?The impotence of the anarchists ? in particular depends on the lack of a practical
programme that could be implemented in the short term.? ? Errico Malatesta, 1924 ---- 2014
heralds new attacks on the conditions of the working class and what little gains have been
wrought from capitalism in Australia over the past hundred years. Abbott is gearing up,
2013 was the prelude, the real horror awaits us in 2014?s planned austerity budget. In
this issue we touch on some of the battle grounds. Brutal attacks on refugees conceal real
attacks on the conditions of the working class. ---- Access to healthcare is in the firing
line as increased ?copayments? move the cost of healthcare to those who can least afford
it whilst private health insurers reap billions in government hand-outs.
New police powers brought in under the cover of conservative moral panics in Queensland,
New South Wales and Victoria give the state increased scope to choke resistance from our
social movements.
This is the first issue of a new publication from Anarchist Affinity. We take Malatesta?s
criticism seriously. As anarchists we need to do more than recount tales of past glories.
This new quarterly publication is a small step towards advancing an anarchist
understanding of the situation that confronts us here and now. We write from an explicitly
revolutionary anarchist viewpoint, but we want to do more than just talk to the small
groups of self-identified anarchists that already exist in Australia today.
Right now attacks on the working class are expanding, sexism rears its ugly head, the
ecological crisis demands action, and what passes for social democracy offers no real
alternative. If anarchism is going to play any part in building a movement against these
systems of oppression, anarchists MUST engage in the concrete discussions which Malatesta
called for in 1924. Anarchist Affinity
Related Link: http://www.anarchistaffinity.org/
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Anarchist Affinity are an anarchist communist group organising in Melbourne, Australia.
Whilst member?s views broadly reflect those of the group, statements that reflect the
formally adopted position of the group will be marked as such.
About
Anarchist Affinity is a small group based in Melbourne, Australia. We intend to publish a
detailed statement of shared positions here in the not too distant future.
It is our intention on this website to publish a wide variety of material by Anarchist
Affinity members and supporters. Whilst member?s views broadly reflect those of the group,
statements that reflect the formally adopted position of the group will be marked as such.
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» (en) Australia,Issue #1 of The Platform launched in Melbourne on 19 March