The US in a futile attempt to salvage its position in Iraq is planning to send an extra 21,500 troops as a surge to stop the escalating violence and descent into civil war. The Socialist party is opposed to any increase in troops to Iraq; it will only delay the inevitable. The Socialist Party demands an end to the occupation and a withdrawal of all foreign troops.
Editorial comment from the March edition of The Socialist newspaper. (more…)

Bodies of murder victims likely those of kidnapped Tamils
On Saturday 24 February, five bodies, showing the signs of an execution-style killing, were found in a swamp near Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The following week five more bullet-riddled bodies were discovered in the north-central district of Anuradhapura, the remains of which were burned beyond recognition.
By Simon Van Haeren, CWI (more…)

A successful showcase for fighting, socialist ideas
From 3-4 March, the Socialist Party (CWI in Australia) hosted, in Melbourne, its second ‘Socialism’ successful and lively event. Over 80 people took part in debates and discussions over the course of the weekend.
By Socialist Party reporters, Melbourne (more…)

SP Newsletter No.163
It is almost one year since Howard’s ‘Work Choices’ legislation was introduced. These laws have had a detrimental effect, not just to the working conditions of millions of Australians, but also to the union movement’s ability to organise and strike. (more…)

The fight for equal pay continues!
In the 1920s women workers were only paid about half of what male workers earned. In some workplaces they were paid even less. Sometimes only between 30 - 40 % of men’s wages. It was through organising women in unions that the struggle for equal pay rights was won. Today a similar struggle for equal pay is going on with young workers who often receive between 40% and 60 % of adult rates. This is helping employers to make massive amounts of profits.
By Kylie McGregor, UNITE President and Socialist Party Melbourne (more…)

The international fight for socialism

The Socialist Party in Australia is affiliated to an international organisation called the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI). In mid January the CWI held its World Congress in Belgium. It was attended by Socialist Party members Stephen Jolly, Tony Mason and Anthony Main. Below, Anthony Main reports on some of work of the CWI in the different regions of the world. (more…)

The nationalisation of companies is one of the most misunderstood parts of socialism. Socialism, at its very simplest is comprised of two very basic ideas, real democracy and a planned economy.
By John Gowland, Socialist Party Perth (more…)

The Iraq war has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives, billions of dollars and untold amounts of personal freedom and liberty. The loss of US troops has reached over 3,000 dead and over 23,000 wounded. So far five Australians have died - at least three contactors and two soldiers.
By Gary Duffy, Socialist Party Sydney (more…)

A study by Griffith Business School reported that the new workplace laws have cut wages, stripped overtime penalties and removed award protections for workers. Professor David Peetz analysed workplace data following the introduction of the new laws and found real wages for full-time adults fell by 1.1 per cent in the six months to August.
By Samantha Ashby, Socialist Party Newcastle (more…)