In 1992, the then Labor government announced it would cut student support, Austudy, from its already derisory level. Thousands of students took to the streets.

In Melbourne, the police counter-attacked by arresting five socialists. It took more than two years but a significant defence campaign led to all the major charges being dropped.

Among the five were Marcus Banks and Jonathan Sherlock and we’re talking with them today.

View images from the defence campaign.

Read more about student struggles.

Find out more about Solidarity.

David Glanz challenges some common arguments that workers in Australia and the West benefit from the exploitation of the Global South. He argues that workers everywhere have common interests, laying the basis for a common struggle against the system.

Read more about imperialism.

Find out more about Solidarity.

Solidarity member Judy McVey took part in organising the campaign for the right to march in Queensland. Judy talks about why the ban on marches was put in place, how the campaign was organised and what debates took place inside it, how victory was won and what this means today.

Read more about struggle in Queensland.

Find out more about Solidarity.

This episode is republished with permission of the People's History of Australia, a podcast covering Australian labour and social movements.

Read the full show notes and find out more about the podcast series.

Luke Ottavi describes the revolutionary process that shook Sudan and gave hope to millions before it faltered and created space for ruling class factions backed by regional powers to fight for power and wealth. He points to the politics needed to ensure that the next mass upsurge ends in victory for workers and the poor.

Read more about Sudan.

Find out about Solidarity.

Solidarity member Paddy Gibson discusses socialist anti-racist theory in the 19th century, its flaws and how it was modified and challenged by the Communist Party of Australia during the 20th century, and the amazing campaigns led by the Communist Party against anti-Aboriginal racism during the 1920s and 1930s.

Read more about Aboriginal resistance.

Find out more about Solidarity.

This episode is republished with permission of the People's History of Australia, a podcast covering Australian labour and social movements.

Read the full show notes and find out more about the podcast series.

Abortion rights are under attack in the US and Australia. Why is the right fixated on controlling women's bodies? How can we fight back? Judy McVey, author of the Solidarity pamphlet, Abortion: The fight that’s still to be won, discusses the issues.

Read more about the fight for abortion rights.

Buy the book, Marxism and Women’s Liberation.

Find out more about Solidarity.

Some say it is the influence of the Zionist lobby in the US that explains America's unwavering support for Israel.

But David Glanz argues that the real reason is that the US sees Israel as an indispensable ally in a region of huge strategic importance.

Read more about Palestine.

Find out more about Solidarity.

Julie Monteiro explains how the Democrats paved the way for Trump and how building mass resistance is the key to turning the tide on reaction.

Read more about US politics.

Find out more about Solidarity.

Thirty years ago, in September 1994, students at the Australian National University in Canberra occupied the chancellery building for eight days. 

Tom Orsag was working in Canberra at the time and was an active supporter of the occupation. Here he tells the story of the struggle.

Read more about student struggles.

Find out more about Solidarity.

Paddy Gibson looks at the potential for revolt against Israel's genocide and also against the Arab leaders who are helping make it possible.

Read more about Palestine.

Find out more about Solidarity.

This talk was given at Solidarity's Resist and Rebel conference in Sydney on 24 August 2024.