Talisman Sabre...an economic boost for the community!

Originally uploaded by greepo.

At least that's how the Australian government sees the latest production of military fiction soon to be played out in some of Queensland's most prized natural heritage areas. The Talisman Sabre "war games" will involve around 17,000 US and Australian troops and will simulate real-life scenarios which, having not been ruled out by the ADF, may even involve the use of depleted uranium. As well as injecting an estimated $5m into the local economy the government says the exercise will "will further develop the ADF’s capability to undertake joint, combined operations and will help build regional security and complement our regional partner’s activities with the US." This comes at a time when many Australians are calling for an end to our commitment in the US-led war in Iraq and a reduction in our already blown-out military expenditure. Bob Briton reports....

Time to organise against undemocratic reforms...

Originally uploaded by greepo.

The changes announced by the Howard government last week amount to a complete transformation of Australia’s industrial relations system. The protection afforded workers for over 100 years through a centralised award system of legally enforceable minimum wages and working conditions will be replaced by four basic and inadequate legislated conditions and the barest minimum wage.
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