Tharunka UNSW STUDENT VOICE - weekthree The Power Lead - Costa: I've got the Power? - Arc @ UNSW
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tharunka UNSW STUDENT VOICE
ISSUE 02 EDITION 54
weekthree
The Power Lead - Costa: I’ve got the Power?
Hilmer wants higher HECS
Women’s Health & Lives - Still not worth a deal
02 IMAGE The Kingpins PRODUCTION STILL VIDEO WORK 2003 Courtesy of artists & Kaliman Gallery COVER IMAGE Emma Price THE KINGPINS DECAL COFA MFA Exhibition - Disneylandslide 2008 Welcome to the Jingle Chris Moore EDITOR Rory Thomas EDITOR Chantel Cotterell EDITOR Scarlet Wilcock EDITOR Bachelor of Psychology Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Laws(LLB) & Bachelor of Social Work Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Laws(LLB) the tharunka team 2008
03 THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54
EDITORIALS
Hilmer wants higher HECS 06
Students opt out of VSU 06
Welcome 04
Anarchism: Probably 06
not what you think it is Dear Editor 04
Uni News 05
You say you want 07
a revolution Uni Articles 22
> COFA whats on?
WOMEN’S HEALTH & LIVES 08 > Changes to UNSW
Still not worth a deal > What’s in it for me?
> Yellowshirty
THE POWER LEAD 10
Costa: I’ve got the Power The Daily Commute 25
Tharunka would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians The Bellamy’s Barometer 26
of the land on which the university now stands, and on which
Fossil fools day 13
Miss Moore 37
this magazine is printed, the Cadigal people of the Eora nation. UNSW student reps 14
Creative Writing & Poetry 30
In doing so, we would also like to pay our respects to elders, both reports
past and present. Confessions of an Obama-phile 34
Spreading the word about 17
Vaclav the Balaclava & other 35
nuclear devastation:
reasons why Arts graduates
Tharunka recognises that this land was never Photojournalist Robert Knoth make great leaders
ceded. Furthermore, we express solidarity with Indigenous
Camp for climate action 21 Reviews 36
people in the struggle for land rights, self determination,
Satire Section 38
sovereignty and the recognition of past injustices. The sexy leader 28
tharunka contact us tharunka needs u
Email tharunka@arc.unsw.edu.au We need your articles, arguements, letters,
Postal PO BOX 173 Kingsford 2032 creative writing, poetry, satire & artworks.
Office Level 1 Blockhouse Kensington Campus
Tharunka, comes out roughly every 3weeks.
Ph 02 9385 7348
This issue is themed “Leaders”. Our next issue is
tharunka thanks called “Fabrication” and our material deadline
Publications Co-ordinator Jude Whitfield for this issue is Friday 4th April. Please see the
All our fabulous contributors. back cover for our next contributors meeting.
Printers MPD - Printing the news everyday.
Mirza Nurkic EDITOR Penny Spankie CREATIVE GURU
Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts
THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54 04
Dear Editor
welcome Have something
to say?
Get it published!
Issue two, and the wheels are still firmly attached! This miracle is
clearly due to the bold leadership of the Tharunka editors. We have Attention all Letters to Tharunka
not been afraid to make unpopular decisions, like slashing the Email: tharunka@arc.unsw.edu.au
Postal: PO BOX 173 Kingsford 2032
number of spelling mistakes, and (almost) sticking to the deadlines.
Office: Level 1 Blockhouse
Our leadership is like a five-headed hydra: ruthless, punctual,
West Wing Kensington Campus
and always setting off fire-alarms. Though our constituents are
clearly regretting that they voted for us last year, we will push on
regardless.
The focus of this issue is leadership. Leaders have a lot to say about
student issues. Just recently the Vice Chancellor lent his support
to HECS increases, and the Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, spoke to
student leaders about VSU. In other domains, NSW Labor, AusAID,
Vaclav Havel and Kevin Rudd are connected by the responsibility
of leadership. However, our contributors suggest that how these
leaders have exercised their powers differs greatly.
From the
We promise to be slightly more humble about our leadership in the Editor
future. Until next time, long live the Republic of Tharunka!
Again, not a lot to work with for
Tharunka Editors ‘08 this issue. We received precisely
one letter that even referred to
the previous issue, the first here
- the second comes to us via our
Facebook group wall. To be honest,
I’m not sure how ‘politically correct’
the sexualising of toast spreads
is. And where are the complaints
about our ‘obvious’ political bias
or our blatant misuse of packing
tape? Perhaps they are still to
come.
Tharunka is published periodically by the Arc@UNSW. The views expressed herein are not RT
necessarily the views of Arc, the Representative Council or the Tharunka editing team.
05 THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54
Hello and sorry to the poor editor magazine to be both informative UNSW Student has
who opened this email. and incredibly humorous (kudos
a hand in making an
to Chantel Cotterell on her Library
I am one of those annoying, pesky electronic tongue
Etiquette piece and Jess Bellamy
things you see floating around UNSW student Erika Davies is
on the Hot or Not section, both
the campus that you have already part of a CSIRO team involved
made me literally chuckle, if not
claimed as yours. Yes, that’s right, I in groundbreaking research to
laugh out loud).
am in fact *inhales deeply* a brand develop so-called electronic
spanking new UNSW student (or But most important, was for me ‘tongues’ to ‘taste’ pollutants in
COFA student more specifically), the idea of being able to relate to water. Whilst electronic ‘noses’
the same kind that would stop you the views that were expressed and have previously been used to
on your way to your next lecture the ideologies shared. This was ‘smell’ pollutants in gases, this
or class just to ask directions. I’m seriously the most fun I’ve had UNSW Elections: is the first time that sensors
sure we all shit you to tears even at with a magazine since I was ten Nominations Open have been used in liquids. This
the best of times, but it brings me years of age buying ‘TV HITS’ just Nominations for student research is aimed at providing
much joy to know that I will feel the to get the free stickers and posters positions on University a more convenient and
same way about the fresh meat that of cheesy pop idols. Thankfully, Council, Academic Board and accurate means to test water
nervously step foot on what I’ll soon with age comes maturity, and Faculty Boards have opened. quality, by creating “a portable,
be calling MY campus next year. with maturity comes the sense in Nomination forms must be cheap and reusable sensor that
seeing Britney Spears and Jennifer completed and either posted can be used on-location”, she
I do actually have a reason
Lopez as the talentless fucks they or handed in to the returning said. Davies is hopeful about
for writing to you, and once I
remember that reason, I’ll be sure to
are. Anyway, please excuse this officer by 8th April. Nominations the future uses of the research.
complete load of word vomit, are also open for staff positions “People are very concerned
hastily get to it.
but if it is ever held against me, I on University Council and about what is in our waterways
...and now, after a substantial stand by the fact that I did after all Academic Board, and graduate because our economy is so
amount of thinking, I have apologise way before I began to positions on University Council strongly linked to agriculture
remembered. rant and rave. and the Alumni Association of and also because there is a
I felt the imperative need (and Thanks again, Governors. Nomination forms water shortage...so we need to
you know that with words like and further information can be monitor any nasties that find
Era Zancanaro
‘imperative need’ it must be found at the website: their way in”, she said.
(a.k.a Fresh Meat 08)
relatively serious), to email you with www.elections.unsw.edu.au
a great big thanks for reminding Student Liaison Group: Archibald Prize
me of why it is exactly I decided
Editors Next Meeting 28th April goes to another
to spend a ridiculous amount of
money by coming to university. I’m a little concerned about the The first Student Liaison Group COFA Graduate
foreword (of sorts) in the new (SLG) meeting for 2008 will be COFA graduate Del Kathryn
held on Monday 28th April,
O-Week, despite the fun activities, is
issue announcing a renewed Barton has been awarded the
EXTREMELY overwhelming, because
sense of political correctness from 12.00 noon until 2.00pm in 2008 Archibald Prize for her
no matter how many badges or
from Tharunka. I hope this will be The Chancellery. The meetings self-portrait, You are What is
t-shirts I made, nothing saved me
applied with discretion - half the are chaired by Professor Joan Most Beautiful About Me, a Self
from being bombarded with more
fun of old Tharunka was its balls- Cooper, Pro Vice-Chancellor Portrait with Kell and Arella.
information than my brain could
out, no-holds-barred approach to (Students), and are aimed to Barton is a graduate of COFA’s
barely fathom (let alone store).
irreverent journalism. create a formal process for Bachelor of Fine Arts and later
I now hope to build a papier-
students to communicate to taught at COFA until 2003. This
mâché house out of the trillions of
PS - Please, no more scavenger- the University’s administration. is the second year in a row that
pamphlets that were given to me.
hunt lists this year. That’s pure Blitz Recommendations from the the Archibald Prize has been
Your magazine, however, made territory, along with their cut-n- meetings are passed on to awarded to a COFA graduate,
me feel more welcome than paste coverage of campus news the Deputy Vice Chancellor last year’s prize going to John
any Yellowshirt could. That’s not by way of the Overheard in UNSW (Academic), Professor Richard Beard for Janet Laurence. The
saying that they didn’t do a great FB group. :o) Henry AM. Meetings are held Archibald Prize is showing at
job in trying, I think all of us new twice a semester and are open the Art Gallery of New South
undergrad’s were just too nervous Philip Partalis to all students. Wales until 18th May.
to take notice. I found your
THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54 06
STUDENTS the organisation, but Pettett said
the funding deal was rejected by
OPT OUT OF the university. “They treat us on
a project by project basis. If we
VSU manage to find funding outside
the university they’ll match it,
Chris Moore but what external organisation
wants to fund a political student
Hilmer wants
As O-Week began at UNSW, organisation?”
representatives of student
organisations from universities
HIGHER HECS
around Sydney met with the
Federal Minister for Youth, Kate
Anarchism:
Ellis MP. The meeting was part of Probably not what
the Government’s consultations you think it is
Chris Moore
about voluntary student unionism Stephen Livera
(VSU), and students were eager
The Vice Chancellor of UNSW, Fred Hilmer, has said he believes that to express their dissatisfaction I get the impression that if you
HECS fees are too low. He said that universities such as UNSW should with VSU. asked the average person what
be able to charge students more, and that nationally-set fees were they thought of anarchism, you’d
Minister Ellis travelled around
to the detriment of better universities. “I would like to see [HECS] get a mental image something
Australia over a ten-day period,
deregulated. The cost [of regulation] to this system has been in along these lines: hyper-
visiting capital cities as well as
flexibility and diversity.” aggressive males, dark clothing,
spending four days at regional
Hilmer was speaking at a meeting of UNSW students. He said campuses. She said that the spiky hair, gangs, pillaging, and
that universities had not been funded properly under successive Howard government’s VSU grenades. When anarchists think
governments, and that it was not only students who should pay more. legislation had damaged of anarchy, they generally aren’t
“Deregulation has to be accompanied by the government saying that universities, “They were pursuing thinking of actively promoting
their share of the contribution will not decrease.” an ideological obsession to this kind of Mad Max behavior.
silence a political voice.” She spoke I’d like to start off with one fairly
Professor Richard Larkin, Vice Chancellor of Monash University and
specifically of the barriers that
head of Universities Australia, made similar comments recently. “There uncontroversial statement which
faced students wanting to play
is no evidence that HECS is a disincentive for students,” said Professor is, “Everybody is the sole owner of
sport, “We don’t know the impact
Larkin. their own body.” Your ownership
on our health system.”
of your own body even goes to
Although Hilmer said he would be open to “some obligations in terms
Though students from the extent where you may choose
of access”, student groups are worried that increased HECS will not only
organisations at campuses like to exclude it from other people.
lead to more student debt, but decreased participation in universities
USYD and UNSW told the Minister This means that there is such a
by students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
that they had secured several thing as freedom to associate,
Angus McFarland, President of the National Union of Students, said years of full funding from their which must include the freedom
that students would end up graduating with debts of $50,000 to universities in the aftermath not to associate.
$100,000. “Studies have shown links between HECS debts and delayed of VSU, students from UTS,
So why would someone want to
home and car ownership, delayed business investment and even Wollongong, Macquarie and
be an anarchist? I’m an anarchist
increased tax evasion! Any change that allows fees to skyrocket will not Newcastle shared horror stories
because I think it’s wrong to just
be in the best interests of students nor our economy.” about the funding and services
say, “I choose this, and if you don’t
that had been cut.
like it, we’ll lock you away.” This
Chris Pettett, President of the is wrong because we don’t own
Wollongong University Students’ other people. To even use our own
Association (WUSA), said that bodies, we are pre-supposing the
WUSA had applied for $156,000 right of self-ownership. To then go
of funding from their university.
and take that same self-ownership
This was considered the minimum
away from other people doesn’t
sum necessary for the survival of
make much sense.
07 THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54
Ok, so about now you’re thinking, people’s freedom to use their own engine saw James Watt usher fair to straights. I expect that’s
“How would we do x without property begins. in the Industrial Revolution. A ruffled a few feathers, and I
government?” While there are few words written down saw think it should. I want people
I’m not proposing some kind of
many possible alternatives to communism become a major to think about their baseline
violent, “Let’s all storm the palace,”
government services (which you political philosophy for much assumptions about power.
revolution here. Rather, this is a
can easily find on the internet of the Twentieth Century (and
peaceful, evolutionary change Power corrupts, and in many
if you have a look), the primary according to a few groups will
that I hope to help bring about. I cases it is the power itself that
point I make here is a moral one, continue to do so).
don’t think governments have a is corrupt. No-one is beyond its
not one regarding efficiency.
place in our world today because I Of course, change isn’t always for reach, and nor should they be.
So, even if I had no alternative
think we can do better than that. the better, and can go too far. The Perhaps it seems strange for
solution, the argument still stands
Reign of Terror grew from simple me to be saying this, since after
on its own merit. It’s wrong to lock Stephen Livera runs a blog at www.
muttering about monarchic all I’ve got some power here as
people away for not wanting to democracysucks.wordpress.com
excess. Eugenics developed from an editor. The only answer I can
pay taxes that fund causes they
interest in science divorced from give is that I’m at least aware of
find immoral. The government
any sense of morality or human my situation. And yes, I will be
does not act like some kind of you say decency. happy to pass on this position
voluntary opt-in service, where
you can choose not to pay it if YOU WANT A Then, of course, there’s the
come the end of the year.
you don’t like what it does (e.g.
war). It does not give you any kind
REVOLUTION Reaction. The American
Revolution, if anything, spurred
In those last two paragraphs
you’ve got large slabs of
of guarantee that it will perform Rory Thomas even more colonial imperialism my theories of politics and
services for you. It does not allow in Africa, Asia and Oceania. leadership. I fervently believe
people to opt out of the system, Revolution. It’s a word you hear The French saw a shoring up of them, and try to put them
even if they own land. a lot, used to mean all sorts monarchies throughout Europe. into action in my life. That is
of things. Violent uprisings, Luddites destroyed wool and what being a revolutionary
To say that, “Because you remain monarchs getting their heads cotton mills and attacked mill truly is. Not flag waving, not
in a country you agree to those lopped off, red flags… The word owners. firebombs, not trying to con
rules,” is incorrect, since this conjures up a lot, and it’s easy gullible first years into joining
kind of argument relies on the So, what with all this, why would
to call yourself a revolutionary. my club/society/party as the
government being the legitimate someone call themselves a
For what is a revolution, in the ‘only’‘left’ group on campus.
owner of all the land (hint: revolutionary? All revolution
end, but a fundamental shift in Simple belief. If you disagree,
conquest is not a legitimate way seems to breed is violence and
thinking? then do so. No need for
to take land, the only legitimate discord. I don’t think anyone
Revolutions change everything, violence, since all that’ll prove
ways are to be the first user or really wants that – they may talk
don’t they? The American, French is that you’re violent.
to trade for it). This argument about it, but usually only as an
also suggests that if you do not and Russian revolutions each opportunity to impose their own Write letters to Tharunka, write
want government control over rewrote the rules of national order. Some groups try to create a articles debunking my theories.
your land, then you should move governance. The Industrial and the short period of chaos, or call for all I like to know what people say,
your land to another country. current Electronic/Information/ power to be given to a particular and to debate ideas. In the
Failure to move your land to Technological/(insert term here) group (often called ‘the people’, end, the only way I can justify
another country could scarcely revolutions have both altered but meaning themselves). my beliefs is if I can defend
be regarded as tacit consent to social structures irrevocably. The them. If I can’t, then I’ll modify
I don’t like violence. I don’t think
government control over your life only constant is change, as we’re them to suit reality. Because if
you can really create effective,
and property. often told. I don’t change my beliefs, I’m
positive change by using violence.
And who doesn’t want to change not part of a revolution, but
Anarchism does not mean no laws I also don’t think that any
the world? I do. There’s things I simply a reaction.
or rules, it just means no rulers. particular group will automatically
It’s wrong to impose your own don’t like – little niggling things be fair in governance, simply
rules on anybody else, because for the most part. But, as Kev because they’ve historically been
this detracts from their own right Carmody and Paul Kelly told us, oppressed. Workers are not always
to self-ownership. Your individual “from little things big things fair bosses. Women are not always
freedoms end where other grow”. A few to the steam
improvements fair to men. Queers are not always
improvements to the steam
THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54 08
women’s health & lives:
Still not worth a deal
Chantel Cotterell
Over a decade ago political wrangling ensued over the privatisation of Telstra. Within the Asian region where Australian aid money is directed, it was
What many people do not know about the sell-off is that it had repercussions reported that 28,400 women died within 2003 as a result of an unsafe
beyond the nation; repercussions that continue to negatively affect women abortion. The PGPD report claimed that unsafe abortions account for 13%
and families in nations that receive Australian aid money. In order to appease of all maternal deaths, and could be reduced by up to 35% if the Guidelines
former Tasmanian Independent Senator Brian Harradine and thus ensure his were abolished. By failing to take action, Australia is contributing to these
crucial vote in favour of the privatisation, the Coalition struck a deal with the statistics.
conservative former politician.
Furthermore, the Guidelines represent Australia as less than committed to
This deal was the introduction of the AusAID Family Planning Guidelines, which its international obligations. As the report states, they not only contravene
remain in place to this day. These Guidelines place restrictions on the manner the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
in which aid funds can be used. In particular, if an organisation that is based Women (1979), but also the International Conference on Population and
overseas receives aid money from Australia, it cannot supply women with Development in Cairo to which Australia was a signatory in 1994. The
information and resources to obtain a safe abortion. Ironically, a woman can Guidelines also contradict Australia’s support for the United Nation’s , one
access such services for treatment after an unsafe abortion, but by then it is of which is “commit[ment] to improving maternal health”. Australia should
often too late. set an international example and encourage other nations such as America,
which also introduced a similar policy in 2001, to follow suit.
With the May 2007 release of the Parliamentary Group on Population and
Development (PGPD) report titled Sexual and Reproductive Health and the Now is the time to campaign for the abolishment of these Guidelines.
Millennium Development Goals in the Australian Aid Program, the AusAID The Rudd Government does not have to fear a backlash from an allegedly
Guidelines have come under renewed scrutiny. This report was the result of conservative electorate within the near future. Moreover as Senator Nettle
roundtable discussions involving members from all the major political parties. states, “There is cross-party support for the removal of these restrictions on
One of the key recommendations of this report was that the “cruel and our aid funding. It is crucial that the new government makes this change in
illogical” AusAID Family Planning Guidelines be abolished. At the time of the the next three months because from July the new government will rely on
report’s release the then Foreign Minister Alexander Downer did nothing to the vote of Family First Senator, Steve Fielding and may come under pressure
implement the recommendations. not to remove these restrictions”. Thus, the new government will be reliant
on Fielding in much the same way that the old government depended on
In January, The Age reported that a spokesperson for the new Foreign Minister
Harradine to get matters through the Senate.
Stephen Smith commented that the Rudd Government was “currently
considering the report”. However, campaigning is required to push the Whilst you might be thinking that you disagree with abortion, this matter
government to not only consider the PGPD’s report, but more importantly should transcend whether you are pro-choice, pro-life or an occupier of the
implement the recommendations. These Guidelines do not require a middle ground. It should also transcend the argument that more readily
prolonged legislative amendment that has to go through parliament, but available contraceptive devices and reproductive education would eliminate
rather a signing off by the Foreign Minister. the need for abortion. The number of women requiring abortion will never
be reduced to zero. Women require abortion for many reasons such as health
The continuance of the AusAID Guidelines remains incomprehensible
complications, poverty and as a result of rape and incest.
considering the percentage of women who are physically injured or die due
to unsafe abortions. When contacted by Tharunka as to why these Guidelines As the chair of the PGPD report, Liberal backbencher Dr. Mal Washer,
remain in place, Greens Senator Kerry Nettle, one of the members of the pertinently noted in The Age, “No one likes abortion – I don’t like abortion –
PGPD, stated: “These Guidelines were put in place as part of a deal with but it is ridiculous that we can’t give any advice to women overseas about
former Senator Brian Harradine and governments have been reluctant to abortion at a time when the government funds abortion advice to women
remove them even to save women’s lives because they are scared of criticism in this country. It smacks of misogyny and stupidity”. It also smacks of
from anti-choice organisations and parliamentarians”. political deal-making. By failing to allow aid-funded organisations to provide
information and services about abortion for women in countries such as East
A World Health Organisation report published in 2007 examined the
Timor and Papua New Guinea, Australia is contributing to the number of
prevalence of unsafe abortions. It stated that 65,000 to 70,000 maternal
women who die or experience injury due to unsafe abortions.
deaths occur globally as a result of these practices. Staggeringly, nearly five
million women are also temporarily or permanently disabled.
09 THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54
IMAGE Caterina Pacialeo
PHOTOGRAPHY
COFA Master of Art
Untitled
Get involved in the campaign to abolish the AusAID Family Planning Guidelines:
# 1 2
# # 3
The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP
Prime Minister
Printed letters are available If you wish to post your own Write to newspapers, student magazines Parliament House
in the autonomous Women’s letter, you can visit Senator and ring callback radio to try and get the Canberra ACT 2600
Room, which is located on Nettle’s web site: message out there. Be imaginative.
The Hon. Stephen Smith MP
Level 1 of The Blockhouse, www.kerrynettle.org.au
4
PO Box 6022
and navigate your way to the
Lower Campus. Please sign # House of Representatives
these letters. They will be ‘Campaigns’ page. You will If you want to write your own letters, Parliament House
attached to a clipboard; the find a link to a page about Senator Nettle recommends not only Canberra ACT 2600
UNSWomen’s Department removing the restrictions. On sending them to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd,
The Hon. Bob McMullan MP
will post them. this page, there will be a letter but also suggests writing to Foreign Minister
PO Box 6022
which you can download, Stephen Smith and the Parliamentary House of Representatives
print off, sign and send to the Secretary for International Development Parliament House
Prime Minister. Assistance, Bob McMullan. Their addresses: Canberra ACT 2600
THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54 10
THE
The plans would see state-owned justification for the plans. A press and Costa are misleading the
power generators and electricity release from Unions NSW suggests, community and workers on the
POWER
retailing businesses either leased “The State Government should real cost of the sell-off of our
out or sold to the private sector. instead upgrade its existing power energy: selling off public control of
LEAD
Costa has justified the move as a stations to meet our short-term our climate future.”
way to secure the state’s energy needs while taking urgent action
These concerns have been vocally
needs, claiming the sell-off would to promote renewable energy”.
put to Mr Costa. Protests have
Costa: I’ve got the Power? encourage business to develop a Environmentalists argue that
occurred around the state, peaking
new base-load power station. NSW cannot afford a new power
Scarlet Wilcock station. A statement issued by
Many are outraged by the plans.
environmentalist, Holly Creenaune
The NSW Government’s drastic Energy workers, environmentalists
of Friends of the Earth, said,
plan to privatise the state’s and the broader community
“Allowing private, profit-driven
electricity infrastructure has been fear potential energy price hikes,
corporations to control NSW’s
met with severe opposition from unreliable services, job losses, and
biggest source of domestic
energy workers, environmentalists soaring greenhouse gas emissions
greenhouse pollution would
and even Labor MPs. Despite if the plans go ahead. Furthermore,
be an unmitigated disaster
this growing opposition, questions have been raised about
for the climate…Iemma
treasurer Michael Costa, with the whether NSW actually needs a
ungrudging support of Premier new base-load power station,
Morris Iemma, has held steadfast which has been Costa’s main
to the plan. Will his play with the
state’s power cost him his own?11 THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54
with thousands of demonstrators for their jobs and the impact on Perhaps most threatening to State Conference in May would
marching to Parliament House energy services dominated the Costa’s plan and his power is the not move him. If this opposition
on the first sitting day of protest. Tharunka spoke to Mick growing number of disgruntled continues, it looks like Costa and
parliament. Protesters directed O’Toole, a power lines worker for Labor MPs who have joined Iemma may face a power stand
their opposition at Costa, with Integral Energy. He said that the protestors in opposition to Costa’s off with their party and the public.
crowds roaring “What do we want: sell-off would be bad for workers plan. Fifteen Labor MPs including The question is, will they have the
Costa Out. When do we want it: and families. “Businesses don’t Kerry Hickey, Grant McBride and power to take the power from the
now!” Energy workers concerned care. They just want the money”, Paul Gibson, joined protesters at people?
he said. Joe*, an operator of high Parliament House to show their
* For privacy the name has been changed.
voltage machinery, told Tharunka opposition to the plan. Many have
he was protesting to protect safety also publicly spoken against the
standards. “They [businesses] don’t plans. McBride launched a public
care about our jobs, our safety… petition against the sell-off, whilst
the main thing for me is safety. Penny Sharpe has joined an online
Business only cares about making campaign opposing the plan.
money, not about safety
Despite this groundswell of
of workers” he said.
opposition to the government’s
plans, Costa, alongside Iemma, has
so far unrelentingly stuck to his
plan. Costa has insisted that even a
vote against the plan at the Labor
THANKS TO PHOTOGRAPHERS Alex Bainbridge & Margarita Windisch.THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54 12
IMAGE Lachlan Anthony
INSTALLATION
COFA BFA Sculpture Installation & Perfromance
Tock13 THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54
fossil fools day and attacks on workers’ pay and
conditions make green living a
Our movement needs to put
forward clear political demands
protest luxury few can afford. Moreover,
many of the individual lifestyle
changes to reduce our individual
pointing the way towards a
sustainable society. These
demands can draw broad
carbon footprint are inconceivable layers of people concerned
Demanding a sustainable future for people living in Third World
poverty (including those living in
about climate change into
activity and mobilise them
Third World poverty within First to put pressure on the
Lauren Carroll Harris and Leigh Hughes
World nations). government and corporate
Australia.
In the last few years we’ve made
huge progress in bringing the We should call for an end to
threat of climate change to centre- coal mining; an end to uranium
A lot has changed in the last few months: there’s a new government; stage. But in 2008 we need to go mining and the nuclear cycle; a
Australia has ratified the Kyoto Protocol; climate change as an issue has further. This needs to be the year mass conversion to renewable
arrived in the mainstream in a big way. Unfortunately, one thing still where that willingness to change energies; and retaining energy
changing is our climate. at a personal level becomes a infrastructure under public
willingness to make change at the ownership. Such demands can
The way things are going now, ours will be the last generation to see
social level. The millions of people provide the political focus for
summer ice in the Arctic and living coral in the Great Barrier Reef, and
who have taken the first step in building a mass movement
could live through a time where halting global warming becomes
changing as individuals must now that can begin to challenge
impossible.
be encouraged to take the next the “right” of big business
Thankfully, people have woken up to this emergency and have realised step of uniting for political and to pollute, and government
that this is not the road we want to go down. In Australia, many people social change. collusion with corporate
are considering their carbon footprints, installing solar panels on their profiteers.
The changes for a sustainable
roofs, buying locally grown food, riding bikes and installing energy-
society necessitate a mass Previous generations have
efficient light globes.
movement to transform our goals stood up against the great
However climate change can’t be stopped by individual change: social from ideas into reality. This year, injustices of their time and
change is needed, on an international level. We’re not going to fix things we have to work together to build found that others stood with
if - while we’re cutting our personal contributions to greenhouse gases a movement that can stop climate them. They envisioned the
- coal is still being burned and exported, and oil remains the lifeblood of change. We need a massive world as it should be, not
the economy. shift away from the mining and just as it was, and through
burning of hydrocarbons and a their struggles achieved
The Federal Government is still holding off on setting binding emissions
shift toward renewable energies; things thought impossible.
reduction targets. We’re still burning coal like there’s no tomorrow; and
from governance for corporate Our generation is faced with
because of that, there might not be. We’re still making energy inefficient
interests, toward governance for nothing less than saving the
appliances and buildings. Australia is the world’s biggest emitter of
the interests of ordinary people; planet and all its inhabitants
greenhouse gases per capita.
from the priorities of profit, and now is not the time to
What’s more, it’s getting harder for people to live green. Continued lack of toward the priorities of ecological turn away from that great
investment in public transport, the privatisation of public infrastructure and social sustainability. challenge.THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54 14
Phuong Au PRESIDENT Chris Moore Claire Nemorin WOMENS OFFICER Angela Rozali ANTI-RACISM OFFICER
Student Representative Council EDUCATION & WELFARE OFFICER Student Representative Council Student Representative Council
SRCpresident@arc.unsw.edu.au Student Representative Council women@arc.unsw.edu.au ethnic@arc.unsw.edu.au
Ph 02 9385 7712 c.moore@arc.unsw.edu.au c.nemorin@arc.unsw.edu.au Mob 0405 763 360
Mob 0414 913 353 Mob 0422521598 Mob 0409 462 101
Your Student Representative Council (SRC) National Day of Action The Adventures of the Women’s Quest for Harmony
has been prioritising the campaign to get By the time you’re reading this, the National Collective! ‘Please evacuate the After a full-on first few weeks of semester
Voluntary Student Unionism(VSU) scrapped. Day of Action on student rights will have building…neorneorneor’ x 20 with O-week and Harmony Week, we’re
VSU is the legislation that the previous already happened. However, it’s only the start setting the scene for a more culturally
It was a deep dark night and two women
government introduced that stripped student of the campaign. The budget will be released harmonious uni - yippee!
were doing some layout for femmelore, the
organisations of their funding. Things are in a few months, and we have to make sure
2008 women’s handbook, when one of them Both harmony murals, on display until the
pretty bright and colourful at UNSW for the students and universities are funded properly.
went to make some toast in the Women’s end of semester at COFA and on the Quad
moment, but we’re acting now to ensure There are also so many on-campus issues:
Room and set off the fire alarm (hence the Lawn, express what students felt harmony
that future students get the same student the 12-week semester, Saturday exams, and
please evacuate…). I got suitably pissed off meant to them. So have a peek! Hopefully we
experience and support that we have during course cuts.
when I discovered (fire)men would have to can keep them there forever. :P
our time at uni.
Save Arts Coalition go inside the Women’s Room (well it was a
As for the très interesting forum with
We’re doing this to keep essential student The course and major cuts in Arts have been potential fire).
speakers Associate Professor Kevin Dunn on
services like the solicitor at Arc who is disgraceful. We’re fighting to restore the Arts
The Impact of Voluntary the geographies of racism in Australia,
dedicated to helping students get legal aid faculty to its former glory, and affirm that the
Student Unionism (VSU) Warren Roberts on indigenous issues and
and the student support officers who are Humanities are an important part of
submission to the federal Ihab Shalbak from the Human Rights and
independent of the university that will help education. Come along to our meetings:
government Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) –
students with academic grievances or getting Thursdays at 3pm-4pm, on the Library Lawn,
you’ll have to read the next edition to see
a mark reviewed. in even weeks (every fortnight). VSU sucks. If you want a copy, email me.
the ideas brought up for ways in making
These services need to be funded by students Free Breakfast Club O-Week – random fun UNSW more harmonious in terms of standing
instead of by the university or government Your SRC continues to provide free breakfast, It was great to meet you if you approached against racism and discrimination!
so that the student support officers will not every Wednesday morning from 8.30am to the stall, and/or filled out the ‘women’s needs
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped
have any conflicts of interests when they 9.30am in front of the Library. Poor and busy on campus’ survey. We had a working bee and
Harmony Week run sweetly, to all the cultural
help students. These services should also students take note: we are giving you free made sure the stall ran smoothly…thanks
clubs especially the Vishwaas Hindu club,
be accessible to all students when we’re in food! Who could say no to that? to Anisha, Erin F, Erin M, Nicole, Chantel,
both the Indigenous and International
need of help. VSU means that services such Randa, Medeline, Mel R, Jade, Angie, Mary
Come along to the Collective meetings, and Students Departments, to Clare Ellis from
as these might not exist in a couple of years, and Jess G.
help organise these and other campaigns. Get the Equity and Diversity Unit and the Anti-
even though they are essential for helping International Women’s Day
involved and get political! Racism Collective. Lastly to all those who got
students get through uni. What a grand affair to celebrate the involved in all the events!
The Education/Welfare
Let’s face it, if we had the choice to pay achievements of women! Over 1000 women
Collective meets Tuesdays Plans for the Anti-Racism
for all the things that really keep students listened to speakers then marched from
1pm - 2pm Blockhouse. Collective this semester
interested in studying at university, like Town Hall to Hyde Park, among them the
Firstly, a correction from Tharunka’s last
student support, student run volunteer UNSWomen’s contingent (women’s bloc).
edition, our weekly Wednesday meetings are
programs, social events, well funded student UNSW Women were also well represented in
at 1-2pm on the Quad Lawn. Look out for the
clubs, societies and sports, there wouldn’t be the Hyde Park performance line up.
chalkboard!
any money to keep it going. Women’s Week is in Week 7!
As we try to delve into what racism looks like
Want to join in the adventures? and ways of overcoming it, we also wanted
Want to get involved in any way possible? students to be given the opportunity to vent
Then come to Women’s Collective gatherings. their oppressions.
We meet Mondays 3-4, Women’s Room, So, in the next couple of weeks the Collective
Level 1, Blockhouse. will try to set up some boxes around campus
COFA Women meet Wednesdays 1-2, for anyone to submit their experiences of rac-
Womyn’s Room, Level 1, E Block! ism anonymously. This provides the Collective
Tell superJade that I sent you. with some sense of the type of discrimination
or racial exclusion that exists out there today,
Alternatively, check out my details up there and whether the ideas brought up from the
or go to the Women’s Room whenever you forum will address some of these concerns.
want…you never know what’s going to
happen!15 THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54
Jessica Goldstein COFA CAMPUS CONVENER Simon Bruck CONVENER Calvin Shaw
Student Representative Council STUDENT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES OFFICER
COFAsrc@arc.unsw.edu.au Student Representative Council
s.bruck@arc.unsw.edu.au
j.goldstein@arc.unsw.edu.au Ph 02 9385 7691 c.shaw@arc.unsw.edu.au
Ph 0404 212 349
Others suggested volunteering for Mosaic Well, we’re back into the swing of things and Hope your first couple of weeks of semester Hey all!
Fusion Forums (email mosaic@arc.unsw.edu. I hope you’ve enjoyed your first few weeks. If and the Easter break have been great. Thanks to those who showed some interest
au), where you get trained to outreach to not, then don’t despair too much because our in the Students with Disabilities stall. It
The first COFA Activities Meeting is on
regional high school students on race issues. valuable ‘mid-session’ break has come and was great to see that people out there are
Wednesday Week 3. This is a brand new
As the youth of today, we have a much larger gone and it promised relief after 2 weeks of enthusiastic about issues like this. However,
forum for COFA students to talk about
influence on the lives of our little brothers strenuous WORK! And after that you’re basi- statistically, and this could be due to some
COFA campus life, find out information and
and sisters. cally on the homeward stretch anyhow due people not willing to speak up about it or
brainstorm ideas for the future. See the COFA
to those great semester cuts. Yes, we’re down to the awkward placement of the stall or
Last but not least, I personally am passionate Arc Office or email me for more info.
to 12 weeks. In the blink of an eye uni will be any other reason, an overwhelmingly large
about doing something about the real people
over for another semester, giving you barely Clubs and Activities has undergone a name percentage of people with disabilities did not
that must live in detention centres waiting to
enough time to register you were even here. change following the Arc’s AGM. We are come to the stall. Of course, it’s not a
be processed. But, unfortunately not many
Ah, quality, quality education… now known as Student Development, necessity, but it is pretty useful!
people know about them. Recall Woomera or
incorporating Arc’s clubs, programs, courses
Villawood? According to HREOC, Villawood’s Anyway, get involved and make the absolute This is why the next planned project will be
and activities. Come and find us to say hi
high security section is the “most prison-like” most of it! an online forum to complement the already-
or get involved in our new home, Level 1 of
of all Australia’s detention centres. Mandatory in-place meetings, so we can co-ordinate
So what’s been happening at COFA since our the Roundhouse, or at the Arc COFA Office
detention for a detainee has no time limit nor more effectively using technology. This will
successful O-day? in D Block.
are they given notice of how long they will be advertised hopefully through the Equity
have to remain in detention. At Villawood • The COFA Enviro Collective has been I’d like to share some more details about and Diversity Unit, which by the way I hope
no cameras, no video recorders, no mobile starting to gear up for Fossil Fools Day – a what we do: you have already contacted. Not to imply
phones and no tape recorders are allowed day of action against the polluting fossil fuel any criticism because I think they’re doing
Arc’s Student Development
inside the compound, making it nearly industries. To get involved, contact Lauren an excellent job so far, however, if the Equity
Committee oversees the Arc services
impossible for detainees to tell their stories. at idioteque.x@gmail.com and Diversity Unit does not help you because
provided to affiliated Clubs, such as funding
• The COFA Women’s Collective has put on grants, insurance, the Clubs Resource of certain issues such as a special need not
To gain insight into the lives of these people
an International Women’s Day breakfast and Room, promotion of Club activities, free or being classed as a disability or similar issues,
and the environment they live in I wanted
has commenced its weekly meetings (Wed discounted space hire and Club of the Year I will be very interested in hearing from you.
to inspire you into action by meeting them.
So, if you know how to have a chat, listen 1-2pm in the Womyn’s Room). Awards. Anytime and anywhere just contact me! :)
respectfully and eat – that’s all there is to • By the time you’re reading this, the Anti- The newest service to be provided in 2008 is
coming on a Villawood Detention Centre Racism Collective will have put on Harmony Club Executives Training. All Club Executives
Solidarity Visit! Week at COFA, effectively raising awareness are encouraged to attend training sessions
Our first monthly visit will be on Sunday, about racism in Australia and looking at throughout the semester to find out and
20th April, either meet at 10.30am at Central ways of collaboratively overcoming it. Let’s share helpful hints about running Clubs.
Station under the clock or 11.30am at Leight- continue the good work.
Since the beginning of 2008, Arc Clubs have
onfield train station, but please email me • Our Education Collective will have joined been in a transition period with regards
on ethnic@arc.unsw.edu.au to let me know other students (and hopefully you!) in the to membership and Club constitutions.
about numbers as 8 people is the maximum. National Day of Action to fight for improve- All affiliated Arc Clubs must update their
ments to our education system. Keep constitutions to allow membership to occur.
informed and keep up the pressure! Let us know if you have any questions about
Club membership, Arc membership or Club
• The Queer Collective has been organising
constitutions.
meetings to be held at COFA in weeks 4, 8 and
12 for you to look forward to. And, next report I’ll share with you details
about another part of Student Development.
So all in all, we’re off to a great start. If you
want to find out more, make suggestions,
raise concerns or get involved, contact me
anytime.THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54 16
Jacqui Mumford & Maria White Nadia Miranti Andrew Rose QUEER OFFICER Warren Roberts INDIGENOUS OFFICER
ENVIRONMENT CONVENERS INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OFFICER Student Representative Council Student Representative Council
Student Representative Council Student Representative Council queer@arc.unsw.edu.au indigenous@arc.unsw.edu.au
enviro@arc.unsw.edu.au n.miranti@arc.unsw.edu.au www.queer.unsw.edu.au warrenroberts1986@yahoo.com.au
Jac Mob 0411 075 875 Mob 0402 229 971 Mob 0405 320 642 Mob 0404 780 137
Since picking up the O-week edition of O-Week was so awesome, with cool people Queer Collective Meetings G’Day all students,
Tharunka, the Environment Collective has coming to our stall and a jumping castle next These are great meetings which are very
During O-Week there was a great response
been busy with the beginning of session. to us! The International Student Department informal where people can meet each other
to the interest of having more Indigenous
We had our first Collective meeting on managed to get quite a lot of people to on-campus in a safe and friendly
Cultural events at UNSW, and also a large
Wednesday of Week 1, 12pm - 1pm every become members of the International environment.
interest in YARN. YARN is a collective, which
Wednesday on the Quad Lawn if you’re Student Collective.
We usually have a short agenda of things to creates discussions on Indigenous issues,
keen, with lots of new faces and energy to
So, what exactly is the talk about such as renovation of the Queer these issues could be local or national.
spark up some of our campaigns from last
International Student Space and upcoming events. Often the Basically YARN is an avenue where students
year and also get some new ones going. It
Collective & what do we do? meeting ends with people going off together can learn more about Indigenous Australia.
was great to see many like-minded people
The International Student Collective is a to various outings such as dinner. Email list has reached more than 50 emails.
concerned with environmental issues sharing
group of international students who gather
passion and ideas. We also had a climate It doesn’t matter how you identify, as long it’s Week 11 this semester is Indigenous Week,
on a regular basis. We’re doing lots of
change film screening on Thursday. We have non-hetero or supportive of those who are, so hope you all get your assignments done
activities including discussions on issues
events like these to keep in the know with we encourage you to come along and access before then as it going to be full of fun and
concerning international students, workshops
what is going on in the world around us and the services which are provided especially excitement, so don’t miss out!
about international students’ rights (with
to meet people who mightn’t be able to for you.
guest speakers coming), organising cam- Remember all is welcome to check out
make meetings, but want to hang with other Thursday, 4.30pm - 6.30pm in the Queer YARN on Mondays 4-5pm weekly.
paigns and big events throughout the year.
environmentally-minded people. Space, which is located in Chemical
Not to forget, social nights out.
Some things coming up in the not-too- Sciences, Room 920.
So what will be the benefits for
distant future include Fossil Fools Day on Queer @ COFA
you if you decide to join?
the 1st April; a day of action planned around The Queer Collective is planning on running
It is an opportunity to make new friends and
exposing the role the fossil fuel industry plays a few collective meetings over at the
to develop team building and organisational
in causing climate change and a focus on Paddington campus and maybe even some
skills by running campaigns and big events. It
renewable energy as a solution. The majority events. Please stay tuned for more info.
is also an opportunity to educate yourselves
of this day will take place in the form of a
about what rights you have and how to Le Plaisir
major rally in the CBD. As the first of April is
demand those rights. Not to mention a French for ‘the joy’, this great party has
traditionally April Fools’ Day, a day of trickery
chance to have fun. made a fabulous start to the semester in the
and pranks, we’re going to be creating an
atmosphere of fun and festivity, so it will be We had our first meeting on Thursday, 13th Roundhouse Club Bar in Week 1. Stay tuned
enjoyable as well as delivering an important of March and it went well. Thanks to our Col- for our next Le Plaisir party, where queer/
message. lective members for attending the meeting! GLBT fun never stops! Well, it may stop when
We had a excellent discussion about what we security says so…
The Stationary Re-use Centre is also in full
should plan throughout the year. It is really Fooling Around
swing for the semester, with stores of folders
great to have people who care about the Come to the Queer Space on 4th April 2008
arriving and being used rapidly, reducing the
international student community supporting from 4pm till 10pm and enjoy a night where
waste generated from our uni. The Stationary
this Collective by attending the meetings we just fool around over board games and
Re-use Centre can be found at Quad1001A
and actively speaking up with their ideas and card games. Celebrate that drunken nights
and should be open, however if you can’t find
opinions. If you too are keen to support your out clubbing are not the only way queers can
the room or its closed, CONTACT can direct
international community and want to attend have fun. Remember Twister??? All genders
you there or give you a key. So many treasures
our gatherings, you can contact me via email welcome.
to be found!
or just show up to our meeting.
Queer Space Elections
And we’d love to hear from you if you have Our Collective meeting is every Madeline was appointed as UNSW’s Female
any queries: enviro@arc.unsw.edu.au Thursday, 1-2pm in the Blockhouse, Identifying Queer Officer for 2008.
Level 1, Activist Space (sometimes we She can be reached via e-mail:
change our meeting point, so it is best queerwomen08@hotmail.com
to register yourself to our mailing list
first at SUPPORT YOUR INTERNATIONAL Queer/GLBT women now meet - Queer Space
STUDENT COMMUNITY!!! on Tuesdays from 2-5pm.
Non-females meet - Queer Space on
Wednesdays 2-5pm.17 THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54
Spreading the word about
nuclear devastation:
Photojournalist Robert Knoth
Chantel Cotterell
Earlier this month Russia
announced its intention to build
four nuclear power plants by
2020. Nuclear power remains a
contentious topic, particularly
with the history surrounding the
Chernobyl nuclear power plant
disaster in 1986. A photographic
exhibition currently showing
at the Australian Centre for
Photography, Certificate no.
000358/ Nuclear Devastation in the
Former Soviet Union, documents
the impact the nuclear industry
has had on individuals and their
communities. In this provocative
exhibition, Dutch photojournalist
Robert Knoth distances his work
from the media hyperbole and
instead focuses on the human
consequences of the nuclear
industry.
A Greenpeace report, The
Chernobyl Catastrophe, released
on the 20th anniversary of
the disaster examined the
surrounding health issues. Such
issues included an increase in and thus the exact damage will IMAGE © Robert Knoth PHOTOJOURNALIST
BELARUS 2005, 1 OF 2 IMAGES
the occurrence of cancer and remain unknown for centuries.
Gomel
musculoskeletal deformities,
amongst other complaints. For Robert has donated his
Annya suffers from a reoccurring brain tumor as a
example, a study referenced in photographs to the United consequence of the Chernobyl disaster. She is in
the report argued that from 1986 Nations and other non- constant pain and bedridden. Annya’sparents care
for their daughter, including repositioning her every
to 2056 around 270,000 people government organisations to
15mins to avoid bedsores.
will be diagnosed with various fundraise and campaign about
cancers, whilst another 93,080 such health issues. Tharunka
will die. However, as the report recently had a chance to sit
states the disaster will continue down and talk with Robert
to be felt by future generations about his work and its purpose.THARUNKA ISSUE 02 EDITION 54 18
CC: Whilst the photographs are important for historical
documentation, they also seem to have a political edge directed
towards raising awareness.
RK: I think Antoinette [de Jong who supplied the text for the book
accompanying the exhibition] and I specialise in how things work
on the ground for people. So, what we always try to show in not
only this work, but in all our work, are what effects certain decisions
by policy-makers have on people.
CC: Your photographs make a person very aware, as opposed to just
statistics.
IMAGE © Robert Knoth PHOTOJOURNALIST RK: You know, you always hear about these things in
BELARUS 2005, 2 OF 2 IMAGES
newspapers, but they’re always very limited stories. It’s always
Gomel
very much focused on news and on incidents. We just like to step
back and tell the whole story. It was very important that we have
Annya suffers from a reoccurring brain tumor as a
consequence of the Chernobyl disaster. She is in a book. If somebody fifty years from now wants to know about
constant pain and bedridden. Annya’sparents care nuclear accidents in Russia, all they will have to do is pull out the
for their daughter, including repositioning her every
15mins to avoid bedsores. book. Each individual story has been reported.
The nuclear accident in Chernobyl is well-known in the media.
It is about putting the story together, which is important. We
see more and more photographers, journalists and filmmakers
making these efforts and putting things into perspective.You can also read
