News & Publications – Page 2 – Anarchist Communist Federation

Militancy, commitment and responsibility

Geelong Anarchist-Communists have been working through a series of readings on the purpose and structure of the specific anarchist organisation and, as part of that what it means to be a member of such an organisation. The following text is largely an adaptation of ”Thoughts on Commitment, Responsibility and Self-discipline” by the Anarchist Federation of Rio de Janeiro (FARJ), reflecting the points that GAC found most useful and are incorporating into our membership documents. We believe it is useful to share this text, so that supporters and sympathisers have an insight into our organisation and practice.

Invasion Day and Decolonisation

I am truly free only when all human beings, men and women, are equally free. The freedom of other men, far from negating or limiting my freedom, is, on the contrary, its necessary premise and confirmation. – Mikhail Bakunin

In the face of overwhelming violence and the power of empires, indigenous peoples and cultures across the world have survived. Through it all they stand as a reminder of the heritage of this Earth, and of the indomitable spirit of humanity passed down through thousands of generations. On this day (January 26th, 2024) we remember the struggle and the suffering of our First Nations comrades since the invasion and colonisation of this land 236 years ago. Despite a purposeful and overt program of genocide lasting until this very day, by empire and the state, underpinned by capital, we celebrate 236 years of resistance and the survival of peoples that carry with them the lineage of the oldest continuous culture in existence.

Socialism Sundays!

In 2024 Geelong Anarchist-Communists will continue to host a monthly discussion group on socialist texts on the last Sunday of every month. We are going through a series of introductory texts with topics such as capitalism, the state, unions, imperialism, feminism, racism, strategy and organisation.

We read through the texts together on the day so no prior reading or preparation is required. All are welcome; our discussion groups are open to anyone no matter their political development.

Venue is subject to change, so send us a message on Instagram or Facebook or email geelonganarchists@gmail.com and we’ll keep you in the loop.

Israel and the Pinkwashing of Genocide

As critics of genocide and Zionism, we are often told that settlement of Palestine offers a liberal utopia of pro-gay progressivism. Israel, the supposed sanctuary of Judaism, is in short the only alleged place for women and the LGBTQI+ community to be safe from Islam in the Middle East. These claims erupt most clearly in moments of crisis when there is more blood than even liberals believe can be justified, and are part of the argument that Arabs and Muslims do not have a right to life. We need to be clear that these claims are not just illusory, but that the Zionist agenda undermines the fight for queer rights in both occupied Palestine and Australia.

Geelong dock workers on strike!

At 11am, 2nd of January 2024 Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) members, supported by Electrical Trades Union (ETU) members, walked off the job at Corio Quay in response to the state of their current Enterprise Agreement (EA) negotiations.

Geelong and Genocide – Part 1: Marand Engineering

Geelong is a long way from Gaza, and yet the world is a small place. As it turns out, our small regional Australian city has direct links to the genocide in Palestine. Geelong Anarchist Communists have been researching companies that benefit from the oppression of Palestinians, and will release reports as they are compiled. The first company is Marand, a precision engineering firm based in the old Ford factory.

Workers’ Power Against Genocide – Fighting for a Free Palestine

The following text is a leaflet Geelong Anarchist-Communists distributed at a Free Palestine Geelong rally on November 4th. GAC are participants in FPG and encourage locals to get involved and support the campaign.

Today the people of Palestine are like a modern day David, fighting against the Goliath of the Israeli Defence Forces, backed by Western governments. The prospects for military victory are dire, instead the liberation of Palestine depends on uprisings across the Middle East. Only another Arab Spring that breaks the reactionary regimes across the region can provide Palestinians with breathing room in their struggle.

Statement on Palestine

The following statement was written by our comrades from Melbourne Anarchist-Communist Group. Geelong Anarchist Communists endorse their position and express our own solidarity with the struggle of the Palestinian people against apartheid and colonialism. As anarchists in Australia a nation that actively supports the Israeli colonisation of Palestinian lands, we believe it is our duty to oppose the Australian governments position on anti-imperialist grounds.

Book Review: Zoe Bakers ‘Means and Ends: The revolutionary practice of anarchism in Europe and the United States’

Zoe Bakers ‘Means and Ends: The revolutionary practice of anarchism in Europe and the United States’ is a new book published by AK Press. Means and Ends focuses on the theory and practice of anarchism in the period from 1868-1939. While limited by the periodic and geographical approach, Means and Ends is refreshing in its approach compared to previous histories of anarchism. Baker, like Felipe Correa and Robert Graham, grounds anarchism in its real history and practice. By not understanding anarchism as an abstract position of opposition to hierarchy and the state she overcomes the flaws of various liberal and Marxist historians who have also written on the topic.

Lara Big Incinerator – A Waste of Energy!

The following is the transcript of a speech given by Geelong Anarchist-Communists member Levi H at a rally against the proposed Prospect Hill Incinerator in Lara, Victoria.

Header photo used with permission from Matt Hrakc.