WHAT IS TO BE DONE?

Updates on political activism within the community

EVICTIONS COMING

After 28 March we could see a big spike in evictions and homelessness in Victoria, as the moratorium on evictions for people who can’t afford their rent due to COVID-19 will come to an end. We’re also currently seeing evictions happening to the homeless people who were housed through the hotel contracts that the government established at the beginning of the pandemic.

As is now plainly obviously, the pandemic was never over in Victoria; we had simply had it under control. The recent announcement of the new and highly virulent strain of COVID-19 in Melbourne highlights the fact that the government acted too soon in its eagerness to cut costs, starting with the more vulnerable communities first.

The newly established Renters and Housing Union have been actively protesting this development, and are running regular meetings and eviction defence training sessions.

RECENT THREATS TO ACTIVISM IN VICTORIA

Last year, Refugee Action Collective activist Chris Breen was arrested for his involvement in the protests outside Mantra Hotel in Preston. The protest was organised to support and interrupt the relocation and re-detention of over 60 refugees to a new hotel in Parkville. Breen was arrested for ‘incitement’, and around 30 others were each given fines of $1,652 for breaking quarantine measures. Breen is being accused of incitement for allegedly organising a ‘solidarity convoy’ for the men being transferred.

‘Incitement’ under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) is an indictable offence. If Breen is successfully convicted, this will be a serious concern for activism in Victoria. Breen’s next hearing is on 17 March at the Magistrates’ Court in Melbourne.

By SAS & BB