This is a test post just to test things out!Continue reading This is a test post
Why I’m running for the National AASW Board of Directors
I am standing for the National Board of Directors because I believe the AASW has huge potential to create a better future for this nation, by ensuring that our social work professional expertise and knowledge is a consistent presence in the media and in public policy. I see a future for the AASW and forContinue reading Why I’m running for the National AASW Board of Directors
Why I have resigned from the Greens
I have arrived at the extremely difficult, heartbreaking decision that I must resign from the Greens, on principle. I have lost faith in the Party’s governance and I can no longer remain silent about the abuses of power and process that seem to be endemic within the organisation.
We took on tobacco; now, we need to take on coal.
As health professionals, we took on tobacco and now we need to take on coal, because of the climate emergency. Continue reading We took on tobacco; now, we need to take on coal.
Darebin businesses backing penalty rates
Shout out to Racoon Club in Preston and Fairyfields in Fairfield for protecting their staff by paying penalty rates. I’m pretty happy that I’m a customer at both of these local businesses. But I’m sure there must be other Darebin businesses who are doing the same. If you know of a local business which isContinue reading Darebin businesses backing penalty rates
Because of her we can – NAIDOC 2018
NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Observance Committee) Week officially starts tomorrow, though there have been plenty of events during the past week. Yesterday’s NAIDOC March in Narrm (Melbourne) was huge, despite the early rain. This year’s #Because of her we can NAIDOC theme has been particularly inspiring.
Seat of Batman to be renamed after William Cooper
Please note: this post contains images and names of deceased persons. BREAKING: our federal seat is to be renamed for William Cooper, the great Yorta Yorta human rights leader! My respects to all in our suburbs who campaigned for two decades to rename Batman – to the Wurundjeri Land & Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Aboriginal Corp. whoContinue reading Seat of Batman to be renamed after William Cooper
Documentary: The Candidate
We were lucky enough to have veteran documentary filmmaker Helen Gaynor shadowing us throughout the 2018 Batman by-election, recording every aspect of the campaign trail. Her documentary following the entire Alex Bhathal campaign, The Candidate, is now ready to be edited – check out the trailer and the crowdfunding page. This was a really great project,Continue reading Documentary: The Candidate
VAHPA Close the Camps t-shirt campaign
I’m pretty happy that my union, the Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association, is organising its own t-shirt campaign in support of the asylum seekers held in indefinite detention by the Australian government. Buy yours here – wear it to work and everywhere else from 1st – 5th May and make sure you join everyone atContinue reading VAHPA Close the Camps t-shirt campaign
‘Aussie values’
This article, by Fotis Kapetopoulos, who happens to be a Dad from our local soccer club in Darebin, captures something that most concerns me about Malcolm Turnbull’s recent announcements of changes to Australia’s citizenship laws. And that is the dilution of our universal citizenship rights. I believe this has been the key to our multiculturalContinue reading ‘Aussie values’
Alex Bhathal 