1. Simpler website address for AFTINET.
2. WTO Inquiry hearings begin in Brisbane.
3. AFTINET Booklet on the WTO.
4. International week of Action on the WTO November 30-Dec 6; Booklet Launch.
5. AFTINET organisational issues.
6. Coming events.

1.  Simpler website address for AFTINET.

Due to the efforts of our website coordinator, Michael Evans, the AFTINET website is now firmly established at the simpler address www.aftinet.org.au. If you use the old address, it will just refer you to the new one. Thanks to Michael for his continued support and updating of the website.

2.   WTO Inquiry hearings begin in Brisbane.

Only one week’s notice was given about the hearing. Dates for hearings in other cities are yet to be set and should be posted on the parliamentary website www.aph.gov/house/committee/jsct. AFTINET will publicise them as soon as we are informed.

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3.  AFTINET Booklet on the WTO.

AFTINET has obtained some funding from the Uniting Church to publish a short and simple booklet which explains the WTO and other global institutions and why they are facing a crisis in credibility and growing public criticism in both developing and industrialised countries. It is planned to launch this on November 30 – see below.

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4.  International week of Action on the WTO November 30-Dec 6.

Public citizen and other groups in the Americas, Europe and Asia are organising events in as many countries as possible from November 30 to Dec 6 for the anniversary of the protests at the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Seattle.

The international ‘WTO shrink or sink’ campaign calls for fundamental reviews of WTO structures and existing agreements before any new agreements are negotiated.

Developing country governments have continued their resistance to a new round in 2000. However, negotiations to extend the existing agreements on agriculture and services have continued. As reported in Bulletin no. 8, some governments are pushing to include public services like health and education in the services agreement. There will be another attempt at a new round of negotiations in 2001.

We need to keep the pressure on our government on all these issues. AFTINET plans to have a public launch in Sydney of our booklet explaining the WTO and the campaign on November 30. Further details will be publicised soon. Other centres may also want to plan events at this time. Please contact Pat Ranald if you want to discuss this.

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5.  AFTINET organisational issues.

The AFTINET working group has started a discussion on what kind of organisational structure best suits the needs of subscribers. As reported in earlier bulletins, AFTINET was formed at the seminar held in February in Sydney, where the AFTINET principles were discussed and people from a range of organisations and some individuals volunteered to be working group members.

The working group meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 5pm at PIAC. It has discussed the organisation of the website, funding applications, political lobbying to get the Parliamentary Inquiry and meetings with DFAT and politicians. Pat Ranald from PIAC does the bulletins, drafting of submissions, etc and Sarah Mitchell from PIAC assists with administrative work. AFTINET pays PIAC for some administrative costs like photocopying. Members of the working group take on tasks like chairing, taking minutes and the role of treasurer. The outcomes of the working group are reported in AFTINET Bulletins and Alerts.

Some organisations based outside Sydney have indicated interest in the working group, contribute their views and receive the minutes . We are looking at the possibility of having some telephone links for some meetings but we are limited by lack of funds.

We have had positive feedback about our work and the network form of organisation. Many organisations and individuals want information about trade issues but do not necessarily want to be more actively involved in how things get done.

There has been some discussion about two main issues. We are asking for initial feedback on these.

The first is the proposal that we should hold a general meeting next year to give subscribers an opportunity to get together and discuss what we have done and future directions. We could also call for nominations for the working group.

This could be organised in Sydney for February or March next year. Subscribers in other states could also meet and report their ideas. The agenda will be discussed by the working group at the next few meetings. If you have any comments about this proposal please contact Pat Ranald.

Secondly, there has been discussion about AFTINET doing more extensive education work, for which we would need funding. Some funding bodies require organisations to be incorporated bodies, with particular auditing procedures. Other funders do not require this, so long as there is proper system to account for funds.

Becoming an incorporated body under the relevant state law is a time-consuming administrative process. It also means that subscribers would become members in a more formal structure.

Some organisations have said they would prefer not to be in an incorporated membership structure because their constitution does not allow it or because they do not think it is necessary for a network.

The other option which network organisations can use if incorporation is required by funders is to apply through a member body which is already incorporated, like PIAC, which then administers the funds on behalf of AFTINET.

The working group would like your views about these issues. Is the current network structure working for you? Do you think we need to incorporate? Would incorporation have any negatives for your organisation? If we don’t incorporate, do we need a constitution?

These issues could be further discussed at the general meetings next year. Please let Pat Ranald know if you have any comments in the meantime.

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There will be a protest outside the Millennium Forum corporate luncheon of business leaders and politicians on Friday Oct 20 at 11am outside the Westin Sydney Hotel at 1 Martin Place Sydney .

b) Jubilee and Debt - Unfinished Business - Brian Gore Nov 4 and Nov 18

Father Brian Gore will address two meetings on the Drop the Debt campaign for developing countries on Saturday November 4 at 1pm at the Catholic Church Hall Cnr Pennnant Hills Rd and Trebor Rd, Pennant hills, and on Sat November 18 at 1pm at St Mary’s Community Centre, Cnr Great Western Hwy and Mamre Rd, St Mary’s.

Friday November 10 from 9.30am - 5 pm. Speakers include Cherry Ripe, food writer, Vanaja Ramapasad from India, Dr Bill Pritchard, Sydney University and Father Brian Gore, plus workshops.

Cost: (includes organic lunch) $60 full/$40 low income/$30 concession.

For registration send your name, address and organisation with a cheque to Jill Finnane at Action for World Development 8th Floor, 8 - 24 Kippax St Surry Hills 2010 or email awdev@ozemail.com.au

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