Human rights for people smugglers

Edwina Lloyd, lawyer and state Labor candidate for Sydney, spoke about the fate of the 300 Indonesian crew members seized with the boats with which people-smuggling operations are carried out; most have impoverished backgrounds and have been detained.

CRUMA Report

Ron reported to the Combined Retired Union Members Association (CRUMA) that the January meeting adopted five of our motions on issues ranging from compliments to Human Rights Medal winner Dorothy Hoddinott and former ABC reporter Quentin Dempster, aged care, health care and the selloff of public assets. CRUMA is reluctant to join the Retired Unionists Network. Trade unions are rallying in the lead-up to the NSW election to defend work conditions.

CPSA Report

Shirley Bains reported that federal funding had ceased for the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA) and moved that RTA urge the NSW Government to continue its funding for the CPSA beyond its stated cut-off date of June 30, 2016.

AFTINet report

Ian Massingham distributed to Australian Free Trade and Investment Network (AFTINet) members an RTA submission to the Senate inquiry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) between the United States, Australia and 10 other Pacific Rim countries that asks for a disclosure of perceived benefits and calling for widespread consultation. The Senate inquiry has been called by the ALP and Greens. The TPP negotiations, which have been proceeding for six years, favours allowing transnational companies to sue governments over trade.

Australians on death row

Shirley Bains moved that RTA adds its voice to the call for mercy for the Bali drug runners, condemned to death by the Indonesian President.

Condemnation of PM over detained children

Shirley moved that RTA condemn the Prime Minister’s rejection of the Human Rights Commission’s Report on Child Detention and his unwarranted attack on the professionalism, competence and impartiality of the Commission President, Professor Gillian Trigg.

Volunteering

Christine Brown, 0417 251 489 or cabrownie650@gmail.com, is looking for teachers to help with students at MacFarlane School, Katherine, NT. You need an Ochre card (Working with Children clearance) and accommodation.

Maggie Weiley, Victims and Witness of Crime Court Support — wants volunteers in Bathurst area. Phone (02) 9287 7671 or 0403 816 662.

Kay Bartlett (kaybartlett23@hotmail.com) and Chris Dwyer (chrisdwyer@y7mail.com) need volunteers to help their work with the New Hope for Cambodian Children orphanage, one hour south of Phnom Penh, at school grades 1–8 plus a pre-school. Those interested are asked to pay $US200 as a deposit towards their board, and return air fare of $US834.

Maths and science volunteers are needed to assist asylum-seekers in St Marys, Holroyd and Bankstown. Contact Lesley Ashwood on 0400 002 454 or l_ashwood2005@yahoo.com.au

Allan West is the Secretary, NSW Retired Teachers Association (rtansw.blogspot.com) and can be contacted on (02) 9484 5693.