Socialist Alliance meeting
This evening I spoke at a public meeting organised by the fledgling Subiaco Branch of the Socialist Alliance, on “Building Alternatives to the Howard Government.”
I was alongside Greens Senate candidate Rachel Siewert and Socialist Alliance Senate candidate Alex Whisson (known to some as ” Mr Professional Activist” and to others as a certain dapper personage” — he is quite dapper). My role was token ALP-defender and general whipping boy. It wasn’t so bad once I numbed myself to the “Labor is just as bad” rhetoric — which was generally followed by emphasising how important it is that Labor wins… go figure.
I tried to stress the importance of left-wing extraparliamentary action, in order to keep left issues in the national debate and to keep Labor MPs on their toes.
Alex, Rachel and I agreed that the election of a Latham Government would be a wonderful thing, but it would be merely the start of our most important campaign activity. There must be no “honeymoon” — Latham and Labor need to be held accountable from the start of their term in power.
There were about 25 people in the audience. Naturally they didn’t agree with everything I had to say, but they didn’t throw anything so I guess I should be grateful. It was a good night. Thanks for inviting me, Alex, and good luck with your campaign.
There were 25 there? That must be close to their national membership figure.
Heh.
Actually, the Socialist Alliance is registered as a party, which means it must have more than 500 members.
Since they are eligible for registration at a federal level but not at the state level in WA, they’re in the same class as the Democrats…