research initiative on international activism
conferences and forums

 

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE TODAY

NSW Parliament House
Friday November 8, 2002, 3-6pm
Entry by donation, tea/coffee available


Civil disobedience is a key political tradition in Australia. Many of the rights we have today were won by people breaking unjust laws. For many people challenging injustice in Australia, civil disobedience has been a necessary responsibility. This proud tradition is now under threat, as mass disobedience is increasingly labeled as violent, even terrorist. CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE TODAY re-asserts the tradition of civil disobedience, and highlights its importance for today.

Academics from UTS, UNSW and University of Sydney debate key traditions of civil disobedience. Activists from anti-racist, labour, environmental and student organisations assert the centrality of civil disobedience for social and political change in Australia today. Speakers include: Paula Abood, Tim Anderson, Sean Chaffer, Sergio Fiedler, Kath Gelber, James Goodman, Kanthi Lewis, Penny O'Donnell, Lee Rhiannon, Jesse Wyndhausen, Danny Kennedy.

Download the forum booklet (pdf - 633K)

Background:

Why do we need a Forum on Civil Disobedience? By James Goodman

Media Transcript: a discussion of Civil Disobedience Alan Jones, 2GB, interview with Lee Rhiannon, 4 November 2002

Introduction to the Research Initiative on International Activism

Introduction to the forum By James Arvanitakis

3-4 pm, academic panel: civil disobedience traditions
Dr Sergio Fiedler (Social Inquiry, UTS) Traditions of Civil Disobedience
Dr Kath Gelber (Government, UNSW) Free Speech and Civil Disobedience
Penny O'Donnell (Journalism, UTS) Civil Disobedience and the Media
Dr Tim Anderson (Political Economy, U. of Sydney) The Law and Civil Disobedience
Chair: Dr James Goodman (Social Inquiry, UTS)

 

4-6pm, activist panel: civil disobedience today
Paula Abood (anti-racism) Safe Spaces for Dissent
Danny Kennedy (Climate Action Network Australia)   The Need for a Non-Violent Climate Protection Protest Movement in Australia
Kanthi Lewis (Woomera 2002 + Queer Student Network, NUS)  Civil Disobedience and Woomera
Jessie Wyndhausen (September 11 2000 protests against the World Economic Forum, Melbourne)  The Anti-Corporate Globalisation Movement
Chair: Lee Rhiannon (The Greens) - welcome to forum

 

Organised by the Research Initiative in International Activism, www.international.activism.uts.edu.au
Hosted by Lee Rhiannon, The Greens
Further Information: James Goodman, 9514 2714