS debts.” AUSTRALIA CAN AFFORD FREE EDUCATION.
Lower the voting age to 16
“Many studies have shown that the youth actually have a stronger sense of social justice. There are also many decisions which are made based around youth issues without the input and views of the youth being represented or expressed. To make sure that youth views are expressed and addressed properly by parliamentarians the Socialist Alliance supports the lowering of the voting age to 16.”
March 09, 2010
Socialist Alliance Hobart: 2010 Election Fundraising Dinner
Please come along TONIGHT and support Socialist Alliance at our election fund-raising dinner. There will be gorgeously delicious Latin American food, drinks and music. Invite your friends!
| Date: | Saturday, 13 March 2010 |
| Time: | 18:30 - 23:30 |
| Location: | Hobart Activist Centre, 225 Murray St, Hobart |
Socialist Alliance Announces Forest Policy for 2010 State Election
The Socialist Alliance has given its full support to call to immediately to protect Tasmania's native forests, by adopting in full Climate Action Hobart’s Step 2 in its ten steps for a safe climate as its official Forest Policy for the 2010 election, which is as follows:
“The Tasmanian Government must act immediately to protect Tasmania's native forests as permanent and resilient carbon stores. This would include immediately ensuring that no new logging operations take place in intact natural forests in Tasmania, and commissioning a fully independent accounting methodology for carbon emissions and storage associated with current forestry operations in the State. Recognising that protecting forests in this way will require changes in employment patterns and new skills, a core element of this initiative is for the Tasmanian Government to work with the whole community to devise a genuine and community-owned transition strategy for the forestry industry, to preserve employment during and after a switch from large-scale logging native forests to existing plantations and other activities.”
Socialist Alliance Candidate for Denison, Mel Barnes stated “We think the step as outlined is best way to deal with what is described as the “forestry conflict”. If we are to achieve a safe climate, we need to ensure that no new logging of natural forest occurs, which will immediately reduce Tasmania’s carbon emissions. We know from previous studies that Tasmania’s forests are amongst the most carbon dense in the world, a fully independent study, however would give us the full picture of how much carbon is stored in our forests.”
Barnes continued, “We are proud to be a working class party, which supports working class Tasmanians, so recognizing that a just transition is necessary for timber workers and communities sustained by native forest logging, is incredibly important. We believe it is possible and necessary for workers to support a “genuine and community-owned transition strategy for the forestry industry” and we will seek to convince workers of this.”
The Socialist Alliance also calls on all other parties to adopt this step as their forest policy for the coming elections
Melanie Barnes 0423 978 518
Authorised by Susan Austin, 225 Murray St, Hobart, 7000.
9th of March 2010
“The Tasmanian Government must act immediately to protect Tasmania's native forests as permanent and resilient carbon stores. This would include immediately ensuring that no new logging operations take place in intact natural forests in Tasmania, and commissioning a fully independent accounting methodology for carbon emissions and storage associated with current forestry operations in the State. Recognising that protecting forests in this way will require changes in employment patterns and new skills, a core element of this initiative is for the Tasmanian Government to work with the whole community to devise a genuine and community-owned transition strategy for the forestry industry, to preserve employment during and after a switch from large-scale logging native forests to existing plantations and other activities.”
Socialist Alliance Candidate for Denison, Mel Barnes stated “We think the step as outlined is best way to deal with what is described as the “forestry conflict”. If we are to achieve a safe climate, we need to ensure that no new logging of natural forest occurs, which will immediately reduce Tasmania’s carbon emissions. We know from previous studies that Tasmania’s forests are amongst the most carbon dense in the world, a fully independent study, however would give us the full picture of how much carbon is stored in our forests.”
Barnes continued, “We are proud to be a working class party, which supports working class Tasmanians, so recognizing that a just transition is necessary for timber workers and communities sustained by native forest logging, is incredibly important. We believe it is possible and necessary for workers to support a “genuine and community-owned transition strategy for the forestry industry” and we will seek to convince workers of this.”
The Socialist Alliance also calls on all other parties to adopt this step as their forest policy for the coming elections
Melanie Barnes 0423 978 518
Authorised by Susan Austin, 225 Murray St, Hobart, 7000.
9th of March 2010
December 19, 2009
Election Poster - Melanie Barnes
- Double Click on poster to enlarge view and save to your desktop for printing and displaying in your area ;
- or contact the Socialist Alliance for some poster, flyers and other campaign literature
Election Poster - Jenny Forward
- Double Click on poster to enlarge view and save to your desktop for printing and displaying in your area ;
- or contact the Socialist Alliance for some poster, flyers and other campaign literature
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