Now that was a great #bustthebudget rally! Thanks to everyone who made it. Les Thomas is working on mixing the studio version of "Budget Reply" now. Lots of big sounds to send the message! Photo via Sarah Hathway Someone switch on the lights and butt out those cigars Cos it’s like we’ve been hit and we’re still seeing stars We all saw the train coming but the wreck’s still a shock Instead of looking to the future here they turn back the clock So the age of entitlement’s come to an end Unless you’re one of their billionaire friends Too bad if you’re sick, or too old or too young When the age of cruelty’s just begun What kind of future do they offer round here When the most in need have the most to fear? They punish the weak to reward the strong And they’re blind to the difference ‘tween right and the wrong Hey Joe, don’t you know? You’re gonna hear our budget reply My doctor took an oath to do no harm So why do you insist they take a leg and an arm? Truth be told, they’d rather let us bleed An emergency indeed

Who the hell was Clarrie O'Shea?

Find out what he and other unionists did in May 1969, and Why it is important for us all today

May 1969 Six days of nation-wide mass protests and industrial action by millions of workers and supporters defeat the anti-worker laws and free Union Secretary, Clarrie O'Shea, from goal on 21st May.

How did they do it? What can we learn from this struggle. May 2009 Fight against WorkChoices, ABCC, the West Gate Bridge dispute, and more. "A battle won, but the fight goes on"

Thursday 21 May 7.00pm Trades Hall Bar corner Lygon & Victoria streets, North Carlton Speakers include: Chris White, Researcher and former Secretary, Trades & Labour Council, South Australia; John Rutherford, former Victorian and National Secretary, Plumbers & Gas Fitters Union; Ralph Edwards, President, CFMEU; Rank and file workers and others

Visual display of the 1969 fight against the anti-worker, anti-union penal powers laws.