Australia and South Pacific
Australian prime minister pushes Trump-style tax cuts
By Mike Head, 19 November 2016
Turnbull demanded “hard” economic and budgetary decisions that would “create winners and losers.”
Rising indicators of social distress in Australia
By John Harris, 18 November 2016
A recent report points to a stark increase in rates of imprisonment and suicides.
Australia: National Party decimated in New South Wales by-election
By Richard Phillips, 18 November 2016
Last weekend’s ballot again revealed that masses of people are deeply alienated from, and hostile to, Australia’s two-party system.
Australia: NSW government re-introduces public school inspectors to enforce unpopular measures
By Frank Gaglioti, 17 November 2016
Inspectors will police standardised testing on behalf of the New South Wales government, with powers to close schools and dismiss “underperforming” teachers.
Anglo American sacks workers amid strike at Australian mine
By Terry Cook, 17 November 2016
The unions are isolating a three-month strike by 140 workers at the German Creek mine in Queensland, even as the company announces sackings.
Australia: New South Wales government “bumps up” standardised testing in schools
By Erika Zimmer, 16 November 2016
The new measures underscore the relationship between standardised testing schemes and the government’s cost-cutting agenda for public education.
Workers and young people in Australia and New Zealand concerned by US election result
By our reporters, 15 November 2016
Many noted that Trump’s victory was a product of the deepening social crisis and a breakdown of American democracy.
Public meetings in New Zealand and Australia
The political causes and international implications of Trump’s election: A Marxist assessment
By the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), 15 November 2016
These meetings will clarify the immense political questions raised by Trump’s victory. Who is responsible? What conclusions must be drawn?
Australian government unveils brutal refugee deal with the US
By Max Newman, 14 November 2016
On both sides of the Pacific, the world’s most vulnerable people will be denied the basic right to seek protection, while many will face permanent separation from their families.
Australian government mounts attack on Human Rights Commission
By Peter Symonds, 14 November 2016
The campaign is a cynical attempt to divert attention from the crisis within the government by launching a “freedom of speech” crusade against the Racial Discrimination Act.
Australian establishment concerns over future of US alliance under Trump
By James Cogan, 12 November 2016
A panicked Australian political establishment has rushed to accommodate to the election of Trump, while seeking to work out its implications.
Australia: Residents denounce closure of Hazelwood power station
By our reporters, 11 November 2016
The state Labor government and the unions are collaborating with management to axe the plant and destroy 1,000 jobs.
Australian foreign policy strategists discuss US-China nuclear war
By Patrick Kelly, 10 November 2016
At a forum on “China’s rise,” former defence official Hugh White repeatedly warned of the danger of nuclear war.
Doctors demonstrate against Australian government’s refugee policies
By Zac Hambides, 10 November 2016
Protest organisers made futile appeals to the Turnbull government and Labor, the very agencies responsible for the escalating persecution of the asylum seekers.
Australia: Unions back cuts in working conditions at state broadcaster
By our reporters, 9 November 2016
Union support for the new Australian Broadcasting Corporation enterprise agreement opens the way for even deeper attacks on jobs and conditions.
Papua New Guinea budget further undermines living standards
By John Braddock, 9 November 2016
Following a swathe of cutbacks in 2016, next year’s budget further slashes spending on public health, education, infrastructure and transport.
Australia: Rally against Shellharbour hospital privatisation
By our reporters, 8 November 2016
The trade unions that organised the protest promoted the fraud that Labor would defend the hospital and public health care.
US election stokes deep concerns in Australian ruling circles
By Peter Symonds, 7 November 2016
Not only the “pivot to Asia,” but the whole framework of post-war alliances in Asia is being called into question.
Australian workers and young people discuss US election crisis
By our reporters, 7 November 2016
Many spoke out against Trump and Clinton, who they correctly see as representatives of the banks and big business.
Dreamworld tragedy underscores unions’ role in undermining safety
By Terry Cook, 5 November 2016
The unsafe working conditions now prevalent in every industry are the result of the collaboration of the trade unions with the decades-long drive by corporations to slash costs.
Australian government hit by legal challenges to two senators
By Mike Head, 4 November 2016
The turmoil produced by the bids to disqualify the senators has intensified the Turnbull government’s precariousness.
Australia: Hazelwood power station closure threatens thousands of jobs
By Oscar Grenfell, 4 November 2016
The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union is seeking to impose an “orderly closure” of the plant.
New Zealand moves to restore relations with Fijian regime
By John Braddock, 4 November 2016
New Zealand’s welcoming of Fiji’s Prime Minister Bainimarama was aimed at advancing the geo-strategic interests of the US and its local allies against China.
Australian government moves to bar entry to refugees for life
By Mike Head, 3 November 2016
Some of the most vulnerable people in the world, many fleeing the ravages of US-led wars, are bearing the brunt of a brazen repudiation of basic legal and democratic rights.
Indonesia and Australia discuss joint naval patrols in the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 2 November 2016
The naval operations would be anything but routine, given that the Indonesian navy has already clashed with Chinese fishing trawlers in the South China Sea.
Australia: Police break up Sydney College of the Arts occupation
By Oscar Grenfell, 2 November 2016
The growing use of police against campus protests is bound up with the transformation of universities into for-profit entities reliant on corporate funds and with close ties to the state.
Australian poultry firm Baiada to close Victorian plant
By Will Morrow, 1 November 2016
The National Union of Workers is working with the company to try to enforce an “orderly closure” of the Laverton facility.
Australia: Widespread exploitation of backpackers and overseas labourers
By John Harris, 31 October 2016
The report documented the slave-like conditions for overseas workers which flow directly from the 417 visa arrangements enforced by Labor and Liberal-National governments.
Australia: Murdoch columnist blames young people for inability to purchase homes
By Oscar Grenfell, 29 October 2016
The article, though written in a satirical tone, is part of a campaign against the supposed lifestyle indulgences of the younger generation.
Samoan car component plant to shut, eliminating 740 jobs
By John Braddock, 29 October 2016
Yazaki, with the assistance of the government and unions, has made millions from its 25-year exploitation of Samoan workers.
Australia: Maitland residents oppose privatisation of regional hospital
By John Roberts, 28 October 2016
The protest was another attempt by the unions to divert mounting anger over the attacks on public health into appeals to the government and the promotion of illusions in Labor.
Major safety questions emerge after fatal accident at Australia's Dreamworld theme park
By Oscar Grenfell, 28 October 2016
Despite the many revelations that have emerged since the theme park disaster, Arden Leisure continues to insist that there was nothing wrong with its safety procedures.
Queensland university case shows divisive agenda behind Australian “racial discrimination” law
By Mike Head, 28 October 2016
As universities have suffered punishing cuts, there has been a growth of facilities reserved for particular groups of students, defined in terms of race, gender or sexual preference.
Report signals renewed US pressure on Australia to line up against China
By Peter Symonds, 24 October 2016
The US Studies Centre document examines risks to the US-Australia alliance, raising concerns, in particular, about the lack of public support for the US military build-up in Asia.
Public rifts erupt in Australian government
By Mike Head, 22 October 2016
The internal warfare wracking the Liberal-National Coalition cannot be explained by a dispute over gun laws.
Report documents hunger across the Pacific
By John Braddock, 20 October 2016
The report points to the dire social consequences of extreme weather events and vast climatic changes across the Pacific.
UN committee condemns Australia’s Nauru refugee camp
By Max Newman, 19 October 2016
The Committee on the Rights of the Child described the treatment of children in the Australian-controlled detention centre as “inhumane and degrading.”
Australia: Large protest against Wyong hospital privatisation
By John Mackay, 19 October 2016
Unions New South Wales is seeking to channel widespread opposition to the attacks on healthcare behind the Labor Party.
Australia: Five workers killed in industrial incidents within a week
By Terry Cook, 19 October 2016
Five workers died within seven days, pointing to increasingly unsafe conditions in the construction and transport industries.
Amnesty report: Australian government running torture detention on Nauru
By Nick Beams, 18 October 2016
Efforts by Australian politicians to sell their detention model have helped create the conditions where governments around the world are regularly in breach of international law.
Report details widespread and rising poverty in Australia
By Oscar Grenfell, 18 October 2016
The growth of poverty is a direct result of the policies implemented by successive governments, Liberal-National and Labor alike.
Australian government hails New Zealand’s brutal welfare system
By Tom Peters, 17 October 2016
Australia’s government is seeking to emulate policies that have pushed tens of thousands of people off welfare.
Australian government seeks to gag top legal official
By Mike Head, 15 October 2016
By silencing the solicitor-general, the government is seeking to free itself of any constitutional or legal constraint.
Healthcare costs a growing barrier to treatment for Australians
By Michelle Stevens, 15 October 2016
Almost half those suffering some chronic health conditions are skipping treatment because of “out of pocket” costs.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
15 October 2016
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Australian IYSSE holds Inaugural General Meeting at the University of Melbourne
By the IYSSE (Australia), 15 October 2016
The meeting was the culmination of a two-and-a-half year fight to establish an IYSSE club at the university.
Australia: Arrest of two boys used to ramp up terrorism scare campaign
By Mike Head, 14 October 2016
Broadcasting vague and unsubstantiated police accusations has been taken to new depths with prejudicial allegations against two 16-year-olds.
US seals military basing deal with Australia
By Mike Head, 10 October 2016
The cost-sharing pact will mean billions of dollars being spent on upgrading facilities across Australia for the US military.
Oppose imperialist war against China and Russia
Join and Build the IYSSE at University of Melbourne!
By IYSSE (Australia), 10 October 2016
The IYSSE will hold its Inaugural General Meeting at University of Melbourne on October 13 at 1pm.
Australian union imposes 10 percent pay cut on steelworkers
By Oscar Grenfell, 8 October 2016
The Australian Workers Union is playing the central role in the destruction of the jobs, wages and conditions of steelworkers.
Australian politicians hold sham hearings on banks’ “unethical behaviour”
By Mike Head, 8 October 2016
Thousands of working class people, retirees, small business owners and family farmers have been ruined by the banks.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
8 October 2016
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Australian Labor Party restates call for military challenge to China
By James Cogan, 8 October 2016
Labor’s statements indicate frustration within the US and Australian establishments over the Turnbull government’s refusal to order an operation in the South China Sea.
Fifteen years of the war in Afghanistan
By James Cogan, 7 October 2016
The US has been the central instigator of the Afghan tragedy for a period that now spans 38 years, with a toll in dead and wounded that numbers well over a million people.
US defence secretary announces “third phase” of military build-up against China
By Peter Symonds, 4 October 2016
Ashton Carter made clear that the US would sharpen its “military edge” in the Asia Pacific so as to remain the most powerful military in the region.”
Job cuts threatened at New Caledonia nickel plant
By John Braddock, 4 October 2016
The Koniambo job “review” foreshadows a major assault on workers throughout the nickel industry in the French colony and internationally.
Australia: Dean of arts college quits amid student protests
By Elle Chapman, 4 October 2016
The moves to close Sydney College of Arts are one expression of a broader assault on the social rights to education and culture.
Australia: Strike continues at Anglo American’s German Creek coal mine
By Terry Cook, 3 October 2016
The union continues to isolate a dispute by 140 mine workers at Anglo American’s German Creek coal mine even as the company moves to recruit strike-breakers.
Australian state government to privatise five hospitals
By John Mackay, 1 October 2016
The plan will set a model for the wholesale handover of health care to profit-making corporate operators.
Infrastructure breakdown plunges Australian state into darkness
By Mike Head, 30 September 2016
Power went out across South Australia, cutting off electricity to 900,000 homes and throwing the state into chaos.
Australia: Immigration employees take industrial action in public sector dispute
By Oscar Grenfell, 30 September 2016
The limited stoppages are a continuation of the union’s attempts to isolate public sector workers and prevent a unified political and industrial fight against the government’s attacks.
Ex-Australian Labor minister calls for deregulation of university fees
By Mike Head, 29 September 2016
Dawkins appealed for Labor and the Coalition government to develop a bipartisan policy to further slash education spending and deny access to working class youth.
Anti-China witch-hunt targets former Australian foreign minister
By Peter Symonds, 28 September 2016
The attack on Carr, an establishment figure with strong ties in Washington, is a sign that nothing less than full support for the US war drive against China will be tolerated.
International court dismisses Australian challenge over Timor Sea border dispute
By Patrick Kelly, 28 September 2016
The judgement marks another exposure of Canberra’s contempt for international law and its rank hypocrisy over the resolution of maritime disputes.
Papua New Guinea: Air Niugini sacks pilots over protest action
By John Braddock, 28 September 2016
Responsibility for the dismissal of the pilots rests with the trade unions, which claimed that individual protests would pressure the government to make concessions.
Australian government claims refugee policy “best in the world”
By Max Newman, 26 September 2016
At the UN summit, Prime Minister Turnbull urged countries to adopt Australia’s “border protection” regime.
New Australian “anti-terror” laws overturn basic legal rights
By Mike Head, 23 September 2016
The political establishment is moving, as a matter of high priority, to bolster the repressive police-intelligence apparatus.
More than a million Australians live in poor housing
By John Harris, 21 September 2016
Many families live in precarious conditions and their children are more likely to have long-term health issues.
Australian government launches far-reaching assault on welfare
By Mike Head, 21 September 2016
The government is trying to put new window dressing on measures designed to coerce some of the poorest layers of the working class into low paid jobs.
New Zealand: Maori king cuts ties with Labour Party
By John Braddock, 17 September 2016
The Maori tribal head, who presides over a substantial business operation, has thrown his weight behind an electoral alliance between the Maori nationalist parties.
Pacific forum reveals regional geo-strategic tensions
By John Braddock, 16 September 2016
The admission of two French territories into the Pacific Islands Forum signals the involvement of another imperialist power in a bid to counter China.
Australian political establishment embraces Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
By Mike Head, 16 September 2016
Hanson’s first Senate speech, which was given wall-to-wall media coverage, focused on vilifying Muslims, China and welfare recipients.
US ambassador backs campaign against “Chinese influence” in Australia
By Peter Symonds, 15 September 2016
Berry’s intervention confirms American involvement in the anti-Beijing crusade, and highlights US determination to ensure Canberra’s support for its war drive against China.
Papua New Guinea nurses union calls off nationwide strike
By John Braddock, 15 September 2016
The Papua New Guinea Nurses Association is now collaborating with the government to enforce ongoing attacks on the health system.
Australia: Labor Party helps government slash welfare
By Mike Head, 14 September 2016
The Coalition-Labor pact sends a wider signal to the financial elite: Labor will try to shore up the fragile political establishment and deliver the austerity measures demanded by business.
BHP Billiton demands Australian coal miners accept three-year wage freeze
By Oscar Grenfell, 14 September 2016
The company’s move is part of a broader offensive against the jobs and working conditions of workers.
The witch-hunt against Chinese influence in Australia
By Peter Symonds, 14 September 2016
The campaign against politicians, commentators and businessmen not fully supportive of the US “pivot” against China is a warning of the advanced character of war preparations in Asia.
Australia: Juvenile prison abuse exposed in Queensland
By Erin Cooke, 13 September 2016
Media reports have revealed a state Labor government coverup of the violent mistreatment of teenage detainees.
Australian government exploits attack by mentally-ill man to whip up terrorism scare
By Mike Head, 12 September 2016
Prime Minister Turnbull equated the stabbing incident to the 9/11 mass terrorist attacks in the US, which were used to proclaim an endless “war on terror.”
Australian public sector union holds farcical protests amid one-day strike
By our reporters, 12 September 2016
The protests were aimed at appealing to the Liberal-National coalition government and preventing any serious political discussion among public sector workers.
Turnbull government expands Australian military powers at home and abroad
By our correspondent, 12 September 2016
The twin measures underscore the close connection between escalating militarism and domestic police-military repression.
Protest leaders barred from University of Papua New Guinea
By John Braddock, 10 September 2016
The victimisation of eight students is part of the O’Neill government’s suppression of opposition to austerity measures.
Australian senator falls victim to anti-China witch-hunt
By Mike Head, 9 September 2016
Dastyari’s removal sends a wider message to the parliamentary elite that no dissent will be tolerated to the bipartisan policy of backing Washington.
Australian Greens signal pro-business agenda in portfolio appointments
By Oscar Grenfell, 9 September 2016
Greens leader Richard Di Natale installed senators with “fiscally conservative” credentials to key frontbench posts.
Tens of thousands of Australian public sector workers set to strike
By Oscar Grenfell, 8 September 2016
The union is seeking to corral opposition to attacks on wages and conditions behind the Labor Party.
Knives out for Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull
By James Cogan, 7 September 2016
The political atmosphere resembles that before the June 2010 political coup that removed Labor leader Kevin Rudd.
Deteriorating Australian economy adds to pressure on Turnbull
By Mike Head, 7 September 2016
The corporate discontent with the prime minister’s performance is mounting amid falling business investment and stagnant retail sales.
Australia: Opponents of war with China labelled “rats, flies, mosquitoes and sparrows”
By James Cogan, 6 September 2016
The language provides an ominous warning of the chauvinism and hysteria that is set to engulf Australian politics.
Intelligence agencies reportedly question Australian PM’s “stance” on China
By James Cogan, 5 September 2016
The question mark over Turnbull’s allegiance to the US alliance and anti-China agenda has been raised under conditions in which he holds office by a thread.
Australian supermarket chain sheds hardware stores and jobs
By John Roberts, 5 September 2016
The closure by Woolworths of Masters and Home Timber and Hardware stores reflects the impact of slump and deflation on the retail industry.
Australian government shaken by defeats in parliament
By Mike Head, 2 September 2016
Last night’s chaotic scenes underscore the ongoing instability of the political establishment.
Australian Labor senator branded a “Manchurian candidate”
By James Cogan, 2 September 2016
Payments accepted by Dastyari have been linked with political positions he advanced on China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Students denounce Sydney College of the Arts merger
By our reporters, 1 September 2016
Sydney College of the Arts students and staff are continuing their protests against the University of Sydney administration’s attempts to transfer the highly-regarded fine arts tertiary institution onto another campus. Students spoke to WSWS reporters about the impact on their studies and their artistic work.
Australian establishment discusses prospect of US-China war
By James Cogan, 1 September 2016
ASPI began with the question “under what circumstances would Australia join in a war against China?”
Australia: Students occupy Sydney College of the Arts
By our reporters, 1 September 2016
The ongoing protest coincided with a march on parliament by National Art School students and staff opposing merger plans at their facility.
New Australian government seeks to impose deep cuts
By Mike Head, 31 August 2016
The prime minister appealed for all parliamentarians to unite behind a program of austerity, military spending and expanded powers for the security forces.
Ruling party wiped out in Australia’s Northern Territory election
By Mike Head, 30 August 2016
The result is a barometer of broader trends wracking Australia’s political establishment, driven by disaffection and economic slump.
Australia: Arrium steelworkers reject 10 percent pay cut
By John Roberts, 29 August 2016
From the outset, the union had no intention of waging any struggle to mobilise workers to oppose the cost cutting and fight the threat of closure.
French shipbuilder DCNS hit by massive data leak on Scorpene submarine
By Kumaran Ira, 25 August 2016
The leak has raised concerns about whether DCNS’ multi-billion dollar plans to build submarines for Australia could also be compromised.
Papua New Guinean landowners end blockade of major gas project
By John Braddock, 25 August 2016
Protesting traditional landowners, claiming millions of dollars in unpaid royalties, disrupted vital LNG supplies.
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