Byron’s March in March rally sent a clear and strong message to the Abbott federal conservative government – it opposes its social, economic, industrial and environmental policies. Likewise some placards also reminded the rally that the NSW O’Farrell government conservative agenda is similar and must be opposed. Minister Don Page please take note, you’re on notice, and being scrutinised.
These conservative governments are destroying and winding back many of the social conditions and reforms that have been part of Australian way of life for decades, won largely by progressive forces for the advancement of, to name a few, working people in industrial relations, women’s rights, environmental laws and protection against rampant development and exploitation.
Today many people are joining the dots, and seeing these governments for what they really are, handmaidens to big business and corporate power. These entities are chaffing at the bit to unleash their conservative, anti-union, and anti-environment agenda on the Australian public, all under the guise of ‘jobs’ (casualisation, under employment…) and economic growth. There should be no doubt that this populist messaging is a distraction for what the real consequences are as a result of the neo liberal economic policies – rising financial inequality and poverty amongst Australians, further degrading and destruction of the environment for short-term profit, at the expense of sustainable industries and quality of life for people and the environment.
The March saw a coalescing of ordinary people very concerned about the future, and the need to highlight what these governments are all about. While letting some steam off might be good therapy for some, it needs to be matched with some concrete political action with more people mobilising to fight these moribund political ideologies and reactionary values.
Boyd Kellner, Newrybar
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
