Australia and New Zealand
Australia: Students and workers demand release of Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning
By our reporters, 20 February 2020
“Trillions are spent on war, which creates refugees, kills children and workers, but the people who make these wars happen are roaming free whilst Assange is being murdered by the state.”
GM announces exit from Australia, New Zealand and Thailand
By Marcus Day, 18 February 2020
GM continues to shrink its footprint and attack autoworkers’ jobs globally, as it faces declining sales and ferocious competition to dominate emerging technologies.
New Zealand’s Waitangi Day promotes nationalism and militarism
By Tom Peters, 13 February 2020
New Zealand’s national day was marked with the opening of a museum to glorify Maori participation and “sacrifice” for imperialism in World War II.
Rank-and-file teachers in Sydney adopt resolution defending Assange and Manning
the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), 12 February 2020
The resolution is the outcome of the initiative of the Committee For Public Education, acting independently of the trade union apparatus.
Thousands of students affected by New Zealand’s anti-Chinese travel ban
By Tom Peters, 11 February 2020
A student who spoke to the WSWS described the travel ban, ostensibly aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus, as a “dream come true” for the NZ First Party and other right-wing nationalists.
New Zealand’s coronavirus travel ban stokes tensions with China
By Tom Peters, 6 February 2020
The Labour Party-led government’s decision to suspend inbound travel from China is a nationalist move that is stoking tensions with China.
New Zealand soldier linked to fascist groups arrested
By Tom Peters, 8 January 2020
The arrested soldier was initially questioned following the Christchurch terrorist attack in March 2019, in which a fascist gunman killed 51 people.
Australia: Surveys reveal majority of former car workers unable to find decent jobs
By Terry Cook, 7 January 2020
Former centres of car production, such as Elizabeth in Adelaide and Broadmeadows in Melbourne, have been left mired in social crisis.
After another weekend of devastation, Australia faces weeks more of unprecedented fires
By James Cogan, 6 January 2020
A discernable shift is underway in how masses of people view the political parties and institutions that have downplayed or denied the reality of climate change.
New Zealand union shuts down bus drivers’ strike, scapegoats migrants for low wages
By Tom Peters, 6 January 2020
FIRST Union called off a partial stoppage by around 800 low-paid Auckland bus drivers without any resolution, then denounced NZ Bus for employing migrants.
Australian police begin “foreign interference” raids
By Mike Head, 24 December 2019
The Weekend Australian’s “exclusive” story signals an offensive by the police and intelligence agencies to carry out the first prosecutions under draconian “foreign interference” laws.
Journalist Peter Hartcher and the anti-China campaign in Australia
By James Cogan, 24 December 2019
Hartcher’s essay in the Quarterly Essay is textbook propaganda for war. It seeks to cultivate nationalist fear and even paranoia about the intended enemy—China.
New Zealand Police fatally shoot man in rural town
By Chris Ross, 24 December 2019
Increased police shootings in New Zealand are occurring under conditions of increased militarisation of the police by the Labour-NZ First-Greens government.
Multiple deaths from New Zealand volcanic eruption
By Tom Peters, 10 December 2019
Tourism companies have carried out highly profitable operations on White Island, despite the known risk of a volcanic eruption.
New Zealand military’s unexploded bombs killed Afghan civilians
By Tom Peters, 22 November 2019
Seven children were among 17 civilians killed or injured from unexploded bombs at New Zealand’s firing ranges in Bamyan, Afghanistan.
New Zealand police introduce new armed units
By Tom Peters, 16 November 2019
The Labour Party-led government is exploiting the Christchurch terrorist attack to further arm the police and increase their anti-democratic powers.
Australian Labor Party review covers up causes of federal election debacle
By Oscar Grenfell, 11 November 2019
The real reason for Labor’s defeat is that it is incapable of making a credible appeal to workers and young people, after decades of having imposed the dictates of big business.
New Zealand military to expand Pacific presence
By John Braddock, 8 November 2019
The new Defence Paper extends the military’s engagement in the region in line with Washington’s war drive against China.
New Zealand defence chief admits Afghan civilian death
By John Braddock, 28 October 2019
The admission to the Operation Burnham inquiry was the first by the Defence Force, which has repeatedly covered up the truth about the 2010 SAS raid.
New Zealand: Fire engulfs $800 million Auckland construction site
By Tom Peters, 24 October 2019
A fire that has devastated Auckland’s $700 million SkyCity Convention Centre construction site will have a significant economic impact.
New Zealand government introduces class-based immigration restrictions
By Tom Peters, 22 October 2019
The Labour Party-led government has imposed draconian restrictions to prevent working class immigrants from bringing their parents to join them in New Zealand.
Sexual assault scandal shakes New Zealand government
By Tom Peters, 18 October 2019
The Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, last month came under attack in the media over unproven and anonymous allegations of sexual assault by a senior staff member.
New Zealand housing crisis worsens under Labour government
By John Braddock, 16 October 2019
Landlords and property speculators have exploited the housing crisis and the Labour government’s pro-business policies.
Thousands of Assam tea workers strike over bonus payments; 17,000 non-academic university workers remain on strike in Sri Lanka
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and New Zealand
5 October 2019
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
New Zealand PM promotes internet censorship at UN
By Tom Peters, 30 September 2019
Jacinda Ardern met with world leaders and tech companies to promote a new “crisis response protocol” to rapidly remove online content deemed “extremist.”
Echoing Trump administration, Australian leader advocates end to China’s “developing country” status
By James Cogan, 24 September 2019
Morrison signalled that Australia will join with the US in its escalating campaign to economically cripple China.
Australian government “balances” budget at expense of disabled
By Mike Head, 23 September 2019
The Morrison government “saved” $4.6 billion by underfunding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and cutting a total of $6.4 billion from social programs.
Australian government pushes drug testing for welfare recipients
By Oscar Grenfell, 16 September 2019
The trial, which is aimed at extending “welfare quarantining” measures, would target working class areas hit by job destruction and government budget cuts.
New Zealand police destroyed Pike River mine disaster evidence
By Tom Peters, 13 September 2019
The latest revelations are further evidence of a cover-up designed to protect Pike River Coal’s management from prosecution for the 2010 disaster that killed 29 people.
“Horrendous” increase in New Zealand suicide rates
By John Braddock, 9 September 2019
As social conditions deteriorate, suicide deaths reached 685 last year, the highest number since records began.
Official report exposes dire conditions in New Zealand prisons
By John Braddock, 6 September 2019
The prison population has risen for 30 years, ever since the “pro-market” program launched by David Lange’s 1984–1990 Labour government.
New Zealand economic forecast: “Things could turn ugly”
By John Braddock, 29 August 2019
The US-China trade war, slowing growth in New Zealand’s export markets, and dampened business investment are key issues facing the local economy as the global recession looms.
Tongan government threatens to block access to Facebook
By Tom Peters, 27 August 2019
The threat to ban Facebook follows intense criticism on social media of Tonga’s royal family, and growing popular anger over social inequality.
Australian actor John Jarratt sues Daily Telegraph after jury throws out rape charge
By Richard Phillips, 13 August 2019
The jury of five men and seven women took just over 15 minutes to unanimously reject the #MeToo-inspired rape allegation against the veteran actor.
US defence secretary, NATO chief visit New Zealand to strengthen military ties
By Tom Peters, 10 August 2019
The visits by US defence secretary Mark Esper and NATO general secretary Jens Stoltenberg were aimed at incorporating New Zealand further into the military build-up against China, Russia and Iran.
New Zealand: Maori nationalist parties exploit protest against property development
By Tom Peters, 8 August 2019
There is broad support for one of the country’s most significant archaeological sites, but the organisers are promoting illusions in the political establishment and the Maori tribal elites.
Indian doctors hold national 24-hour walkout; Chinese auto workers strike; Australian railway workers vote for industrial action
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
3 August 2019
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Julian Assange’s lawyer briefs Australian parliamentarians on his persecution
By Oscar Grenfell, 1 August 2019
The event reflected concerns within the ruling elite over popular opposition to the Trump administration’s bid to prosecute the WikiLeaks founder.
Australian disability centre closures result in nearly a dozen deaths
By Max Newman, 26 July 2019
Former residents of a disability centre in Newcastle have died after being transferred to under-funded group homes via the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
New Zealand foreign minister repeats call for increased US role in Pacific
By John Braddock, 25 July 2019
Peters’ speech echoed his earlier appeal for a stronger US-New Zealand military and strategic alliance to counter Beijing.
Australian cancer victim sues Bayer-Monsanto
By Frank Gaglioti, 23 July 2019
Michael Ogalirolo claims his potentially lethal cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is due to 18 years of exposure to glyphosate, the active component of the herbicide Roundup.
Australian retail giant to cut jobs, wages
By Eric Ludlow, 9 July 2019
Woolworths, one of Australia’s two major supermarket chains, last month announced a restructure that endangers thousands of jobs across the country.
Protest in New Zealand against US brutality towards refugees
By Tom Peters, 8 July 2019
The July 4 rally outside the US embassy in Wellington demonstrated the growing international outrage at the Trump administration’s concentration camps for migrants and refugees.
Australian workers and youth speak out at vigils for Assange’s birthday
By our reporters, 5 July 2019
“The things he has done have changed the world. The people who hate him are usually the people who are in power.”
New Zealand secondary teachers’ union pushes through sellout
By Tom Peters and John Braddock, 3 July 2019
The deal pushed through by the Post-Primary Teachers’ Association, following a similar sellout by the primary teachers’ union, will only see the crisis in schools worsen.
New Zealand media promote new far-right Christian party
By Tom Peters, 2 July 2019
The media has given extraordinary publicity to Coalition NZ, founded by the fundamentalist Destiny Church, which held an anti-Muslim rally at the site of the Christchurch terrorist attack.
Australian PM refused to raise persecution of Assange with Trump
By Oscar Grenfell, 2 July 2019
At the G20 summit Morrison fawned over Trump, who is seeking to imprison the WikiLeaks founder for life, or execute him.
Watch the Sydney rally to free Assange live!
28 June 2019
The SEP rally is among the first events to be held since the WSWS International Editorial Board called for the formation of a Global Defence Committee to demand freedom for Assange and Manning.
Students and staff to protest imposition of trimesters at Australian university
By Martin Scott, 25 June 2019
The University of New South Wales management has put commercial interests ahead of education.
Socialist Equality Group (New Zealand) calls rally to demand freedom for Julian Assange
By the Socialist Equality Group (New Zealand), 25 June 2019
Support the SEG’s rally on Sunday July 14 as part of the international campaign to demand freedom for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and whistleblower Chelsea Manning.
New Zealand neo-Nazi jailed for 21 months for sharing video of mosque shootings
By Tom Peters, 24 June 2019
The trial was a test case for anti-democratic legislation that can and will be used to suppress mounting social opposition from the working class.
Australian Labor Party leader determined to expel building union official
By Mike Head, 21 June 2019
Corporate outlets have declared that John Setka’s removal is the first “test” of Anthony Albanese’s leadership in turning Labor further to the right.
Prominent Australian journalist Mary Kostakidis calls for campaign to free Assange
18 June 2019
“We must not wait till it is too late to recognise the broader significance of the persecution of Julian Assange and fail to defend his human rights.”
Australian whistleblower trials shrouded in secrecy
By Mike Head, 18 June 2019
The government’s determination to block any public scrutiny of these crucial hearings constitutes wartime-like censorship.
Vote no to union sellout of New Zealand teachers! Mobilise the working class against the Ardern Labour government!
By the Socialist Equality Group (New Zealand), 18 June 2019
Following last month’s historic strike, the primary and secondary teacher unions are seeking to impose a sellout deal and shut down the teachers’ struggle.
Two protesters arrested at Melbourne rally in defence of Assange
By Oscar Grenfell, 17 June 2019
The arrests were aimed at intimidating supporters of WikiLeaks and preventing broader layers from joining the campaign to defend Assange and all democratic rights.
Australia: Another Sydney apartment block evacuated over major structural cracks
By John Wilson, 17 June 2019
The event underlines the escalating crisis in housing and apartment building and the cost-cutting methods used during the past two decades.
New Zealand government extends Iraq and Afghanistan troop deployments
By Tom Peters, 14 June 2019
Contrary to statements by the Greens and pseudo-lefts, the Labour Party-led government is strengthening New Zealand’s alliance with US imperialism.
New Zealand protest opposes persecution of Julian Assange and Australian journalists
By our reporters, 13 June 2019
Tom Peters of the Socialist Equality Group warned that press freedom and democratic rights are “not compatible with endless war and endless attacks on living standards.”
New Zealand: Teacher at impoverished school speaks out against conditions that led to last month’s historic strike
By Tom Peters, 11 June 2019
The WSWS interviewed a New Zealand teacher, who revealed the growing crisis facing severely under-resourced schools in rural towns.
Tens of thousands join climate strike in New Zealand
By Tom Peters, 29 May 2019
While organisers called for “pressure” to be placed on the parliamentary parties, many students agreed climate change could not be addressed without abolishing capitalism.
New Zealand media to censor coverage of Christchurch terrorist’s trial
By Tom Peters, 23 May 2019
Corporate and state media have agreed to self-censorship of Tarrant’s trial in order to obscure the connection between his views and the xenophobia promoted by the ruling class internationally.
Australian voters speak out
Mass support for Assange as workers and youth oppose militarism and war
By our reporters, 21 May 2019
Many workers passionately oppose the persecution of Assange and Manning hailing them as “heroes,” “legends” and similar appellations.
New Zealand government’s promises to combat child poverty exposed
By Chris Ross and Tom Peters, 16 May 2019
The Labour-led government of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is overseeing growing poverty and social inequality.
New Zealand Labour government rules out capital gains tax
By John Braddock, 13 May 2019
Ardern’s capitulation to NZ First leader, Winston Peters, over what was a major election promise, underscores yet again the right-wing character of her government.
Two former Australian prime ministers tout Labor’s pro-business record
Oscar Grenfell: SEP candidate for Parramatta, 11 May 2019
Hawke and Keating boasted they had created the “modern” deregulated economy, and called for the election of a Labor government to deepen this pro-business agenda.
Free Assange NZ denounces hypocrisy at World Press Freedom Day event
By Tom Peters, 11 May 2019
Alex Hills from Free Assange New Zealand condemned the British government’s “brazen hypocrisy” and called on the media to “end the smears and lies about an anti-war hero.”
The Christchurch terror attack and the promotion of fascism by the ruling elite
By Tom Peters, 8 May 2019
We are publishing here the text of the speech to the 2019 International May Day Online rally delivered by Tom Peters.
Austrian government ties welfare payments to German language skills
By Markus Salzmann, 3 May 2019
The targets of the cuts are mainly foreigners and those with large families.
The Labor Party tries to “save capitalism”
Mike Head: SEP candidate for Oxley, 3 May 2019
The ruling elite is terrified that the emerging support for socialism can become a conscious turn toward revolutionary Marxism.
Economic reversal exposes Australian election myths
By Mike Head, 27 April 2019
Inflation was zero during the March quarter, indicating a rapidly stalling economy that will intensify the corporate offensive against the working class.
Anzac Day 2019: Conditioning the Australian population for war
Richard Phillips: SEP Senate candidate for New South Wales, 27 April 2019
The media and political establishment has erected a wall of silence around Australia’s involvement in the US-led preparations for war against China and Russia.
Australian construction workers facing massive fines for striking
By Terry Cook, 26 April 2019
The Australian Building and Construction Commission has launched legal action against workers involved in a short work-stoppage last year.
Australian mining magnate renews his fraudulent populist pitch
Mike Head: SEP candidate for Oxley, 26 April 2019
While feigning sympathy for working people, billionaire Clive Palmer is bankrolling an election blitz by his so-called United Australia Party.
New Zealand bus worker dies of stroke after corporate restructure
By our correspondent, 17 April 2019
Wellington bus controller Dmitri Edwards died following a “day from hell,” during which he had to make 85 changes to rosters and schedules.
New Zealand rally demands freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 15 April 2019
Tom Peters from the Socialist Equality Group (NZ) told the rally that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s life will be in danger if he is extradited from Britain to the US.
Australian police dismissed death threat by Christchurch terrorist
By Tom Peters, 12 April 2019
The revelation demolishes claims by Australian and New Zealand authorities that the fascist Brenton Tarrant was not “on the radar” of any state agencies.
New Zealand inquiry set to whitewash fascist murders in Christchurch
By John Braddock, 10 April 2019
The royal commission will cover up the promotion of far-right extremism by the political establishment and pave the way for further anti-democratic police powers.
New Zealand fascist killer appears in court
By Hayden Johns, 8 April 2019
The push for Brenton Tarrant not to face terrorism charges is part of efforts to suppress discussion about the political motivations behind the March 15 massacre.
Christchurch terrorist donated to right-wing Austrian Identitarian movement
By Markus Salzmann, 3 April 2019
Clear political and ideological ties exist between the Australian fascist Brenton Tarrant, the Austrian Identitarian movement and the governing Freedom Party.
Christchurch terrorist’s fascist manifesto promotes trade unions
By Hayden Johns, 2 April 2019
The fascist gunman Brenton Tarrant, who killed 50 people at two mosques in New Zealand, advocates the anti-immigrant, nationalist policies of the trade unions.
After fascist attack, New Zealand teacher unions cancel nationwide strike
By John Braddock, 2 April 2019
In a thoroughly anti-democratic decision, primary and secondary teacher unions have used the Christchurch attack as a pretext to call off a major nationwide strike.
Remembrance service held for New Zealand terror attack victims
By Tom Peters, 30 March 2019
The event was used by the NZ and Australian governments to appeal for unity, demand censorship of social media and cover up their role in creating the conditions for the fascist attack.
After fascist attack, New Zealand government enacts gun control measures
By John Braddock and Tom Peters, 29 March 2019
The new laws serve to boost the powers of the state, while diverting attention from unanswered questions about the massacre in Christchurch.
New Zealand fascist killer had known Australian far-right links
By Mike Head, 28 March 2019
Despite claims that Tarrant was a “lone wolf” whose murderous plans could not have been detected, he had intimate connections with a fascistic network.
Australian government exploits fascist atrocity in New Zealand to push online censorship
By Oscar Grenfell, 27 March 2019
The entire political establishment is seeking to cover up its responsibility for the fascist attack and exploit it to crack down on the democratic rights of ordinary people.
Why was the New Zealand terrorist attack not prevented?
By Tom Peters, 27 March 2019
There are serious unanswered questions about how fascist terrorist Brenton Tarrant was able to prepare and carry out the March 15 attack in Christchurch without any interference from police or intelligence agencies.
New Zealand government bans fascist terrorist Brenton Tarrant’s manifesto
By Tom Peters, 26 March 2019
The decision is a major attack on democratic rights aimed at covering up the political roots of the March 15 terrorist attack and suppressing discussion about the danger of fascism.
After fascist terror attack, New Zealand and Australia stoke tensions with Turkey
By Tom Peters, 25 March 2019
The Australian and New Zealand governments responded furiously to statements by Turkey’s president linking the massacre of Muslims in Christchurch with the Allies’ World War I campaign against the Ottoman Empire.
Far right attacks on UK Muslims following New Zealand massacre
By Paul Mitchell, 21 March 2019
The attacks were preceded by the claim of Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, head of the UK’s Counter Terrorism Policing, that “there is no intelligence linking these appalling events in Christchurch to the UK.”
After far-right terror attack, New York Times glorifies New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
By Tom Peters, 21 March 2019
Internationally, the media is covering up the Labour Party-led government’s encouragement of xenophobia and its alliance with the right-wing nationalist, anti-immigrant NZ First Party.
Warnings of New Zealand neo-Nazi attack were ignored
By John Braddock and Tom Peters, 20 March 2019
The question must be raised: has the far-right been allowed to operate freely because it enjoys sympathy and support from the police and intelligence agencies in Australia and New Zealand?
The New Zealand terrorist attack and the international danger of fascism
By Tom Peters, 18 March 2019
The gunman prepared and carried out the terrorist atrocity on behalf of an international network of fascists and white supremacists.
Thousands of New Zealand students join climate change protests
By our reporters, 18 March 2019
Students defied pressure from school principals and the media to join climate strike walkouts on Friday in cities across New Zealand.
Fascist terrorists murder 49 in Christchurch, New Zealand
By Tom Peters and John Braddock, 16 March 2019
The attack is the outcome of the rise of far-right, fascistic networks that have developed around the world, with the collusion of the state apparatus.
Crucial evidence from New Zealand mine disaster missing
By Tom Peters, 13 March 2019
No one has been held accountable for blatant safety violations which led to the Pike River Coal mine explosion in 2010 that killed 29 men.
Striking midwives rally outside New Zealand parliament
By Tom Peters, 20 February 2019
Midwives, doctors and other health workers face a common fight but their strikes are being divided and isolated by the union bureaucracy.
New Zealand housing crisis intensifies under Labour government
By John Braddock, 15 February 2019
The Labour government’s KiwiBuild scheme to address the deepening housing crisis has seen just 47 of 1,000 new homes promised by July completed.
New Zealand government expands police training in schools
By Tom Peters, 14 February 2019
The Police Studies course is being increased as part of the Labour-led government’s policy of boosting police recruitment, instilling discipline, and controlling the increasingly restive working class.
New Zealand doctors, midwives strike
By our reporters, 13 February 2019
All health workers face the same political struggle against the Labour-led government, which is imposing the austerity agenda demanded by big business.
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