Honi Soit Week 10, Semester 1, 2020 / First printed 1929

Putting faith into action / p. 14

The decline of the The real housewives Swab story: An eye- humanities / p. 6 of the USU / p. 10 watering review / p. 17 LETTERS Acknowledgement of Country Letters

Honi Soit is published on the stolen land of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. For over 230 years, First Nations people in this country have suffered from Do Androids Dream of Electronic Cottages? the destructive effects of invasion. The editors of this paper recognise that, as a team of settlers occupying the lands of the Bidjigal, Darug, Gadigal, Wangal and Wallumedegal people, we are beneficiaries of these reverberations that followed European settlement. As we strive throughout the year to offer a platform to the voices In the current contemporary modern 1978) On “The Project” TV Channel our environments, our families, our teleworking , computer fatigue, mainstream media ignores, we cannot meet this goal without providing a space for First Nations people to share their experiences and perspectives. A student paper which world Of Covid 19 Corona Virus , every- Ten ) believes that most work, most schools, our workplaces ,our televisions, isolation, alienation, interpersonal does not acknowledge historical and ongoing colonisation and the white supremacy embedded within Australian society can never adequately represent the students one is locked down in family prisons or schoolwork, most sports, most leisure our radios, our internets, our food social distancing, boredom , physical of the institution in which it operates. We seek to resist colonial violence and the racist power structures that serve to oppress those who are Indigenous to this land. lockdown jails called family homes ! The times, most family times , and most sources, our mental stimulants, our interactivity, and technology rule the Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was and always will be Aboriginal land. Governments, The National Cabinets, exercise times is done exclusively at physical stimulants and our lives remain modern world from no on until the end The Federal Cabinets, The State Cabi- home in “’electronic cottages” Or exclusively within our telecottages and Of Human kind? Will the home be your nets, The Bosses, The Needy Rich , The Telecottages” !! our ‘electronic cottages “from now to the only place in life for everything and Police and The Mass Media keep telling The Electronic Cottage is a house, end of the human world? everyone? these home grown prisoners what to do, usually in the country, which has all the Who is superior in the electronic What do you want to do in llfe ? Contents Editorial what to think, what to say, and when to necessary equipment and a connection cottage era or the telecottage era ? Where will you be in ten yearts time In go out. to the internet so that people can work Females or Males? Will the outdated the modern future world ? This week, we got a first taste of often left to slip under the radar, and These Home Prisons for The Needy there rather than travelling to an office: archaic misogynist Male Chauvinist Will we all Stick around the freedom from isolation, something he calls for those who preach faith Editor in Chief: Ranuka Tandan poor And The Needy Rich are called “ The electronic cottage has become patriarchy come to an era end due to telecottage and electronic cottage for our Who? Weekly / 3 I thought I’d be ecstatic about. to actually do it. The timing of this electronic cottages” or “ telecottages” the ideal launch pad for the flexible, corona virus covid 19 with the rise of entire life times forever? Editors: Nina Dillon Britton, Instead, I’m anxious. I had some article couldn’t be more relevant. It’s The Mass Media in The Modern independent worker, the archetype for the feminist female matriarchy era of the News / 4 Matthew Forbes, Zhiquan Gan, form of hope that the pandemic not enough to be complacent about Corona Virus Covid-19 World ( For this century electronic cottages and telecottages? Yours in future shock, Robbie Mason, Angad Roy, Lara would actually give people a sense these things, to think that somebody Example Waleed Aly (born 15 August But will our societies our economies Will mental illness, social media, Jane Wallace Sonnenschein, Ranuka Tandan, of responsibility for something else can take up the baton, that it’s Analysis / 6 Chuyi Wang, Madeline Ward, other than themselves, an not our problem. Now, more than Lei Yao understanding that self-sacrifice ever, we need activism, we need Perpsective / 8 for the sake of somebody else’s to be fighting for the people who Write, Contributors: Misbah at-risk family is more important are suffering, and who are left in A comment on our Michael Please, go ahead Ansari, Oscar Chaffey, Jocelin than being able to continue your loopholes that offer them no support. Profile / 9 routine as usual. This time, as students, it was nearly so create and Chan, Aidan Pollock, Daany Spence comedy piece just when you thought Honi couldn’t become more Saeed, Jacob Shteyman, Raúl Instead, I’m left wondering many of us. It is so many of us. obnoxious. I think I’d key my own car before I took their Culture / 10 Sugunananthan, Lucy Taylor, if there’s any hope in this often- Warmest virtual hugs to everybody articles seriously Khanh Tran quite-fucked-up world when I see who wrote for this edition and who Looks like the bootlickers have taken over at Honi - A man wearing a suit in his profile picture produce for Feature / 12 people having 20 person parties contributed art. I’m particularly proud - Annette Blanka Artists: Shrawani Bhattarai, as soon as socialisation rules of the artists who contribute to Honi Ash Duncan, Lauren Lancaster, are lifted to two adults visiting a every week — you make this paper Honi Soit Opinion / 16 Janina Osinsao, Emma Pham friend. Like so much else, it makes beautiful. Emma Cao, this cover art Another comment on our Aristotle’s ghostwriter me angry. is stunning. Thank you, thank you, Interested in reporting or Creative / 18 Cover artist: Emma Cao Yet, Raúl Sugunananthan’s feature thank you. Michael Spence comedy piece The footy king’s hunger for social capital is only trumped making art for Australia’s article, alongside the SRC’s mutual by that of the condescending junior “journalist” only remaining weekly Back cover artist: Ellie Wilson aid service, alongside the activists who Yours in love, rage and hope. i hope that this is a joke and a bad one.... A house of cards - Zachary Marshall student newspaper? Email SRC / 20 participated in May Day this week to that is collapsing... that what is left behind... - Vrasidas Karalis us at editors@honisoit. continue fighting for those who have Ranuka Tandan com or message us over on Comedy / 23 been left behind, gives me hope. In his And we thought we gave the our Facebook, Twitter or article, Raúl analyses where the radical Seriously guys just read the roots of the early Church have gone, USU a hard time Instagram pages. and tells the stories of Christians who are doing fantastic, activist work and article before you comment “To summarize: it is a well-known fact that those people returning to them. He calls out the who must want to rule people are, ipso facto, those least Nudes, declarations of hypocrisy within the Church, and what is it about student media and providing a soap box suited to do it.” doug adams affection and hate mail within broader society, that is so to the administration haha - Joseph ‘Goodguy’ Greg - Jason Pover may be sent to: [email protected].

Disclaimer: Honi Soit is published by the Students’ Representative Council, University of Sydney, Level 1 Wentworth Building, City Road, University of Sydney NSW 2006. The SRC’s operation costs, space and administrative support are financed by the University of Sydney.Honi Soit is printed under the auspices of the SRC’s directors of student publications: Maia Edge, Peiqing Fan, Nina Mountford, Roisin Murphy, Mikaela Pappou and Maxim Vishney. All expressions are published on the basis that they are not to be regarded as the opinions of the SRC unless specifically stated. The Council accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any of the opinions or information contained within this newspaper, nor does it endorse any of the advertisements and insertions. Please direct all advertising inquiries to [email protected]. a jab at USU President Connor Wherrett for heart- to make them all feel as though they’re truly of reacting our articlet about Belinda Hutchinson being one kind.” We’ve yet to receive confirmation as to Weekly re-elected as Chancellor. Verity challenged Wherrett’s whether or not forcing freshmen to drink until they commitment to fighting for workers’ rights, given the spew counts as a formal ritual. Zoom Zoom Zoom, let me hear you say furlough underpaying of workers by Thales Australia, the arms company which Hutchinson is chairperson Deal-icious For the editorial team, the post-Honi world is full of of. Could “Can’t Stop Connor” be taking a leaf out exciting possibilities and opportunities, and none of the book of Belinda and slicing his own staff’s Whilst we haven’t received any confirmation about more so than spying on the Zoom meetings of rival pay? Are the current Board candidates walking into which USU Board candidates are forming alliances outlets. 2009 Honi editor alumnus, Mark Di Stefano, the irony-laced jaws of a union that mistreats its with each other, like your stomach informing you “resigned” from the Financial Times last week after workers? Only time will tell ;) it’s time for lunch, we can always go off rumblings. being accused of accessing the confidential video Word has it that Beware Belinda Thomas (Unity) and calls of The Independent and The Evening Standard, Saint Anthony Elusive Eitan Harris (Independent Labor) may strike in which staff learned of pay cuts and furloughs up a deal, as will Arrogant Amir Jabbari and one/ resulting from the pandemic. Members of the call Anthony Martinho-Truswell, the Dean of Graduate both of the Liberal-alligned candidates (Boring Ben were privileged to witness an act of expert-level House at St Paul’s College has penned an article in Hines and Nauseating Nick Rigby). Whilst Plotter hacking, as Di Stefano’s name apparently appeared digital magazine Aeon. With its author looking like Prudence Wilkins-Wheat has seemingly suggested momentarily on screen before he left the meeting a charming mix of an indie band frontman and a she would like to work with Vigorous Vikki in and returned using a different, unnamed account - prolific user of “facts and logic,” the article—“We mentioning her as her favourite candidate, nothing unfortunately later found to be linked to his phone. need highly formal rituals in order to make life more has been sorted as of yet. As for, Rogue Ruby Lotz, Watch out Pulp. democratic”—reeks of the kind of colonialist, white- will her Nazi meme spell a difficult preference privilege bullshit you’d expect from its title. One of situation? We’ll see... Connor’s cuts the more egregious assertions it makes is that, when it comes to unifying “diverse residents,” “It takes In other ex-editor news, 2019 editor Joe Verity took a formal, traditional, ritual-filled ancient college

2 3 NEWS NEWS May Day car convoy shuts down Sydney city 五月劳动节汽车护航关闭了悉尼城区 Ranuka Tandan reports. Ranuka Tandan报道. Lei Yao 翻译 Students, workers and unions joined down and police admitted to many stopp of stand downs. On the climate it is essential that workers continue together in a 110 car and 50 bicycle- attendees that their actions had thrust front, demands written by the May to struggle for those things that we 学生，工人以及工会于5月1号一起加 同一辆车里。 制退房；还有停止退位裁减。在气候 争的工人阶级的背后。” strong convoy protest today to demand the city into complete lockdown,” Day organising committee focus on a demand in our communities. The 入了由110辆汽车和50辆自行车所共同 “在游行开始的短暂时间后，整个市 面前，五月劳动节相关组织机构主要 McAleer还在劳动节zoom论坛上发 that no worker be left behind in said Australian Student Environment “public works program to decarbonise May 1 movement will stand behind 组成的强大的护航抗议。此抗议在于 区很显然都被关闭了。警察对很多参 关注于一个“用来减少碳化经济的公众 表讲话，该论坛是为今天的车队护航 the COVID-19 pandemic, or in the Network (ASEN) Co-Convenor Seth the economy and guarantee a just all working class people who fight for 严格要求没有工人会因为COVID-19大 与者承诺，他们的行动已经把这个城 工作项目，来保证一个即时的转接给 做准备的，与前新南威尔士州绿党参 transition to renewable energy. Dias. “This shows that protest and transition for all fossil fuel workers, justice, who fight for peace and who 流行而被抛下，也要求实现使用可再 市推入关闭状态，”澳大利亚学生环境 所有化石燃料从业人员，原住民团体 议员李·里安农（Lee Rhiannon）和联 Cars were covered in homemade resistance can be effective even in Indigenous communities and all those fight for socialism.” 生能源的转换。 网络共同召集人Seth Dias说道。“这表 以及所有站在气候危机前线的人员。” 合工人工会仓库组织者亚历克斯·苏 posters and signs, and chalked these trying times.” on the front line of the climate crisis.” McAleer also spoke on the May 汽车被家庭制作的海报和标志所覆 明抗议和阻力即使在这些尝试阶段仍 独立广播团体站 2SER主办了当天的 勒（Alex Suhle）一起。此次电话会议 with slogans that read “climate “The May Day car convoy was Independent community radio Day zoom forum that occurred in 盖，车身上也被用粉笔写上了标语“气 然有效。” 直播，主持了面谈，播放了来自原住 的重点是如何确保车队顺利行驶，以 action now” and “no worker left organised by the newly formed May 1 station 2SER hosted the live stream preparation for the convoy today, 候行动在现在”以及“没有工人被拉下” “五月劳动节汽车护航活动是新形 民艺术家的音乐，同时回忆了之前的 及车队护航如何在充满挑战的情况下 behind.” Chants between cars such Movement to continue resistance on a of the day, conducting interviews, with former NSW Greens senator Lee 。在汽车之间的重复喊叫，比如说“永 成的五月一号运动组织的一部分，以 五月罢工。 继续战斗。 as “solidarity forever” and “worker’s historical day for workers’ rights and playing music by Aboriginal artists, Rhiannon and United Workers Union 远团结”还有“工人权利”，在持续的鸣 此持续地施加阻力于这具有历史意义 Paul McAleer, 澳大利亚海洋工会的 全国各地还采取了其他行动，像 rights” among a continuous stream of social justice. This year, the demands and reminiscing about previous May Warehouse Organiser Alex Suhle. 喇叭声潮中使得这场抗议十分响亮而 的一天从而来支持工人权利和社会公 秘书长，说道“劳动节运动不仅仅是 Hutchinson Ports这样的地方的工人声 honking made the protest a loud one, were predominantly centred around Day strikes. The call was focused on how to make 且漫长。 正。今年，主要的要求集中在呼吁政 关于劳动节，这是关于为了公平而奋 援车队，同时仍在前线工作。 as well as a long one. calling on the government to include Paul McAleer, Secretary of the sure the car convoy ran smoothly, and 这场护航从图书馆后的停车场开 府去提供二百二十万工人原本不提供 斗，在受压迫之下的劳工权利和社会 The convoy met at the Domain the 2.2 million workers left out of Maritime Union of Australia, said how the movement will continue to 始，这些汽车开始沿着College Street 给他们的社会福利保障包裹中，并且 公正所奋斗。最基本的是，工人阶级 and cars made their way along the COVID-19 welfare package, but that the “May 1 movement is not fight in challenging circumstances. 行驶直到自由党的新州总部，这个目 同时包括关乎社会公正和气候行动的 抵制我们现在在这个国家所面临的攻 College Street to the Liberal Party also included demands around social just about May 1, it’s about fighting Other actions have occurred 的地也是自行车抗议者最开始聚集的 要求。” 击和紧缩政策，并且随着经济危机的 headquarters, where protestors on justice and climate action.” for justice and fighting under the around the country, with workers in 地方。抗议的组织者遵守社交距离政 主要游行的要求包括JobKeeper的立 发展，工人必须为我们在社区中要求 bicycles met. The organisers promoted Key demands of the rally banner of worker’s rights and social places like Hutchinson Ports standing 策，在领导整个游行的过程中保证了 即扩张，去覆盖到临时工，国际学生 的那些东西继续奋斗。 5月1日运动将 social distancing in the lead up to the included the immediate expansion justice. It’s absolutely fundamental in solidarity with the car convoy while 只有来自同一个家庭单位的参与者在 以及难民；租房补贴金，抵押以及强 站在所有为正义，和平与社会主义斗 rally by ensuring only members of the of JobKeeper to cover casual, that working class people resist the still working on the frontline. same household attended in one car. migrant, international student and attacks and the austerity that we are “Shortly after starting it became refugee workers; an amnesty on rent, facing in this country now, and with clear that the entire city had been shut mortgages and evictions; as well as the the unfolding of the economic crisis Oscar Bai 被USU理事会谴责 Lara Sonnenschein 报道. Lei Yao翻译

这是五年来第一位受到谴责的董事会 和潜在后果的多次书面和口头警告。 导致他的董事职位随时被解除。白芷 案的重点集中在支持白芷正。 成员。 2019年8月21日，Connor Wherrett 董 正从未回复电子邮件。 在对Honi的讲话中她说：“由学生团 在昨日下午的联合投票中，任职第 事会主席会见白芷正，告知他由于未 白芷正在4月24号的会议上道了歉， 体选举产生的有薪董事不满足其职务 一年的董事会成员白梓正因未能履行 声明的冲突而试图影响新俱乐部小组 并将该议案形容为“警钟”，承诺改善 的最低要求是不可接受的。董事会必 出勤义务而受到大学学生董事会的谴 的决策过程时，他违反了他的信托职 其表现。他还指出，事实证明，作为 须知道他们将承担责任，这一点很重 责。 责。 一个国际学生，在COVID-19危机期间 要，尤其是当一批新的学生将于6月加 董事会还投票通过了暂停白芷正的 作为回应，白芷正随后发信息说：“ 有很多难处。白芷正本人在中国，由 入董事会时。拥有充满激情和敬业精 薪酬，特权和福利的措施，获得了11 那些你认为是朋友的人正以高姿态的 于莫里森政府于今年2月1日实施的旅 神的董事是我们保持独立的学生运营 票赞成和来自他自己的1票弃权。相应 指控攻击你。你知道那种感觉吗？ 行禁令，无法返回澳大利亚。然而， 组织的能力的核心，这其员工和成员 的结果是，白梓正将不会获得5月或6 2019年10月1日，学生董事会副主席 大学学生董事会的会议在网上持续进 充满信心的来源。” 月的津贴，并且其用餐卡和董事折扣 Lachlan Finch会见了白，称“他需要提 行，以及他打破规则是在旅行禁令被 这是五年来对董事会董事的第一次 仅限于7月20日。 升自己的董事会董事标准”，白接受并 发布之前，这给他的部分借口带来了 谴责。 这项特别决议指出，这是一再发 保证这样做。 是否有效的疑问。 Honi向白芷正征询了他的意见，但 生的事件，特别列举了10项事件，其 2020年4月8日，执行官通过电子邮 名誉财务官玛雅·埃斯瓦兰（Maya 他没有及时回复发表。 中执行官认为白某违反了其董事会职 件联系了白芷正，对他的出勤记录表 Eswaran）是昨天唯一在决议中发言的 责。此外，白芷正已收到有关其行为 示担忧，警告他未能出席会议可能会 董事会成员，她在讲话中指出，该议 Belinda Hutchinson再次当选校长作为第三轮任期 Lara Sonnenschein 报道. Lei Yao 翻译

在一轮联合投票后，Belinda Spence）指出，参议院毫不犹豫地再 找新的副校长以取代Spence的阶段， 去年Honi报道了这家澳大利亚公司 Hutchinson又一次被选举称为悉尼大 次让Hutchinson当选。 她“决心提供一些至关重要的稳定性” 在2011年至2018年之间拖欠了工人744 学的校长作为她的第三轮任期，将自 “从今天的决定中可以清楚地看出， 在这个节骨眼上 。 万美元的薪水。大学当时拒绝对此事 2021年2月开始于2025年2月结束。她在 校长在整个大学内外所受到的尊敬。” 有争议的Hutchinson是澳大利亚 发表评论。 2013年成为了悉尼大学的第十八任校 尽管校长的角色始终是象征性的有 Thales军备公司的董事长。 2017年， 长。 名无实的职位，但Hutchinson说，鉴 悉尼大学与Thales签署了一项备忘录， 副校长迈克尔·斯潘塞（Michael 于COVID-19危机，以及大学正处于寻 以在五年期间更紧密地合作。

Notice of Council Meeting DATE: Wed 6th May 92nd Students’ Representative TIME: 6pm Photos by Jazzlyn Breen. Council, University of Sydney LOCATION: via Zoom, Belinda Hutchinson re-elected as Chancellor for the third term to attend please email: Lara Sonnenschein reports. [email protected] In a unanimous decision, Belinda that the Senate did not hesitate to re-elect was “determined to provide some vital Thales to collaborate more closely over a Hutchinson has been re-elected to serve Hutchinson. stability” in light of the COVID-19 crisis, five year period. as the University of Sydney (USyd) “The respect in which the Chancellor and as the University searches for a new Last year, Honi Soit reported on the Chancellor for a third term, beginning in is held both across the University and Vice-Chancellor to replace Spence. Australian company underpaying workers February 2021 and ending in February beyond is evident from today’s decision.” Hutchinson is controversially the by $7.44 million between 2011 and 2018. 2025. She became the University’s 18th Whilst the role of Chancellor chairperson of arms company, Thales The University declined to comment at Chancellor in 2013. has always been more of a symbolic Australia. In 2017, the University signed the time on this incident. p: 02 9660 5222 | w: src.usyd.edu.au Vice-Chancellor Michael Spence noted figurehead position, Hutchinson said she a memorandum of understanding with

4 5 ANALYSIS “Perhaps this will be the time to do away with The talented Mr Turnbull Anzac Day” Daany Saeed dissects how the former Prime Minister, with the help of the Australian media establishment, has reimagined his time in the role. People go into public office for a number indiscretions as Prime Minister. Lucy Taylor writes in conversation with a controversial piece published in Honi in 1958. of reasons, and, ostensibly, there’s a The conversation then turns, on his certain degree of humility and altruism terms, to politics — a reflection on his “I believe that Anzac Day serves a genocide of Indigenous peoples. we don’t commemorate. As we glorify involved. The same lines are trotted out role as the contemporary saviour of purpose. It serves as a yearly reminder This misplaced celebratory venture the soldiers who have lost their lives in routinely from budding student hacks media diversity in Australia, having of war, its pointlessness and other oft- forces us to call into question why war, we continue to ignore the lasting to weathered careerists alike; a desire to had a key role in the founding of annotated evils. And so long as there are we might hold festivities on any day impacts of Australia’s involvement represent one’s community, to voice their The Guardian Australia in 2013. the sad people standing and remembering, deemed a national holiday. Alongside in other types of conflicts: the grievances, advocate for their interests, Crabb goes to remarkable lengths we shall also remember. But in another 60 Anzac Day, Australia Day is a glaring intergenerational trauma of the and help those less fortunate. On to portray Turnbull as a man in years or so, there will be very few left to example of the way in which an frontier wars, subsequent policies campus, we’ll soon start to hear some of control, describing his membership recall the sadness and horror and idiocy. illusion of commemoration masks of mistreatment and Australia’s these platitudes in the upcoming USU of the Liberal Party as merely “an Perhaps this will be the time to do away our national culture of excessive inhumane policies of holding asylum Board race. Often however, this is all intellectual exercise”, his relationship with Anzac Day.” inebriation. seekers in offshore detention. Havers simply a smokescreen to justify a career “one of convenience”. Her reference Anzac Day strikes me as was right when he said that Anzac in pursuit of material, selfish ends. In to his insouciance in the face of In edition seven of Honi Soit in 1958, opportunistic. Those of us who feel Day is an embodiment of Australia’s the 1970s, one such hack was Malcolm being exiled from his party takes on Geoffrey Havers wrote an article little affiliation with the emotional selective empathy: we “stand solemnly Bligh Turnbull, later to become our 29th a tone of adoration that never seems that ended with the above statement. matters of the day are still handed a in silent prayer at the cenotaphs Prime Minister. Turnbull, in his time at to shrink; whether intentionally His piece was a searing indictment public holiday and are rewarded for at dawn”; we “head with as much the University, was an avid contributor distancing oneself from committed of the culture of alcoholism and our respectfulness in the morning reverence towards the racecourses as to this very paper, unsuccessfully vying ideology is a thing to be adored is nationalism that pervaded Anzac with permission to drink in the [we] did towards the memorials in the for editorship in 1974. another question. Day, a critique which still rings true afternoon. A militarist, masculinised morning”, and we remain as apathetic Fast forward to 2020, and Turnbull Crabb’s evasion of the marriage today. It has now been just over 60 has added his own piece of pulpy equality miscarriage stands out as environmental vandalism to the possibly the most glaring omission years since this piece was written. Honi Soit edition 9, 1958. Indeed, we are in the time in which growing genre of autobiographies in the entire conversation. On no released by resentful, deposed Prime other social issue was Turnbull more Havers thought we might have done enjoyed a life of immense privilege, to Ministers. This cottage industry of morally fluid and incomprehensibly away with Anzac Day altogether, yet claim that Anzac Day shouldn’t exist? manufactured rehabilitation has given spineless, capitulating to the Right’s the tradition remains as robust and If I were born a century ago, I would way to an unrelenting downpour cavalcade of culture warriors and their as booze-soaked as ever. Given that be watching my friends go to war. of glowing profiles, reviews and legislatively impotent plebiscite that things did not eventuate the way that My personal disconnect to those who reprints of salacious excerpts in permanently scarred this country’s Havers suggested they might have, it have served the military isn’t enough national broadsheets. Turnbull’s democracy. In spite of the fact that should do that too. You are worse are, likeable and charismatic; but this seems pertinent to question how well for me to rationalise the claim that recent appearance as a major 85% of the LGBTQ community would than I am.” He makes a point of his is largely irrelevant to their efficacy his arguments have held up from 1958 Anzac Day should be abandoned. But headliner for the Sydney Writers’ have preferred delayed reform over the describing the refugees he tortured as public servants. Turnbull as a until now. there still is something increasingly Festival, where he is interviewed survey process, Turnbull continues as “wonderful people”, whilst political operator has always known At the time of publishing, it uncomfortable about our treatment by Annabel Crabb, is no exception. to this day to champion the eventual conveniently skipping over the fact this — he’s spent years perfecting his had been 43 years since Australian of April 25. Their conversations traverse much Marriage Amendment (Definition that they had been detained at all. If image of an articulate, polite Liberal soldiers landed on the shores of Australia has spent more than any of Turnbull’s experiences as detailed and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 as one was reading the book in a vacuum, that was palatable across the political Gallipoli and only 13 years since the other country on commemorating in the book, and over the course of one of his crowning achievements as you’d wonder why they needed to be spectrum. Turnbull’s firm grasp end of World War Two. In this light, the first World War. Between 2014 an hour Turnbull is indulged further Prime Minister, and a feather in his resettled in the first place. Naturally of respectability politics (no doubt one might understand the extreme and 2028, there will be a projected and further into an endless pit of his progressive cap. For Crabb, this is through all of this, there is little to no learnt in his formative years brown- backlash the article received. In 1958, minimum of $1.1billion spent on own self-aggrandisement. He freely apparently just not worth pressing. accountability nor interruption from nosing billionaires) is central to his there was little room for criticism of new war commemoration projects in admits he was motivated to write the Turnbull does seek at various Crabb; only knowing, pursed smiles. historical resurrection, and we’ve any military ventures. The article Australia. The government is adding book so quickly after his demise at junctures to move away from his past The bulk of the rest of the interview seen it when any halfway-contentious circulated through the Australian fuel to the fire that is the culture of goes in uncritical circles around social issue is raised — what is media landscape, causing severe Anzac Day. Contrary to Havers’ Turnbull as a political operator has always known how, as a leader, he was formidable, important for Turnbull is that we are uproar. RSLs threatened to withdraw suggestions, we haven’t done away this — he’s spent years perfecting his image of accomplished, exceptionally civil and well-mannered, even if it is their funding from USyd scholarships with Anzac Day. Quite the opposite: progressive — and yet simultaneously to the detriment of justice; because of and there were even calls for the editor the state continues to legitimise the day an articulate, polite Liberal that was palatable powerless to the right of his party. It’s course, he would never bear the brunt to be stood down. as a key facet of our national identity across the political spectrum. an extraordinary piece of sustained of what follows. In line with a lifetime Havers wrote in a time where in a way that further militarises our intellectual gymnastics, and it’s as of paying lip service to progressive the hands of the conservative wing of and engage Crabb in the present, critique of Anzac Day was near collective consciousness. grating to listen to as the book is movements, in retirement Turnbull the Liberal Party, the implication for discussing the Government’s response blasphemous, yet it seems that such In this light, it seems that we difficult to read. has had the arrogance to brand the audience being that it is largely to COVID-19. Extraordinarily, sentiments are still widely unpopular won’t do away with Anzac Day for It is hardly surprising that Turnbull himself ‘an activist’, and sees no issue out of a residual anger and spite from he manages to insert himself into 60 years on. Rather than doing away some time. It feels too bold for me has attempted to reimagine himself as of praxis in his arena being Twitter, the unsavoury spill that delivered us a proceedings here, noting how glad he with Anzac Day, we have become a moderate, classically liberal Prime where he’s recently proselytised about to follow in Havers’ footsteps and Morrison government. was that the Morrison administration aggressively, almost terrifyingly Minister, shackled by the Murdoch the climate action he never had the suggest that in another 60 years it Crabb’s initial interruptions, got on with their implementation of protective of April 25. Why is white might be time to finally abandon the press and a rogue, antediluvian cabal fortitude to deliver, and told people of altogether more curious than the JobKeeper scheme, at his urging. in his own party; even less so when colour to buy his book to fix racism. Australia still so defensive of Anzac day altogether, but I am sure that he challenging, are aimed at unpacking For all of her obsequiousness, it is we’ve seen the Australian media Instead of taking him to task over Day? Is there, perhaps, some salient was both right and brave to critique Turnbull’s psychology as an author here that Crabb seeks to restrain establishment come running to his his time in office, or asking questions collective shame that we feel about the day. Two weeks after Havers’ over anything else — understanding Malcolm slightly, bringing him back aid. For those who continue to be of him that could potentially see him the way that our national day of piece was published in 1958, Honi the nature of his diary habits, or to the book and one of the most marginalised by the Abbott-Turnbull- become a more legitimate, if flawed mourning is steeped in alcoholism? Honi Soit edition 7, 1958. published an editorial to defend the lessons he learned from his genuinely interesting elements of it Morrison administration, it is nothing figure in progressive politics in the “Out of this rather speculative and the article, stating that “criticism recent contemporaries in writing — his diplomatic relationship with short of grotesque. Crabb’s Kitchen future, our media establishment has routine beach landing has developed a is one of the many foundations of autobiographies. This, however, US President Donald Trump, and Cabinet theory of political coverage chosen to simply fawn over him until festival of hero-adulation unequalled national identity is kept safe inside and detached as ever to the atrocities democracy.” The importance of such quickly devolves into tittering flattery, specifically the turbulent crossover seems to be that if you pull back his hurt feelings are soothed by a anywhere in the world.” this one sacred day of the year, and that are right in front of our eyes. criticism hasn’t waned, and thus we as if Malcolm were an overstrung period between the Obama and the curtain, we come to appreciate bestseller. Here, Annabel Crabb was Isn’t it interesting that two of we quite literally drink it up. We are Havers depicted Anzac Day as must keep asking ourselves: is Anzac schoolboy in desperate need of Trump administrations. the realities of political life, and no exception. Malcolm Turnbull our national days of celebration are labelled un-Australian if we reject the “a gigantic day of enjoyment and Day still alive and well because of confidence. As they reminisce over Here, Turnbull manages to spin the nuances involved in the callous didn’t need the curtain pulled back; premised on the event of a beach festivities. mourning”: a description that I would intergenerational impacts of war that their memories filming Crabb’s a story about getting Trump to policies of Coalition politicians, (who we’ve been subjected to years of his landing? Indeed, when we are Havers contends that we are argue is still accurate today. There is have been passed down, or has the famously vacuous Kitchen Cabinet honour a deal that resettled refugees are actually just like us, if you’d just trying to tell us how we should see assessing the validity of Anzac Day remembering the wrong way, some semblance of genuine mourning display of institutionalised alcoholism and giggle about Malcolm’s wild arbitrarily imprisoned in offshore care to listen). him, with nothing short of disdain we cannot forget that we live in a and I agree with him. What he seen as swarms of people gather to totally overridden the day’s original transgressions of outdated New detention into one of delicate heroism This operates on the assumption for those who sought to hold him to country that throws a nation-wide ignores, however, is that we are not pay their respects. I don’t want to intention? I am left wondering what South Wales civil law on the waters and diplomatic prowess. Turnbull’s that softball questions about fish account. yearly party on January 26 to celebrate remembering the right thing. We must suggest that we don’t commemorate Honi reporters will write about this in of Port Jackson, one begins to conversation with Trump is better curries and multi-layered pavlovas the beginning of Australia’s settler- call into question what it is we are Australian citizens who have fought another 60 years. wonder whether the ABC’s chief known for the President’s remark are enough to get politicians to open “Humility is for saints.” colonial project and the continued commemorating in relation to all that in war. Who am I, someone who has online political editor intends at about Australia’s offshore detention up at all, or on anything relevant. all to interrogate any of Turnbull’s regime: “That is a good idea. We Politicians can be, and frequently Art by Shrawani Bhattarai

6 7 OPINION OPINION The slow decline of Australian humanities The USU grocery boxes are a disgrace Khanh Tran examines the changing terrain of humanities funding. Madeline Ward has a bone to pick with the USU. There are many things that provoke expensive exercise than buying its snacks. Who the fuck is paying $45 behaviour of a Useless Scab Union, The idea that the humanities suffer from regional ones — vulnerable in the post- sector. Critics argued that the Minister’s humanities faculties can remain resilient outrage about our current situation. contents from the supermarket. The for Nutella and rice cakes? and they should be embarrassed. I am a crisis mentality is not new. Indeed, COVID-19 recovery period. move impeded on academic autonomy will depend on whether university The stripping of our civil liberties, fruit in the ‘Fruit Box’, which the USU Certainly not students, most of embarrassed for them. the phrase ‘crisis in the humanities’ was Federal and state initiatives in the enjoyed by the ARC, politicising a boards and the Federal Government’s the folly of the ruling classes, the is selling for $50, can be purchased for whom have lost their jobs in the wake That these boxes are being coined in 1964 by J.H.Plumb, a British past five years suggest an increasing decision that should have been made commitment to the humanities survive indignity of having to suffer through $35 from Coles. The ‘Butcher Box’? of the pandemic. Besides, there are promoted as a means of “saving the historian. Whether the humanities in disregard from politicians on the on merit. Although Birmingham’s move difficult underlying arithmetics and socialising via Zoom. However, there $52.50 from Coles, compared to $65 much better grocery boxes available. union” by an organisation that has Australia falls into this description is a economic and political value of the was partially reversed in the re-approval resistance to attempts to divide the is nothing that has disturbed me, that from the USU. The products within Students well financed enough to stood down or fired most of its staff contentious topic as its healthy appetite humanities. One area where this of four of these projects by successor houses of STEM and the humanities. has provoked such thorough distaste the ‘Pantry Pack’ and ‘Veggie Pack’ afford such a grocery box would be really takes the cake. What union amongst Australian undergraduates and rhetoric is borne out lies in research Dan Tehan, Birmingham’s vetoes are and unease, that has well and truly can both be bought from Woolworths better off buying from the multitude is there to save? The USU has long precarious workforce collides in reality. funding. Despite the large teaching indicative of the lower regard that some fucked me off, as much as the USU’s for half the price the USU is selling of local restaurants and cafes offering favoured corporate pursuits over Figures from the most recent and research load that HASS takes on, politicians hold of the humanities. grocery box initiative. them. The ‘Breakfast Box’ and nicer, more reasonably priced options. meaningful representation of student Australian Academy of Social research income has fallen from 16% In this instance, projects delving into It’s absurd! I am not entirely ‘USU X STAR Team Pasta Box’ are It’s insulting that the USU would interests. Sciences report, compiled in 2014 and in 2014 to 13% by 2018. A University topics ranging from men’s dress, legal Australian Humanities at a glance convinced that it’s not an elaborate frivolities that most students can’t expect their student members to spend And what do our glorious, publicly released in 2017, suggests of Sydney spokesperson confirmed to secularism and riots were perceived to joke. A Pulp foray into satire, perhaps. afford to entertain. what little finances they have on a democratically elected Board that Humanities, Arts and Social Honi that: “Our [HASS] disciplines be frivolous and of little or no benefit to Sadly, it’s real. Much like the USU’s These are not even particularly lacklustre grocery box. The USU’s Directors have to say about this? Sciences (HASS) departments remain have experienced a significant decline in the public. cereal bar, which is also ridiculous, upmarket items. The idea of paying energy would be much better spent Nothing. Most of them seem too central to the higher education sector, funding over the past five years.” This Thus, there should be no room for the grocery boxes are a product of $50 for a small assortment of stone in assisting the SRC’s mutual aid embarrassed to publicly promote the commanding a clear majority (65%) is in part due to an emerging division complacency. As COVID-19 progresses, 65% of university students in Australia an organisation run by a board of fruits and a pineapple is outrageous. project, for which they have provided boxes. If only they had enough shame of all students enrolled in Australian between STEM and HASS within both market forces will impact heavily on are enrolled in a HASS course bourgeoisie idiots. The ‘Snack Pack’ hardly has the no support, despite SRC requests to spare us the extreme cringe of their universities. A similar proportion the ARC and federal research agenda. the research and teaching capacities Each box is a considerably more common decency to contain any good for collaboration. This is the tacky USU Instagram story takeovers. applies for university graduates aged ““New government research funding is of Australian universities, within both between 20 and 69. It is heartening to focussed on STEM areas – for example STEM and the humanities. Already, see that humanities continue to enjoy through the Medical Research Future the precarious casual workforce 27% healthy demand from prospective Fund and Defence Innovation Fund.” underpinning over half of our of academics teach in a HASS Luxury in quarantine students. Some of the best performing This is in part due to ideological universities’ teaching capacity are facing field disciplines include philosophy and opposition to HASS grants. In 2018, immense job pressure. Only several days Nina Dillon Britton interrogates the ways in which designer brands have commodified the pandemic. modern languages. former Federal Education Minister ago, universities, including USyd, were But the report is also frank about Simon Birmingham introduced a forced to alert staff at short notice of Marrine Serre’s 2019 Autumn/ way to the real uniform for the Marie Claire’s list of the “27 Best the risks underlying the sector’s higher “national interest test” to measure ARC their eligibility to apply for JobKeeper 16% Winter collection, “Radiation”, pandemic: loungewear. And whilst Loungewear Brands for Your New student-to-staff ratio, ageing teaching projects in proportion to their value subsidies. If left unnoticed, it is likely of research income went to HASS featured masked models walking most confined at home have chosen Normal” is Sleeper: a brand that sells demographics, and a workforce to the public interest. He invoked this that the brunt of impending cuts and projects in 2014 a subterranean labyrinth in the worn sweats and leggings, curated $500 nightgowns. “These are trying highly dependent on casual staff: test to veto 11 ARC grants – all within falling international student enrolments outskirts of Paris. “It’s a positive shopping lists for “staying at home” times, treat yourself with expensive comprising 27% of all academics as humanities disciplines. Responding to will be shouldered disproportionately message that there is something after have appeared for luxury online pyjamas,” they shout. of 2012, yet delivering up to 60% of queries from his Labor counterpart over by humanities departments. [the apocalypse],” the designer mused retailers Matches Fashion, Net-A- Loungewear’s “moment” might be the undergraduate teaching load. The the controversial move, Birmingham That is not to deny that the sciences in an interview before the show. “We Porter, Browns Fashion and Farfetch. seen as part of the broader trend in 13% should stop being such pessimists.” Coronavirus-curated edits present the casualisation of women’s fashion report also notes that regional HASS defended his decision on Twitter by will avoid the same fate. However, of research income went to HASS Six months later, Chanel has hundreds of stylish, expensive, that’s occurred over the past two departments are particularly vulnerable, deriding one of the vetoed projects, regional universities, without urban projects in 2014 shuttered its stores, Burberry has loungewear edits in tasteful neutrals. decades. From an optimistic view, the especially in fields such as languages or titled “Double Crossings: Post- universities’ significant endowment committed to producing PPE for The Net-A-Porter loungewear edit, banishment of high heels in favour of Indigenous culture. Australian Research Orientalist Arts at the Straits of nor comparable econom of scale, will NHS workers, and Off-White’s face for example, features a $1,200 tie- sneakers, bandage dresses in favour of Council (ARC) grants are skewed Gibraltar”, as essentially of no interest likely implement contentious decisions mask — now officially sold out but dye Versace sweatshirt, a $2,219 silk tailored separates, might seem trends towards metropolitan universities: as of to the Australian public. in the months to come in order to 4% of HASS research grants were being resold at $342 — has become and cashmere-blend sweatsuit and a to be celebrated. In many ways luxury 2015, only 4% of HASS research grants The veto drew swift condemnation sustain their finances. The University given to regional universities the most searched product for men. $4,450 Valentino cardigan. Stitched retailers and fashion magazines are were awarded to regional universities. not only from USyd’s Roger Benjamin of Tasmania has already reduced Serre’s facemasks, which retail at at the waist, fashion magazines simply repackaging existing trends As such, these structural issues should (the leading investigator of the derided their degree offerings from 514 to 120 $450, have sold out. are not far behind, providing for the pandemic: loungewear is leave all universities — but especially project), but from across the tertiary citing COVID-19. Whether Australian Cyberfunk fantasies of slick comprehensive lists of pared back, stripped back athleisure; nightgowns apocalyptic costumes have given flattering loungewear. Top of are an extension of recent cottagecore nowhere — not even at home, alone trends. — beyond preening, curating and But the trend’s spike in popularity aestheticising. We are reminded, in better indicates the chasm that’s social isolation, that the best police Introverts in iso opened up between essential workers of a woman’s looks is herself. Even Jocelin Chan on why we don’t always have to be available, just because we’re free. that continue their (precarious) work the awareness that no one will see delivering food, stocking retailers and you is not enough to overcome the I was sitting in on a youth group leaders’ in meaningful interactions, skipping There was a conceit in me coming it, the online space becomes a barrier we manning checkouts, and the insulated idea that you must look your best. In Zoom meeting when a participant over the draining small talk that litters into social distancing thinking that wow, must cross to engage with other people. rich working in their pyjamas. It’s the midst of the pandemic shapewear flourished a list of members to chase everyday life. I was going to miss hanging out so yes, The resounding silences in my Zoom a cruel irony that, during a global companies (purveyors of modern day up on attendance. “Now that they’re It’s been disappointing to discover I’d be down for any manner of Zoom tutorials suggest that I’m not alone in pandemic, a monied minority corsetry) have simply rebranded their home all evening,” she reasoned, “and that this isn’t the case. Like many, I find calls. Fast-forward two months later: feeling this. cocooned in their McMansions have wares as “comfy” (stomach flattening, have no other commitments, there’s no it draining to interact with those who I’m settling down in my sweet little iso With the exhausting rigmarole of felt the need to engage in self-care thigh shaping) “essentials”. Ever the excuse for them not to show up.” aren’t my closest mates. I find it difficult life, eking out a humble routine of bed to classes (and for some, work) moving with flattering knit separates. creator of trends, Kim Kardashian Sound reasoning. We can unpack the to reply to online communication desk to dinner table to desk to bed, and online, introverts don’t always have Quarantine only illuminates the has launched a new additions to her techniques that Christian groups use to from people whom I don’t know well, the natural tendencies of introversion energy left over for social events. existing trend: the expansion of Skims (formally, controversially, enforce attendance another time, but I preferring to save messages up for when are creeping back. Online socialisation, Instead, a solo recharge is preferable. luxury to every part of life as part of “Kimono”) shapewear line: “super suppose she’s right. If you have nowhere Just because we are home all day doesn’t the ever-growing quest for “self-care” soft” “stretch rib” loungewear else to be you might as well attend youth Online socialisation, once so welcome amid mean that we stop being introverted. is core to the business plans of online designed to “flatter the body and group. But—would our absent members So it seems introverts can’t win. luxury retailers. Though Net-A- accentuate curves” and “cozy” agree? More than that, is it reasonable the loneliness, is revealing itself to be as draining Lockdown is posing its own challenges, Porter began as exclusively retailing loungewear that cinches the waste to expect that people should always be as its physical counterpart. There’s another highlighting the effect of our work designer brands, over the years the and elongates the leg. Keep up your contactable, always available to turn up cultures and social spheres that expect distinction between its luxury stock skin regimen, your beauty regimen, to social events, just because we’re in problem: online interaction is more constant availability and quick replies.. and its growing number of mid-price we’re reminded. Maintaining a beauty lockdown? deliberate, sapping more energy. But to any despairing fellow introverts brands has blurred. The retailer sells a schedule is key to maintaining mental Over the past two months, I’ve taken I have this to say: just because we’re at vision to young, stylish professionals health, beauty magazine Allure a crash course on the nuances of non- I am in the right headspace. I generally once so welcome amid the loneliness, is home all day it doesn’t mean that we who are poorer than their parents — proclaims. Luxury loungewear, like physical socialisation. For us introverts, curate these interactions by being revealing itself to be as draining as its can’t still curate our social interactions. but because they don’t have children the stylish, overpriced athleisure lockdown should have been our time to selective about which events I attend. It physical counterpart. There’s another Don’t feel pressured to show up just and can’t afford a house deposit are peddled by brands like Outdoor cash rich — of a carefully curated life shine. We’ve been trained to deal with helps that my phone plan is cheap and problem: online interaction is more because you’re free. Voices, operates on the premise full of attainable luxury. limited social interaction over the course crappy, since I can put my late replies deliberate, sapping more energy. On that nowhere in life exists beyond The rise of loungewear as a trend of our lives. Quarantine would give us down to being outside and not having some level, physical interaction makes optimisation and curation for the indicates, too, that there is now the opportunity to selectively engage data. socialisation more natural and without Instagram feed. Art by Lauren Lancaster

8 9 USU ELECTION

At the tender age of 18, Ruby Lotz is Lotz’ interview was conducted in than any genuine commitment to one of the youngest candidates in the three parts. The first half took place racist or antisemitic ideology. What race. Lotz supplied us with a policy as scheduled with the latter half is concerning is the way in which statement that has been half-heartedly taking place after Honi was sent she reacted to them. Given multiple adapted to accommodate the effects additional offensive screenshots from opportunities to respond, Lotz seemed of COVID-19. Her proposals are her Facebook. In the first interview, more concerned with attempting distinctly reminiscent of those put Lotz was apologetic in referring to her to conceal the full history of her forward by board director and fellow boyfriend as a “faggot”, apologising problematic past than she did with NLS member Nick Forbutt, who is for her behaviour and specifiying that proving political development. Honi assisting her campaign. it came from a place of ignorance was provided with no tangible evidence Many of her policies are focused and that she had politically grown. of a commitment to anti-racist politics, on a post COVID-19 future. When However, in the second half of the despite Ruby saying she would send us asked how she could adapt her interview, confronted with screenshots evidence. Overall, her response reveals proposed “Drug, Sex and Consent of herself posting a Nazi meme and considerable immaturity. Whilst she Ruby Lotz Week” (explained as Rad Sex and using a racist slur, Lotz struggled scored third highest in our quiz and Gone are the jarring coloured shirts, Union members eligible (you can sign affect the percentage of flow-on votes seems like the most important USU Slogan: ‘Rebuild with Ruby’ Consent Week, but with drugs) to suit to respond. She initially accepted she has some degree of experience too heavy a-frames (or too flimsy up for free by 5pm 15 May!) this might from negotiated deals. election in the era of voluntary student Colour: Orange the current situation, she explained responsibility, before claiming that in student representation, it is unlikely corflutes) and pesky first year Eastern not eventuate. Yet, whilst the coronavirus pandemic unionism. Quiz Score: 77% that it was an event that would she didn’t remember making the that she would be able to handle the Avenue campaigners. With a campus Additionally, with the absence has dramatically altered the nature of With five candidates due to be Faction: NLS (Labor Left) work best after social distancing had comments, and then suggesting that pressures of being a board director, shutdown and COVID-19 social of verbal walk-n-talks, traditional campaigning this year, it has seemingly elected this year, half of those quizzed, been relaxed. Other policies, such they had been doctored, before particularly during the COVID-19 distancing measures in place, the factions who gain a lot of their votes had little impact on the candidates’ interviewed and analysed below are as subsidised RSA courses, “second eventually finding them on her profile crisis. upcoming 2020 USU election will be the from persuasive conversations with policies and visions for the organisation. set for directorship. Who those are is Tagline: “I know I’m a piece chance events for first years” and an and deleting them. first in the Union’s history conducted students they don’t know could With the Union in an increasingly now in your hands. of work, but now I’m a work in umbrella hire scheme, operate under Lotz was 15 when she posted the entirely online. struggle somewhat under this year’s precarious financial position and the Personalised links will be sent to USU progress.” the optimistic assumption that campus comments, and whilst undeniably Without having to walk to a voting arrangement, which would instead implementation of austerity measures, members’ email addresses with voting will be running as usual in the near offensive, they seem to be the product booth on campus, and a five instead favour candidates with bigger social it’s unclear what the future of the Union beginning on Monday 18 May at 9am and future. of edgy teenage humour rather of three day voting period, on first networks. As for preference flows — is. Indeed, there is even the possibility of finishing on Friday 22 May at 5pm. thought it might seem like the number important for candidates who don’t a potential University takeover, and the of students exercising their democratic break quota — it’s not immediately end of the USU as a nominally student right will skyrocket. Yet, with only clear as to how an online election will controlled Union. Overall, this certainly Just like Michael Bublé rears his ugly throughout our interview in order How does he intend to reconnect head every Christmas, it seems like to avoid addressing fairly principled “international and postgraduate all elections at USyd are plagued by questions, such as whether there were students?” How will he “secure a Scoring the highest in our quiz, Belinda at first, given Thomas is Secretary of Conservatorium in Belinda’s policy at least one frustratingly unexciting any alternatives to the recent round greener and eco-friendly future for the Thomas certainly has the requisite the society and the two work closely statement distinguishes her from libdependent candidate. Following of USU layoffs, or where he would cut USU?” In what ways will he “prioritise institutional knowledge to be a board together, when pressed for her least other candidates, and she explicitly in the footsteps of current board $1million from the USU’s budget. Clubs and Societies in matters of director. Indeed, this is the third year favourite candidate she gestured to addresses the “cookie cutter” policies director Lachlan Finch, Rigby’s Moreover, though Rigby’s policies future funding?” It’s a mystery to us, in a row that the Unity candidate having disagreements with Liberal that have been put forward by previous Moderate Liberal credentials and are on-the-whole inoffensive, they as we suspect it is to him as well. has scored the highest, as she follows candidates and eventually agreed campaigns. Despite this, she has only SASS-spearheaded resume strike us do come off as a little tone-deaf Ultimately, we can’t help but feel in the footsteps of failed 2019 Unity when we asked whether that would two clear policies that relate to the as an uncanny case of déjà vu. Instead during this time of COVID-19. Some like we’ve seen it all before. Rigby’s candidate Tom Manousaridis and 2018 make her least favourite candidate Ben Con — lobbying the University for of owning his political background of his proposed ideas include more campaign will undoubtedly be popular, candidate and current USU President, Hines. When pushed on this ideological an inter-campus shuttle bus, and openly and modestly, Rigby seemed festivals, social gatherings and large- backed by the hollow social media Connor Wherrett. inconsistency, Thomas invoked her increasing performance opportunities embarrassed to admit his personal scale events, which seem both legally frenzy of DP changes and SASS- However, whilst Thomas has done her “friendship” with Rigby. for Conservatorium students. Such a leanings, dodging our very simple questionable and unlikely in the adjacent fire emojis. But coming into study, when interviewed her positions Ideological inconsistency was a lack of policy seems a strange move for Nick Rigby question of which political party foreseeable future of social distancing. this election without any innovative came off as unclear, and sometimes common theme in Thomas’ interview. someone styling themselves as a Con he was in three times during our Given that Australia is unexpected ideas, detailed policies or firm political contradictory. Thomas splashed onto Belinda believes that the USU should candidate. Slogan: ‘Rigby’s Ready’ interview, and asserting that he was to fully emerge from the coronavirus stances, it’s unclear Rigby will do the scene at the beginning of the year refrain from “attacking” the University, On the whole, Belinda Thomas’ Colour: Light Blue a centrist. crisis by the start of next semester, it much of anything, even if he does with a Change.org petition to save and thinks that the USU should focus on policies are uninspiring. Though she’s Quiz Score: 71% Belinda Thomas Manning Bar following the cessation supporting its members instead. This is clearly done her research, the ease Faction: Moderate Liberals While Rigby’s level of institutional is unclear what Rigby intends to do successfully make it to Board. Slogan: ‘Bring on Belinda’ of day trade at the venue. However, an interesting position from someone with which her ideological positions knowledge is decent — coming fourth to help the USU recover to the point Colour: Red Thomas now agrees with the Board’s that, in the same interview, said that the are changed seem to indicate that Tagline: “They call me a Liberal, place in our quiz — he appeared fairly where the rest of his ideas are actually Quiz Score: 84% position on closing the bar, describing University had “failed so many students they are very loosely held. Should she but they just want what I have shaky when asked to take stances on practicable. Faction: Unity (Labor Right) the petition as “a moment of passion.” over and over again.” When pushed on be elected, it seems only a matter of (factional backing).” financial decisions. Rigby consistently The remainder of Rigby’s policy Further, when questioned on her this stance, Belinda said that criticism time that her campaign promises are deferred to the excuse of “not being statement comprises vague platitudes Tagline: “In the politics of privy to the exact financial numbers” without concrete and actionable steps. friendship, I win the popular vote.” favourite candidate she replied with was okay, but that it was ultimately the attributed to a “moment of passion” SASS President, Nick Rigby (Moderate role of the SRC. and rewound. Liberal). Whilst perhaps unsurprising The special attention given to the

Ben Hines completed his interview under a free-market ideology), Hines’ policy is brief and Switchroots-backed Prudence Wilkins- of the others. Wilkins-Wheat suggests the best argument in terms of politics.” and quiz from the back seat of a car, rather than a full commitment to underwhelming. He commits to taking Wheat is the candidate with the most changing the name of the Wentworth This seemingly hints at a preference in a move that we’re not altogether said ideology, using the example of a stances on issues such as ProctorU, as USU experience, having held several building to “something decolonial”, deal, however, previous Switchroots sure wasn’t calculated. Running as an complete commitment to free-market well as advocating for international executive positions, in addition to a though noted in her interview this candidates have usually mentioned Independent, Hines is the Vice Presi- ideology being detrimental to the student concession cards, but none paid staff role within the organisation. could be viewed as tokenistic. Measures those who they see as the next most dent of the Sydney University Liberal environment. He failed to give any of his policies are particularly new or Wilkins-Wheat told Honi that she had to increase USU transparency — big left-wing after themselves, typically the Club (SULC). He assures us that he example relevant to the operation of interesting. He appears to be courting spent the past year learning the ins ticket items for other candidates — are NLS candidate. doesn’t subscribe to the whole “fac- the USU. the college and Conservatorium vote, and outs of the organisation in order afforded only two lines that vaguely On the recent USU staff layoffs, tional thing”, citing the diversity of his Ben Hines possesses a commitment but his decision to include them under to better prepare herself for her run. gesture to the USU practice of going Wilkins-Wheat said that she supported team — his manager, Alex de Araujo to his proclaimed independence, as the same policy is sure to invoke the Her policy document goes further in camera, as well as posting budgets the decision, because “all these difficult has previously campaigned for Switch- well as an ability to coherently answer ire of both. If only he had given as than other candidates in providing and motions online. Aside from a brief decisions and austerity measures roots, and he boasts ex-Unity and questions, that fellow Liberal Nick much thought to his policies as he clear, defined examples of her policies nod in her environmental platform, are about precipitating the life of the NLS campaigners — but he admits he Rigby could learn from. He supports had the difference between ideas and and how she means to enact them. COVID-19 barely rates a mention. This USU.” These are curious positions for is being assisted by SULC Treasurer the (amended) anti-Ramsay Centre ideology. A platform dedicated to support for is a strange oversight from a candidate a left-wing activist candidate to hold, Alex Baird. motion that passed last year, and student culture, with promises including that ought to know better — as the and Wilkins-Wheat seems unaware Ben Hines Hines’ policy centres around the committed to campaigning against Prudence Wilkins-Wheat increased funding for revues and C&S, SRC Environment Officer, Wilkins- of how they contradict her radical Slogan: ‘I’m Backing Ben’ sentiment of “ideas, not ideology.” VSU, as per USU regulations, were Slogan: ‘Pru for USU’ is sure to please the performing arts Wheat has experience in transitioning branding. She raised USU support of Colour: Turquoise Colour: Yellow set. Her environmental platform goes student activity online. union-organised car convoys, as well Quiz Score: 68% When quizzed about the actual the need to arise. Though he stopped Quiz Score: 81% beyond the greenwashing sustainability Despite having a year to prepare (she as lobbying the government, as ways Faction: SULC practice of this notion, Hines offered short of entirely disavowing the SULC- Faction: Switchroots measures that the USU typically began a quickly aborted USU campaign of supporting workers, but wouldn’t somewhat of a vague, Jordan hosted Bettina Arndt Fake Rape tour, favours, instead promising to lobby the last year) Wilkins-Wheat has not yet budge on her support of the staff cuts. Tagline: “Ideology is what I have, Peterson-esque, mini-lecture on the he recognised the discomfort Arndt’s Tagline: “Don’t mess with the University to divest from fossil fuels and resolved the ideological inconsistencies Wilkins-Wheat would certainly not who I am.” distinction between ideology and presence might cause students. He Prudence, because you might get achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. within her campaign. When asked make a competent board director, but values. He suggested that board drew a distinction between Arndt and fired!” Though generally thorough, some who her favourite candidate was, she it’s doubtful that she would bring the directors should foreground values American conservative Ben Shapiro, policy proposals feel unfinished. The mentioned centrist Vikki Qin, justifying radical left-wing shake up that she’s associated with a certain political proclaiming that he found the former platforms “Student Services” and this by saying,“anyone who is a proclaiming. leaning (e.g. the value of freedom “underwhelming.” “Progressive Union” are half the length centrist is someone who responds to

10 11 USU ELECTION

On the face of it, Vikki Qin has put “doesn’t read up specifically on him.” in the works or have been promised so Eitan Harris is a bit of a wild card speech discussion, he also doesn’t seem them. Aside from the database, and together a fairly decent set of policies, Some of Qin’s ideas also came many times over the years that it’s hard entry. He’s a member of the Labor to comprehend how it will complicate disability spaces, his policies comprise many of which would undoubtedly be off as a little tone-deaf during this to buy into them enthusiastically. When Party, and defines himself as centre his proposed database of slurs. of listening to disadvantaged groups popular amongst the student body, such time of COVID-19. When we asked we asked her how she would deliver on left. He has in the past campaigned Eitan is proposing the introduction of and very little else. He is distinguished as more multicultural food options her what her policy priority was, promises where her mentor Benny Shen for Vision (Moderate Liberals), Georg several autonomous disability spaces. from past and present candidates by and a monthly payment scheme for she curiously answered that it was had previously failed, she also gave an Tamm (Unity) and Reboot (Unity & This is an admirable proposition, his explicit focus on disability rights the Access Rewards program. However, to introduce a reusable cup renting assertive and unsubstantiated answer: NLS). Despite his lengthy experience in and an unlikely one, given that the and advocacy, but this is let down by we struggled to find even a single idea system at USU outlets — an initiative “Just because a previous person wasn’t student politics, Harris doesn’t have a USU has nominally been working his failure to provide any meaningful that had not been recycled from past that appears inappropriate during a able to deliver it doesn’t mean I can’t.” campaign manager — he believes he’s toward a dedicated space for at policies beyond unlikely band aid successful campaigns, already existed in global pandemic. When we pushed All in all, it’s hard to get excited better positioned to manage himself as least a year with little success. He is solutions. Harris will need more than some form, or had failed to be delivered her specifically on what her policy about a campaign like Qin’s. If we’ve an independent candidate. also proposing the introduction of a good intentions to effectively represent from a previous Board director. responses to coronavirus were, she learnt anything from past elections, Harris’ policies differ quite USU disability collective, but failed the groups he seeks to empower to the As one of the many second-year seemed almost indifferent to the fact it’s that the indiscriminate bundling of substantially from the other candidates, to explain how it would functionally USU. candidates running in the election this that she had none: “I didn’t plan for a “nice-sounding” but boring policies for which could help him stand out, but differ from the existing SRC collective year, Qin’s institutional knowledge pandemic.” a campaign doesn’t actually result in Eitan Harris many are vaguely articulated, and he of the same purpose, save for the fact Vikki Qin left more than a little to be desired. The rest of Qin’s policy statement much being done. We’ll be lucky, if Qin Slogan: ‘A USU for All’ seems quite unaware of the implications that the USU and SRC have different Slogan: ‘Vi Got You’ Scoring only 66% in our quiz, Qin follows this similar trend. An unusual gets on Board, to get reusable mugs in Colour: Purple of some of them. In particular, his policy political approaches. He declined Colour: Navy Blue also gave quite vague answers when amount of emphasis is given to fairly Courtyard by 2022. Quiz Score: 0% about “combating racism on campus by to take part in the Honi quiz, citing Quiz Score: 66% we asked her about the track record trivial pursuits, like a review system for Faction: Independent (Labor) allowing those experiencing racism to accessibility concerns. Nonetheless, Faction: Panda of the current USU Board during our coffee at USU cafes, regular therapy define their own experience” is based the impracticality of many of his interview. Qin even noted that she dogs, or a contributive student- Tagline: “I’m passionate about Tagline: “People get exhausted on the compilation of a list of ethnic policies points to a general lack of “didn’t really know” what President designed annual hoodie. Others, such trying to figure my policies out. slurs, stereotypes and derogatory understanding of the way the USU therapy dogs, just not crazy about Connor Wherrett had done in the past as affordable sanitary products or bitches.” And I just let them.” comments. Though well-intentioned, it’s operates. year, providing the excuse that she renovation of the ISL, are either already easy to see how a public list of slurs Harris is aware of structural issues of maintained by the USU might go awry. discrimination within the University, but Though he is aware of the campus free he doesn’t have a strategy for resolving Jiale Wang is undoubtedly our most equality for smaller clubs and societies, than clubs and societies, telling Honi enthusiastic candidate —“do you mind and more specifically, his own niche that he would cut the money from the if I talk more? I just want to talk more”— Chinese Martial Arts Club, for which Debating Society, since they can’t really Ada Choi is the only postgraduate stu- her policies are things which already campuses, holding the vice presidency which may go some way to making he wants greater privileges to hire out debate over Zoom at the moment dent running for board and is the can- exist or have already occurred, such of a student club, a study abroad up for his lack of general knowledge USU spaces. Wang’s most coherent — anyway. If the USU gave $1 million to didate with the least USU experience, as a makeover of the ACCESS app, a representative position, and being an about how the USU operates, a quiz although not unique — policy is the the Debating Society every year, they’d having only been a student at USyd for platform for a second-hand textbook international student mentor. She also score of 37% being unimpressive. His need for better transparency within be cheering. less than a semester and on campus for exchange, and our personal favourite, said that being the only postgraduate campaign is being managed by Maria the USU, particularly in terms of having Jiale refused to answer whether only a few weeks. Choi told Honi that “USU Membership Benefits andstudent made her an important Ge, and he has the backing of Panda, USU board meeting updates on social or not he would support a University her knowledge of the USU comes from Discounts.” candidate to elect, to ensure that all of which he has been a member since media and on the website, and having take-over of the USU, saying that her positive experience at Welcome In her interview with Honi, she students are represented by the board his first semester at USyd. Wang them available in multiple languages, so he hadn’t done enough research to Week and from the limited information also spoke extensively about “Alumni directors. has participated in many election that they are accessible to a greater answer the question, which is a curious available on the USU website. She ex- ACCESS” which she proposed as campaigns, including Benny Shen’s number of students. response, considering his enthusiastic pressed hope that training would come a potential solution to the USU’s campaign for USU board director last When asked about his favourite responses to other USU related from the USU if she were to be elected financial woes. It’s unclear why Jiale ‘Wayne’ Wang year. Wang was a Global Solidarity fellow candidate, Wang responded questions. Perhaps research on what a to the board. At least she’s optimistic. alumni would be interested in a very Slogan: ‘Wayne is the Way’ Officer for the SRC in 2019, and was happily that he liked Amir, because he union actually is was part of the 63% of Choi was unable to answer most campus based membership program, Colour: Mint Green involved in organising a protest in was also an international student and quiz material he didn’t study. Ada Choi of the questions Honi asked her especially at a time when students Quiz Score: 37% support of international students with because he didn’t really have political Slogan: ‘Advance with Ada’ concerning the workings and finances aren’t even on campus, and may not Faction: Panda former SRC President Jacky He. preferences. It’s clear Wang considers Colour: Coral of the USU, and wasn’t aware that be for quite some time. Jiale Wang’s policy statement is a lack of political preference a good Quiz Score: 0% ACCESS membership was free. Aside from Choi’s policy of Tagline: “I believe in an excess of brief, sent in a single Facebook message thing, which aligns with a lot of this Faction: Independent Perhaps this is why she chose to ordering food from USU outlets turkey.” under 90 words. When asked if he had year’s other board candidates. opt out of the USU quiz that Honi online in advance to avoid waiting in a longer statement, Wang told Honi When asked where he would cut Tagline: “Don’t hate me because administered… It’s unlikely she would line, no policy points help her stand that he was confident he would be $1million from, Wang didn’t seem to I’m unqualified. Hate me because have gotten much higher than her out from the other candidates. She able to properly explain the policies in understand that the USU puts money I’m here to stay.” absentee score anyway. assured us though that her lack of his interview. His favourite policy was into programs and organisations other Choi’s lack of familiarity with the institutional knowledge is balanced University and the USU is detectable out by her extensive experience in in her policy statement as well. Most of the workplace and on other university The policy statement that Amir Jabbari has found “100 gaps” at the University of his broader approach to the USU, sent Honi Soit did not contain any of Sydney. He told us in his interview which seems to be more informed by actual policies, but rather the flowing that he wants to fill these gaps with his understanding of the philosophy of prose of a candidate that is towing the 100 new clubs and societies and 100 Elon Musk than any knowledge of the Harry Styles, the first Socialist to provide a much needed boost to otherwise dull affair. His experience, line of a comedic performance artist. different types of food. He proposes organisation itself. He scored a pitiful Alternative candidate to run for USU campus entertainment. Given the USU’s knowledge, and commitment to He styles himself as an author, life a free campus delivery service, and 30% on our quiz, the lowest of any Board, is as qualified as he is extremely current financial situation, it could be revolutionary politics are what lead coach, pianist, ethical hacker and “serial thinks that the USU needs to fix candidate who attempted it. handsome. Styles, who is completing seen as an unlikely venture — but Honi Soit to officially endorse his entrepreneur”, which, as he clarified the microwaves in Fisher Library. Jabbari tells us that he currently his third undergraduate degree on as Styles assures us that the guillotine candidacy in the 2020 USU election. in his interview, does not refer to the He sent us a document late Sunday works 16 hours a day, and hopes to many campuses, has previously held will be built from materials salvaged kind of cereal that one eats. Jabbari afternoon that was a numbered list of increase this to 18. This is how he plans office bearer roles at ANUSA and from the Cereal Bar, which he plans to will be running his campaign without a 100 policies, ranging from the benign to balance a potential role on the Board ARC. When asked why he was running demolish. manager, making use of “automation” (cleaning common areas more often) with his current role as director of for USU Board, Styles smiled. “The His second, and most impractical to collect votes. He assures us that he to the absurd (dating programs to HiDigitals, his own marketing company slow decline of the USU is absolutely policy, is the transformation of Pulp has friends, but that they are busy with help students overcome loneliness, a (which advertises “500+ businesses” outrageous. What the fuck is a cereal Media into a vanguard journal of the assignments. “pranking program”). which in fact refers to its parent Amir Jabbari bar? It’s time for a real socialist to get proletariat. When asked about the He speaks in the same manner He also wants more parties, company). He is already planning his Slogan: ‘Happy Ending is Here...’ on board.” feasibility of such a task, Styles pauses. that one would deliver a TED Talk, because according to Amir, everyone bid for USU President, including it in the Colour: Black Harry Styles Though the politics of the late Leon “I believe that there is potential even Quiz Score: 30% presumably a product of his experience loves parties. He showed us a video policy statement he sent us. Though he as a life coach. Amir Jabbari believes of himself dancing at the Welcome to is lacking in experience and sense, Amir Slogan: ‘Horny for Harry’ Trotsky may seem incompatible with in the most unworthy of projects.” We Faction: Independent Colour: Hot Pink that politics need only compromise Sydney party as evidence of their wide Jabbari certainly has confidence. the USU, Style’s policy statement tells can only assume that Styles will bring Quiz Score: 100% Tagline: “I am a mogul; even if my “one per cent” of the USU’s operations, held appeal. us otherwise. His principle policy, and his considerable experience as an Faction: Socialist Alternative businesses are make-believe.” and will personally be abstaining from Amir believes that the USU can his most exciting, is the erection of a editor of Red Flag, as well as his song- it. He thinks that Ben Hines and Nick double, or even triple, the number of Tagline: “I don’t keep up with the guillotine in the Holme Building. “It’s writing prowess, to the table. His 2020 Rigby, both members of the Liberal professional jobs for students. This is styles. I am the style.” a win-win, really. The guillotine solves hit single Adore You, which peaked at party, are better suited to make an extraordinarily lofty goal, given the issue of Liberal board directors, 6 on the Billboard charts, was written political decisions. that the Federal Treasury predicts and provides long-term employment about Karl Marx. Jabbari’s policies are a literal the Australian unemployment rate for recently stood down workers.” Ultimately, Harry Styles brings a interpretation of the 100 emoji. He to reach 10% by June. It’s indicative The addition of a guillotine is sure welcome breath of fresh air to an

12 13 FEATURE FEATURE

Graham Paulson said, with Aboriginal eyes.” Invasion Day. The tradition laid the roots for what intrinsic sense of purpose.” Putting faith into action Both historically and today, I see the Church is now NAIDOC week. Cooper was also the only Brooke’s work at Common Grace sees her lead reluctant at times to seek justice, resistant to the private citizen in the world to protest Kristallnacht, a movement of over 45,000 Australian Christians Raúl Sugunananthan analyses why we have strayed from the radical activism of the early Church, and calls for its return. deep, institutional change that Jesus so vehemently the outbreak of Nazi Germany. He led a delegation which focuses on justice for people seeking asylum, fought for. Part of this seems to be a sense of ease to the German consulate in Melbourne to hand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice, On September 20, 2019, Sydney came alive. The important aspects of it – justice, mercy, and divine and comfort, that God is there to make one feel them a letter denouncing the violence carried out ending domestic and family violence, and Creation streets brimmed with energy as 80,000 voices came love. Many of our current politicians do the same, good. However, the message of the Bible is not a by Hitler’s regime, a fact which is now celebrated and Climate Justice. together to demand climate justice at the Global claiming to embrace diversity and multiculturalism comfortable one, but an agitational call to action. by the Jewish people. She also coordinates Grasstree Gathering, an Climate Strike. but in reality ignoring those that do not look like Jesus urges his followers to deny themselves, take He was “this incredible Aboriginal man who was annual congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait The event was a monumental occasion for them. up their cross and follow him. driven by a Christian faith,” says Brooke. “When Islander Christian leaders, a vision of Aunty Jean the environmental movement, marking an I feel then an internal conflict, because I hear the Many Christians across the world are persecuted we don’t tell these stories, we miss out on the Phillips. I ask about Aunty Jean Phillips and how unprecedented level of public concern for climate Church preach compassion, but often fail to see this for answering this call. I am reminded of the shocking contribution to Australian society.” the leadership of elders in her community continues change, the future of the Earth, and a lack of turn to action. The Church has undoubtedly become Easter bombings on Sri Lankan churches last year Sadly, Cooper did not see his call for citizenship to drive her. government action, but it was also profoundly less visionary since the time of the first Followers. which killed 259 people. In stark contrast, most answered in his lifetime as it would take 30 “I met Aunty Jean Phillips at the first Grasstree important for me as an expression of my Christian I have my own thoughts about why this is, but I Australian Christians have never faced difficulty in years after passing until Indigenous people had Gathering. She is still serving with over 60 years faith. want to dig deeper into the story of Christianity to expressing their religious beliefs. What then is the citizenship rights. of ministry, often with no pay. She taught me The memory I have of that day is fundamentally try and pinpoint where this shift occurred and why cost of following Jesus? For me it is giving up a This ground-breaking activism should be an to be present in and serve my community. She one of community. I joined a contingent of over Christians now accept a less revolutionary version life of self-advancement at the detriment of others, inspiration for Christians. Sadly however, when has developed other Christian leaders as well as 350 people from the Uniting Church who brought a of what Jesus was preaching. For me, the role of replacing the pursuit of money, power, security the Church focuses on fighting against things extended a hand in friendship to non-Indigenous unique motive to the protest, a belief in God, and a religion is in making our world a better place for and self-gratification with a selfless solidarity with like marriage equality and bodily autonomy, it Christians to come on the journey with us. That call to care for creation. everyone, that is the vision of God’s universal love, those excluded by society. This is by no means an undermines the important work of people like was a huge inspiration and example to me.” Our participation in the global climate rally is but Christians are not always united in this outlook. easy undertaking, but something Christians should Cooper. It is also an example of how Indigenous “Those elders that have gone before me, they not dissimilar to many other experiences I have had strive for. people, including Indigenous Christians, are still never got to see the things that they took action for, with my Church congregation. We have marched at Missions, colonisation and Indigenous justice not equal in the eyes of the Church. prayed for, achieved in their lifetime. So there’s a Mardi Gras, Palm Sunday, International Women’s Conservatism within the Church I turn to David Barrow and Brooke Prentis responsibility for me to see some of the fruits of Day and against the Religious Freedom Bill. This investigation of Christianity will begin with for inspiration, because for me, they are current their work in today’s Australia. I have to do what I We’ve joined the nationwide prayer services for truth telling, because the reality is that the Church I see a dissonance in the actions of the overarching examples of faith being put to action. can to honour their legacy as well as create a better reconciliation before January 26. has been complicit in perpetuating falsities and powers of the Church. George Pell exemplifies My religious beliefs are deeply interwoven with injustice. Part of understanding why the Church this. Rising to prominence on a platform of a mandate for social justice. If I am to follow is not a force for social change lies in its history. conservatism, Pell consistently acted to protect the Jesus, who was himself an activist, I must accept In Australia, one example of this has been the role structure of the Catholic Church by silencing the his radical call for an upside-down Kingdom. This of missionaries in the colonisation of First Nations many people who were sexually abused by clergy. call is widely accepted to be one of generosity and peoples. When it was revealed that he himself perpetrated forgiveness, but to me, it goes further. It is a call to Missions, alongside reserves and stations, were an abhorrent amount of abuse, it revealed a glaring completely upend the value systems of our time, to one type of land grant that the government set hypocrisy—that the conservatives who have the enact servant leadership, not domination. To put aside for Aboriginal people to live in. They were Photograph of William Cooper, power to define what the Church is preach love the poor first, and not just those lacking capital, operated by churches or religious individuals to and care whilst institutionalising and covering up a National Museum of Australia but those lacking power, as the translation of one provide housing (mainly because settlers had driven crisis of abuse. Not only is this outwardly harmful, Hebrew word for “poor” — (ani) —suggests. Indigenous people from their ancestral land), train but these behaviours alienate so many from the In practice, this means accepting people of low residents in Christian ideals, as well as prepare inconsequential. He quotes one such missionary Church. I say that most Christian Australians can social status and social outsiders. We see Jesus take them for work in largely unskilled occupations. who writes “[The Aborigines] have no idea of a practice their faith without persecution because not this up by welcoming prostitutes, tax collectors The fundamental basis of such missions was a supreme divinity, the creator and governor of the all actually can. Ironically, it is the Church that and Samaritans (an ancient enemy of the Jewish rejection of Indigenous culture and a belief that world, the witness of their actions and their future is pushing away many of the faithful that wish to people). In today’s context, I see this correlates to Western civilisation, religion, and ways of living judge. They have no object of worship. . . They be there. Survivors of abuse, people identifying as extending a hand to ostracised demographics such were superior. have no idols, no temples, no sacrifices. In short, LGBTQIA+ and women seeking bodily autonomy as refugees and people seeking asylum, people who In his book One Blood, Rev. Dr. John Harris they have nothing whatever of the character of are often denied a place at the table through these identify as LGBTQI+ and Indigenous people. reveals this low view of Aboriginal society by religion or of religious observance, to distinguish actions. It is the Australian Christian Lobby doing I strive to follow this example by joining social quoting a Wesleyan missionary, who “described them from the beasts that perish.” this also, it is the Christians on campus at USyd movements that support these marginalised Aboriginal people as ‘barbarians’ to whom had been Although not as violent as the biological who put up signs on Eastern Avenue telling women communities in a subversive manner, calling out assigned ‘the lowest place in the scale of intellect’,” assimilation promoted by Government that they are murderers. the hypocrisy and inaction of our political leaders. as well as a Lutheran missionary who “wrote that administrators through the forced removal of Is this not the complete opposite of Jesus’ Jesus did the same. Before his death, he stood up (Aboriginal people) were ‘the lowest in the scale of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, message? That no matter who you are, you are to the religious authorities of Israel, condemning the human race.’” the social assimilation practised on these remote welcome in God’s Kingdom, not only, but most their sanctimony. The Scribes and Pharisees taught Harris also illustrates that early encounters missions was still disruptive and came down to especially those that are vulnerable or marginalised? the law but failed to practice some of the most of Indigenous spirituality were dismissed as an inability to differentiate between the gospel I believe the Church fails Christians every day and the missionaries’ ideals of “civilisation”. The when it judges the worth of others, something only strict regimentation and control of these homes God can do. undermined the very gospel the churches stood for Photograph: Uniting Church at the People’s Climate March 2015 which emphasises hope and grace. An inability to Activism within the Church see God’s reflection in both Indigenous peoples and their way of life meant that missions added to the The other side of this investigation is understanding inequality of First Nations peoples. the truly uplifting work that Christians do. I see As Lead Organiser of the Sydney Alliance, David future for the next generations.” A piece of hope that comes out of this history many Christians in my community and across the sees himself as a “catalyser agent that works with Thankfully, there is a growing response to the is the presence of the Black Church in Australia. Church answering this call, dedicating each and partner organisations to come together for common leadership in these positive expressions of faith. It comes as no surprise that the majority of every day towards social change. Returning to the good,” which at the moment is a campaign for a When I ask Brooke about how faith drives her in Australians align themselves with Christianity, but, radical way of Jesus is about telling these stories fairer deal for international students and migrant her vocation, she answers, “someone once asked importantly, a majority of Indigenous peoples do and following their example. workers who have been left out of Jobseeker that question, effectively why do you do what you too. Critically, this community did not arise simply David Barrow, Lead Organiser of the Sydney payments. The Alliance also operates campaigns do, and I said ‘because I know that God is up to because of missionary conversion, but also because Alliance, tells me, “both historians and organisers for housing, people seeking asylum, affordable something, and I want to be a part of that.’” Aboriginal people had encountered the creator God understand that deep and long-term sustainable renewable energy and work-life balance and draws There is an appetite in Christians to make a long before Captain Cook stepped ashore in 1770. change in this country, many of the biggest things its partners from across civil society including positive change. The stories of Christians both past Brooke Prentis, a Waka Waka Christian women we take for granted often have two progenitors: unions and other religious organisations such as the and present lead a call to the wider church, to do and CEO of Common Grace, explains to me that one, the church and the other, the union movement. Muslim Women Association and the NSW Jewish compassion, not just preach it. “for Indigenous people, we believe in the Creator The union movement was built by Irish Catholics, Board of Deputies. As David says, “it always starts with the people. who passed down the laws. These laws dictate who atheist socialists, and Methodists. The campaign When it comes to his faith, David says “Jesus If everyone is a child of God, then you start there. the creator is, how to care for creation, and how for Aboriginal rights, against nuclear arms, peace Christ was a community organiser. He was a Then you realise, refugees are images of God, to live in right relationship with each other. These in Iraq, refugee movements, all of these issues have prophet, a messiah and a saviour but he was also people seeking asylum are images of God, people are ideas core to Christian faith and the biblical often been led by churches or Christians.” a community organiser. And even if Jesus wasn’t, affected by punitive drug laws that don’t lead to principles we [Christians] are called to live by.” One of these untold stories is that of William Paul definitely was. Fundamentally, the story of recovery are in fact reflections of the divine. That She also tells me that unfortunately, the Church Cooper, who Brooke points out as someone not going from the periphery to the centre of power is if God’s creation is a reflection of the divine, then continues to be slow on the uptake of Indigenous many Australians, let alone Australian Christians the story of the New Testament.” why would we let it be destroyed?” justice because Indigenous knowledge is not always have heard of. The challenge David puts to his community “is If we want society to know us for the deep love shared with the breadth of the Church. “Part of Born in 1886, Cooper was a Yorta Yorta recognising that faith is not private. Believing in we have for everyone, we must show that through what has happened is that Indigenous people Aboriginal man of faith and a prolific activist. In Jesus is to follow Jesus in your life. If that’s the our actions. Jesus was undeniably on the side of the haven’t been brought into theological teaching. 1936, he set up the first January 26 Day of Mourning case, you follow throughout your week. Not out of ignored and oppressed, even when this threatened Tom Foster, Jack Kinchela, Douglas Nicholls, William Cooper and John Patten discuss a resolution, 1938 This is when we realise the lens that we get taught protest, which would soon become Aboriginal a sense of punishment, not about being God’s good his reputation. It is time for the whole Church to theology through, it doesn’t have to be white, male Sunday, an event observed in churches before books or brownie points for heaven, but a deep, join him. Christian lens. Let’s look at the bible, as Uncle Rev

14 15 REVIEW CULTURE

Swab story: an eye-watering review Art by Ash Duncan It’s about time we knew the name Simone Biles Jacob Shteyman reviews his experience of the drive-through coronavirus test. Oscar Chaffeyshines a light on the unique obstacles female gymnasts face. For 47 months out of every 48, women’s gymnast excelling in execution on the protagonist, she is undoubtedly it. elder stateswoman in a national team Coronavirus testing is set to become window and was approached by the After the mist cleared from my eyes artistic gymnastics (WAG) is among the balance beam and uneven bars, edged Despite performing the most difficult still filled with teenage girls, a fierce more and more ubiquitous for nurse who asked me questions and, as and I was able to take the wheel again, least followed of all sports, save for the out her more acrobatically powerful routines in history, her execution scores advocate for sexual abuse victims and Sydneysiders as we look to vanquish I answered, relayed my personal details he told me to self-isolate until I get a small but passionate “Gymternet”. For fellow American Shawn Johnson. have been superior to gymnasts with the harshest critic of the unyielding the disease and get back to something to a mysterious, ethereal voice over the phone call back with my test results – up one month every four years though, During her career and especially far easier routines. Biles, a short and toxic culture in the US gymnastics resembling life as we knew it. To get phone. to 72 hours he said – and sent me on my when the Olympic Games come along, after her all-around victory, she was muscular African-American woman, federation. In 2019, when she arrived an idea of what this would entail, I way. I drove out of the testing facility its popularity fleetingly surges. The praised for her “elegance”, “lines” and is usually described as powerful rather at US national championships with went down to my local drive-through Gymternet has a pejorative epithet for “international look” — more often than elegant, even as she perfectly a bedazzled goat on the back of her testing station to sample the latest in this surge - four year fans. I’ll confess than not coded language intended to executes complex flexibility skills. leotard - a reference to her undisputed nasopharyngeal swab technology: the that, in 2016, I was a four year fan who insidiously describe that she was leaner, In 2013 after Biles’ first world AA status as the greatest of all time RT-PCR detection kit procured by the didn’t know a Shaposhnikova transition taller and more Eastern European than victory, an Italian gymnast claimed (GOAT) - she expressed a confidence NSW Department of Health. from an Amanar vault. This year I’d Johnson. that “[Italians] should also paint our seldom seen from archetypal teenage hoped to shed my four year fan status, None of this is to say that Liukin’s skin black, so then we could win too”: gymnasts. At the same competition, proudly demystifying the intricacies of victory was not well-deserved. But in a plainly racist comment disguised as Biles unveiled the two hardest skills in pirouette angles and toe point for my time, the arc of gymnastics has bent commentary on the athletics trend in women’s gymnastics history. Even the at S.A.S.H. less initiated friends. further towards powerful acrobatic gymnastics. The year before, Gabrielle sexist gymnastics commentariat found The whole ordeal only lasted about Douglas, another African-American it improper to label her arrogant. A year 2 seconds. Before I knew it, it was back woman, had narrowly edged out a from her second Olympics, she seemed out again, leaving behind a stinging popular Russian gymnast to win the to be on the precipice of breaking feeling in a place that up until then had Olympic AA title. Racists feared Biles’ generations-old glass ceilings. 2013 victory was a confirmation that Even before the Olympic Games “elegant” white Eastern European were postponed, Biles was making no With the clerical work out of the gymnasts could never win again. In secret of her (and her bodies’) desire way it was time for the main event. The the next three years, Biles became to retire immediately after her final testing man came over and, leaning into and made my way home, still stinging unstoppable. After winning the floor routine in Tokyo. Throughout my driver’s side window, unsheathed slightly from my nasopharyngoscopy. Olympic AA at 19, she could very well her comeback, she has lamented the swab. “Tilt your head back and look The test came back negative, but have ended her career and taken a place performing for a gymnastics federation straight ahead,” he said, handing me that sensation still plays on my mind. I next to all-time greats like Comăneci. that enabled her abusers. Although a tissue. “It’s a little intense.” I wasn’t was touched in a place I’ve never been For a while, she seemed to be doing just Biles, now 23, is nominally all in for The process of getting the test was expecting a pleasant experience, but this touched before – a feeling I’ll never that, not competing or training at all in next year’s Olympics, her retirement streamlined and convenient. Cars were was quite a foreboding omen. forget. Do I regret taking the test? 2017 and appearing on Dancing with before 2021 seemed entirely possible. ushered into the facility along clearly Definitely not. Would I get it again? the Stars. If (to the Gymternet, more like when) demarcated in-flow and out-flow lanes, Then, at the very end of 2017, Biles repeats as the AA champion next which led to a large covered parking she began a comeback, expecting to year, she’ll be the oldest woman to win lot where the testing tables were set return to international competition in that title in over half a century. up. After a short wait, I advanced Nadia Comăneci at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Photograph: Olympic.org. 2019. Returning to elite gymnastics It may be decades before we see to the front of the line, guided by a after a lengthy hiatus is historically another athlete, let alone gymnast, health official clad in protective mask, never felt any sensation whatsoever. It Women’s gymnastics is a sport gymnasts like Johnson. Eastern Europe’s complicated. When Liukin attempted quite as dominant as Simone Biles. gloves and apron. I rolled down my was like the irritation you get before full of ironies and incongruences. once famed WAG programs have fallen to return in 2012, she failed to make But perhaps what is most remarkable sneezing without the ability to do Historically, its breakout stars have been away. Romania, once a formidable anything about it. short teenage girls in sparkly leotards power, failed to even qualify a team to and scrunchies made to perform the last Olympic Games. While Russia gruelling feats of athleticism to upbeat remains a medal threat, the US have won instrumental music. While their male team gold by unprecedented margins In one quick motion he plunged the counterparts can compete in silence at every major international meet swab tip into my nostril. It travelled and are permitted to show the full effort since 2011, and remain the prohibitive down my nose, through my sinus, of their athletic feats in their faces, favourites for whenever the next around the s-bend, up the olfactory female gymnasts must not only stick the Olympics occur. While a vocal minority nerve, into the cranial cavity and lodged landing, but smile as they do so. of the Gymternet lament the bygone era itself into my frontal cortex. He gave it a Not unless absolutely necessary. The The most famous athlete in WAG of balletic gymnastics, many celebrate quick scrape up and down, producing a RT-PCR Sars-Cov-19 detection kit: it’s history is undoubtedly Romania’s the new era’s emphasis on sustainable grating sound like nails on a blackboard one spicy swab. Nadia Comăneci who, at 14, floated training (including conditioning) and that made my eyes water, like a really effortlessly between the uneven parallel healthier athletes capable of the intense unsatisfying chilli. Immediately, I felt Verdict: 6 antibodies out of 10. bars and earned the sport’s first “perfect acrobatic demands of the sport. the mucus start to drip down the back of 10” at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. The Despite the wholesale athletic my throat worse than a finance graduate famous photo of teenage Comăneci, transformation of WAG, the gendered 4’11”, standing next to a scoreboard expectations of performance and reading “1.00” (the scoreboards were presentation remain. Age, too, is an not appropriately programmed to show apparently granite barrier. Although 10) is still one of the most iconic and event specialist gymnasts have begun well remembered moments in Olympic to regularly compete into their late history. twenties, there have been fewer Since the late 1970s, however, the meaningful shifts in the all-around Reigning 2016 Olympic champion, Simone Biles. Photograph: Stuttgart Review. sport has transformed irrevocably. (AA) event, which combines scores The perfect 10 is no more. Since 2006, from all four apparatuses (the floor the Olympic team and ended her career, about Biles’ storied career is not her gymnasts have received an open-ended exercise, vault, balance beam and quite literally, on her face. For Biles, thirty world or Olympic medals, four returning to gymnastics was particularly eponymous skills or the countless Since the late 1970s, however, the sport has complicated by the new revelation that records she has left in her wake, but the transformed irrevocably she had survived sexual abuse enabled extent to which she has singlehandedly by the sport’s national governing body, remodelled her sport’s sexist and racist difficulty or “D” score and a 10 point uneven parallel bars). Only one winner USA Gymnastics. And yet, Biles norms. execution or “E” score. A controversial of the Olympic AA event has been out returned to elite competition earlier It is for that reason that we, four system with both supporters and of her teenage years in almost half a than anticipated, performing harder year fans and Gymternet faithfuls alike, detractors, the open-ended code was century. No woman has repeated an skills than the unprecedented ones she’d should culturally archive the gymnastics introduced to promote skill, innovation Olympic AA gold since the 1960s, in performed in 2016. With a kidney stone, of Nadia Comăneci. While Comăneci and originality of routine composition. the now unrecognisable “classical era” a broken toe and two falls at the 2018 will forever remain a legendary and While some feared that gymnasts would of WAG, and the feat had been thought world championships, Biles still won. beloved Olympic athlete, next year, four win by compromising execution for functionally impossible. While in her early career she had year fans will be captivated by an entirely acrobatic difficulty, the first Olympic Until Simone Biles. manifested the kind of punitive humility different sport. They will watch a sport all-around champion in the open era (at Biles is the reigning 2016 Olympic expected of elite female athletes, her of powerful, diverse adult women that the 2008 Beijing Olympics) was Nastia champion in the AA and on the floor comeback showed obvious signs of push the limits of athletic possibility. Liukin, a Russian-American born to exercise and vault. If the open-ended change. A woman in her twenties, They will watch Simone Biles’ sport. Soviet gymnastics royalty. Liukin, a era of gymnastics were to have a true she had become something of an

16 17 CREATIVE The Johnstown Flood Somehow I never learnt to write in Urdu Words by Aidan Pollock Words by Misbah Ansari The story of the Johnstown flood was and spat onto the rolling bitumen. He of his jeans. He opened the door and exited the passed down through the townspeople turned onto a side street and eyed the The night of the Johnstown flood truck, walking to the entrance of the like a dark and wretched heirloom. numbers upon their patios, the wheels occurred on May 31st, 1889. After days store. I held the language in a fountain, With every telling it acquired certain of the truck coming to a stop as Frankie of heavy rain, the South Fork Dam “Good morning sir, how may I bathed the sparrows in the foam of Urdu, embellishments; signatures of memory, parked in the driveway across from a located upstream of Johnstown broke help you today?” The clerk behind the a language laced with religion, dedicated to those lost, attributed by half-destroyed house, one of the few still and the veil between life and death counter was young, not much older not with Raat Rani* or Sitaphal* sweetness. those encumbered with first-hand standing in the neighbourhood. separated. The ensuing deluge resulted than 17. experience of that endless night. “Stay here will you, I have to meet in more than two-thousand deaths: Frankie muttered a response as he Why did they bring God here? Like all children her age Marie someone. I’ll only be a second.” Johnstown was decimated. browsed a pile of magazines. Is he allowed in the garden of languages? had been told her parent's version From the passenger seat Marie gazed Years later Henri Barbusse, in his “You’re lucky, those just came in Will I know my lovers in Urdu? of the story. While subdued, further at the house lit by the truck’s headlights. 1917 book Under Fire, declared that today, hot off the press,” the clerk Is Urdu the end of my independence? details beyond what they divulged Severe water damage had forced the Hell is not the blasting of trumpets or smiled. Is Urdu could be seen in the faces of the older left side deep into the ground, lending the hush of death. Hell is water. Hell is Frankie turned to the counter holding townspeople and the remnants of it the lopsided smile of a head-cocked raging torrents and a formless landscape one of the magazines. houses that once stood upon the banks madman. On the lawn fence posts broke of mirrors. “Birdwatching enthusiast huh?” as liberating as English? of the Conemaugh River. Frankie grunted. (why did I ask this) In the back corner of the Old The clerk knelt to grab a paper bag. Hundredth, Marie sat wedged between Frankie reached into his belt, and Backyards burst during aurora, the wall and a table, tracing a pair of as the clerk rose Frankie levelled the no one could make my hands write the names of God in Urdu. initials carved into it years ago, her body revolver at his head. I want to write in Urdu pointed towards the door. As the hinges The clerk’s hands lay shaking by the revolution whined she looked up, only to return his side, his eyes pulled towards the the love her interest to the divots before her. underside of the counter, if he could the recipe for kohl just reach down and… anything but God Absentmindedly she pulled at the “Hands where I can see them.” anything but the quiescent shackles that smash your heart. fibres of her jacket sleeve, every now Frankie’s arm trembled, a sudden and then catching the face of her watch. weight covered his body, the barrel of Raat Rani: Night-blooming jasmine Had she gotten the time wrong? She his revolver trembling in his grasp. On Sitaphal: Custard apple fruit pulled the letter from her pocket and the wall opposite Frankie a telephone read it through again; rang. Neither man moved. The door opened, Marie standing in OH. Tuesday, 11pm. its frame. Meet me. “Frankie!” - F Frankie turned to Marie as a gunshot tore through the confined space. Marie It was now twenty past, something screamed as he stumbled, a red patch must have happened. She shoved the blossoming across his shirt. Frankie letter back into her pocket and left the clutched his chest. The clerk threw bar. the shotgun to the floor, fleeing to the The sound of the countryside storeroom. rebounded against the barfront as The pool of blood breathed and she paced the length of the veranda. expanded across the tiles of the gas Headlights from the cars driving down station floor, spreading through their Mansion street scattered Marie’s edges and coming to rest against the thoughts. Each time one passed she yellow-and-blue vending machine. tried to make out the occupants of each Marie guided Frankie over the vehicle. Overhead, the faint sound of an darkening patch, his arm over her aeroplane sifted through the cracks of shoulder. She led him to the truck, her in the portico. the driver’s seat, him in the passenger’s. Gravel against gravel. Somebody was “Fuck, Fuck, Fuck. Okay, you’re coming. She had stopped pacing now, going to be okay.” her eyes fixed into the darkness that The truck flew down the highway, hung just beyond the railing, Footsteps weightless as it headed towards town. echoed against the silence and cicadas. “You’re going to be okay, just keep Marie held her breath as the footsteps your eyes on me.” ceased. A voice came low. Marie was forced to slow down, up “Been waiting long?” ahead a procession of cars blockaded Marie exhaled. Art by Janina Osinsao the road. From where she sat, Marie “Christ, Frankie, where have you could make out the blue-and-red lights been?” through weeds like sun-bleached bones What, then, comes after Hell? of a car accident. “I needed to take care of something.” through a shallow grave. What’s left when the waters subside “Shit!” Frankie mounted the steps. “Come on, I Frankie’s figure diminished as he and the veil falls back into place? For Frankie coughed, blood spattering left the truck a couple of streets away.” walked to the house, reaching its empty the residents of Johnstown the end of the dashboard, his arm raised. Marie’s Marie opened her mouth as Frankie door frame. Marie watched as he Hell is marked by those that sleep on eyes traced his arm as it pointed off turned, his body dissolving into night vanished into the house’s open mouth, the streets and the hundreds of crosses into the shoulder of the road, his finger before she had time to respond. her hands clenching and unclenching that line the highway running parallel almost dipping into the trailing waters “It was my father’s truck,” Frankie in the dip of her lap. Above and on to Lake Conemaugh. It is desperation that pressed against the highway. said as he ran his hands across the either side of the door frame were clothed as hope, a cry for life that dies Frankie bled out in Marie’s embrace dashboard. “He passed a few months two windows—gaunt and sunken in the throat. on the shore of the Conemaugh River, ago, left it to me as some sort of peace depressions—which peered out at Marie It’s Frankie’s truck as it idles in the his blood mixing with her tears and offering I suppose.” as she tried to control her breathing. parking lot of a gas station far beyond the sand, before finally streaming into “Shit. I’m sorry.” She brought her hands to her head the edge of town. the moving water. Marie’s cries faded Frankie laughed. and focused on the rise and fall of her “Are we stopping for gas?” into the distance as his blood drifted “It’s alright. I never even knew he chest. By the time she looked up again Frankie rubbed his bloodshot eyes. downstream, his soul stretching and was dying. From what I squeezed out Frankie was halfway across the street. “Frankie? What are we doing here?” shimmering under sunlight and birdcall. of the lawyers he knew for some time.” She watched as he covered with his shirt He turned and looked at Marie. Frankie rolled down the window a small object fitted into the waistband. “Frankie-” Art by Emma Pham

18 19 SRC REPORTS SRC CASEWORK HELP President Note: These pages belong to the Office Bearers of the SRC. They are not altered, edited or changed in any way by the editors of Honi Soit. Liam Donohoe The STUDENT Another week, another 7 days of at-times mo- of the most vulnerable and confront the gov- ment for staff (as articulated in the #NoUni- with the regular smorgasboard of committee notonous, at-times exciting, but at-all-times ab- ernment’s post-pandemic austerity plans. Cuts and #NoWorkerLeftBehind campaigns), meetings plastered across my schedule. Mon- normal student unionism, as the University of Spurred on by a similar spirit of resist- and so the SRC will continue to look outward day saw the ever-significant University Execu- CHARTER: Sydney Students’ Representative Council con- ance, the Education Action Group and SRC and support workers however we can. But in tive Education Committee, while Tuesday saw tinues to work from home amid the COVID-19 held an open meeting of the student body on any case, we hope that this campaign will be a not one but two Academic Board subcommit- CAN THE pandemic. But like most weeks under these Wednesday, where students raised issues with more accessible, visible, and effective way for tee meetings. Not to be outdone, Thursday saw Your Student Rights conditions, week 9 proved to be a busy one. the transition to online learning and we final- us to address the myriad concerns which are, both an Honours Admission Taskforce meet- The highlight of the week was undoubtedly ised our new education-focussed campaign, rightly, frustrating USyd students at the mo- ing and a meeting between University manage- UNI DO Friday’s car convoy protest, which aimed to #DefendOurStudies. While the campaign will ment. ment and tenants of various University accom- and Responsibilities celebrate and actualise the principles behind sit alongside and have the same end-vision as The SRC hasn’t just been busy with cam- modations, while Friday saw our usual weekly the International Workers’ Day, or May 1 / the broader #NoUniCuts, #NoWorkerLeftBe- paigns, however. For one, the Legal Service meeting with management. While the details May Day as it’s also known. Without a vehicle hind, and #NoStudentLeftBehind campaigns, is about to hire its first Paralegal, offering sig- of these meetings are too numerous (and per- THAT? or ride of my own I was only able to watch on it diverges by focussing specifically on aca- nificant relief to our Solicitors, An and Cade. haps confidential) to list, the student body can as representatives from different trade unions, demic and educational issues specific to the With the extra time An is hoping to offer be sure that myself and other SRC representa- At the beginning of 2020, the University The University can expect that members of various socialist groups, and a University of Sydney. Various issues of this more meaningful Visa assistance—stay tuned tives have raised student concerns and propos- introduced a Student Charter, that you will: bunch of SRC Office Bearers brought the city kind will be incorporated under the general for more information about that new service, als forcefully and effectively. Indeed, while this outlined their expectations for your Behave respectfully; to a standstill. Rallying around the #NoW- #DefendOurStudies heading: among many which should save students thousands. For type of direct advocacy may at times feel some- CAN YOU behaviour as a student, and member of Be honest and ethical; orkerLeftBehind mantra, the convoy aimed to other things, we will fight for better WAM ad- another, our mutual aid program continues what pointless, and is often quite frustrating, I the University community, as well as Avoid engaging in bullying, harassment draw attention to the economic injustices ush- justment procedures, the total elimination of to go from strength-to-strength, with donated doubt the University would have implemented their commitment to you. The charter or discrimination; ered in by the pandemic. Among other things, ProctorU, greater support for staff during the medical gloves and masks augmenting (and pro-student initiatives, like financial assistance DO THAT? protestors demanded government assistance transition to online learning, and intimate staff- hopefully sterilising!) our already substantial packages, WAM adjustment procedures, and is one of their many policy documents, Be co-operative with the University; for International Students, an expansion of to-student ratios. Through the campaign we essentials packs. We should be sending the bulk reformed special considerations, without it. and can be viewed on the University’s Use resources equitably; the JobKeeper and Seeker payments to include hope not only to address these immediate is- of these packs out this week—keep your eyes More of these committees await next week, register: https://www.sydney.edu. Support freedom of speech; more workers, and support for the University sues, but also to provide students with an entry peeled! And our Constitutional and Regulatory alongside further work on the mutual aid and au/policies, alongside policies on a Comply with their policies; sector. The SRC stood fully behind the protests, point into the battles on which our education Reform initiative, bedeviled by the pandemic #DefendOurStudies and #NoUniCuts cam- number of issues, including, special Contribute to learning; which at one stage surrounded all 4 sides of the quality ultimately depends. To that end, the en- of late, has recently started reconvening, with a paigns. I hope all staff and students are taking block on which the Liberal Party’s headquar- tire campaign assumes and relies on separate view towards a first wave of reform in time for care of themselves at this time—I can’t wait to consideration, academic appeals, and Promote high academic standards; ters are situated! Actions like this will be in- demands around government support for the this year’s election. see you all back here by mid-semester two (fin- academic honesty. Although all classes Commit to academic integrity; creasingly necessary as we fight for the survival University sector and maintenance of employ- But the week was not without its monotony, gers crossed!) are online this semester, these rules Work collaboratively in learning Education Officers WHAT DOES THE apply now, more than ever. experiences, including group work; STUDENT CHARTER SAY? Behave professionally, ethically and In brief, the charter says… respectfully during placements and Jazzlyn Breen and Jack Mansell SRCUSYD.NET.AU/CHARTER The higher education sector is currently in unacceptable. future, so keep an eye out on our Facebook to the need for social distancing, the usual You can expect that the University will: external learning opportunities. crisis, and is attempting to make staff and In response to this, the USyd Education page. This campaign will complement the stop work strike and rally was replaced by a Prioritise your safety; students pay to recuperate the losses caused Action Group will be championing a USyd “No Uni Cuts” campaign, as it is essential car convoy, which was effective in shutting Create a supportive learning Of course, there are consequences by COVID-19. USyd is no exception to based education campaign called “Defend that Universities become fully publicly down the city. Over 200 cars and bikes environment; for breaching these rules, including Sydney University Postgraduate Association Students” Representative Council, Sydney University this. Even when we ‘return to normal’ your Our Education USyd”, focused on making funded in order to protect the future of made up this convoy, a heart-warming and Level 2, Holme Building (A09) Level 1, Wentworth Building (G01), Receive your feedback; being excluded from your studies teachers might lose their jobs, you will have sure students and staff do not suffer because higher education. It is clear that the private inspiring reminder that we can still protest Science Rd Camperdown Campus City Road, Darlington Campus (02) 9351 3715 | supra.net.au 02 9660 5222 | srcusyd.net.au Treat you fairly, honestly, transparently for a semester or two, or even being less unit options to choose from, may no of the failure of private education. We funding system and business model cannot and show solidarity, even in this time of and with courtesy; expelled. There are consequences for the longer have tutorials to attend, and will lose had our first open meeting last Wednesday cope with crisis very well. social distancing. Protect your academic freedom; University and its staff if they breach face to face teaching time. Universities are where we discussed the politics and vision Another major event of note which attacking the quality of our education to of the campaign, and developed a set of key occurred in the last two weeks was May Day, STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY Maintain high academic standards; the policy as well. To discuss either of recoup the losses of COVID-19, and this is demands. More meetings will be held in the or International Workers Day. This year, due Protect your privacy; these scenarios, please call 9660 5222 Respond to your complaints; and, to book and appointment with an SRC Women’s Officers Comply with its own policies. Caseworker Vivienne Guo and Ellie Wilson SRC CASEWORKER We encourage all students to read the Charter in full. WoCo has moved online! In May, we will the community. Online fundraising has been way that we can, and we have reached out of our editorial collective who we are APPOINTMENTS Search “Student Charter” at sydney.edu.au/policies be running several online events. Next week greatly effective, and it is heartening to see to women’s shelters to offer our support in extremely grateful for. Their dedication and ARE NOW on Friday, we are running a feminist film community come together over the internet, any way that we can with online fundraisers, passion were integral to the publication of AVAILABLE screening. We are also running a feminist especially now when physical means of mutual aid, creating informational resources Women’s Honi. You can find Women’s Honi prison abolition discussion group on solidarity, organising and community are etc. online on Issuu!To survivors: You are loved, ONLINE Thursday Week 11, as well as a collaborative largely unavailable to us. Women’s Honi, an autonomous edition you are believed and help is available. If you reading group with the Queer Action Domestic violence has spiked during the that is organised every year by WoCo, was believe that you have experienced domestic Collective in Week 12. COVID-19 crisis, as self-isolation has forced published in Week 8! It included topics such violence and/or sexual assault, Lifeline is a Ask Abe As we are all weathering COVID-19, people to stay in unsafe homes. We express as white fragility, decolonising beauty, queer free, 24-hour telephone crisis support service SRC caseworker help Q&A we have not forgotten that crisis has always our sorrow and solidarity with women, queer ecofeminism, COVID-19 and domestic in Australia. NSW Rape Crisis can also be affected the marginalised most acutely. Over folk, and all people who live with abusers. violence, the Kafala system in the Middle- reached at 1800 424 017. the course of the last month, WoCo has raised Now is a particularly crucial time for us to East, and more. Naturally, this could not Ask Abe about over $3000 to support Indigenous elders in engage with supporting survivors in any have been accomplished without the help Simple Extensions Environmental Officers Shaan Patel, Sofie Nicholson, Lily Campbell Prudence Wilkins-Wheat amd Dear Abe, ordinator for a ‘simple extension’ of up WEEKLY MEETINGS CAMPAIGNS creating content for the Month of Mayhem. be focussing on content creation and social to two days. It is an informal arrange- The Collective has been meeting weekly Despite distancing, the Collective has READING GROUPS, WORKSHOPS media for the Month of Mayhem, featuring I just broke up with my girlfriend, and ment between you two, so you cannot and planning numerous upcoming events — remained active in numerous campaigns. & PANELS short tutorials and a working bee. Also in I am too upset to finish an essay that is appeal if they reject your request. If the best way to get involved is coming along Members have led a photo campaign in Since our reading group with WoCo, the works is a Radical Ideas webinar, aimed and helping to make decisions: Tuesday support of the ‘USyd Suspend Rent’ for we’ve been part of two more — Capital- at knowledge-sharing, and the presenting of due in two days time. I don’t think my you find that your feelings of sadness 1pm in odd weeks of semester, and 2pm in students living in campus accomodation. A ism & Covid-19 with the Young Workers concepts to newer members. doctor would think I am unwell enough become more profound, please speak to even weeks. Given the online nature of ac- video campaign featuring students’ thoughts Collective and Environmental Racism with HONI PULLOUT Do you need to ask for special consideration. Is there your GP, both for the purpose of getting tivism in the current context, a strategy day on the governments’ response to Covid-19 is ACAR. These have involved the pre-reading Coming to stands in Week 11 is the En- something else I can do? some help, and also to get some docu- will occur in upcoming weeks for the Collec- currently in the works — message our page of a prescribed text and discussion led by a viro Collective’s Honi Soit pull-out, writ- mentation to apply for special consider- tive to re-gather and focus our energy, along to get involved! Moving into the next month, facilitator. One of our three Online Activism ten & edited by members! The weekend of SHAREHOUSING or with a re-invigorating of our online working members will also be attending the May 1 workshop series has occurred, and plan- Week 11 will see a strategy day followed by Heart Broken ation. Please note that if you are given groups. ‘No Worker Left Behind’ car convoy and ning for the second is underway. This will a launch event for the publication. TENANCY ADVICE? a simple extension, then apply for spe- cial consideration, the extension period Social Justice Officers Dear Heart Broken, of special consideration starts from the Ask the SRC! original due date, not the simple exten- Deaglan Godwon, Himath Siriniwasa, Angelina Gu, and Shuyu Li did not submit a report this week. I am sorry to hear that you are so upset. sion due date.

Students’ Representative Council, University of Sydney I hope you have someone to talk to if you need. You can ask your subject co- Abe Intercampus Officers Level 1, Wentworth Building (G01), p: 02 9660 5222 /usydsrc University of Sydney NSW 2006 e: [email protected] Kristina Sergi, Joanna Sheng, Michael Kallidis, and Jiahui (Ethan) Zhai did not submit a report this week. PO Box 794 Broadway NSW 2007 w: srcusyd.net.au @src_usyd Contact an SRC Caseworker on 02 9660 5222 or email [email protected]

20 21 PUZZLES THE Sudoku Another Sudoku RODENT REVIEW Fierce, independent journalists controlled by the rats on our heads! Must-watch upcoming pandemic movies Felix Faber and Shania O’Brien, Letterboxd-is-my-personality Editors Ladies Corner! 25 unhinged questions to ask your boyfriend in quarantine For when you’ve already tried “100 questions to make you fall in love” but quarantine is still dragging on. 1. Do you want children? 2. What’s your favourite racial slur? 3. If you could get $700 to kiss the hottest girl you know, or $100 to kiss me, what would you do? 4. Who has more friends: me, you or your mum? 5. What’s your favourite attribute of Sudoku bonanza! Have we gone too far? Elizabeth Warren and why is it that Catching Feelings Quarantine at Bernie’s she’s a strong woman of colour? Stuck in a boring job as a record label agent, an Jim is an unsuccessful actor coasting through life 6. Do you prefer step-sister porn or unhappy marriage, and a dysfunctional family, Susan living with his novelist friend, Bernard. When Bernard step-mother porn? doesn’t expect things to change — until the day she dies due to the virus, Jim is ready to move on — until 7. If you could change my race, what finds herself stranded in New York on a business trip he finds out Colin has been shortlisted for the Nobel race would you change it to? due to the travel ban. Unable to return home, she stays Prize for Literature, and the $1.5 million cash prize with the young, bohemian artist she had been trying it comes with. Jim quickly becomes embroiled in a 8. Why does it rain? (No I don’t know, to sign, and in their friendship, rediscovers a joy she web of deception as he uses the cloak of quarantine please explain it to me) didn’t know she’d lost. to mask Bernard’s death and make off with the prize. 9. Why don’t you love me? 10. Who do you think is hotter, your sister or your mum? 11. Who do you think has it harder, Hillary Clinton or Obama? 12. What are your stool movements like? 13. Can you name 10 directors who are not men? 14. This is my used tampon. Thoughts? 15. Can you explain to me the process of menstruation and why it occurs? (No I don’t know, please explain it to me) 16. Will you sign this legally binding contract not to leave me? Week 9 Edition Solutions Wacky Sudoku! 17. What is the best outfit you’ve ever Cryptic Quick seen me wear? 18. Do you think aliens exist? 19. Have you ever been probed? 20. By an alien? 21. What do you think about Gorman? The Spree Stuck in this Joint 22. How much do I weigh? Closet serial killer Josh Paul is having the worst year of It’s the day before lockdown begins, and stoner teens 23. If you had to give me a disability, his life. The pandemic has disrupted his daily routine, Kyle, Dylan, and Jason want to make sure they’re what would it be? and it has been almost four months since his last kill. well stocked for the months ahead. Unfortunately, so Finally, after the quarantine has been lifted, Josh plans does every other teen in town, and their quest to get 24. Who would you rather fuck, the “OK to go out in the world and satiate his bloodthirst. high quickly derails. Overcoming parents, teachers, Boomer” girl, or Caroline Calloway? But things don’t go according to plan when he finds and bullies, the group prepare themselves for the long 25. Will you preference me for the USU himself competing with another killer on the prowl. months ahead and face up to their teenage insecurities. election? Kristina Keneally to be deported under tough new Labor migration policy Nina Dillon Britton, Hmm Curious Isn’t That Ironic Editor Senate Deputy Opposition Leader, Kristina Keneally, means a return to anti-immigrant policy of 50 years country, but Labor’s strict migration policy would will be deported back to where she came from ago.” apply to anyone “with a funny accent” or who “looks (America), under a tough new Labor migration policy. “We’re going to see an economic crisis brought on like they might not be from around these parts.” “After this pandemic is over, it’ll be time to put by this pandemic, and we need to prioritise Australians. Keneally is distraught that such a harsh version of Australian jobs first,” Keneally recently announced, in The role of Senate Deputy Opposition Leader should the policy she recently argued for in Fairfax media a distinctive American accent. go to someone born and bred here,” said Albanese, the would be affecting her. “It’s time for radical, progressive change,” son of an Italian. “When I said ‘Australians first’, I obviously meant Opposition Labor, and angry dough-faced boy, Critics have argued that Keneally’s Australian people born in Australia and white immigrants.” Anthony Albanese concurred. “And by that, Labor citizenship should be enough to keep her in the 22 23