Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
199K
Downloads
169
Episodes
Discussion and analysis of politics, history, theory and activism from a revolutionary socialist perspective.
Welcome to Red Flag Radio
We are a socialist podcast based in Australia. We discuss politics, theory and history from a revolutionary Marxist perspective. We aim to explain socialist ideas in a clear and accessible way and to promote the voices of anti-capitalist activists worldwide.
Episodes
Feb 13, 2023
Feb 13, 2023
46 min
In the early 1970s, the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) in Australia provided a case study in workers' power and concern for the conservation of the natural environment. BLF green bans preserved dozens of working class areas and historic buildings, ranging from Aboriginal housing in Redfern to historic National Trust-listed mansions. In this episode we speak to Jerome Small about how the BLF became a union that fought for environmental and social justice, and the lessons we can draw to re-build the left in Australia today.
Read more
When Sydney was touched by workers democracy by Jerome Small - https://redflag.org.au/node/6774
‘I’m part of the union!’ How the Builders Labourers Federation set the benchmark by Liz Ross - https://redflag.org.au/node/6510
Watch Rocking the Foundations here.
Nov 14, 2022
Nov 14, 2022
50 min
A live recording of the final election rally for the Victorian Socialists before we try to make history by electing the first socialists to parliament in decades.
Featuring speeches by lead candidates for Northern Metro and Western Metro, Jerome Small and Liz Walsh.
For more information on how you can help volunteer for Victorian Socialists on election day, or to donate to the campaign go to - https://victoriansocialists.org.au/.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Oct 4, 2022
Oct 4, 2022
1hr 6 min
A special live episode recorded at the launch of our campaign to elect socialist, union organiser and long-term environmental and anti-racist campaigner Jerome Small to Victoria's upper house. Jerome's stories include high school walkouts against the nuclear arms race, civil disobedience with the climate movement, picketing the South African embassy in the Apartheid years, and organising blockades of mining companies in solidarity with the Mirrar Aboriginal people in the successful fight to stop the Jabiluka uranium mine in the Northern Territory. More recently, Jerome has supported workers in aged care, warehouses, call centres and other workplaces in battles over pay, dignity and job security.
Follow Jerome's campaign and get involved in the Victorian Socialists here;
Aug 1, 2022
Aug 1, 2022
46 min
The healthcare system in Australia is in crisis. Politicians talk about the 'pressure' that COVID-19 has put on the system but fail to acknowledge systemic under funding of hospitals and other services. On this episode we discuss what workers would do to fix the crisis in healthcare with NSW nurse Deaglan, allied health worker Cecilia, and socialist activist Jerome Small.
Labor’s pandemic - https://redflag.org.au/article/labors-pandemic
Nurses’ union raises pay claim under pressure from rank and file - https://redflag.org.au/article/nurses-union-raises-pay-claim-under-pressure-rank-and-file
NSW nurses and midwives strike again - https://redflag.org.au/article/nsw-nurses-and-midwives-strike-again
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Contact us on redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Jun 13, 2022
Jun 13, 2022
39 min
What can we expect from the return of an Australian Labor Party (ALP) government? Are there any reasons to hope for progressive change? On this episode we're joined by Liz Walsh and Josh Lees to discuss the first three weeks of Labor in power, and what we can learn from previous Labor governments in Australia. How does a Marxist analysis of the ALP help to prepare us for the struggles ahead?
ALP stands idle while capitalists trash living standards
Albanese continues Labor’s rotten imperialist record
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Contact us on redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
May 10, 2022
May 10, 2022
36 min
With the Supreme Court set to overturn Roe v. Wade, the battle for abortion rights in the US is at a critical turning point. On this episode Roz talks to socialist activist Emma Norton about the history of abortion rights, the limitations of looking to the Democrats to protect the right to choose, and the struggles that are needed to win.
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
May 6, 2022
May 6, 2022
38 min
The federal election campaign, with the notable exception of the Victorian Socialists, is a showcase of the worst aspects of Australian politics. On this episode we put a revolutionary perspective on some of the biggest issues the politicians are talking about and not talking about as they tour the country touting for votes. Roz is joined by Red Flag contributing editors Louise O'Shea and Eleanor Morley for a lively discussion.
Why would anyone care about the election?
Fix the cost of living crisis by Ben Hillier
Get involved - https://www.victoriansocialists.org.au/
Donate to the Victorian Socialists - https://www.victoriansocialists.org.au/donate
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Apr 29, 2022
Apr 29, 2022
48 min
The Victorian Socialists are taking on the billionaires and parties that represent them in the upcoming Australian federal election. Running on a platform that calls for a radical reorganisation of society and a redistribution of wealth and power, we talk to three Victorian Socialists candidates - Kath Larkin, Jerome Small, and Belle Gibson. How does their campaign compare to their rivals? What have their experiences of running in a federal election have taught them about politics? What inspires them as socialists to run in a parliamentary election?
Introducing Aran Mylvaganam for the Senate
Back the Victorian Socialists by Corey Oakley
Morrison is appalling and so is Labor by Mick Armstrong
How should revolutionaries view parliamentary elections? by Jerome Small
Get involved - https://www.victoriansocialists.org.au/
Donate to the Victorian Socialists - https://www.victoriansocialists.org.au/donate
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Mar 19, 2022
Mar 19, 2022
38 min
How do socialists understand the Russian invasion of Ukraine? What does this conflict uncover about imperialist tensions today? What is so hypocritical about the response of western political leaders? Socialist activist and author Tom Bramble answers these questions and more in discussion with Roz Ward.
Further coverage of the war can be found at https://redflag.org.au/
Tom's books can be purchased at https://shop.redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Jan 28, 2022
Jan 28, 2022
44 min
In Australia at the beginning of 2022 the COVID crisis is reaching new deadly milestones. The healthcare system is collapsing under the strain. A mainstream political consensus has been reached about 'living' and dying with the pandemic while the far right have taken the crisis as an opportunity to mobilise. At the same time, climate change continues to create international and local catastrophes. On this episode Roz and Liam are joined by activists Jess Lenehan and Nahui Jimenez to discuss the many reasons to be a socialist today.
Freedom Fridays Protest for Refugees in Melbourne - https://www.facebook.com/events/6793879187348723/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Nov 1, 2021
Nov 1, 2021
36 min
World leaders are gathering to discuss their plans to tackle climate change at the COP26 in Glasgow. Will their commitments make any difference? What are the alternatives to global summits? On this episode we discuss the politics of climate crisis internationally and in Australia, and how we should respond with activists Anneke and Cormac.
Follow the coverage of COP26 in Red Flag - https://redflag.org.au/category/climate
Join the global day of action on November 6 in your city - details below.
Melbourne: https://fb.me/e/KgHsDV1t
Sydney: https://fb.me/e/1uTFnYSFw
Canberra: https://fb.me/e/14yae7A3r
Brisbane: https://fb.me/e/6HHyV6kxS
Adelaide: https://fb.me/e/2CrDfujfM
Perth: https://fb.me/e/Lxenn5fx
Wollongong: https://fb.me/e/DdG2mfPT
Sydney: https://fb.me/e/1uTFnYSFw
Canberra: https://fb.me/e/14yae7A3r
Brisbane: https://fb.me/e/6HHyV6kxS
Adelaide: https://fb.me/e/2CrDfujfM
Perth: https://fb.me/e/Lxenn5fx
Wollongong: https://fb.me/e/DdG2mfPT
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Oct 25, 2021
Oct 25, 2021
48 min
On this episode we discuss the hidden class history of the suffragettes and the role of working class mass struggle in winning the vote. Too often the official histories of the suffrage movement brush over the bitter splits and divisions within both the campaign and the Pankhurst family. Roz is joined in discussion by veteran socialist Moira Leahy to uncover these important debates and discuss the politics of challenging sexism and fighting for socialism.
Reading
How working class women won the vote by Judy Cox http://isj.org.uk/how-working-class-women-won-the-vote/
Sylvia Pankhurst - a rebel in the fight for votes by Isabel Ringrose - https://socialistworker.co.uk/art/50653/Sylvia+Pankhurst+++a+rebel+in+the+fight+for+votes
Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Oct 11, 2021
Oct 11, 2021
41 min
On this episode we talk to an education worker, a nurse, and a construction worker about why they are campaigning for health before profits and safer workplaces in Australia. Health before Profits is a national campaign group that includes workers, academics, activists and students who are organising in opposition to Scott Morrison's reckless, unsafe national plan for re-opening and 'living with COVID'.
Find out more and get involved in the campaign here -
https://www.facebook.com/HealthbeforeProfitAus
Public meeting on the school reopening plan in Victoria - Sun 24 October 5pm -
https://www.facebook.com/events/175070548108545/
OzSAGE is a multi-disciplinary network of Australian experts from a broad range of sectors relevant to the well-being of the Australian population during and after the COVID-19 pandemic - https://ozsage.org/
Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper https://subscribe.redflag.org.au
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Sep 24, 2021
Sep 24, 2021
36 min
The 250 richest people in Australia increased their wealth by $93 billion during the first year of the pandemic while millions of essential workers have seen no increase in their wages. In this episode we talk to activist Shirley Killen about drastic inequality, the political failures of mainstream politics, and what socialists can learn from the drive for profits in a crisis.
Reading
How Australia’s richest have profited in the pandemic by Shirley Killen - https://redflag.org.au/article/how-australias-richest-have-profited-pandemic
Why is nobody in prison over robodebt? by April Holcombe - https://redflag.org.au/node/7483
How the rich are cashing in on pandemic pain by Tyler Ray (Nov 2020) - https://redflag.org.au/node/7470
Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper https://subscribe.redflag.org.au
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Sep 13, 2021
Sep 13, 2021
36 min
The 'Robert Menzies Institute' is set to open at Melbourne University in November. The founders claim the Institute will be a museum dedicated to 'Australia's greatest Prime Minister' but the real project appears to be establishing a conservative think-tank with a board of right wing ideologues including Peta Credlin and Georgina Downer. On this episode we talk to student activists and Graduate Student Association officers Monica Sestito and Brendan Laws about the campaign to stop the Institute and the question of free speech on campus.
Stop the Menzies Institute campaign page - https://stopmenziesinstitute.wordpress.com/
Socialists Debate the Young Liberals - Was Menzies a Great Australian or Right-wing Scumbag? Weds 15 Sept 6pm -https://www.facebook.com/events/1692974661093120
Book your tickets for Socialism 2021 (17-19 September) here http://www.socialismsydney.com/
Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Aug 20, 2021
Aug 20, 2021
37 min
The situation unfolding in Afghanistan is a humanitarian disaster resulting from decades of imperialist interventions and war. On this episode we discuss the political history of the invasion in 2001 and how the occupation resulted in the Taliban asserting control over the country today. Our guest Simone White is a socialist activist who was part of the Stop the War Coalition in Australia and has written and presented extensively on the politics and history of the middle east.
Public meeting - Tues 24 August 18:30 (Melb time) - Bloodshed and war crimes: how the west destroyed Afghanistan - https://www.facebook.com/events/370684171388989
Book your tickets for Socialism 2021 here - http://www.socialismsydney.com/
Further Reading
'The US occupation of Afghanistan is over. But the disaster goes on' by Omar Hassan - https://redflag.org.au/article/us-occupation-afghanistan-over-disaster-goes
From 2008 - 'Afghanistan: the case against the “good war”' by Jonathan Neal https://isj.org.uk/afghanistan-the-case-against-the-good-war/
Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Aug 1, 2021
Aug 1, 2021
45 min
In this episode we discuss the debates around lockdown and the political response to the pandemic in Australia with Sydney based socialist activists Eleanor Morley and Josh Lees. Lockdowns continue in large parts of the country and the vaccine rollout is the slowest in the OECD. How can we understand the political priorities of the government? What is the significance of the anti-lockdown protests? Is there an alternative to lockdown?
Anti-lockdown lunacy: from the elites to the streets - https://redflag.org.au/index.php/article/anti-lockdown-lunacy-elites-streets
Join Sydney socialists for an online Forum: Fascism and anti-Fascism in 1930s Australia - Sunday 8 August at 3pm - https://www.facebook.com/events/1304459746639353
Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Jul 15, 2021
Jul 15, 2021
47 min
In this episode we reveal the forgotten history of Aboriginal unionists in the 1890s shearers' strikes. The participation of Aboriginal workers, including strike camp leaders like Andrew Stuart Stepney, challenges historical accounts that note the racism of the shearers’ unions and subsequently ignore the role that Aboriginal workers played within the shearers’ unions. We discuss the importance of revealing this history and draw out the lessons for unionists and socialists today.
A quote from an article in the Worker (Brisbane), 16 July 1892, that Roz reads during the episode:
I've yet to learn, don't you know, that the immortal British Empire or any other speck of country owns by sheer right divine all the land it can get its clutches on. There's no more natural sense in a bleary-eyed officer with gold lace and a taste for rum, sticking a few feet of stick, with a few square inches of painted calico attached, into the ground and saying 'I annex this 'ere country,' than there is in you or me taking a trip across to Europe and going through the same pantomime at Brighton or Monte Carlo. You or I've got exactly the same 'right ' as the gold laced gentleman who appreciates rum. The only thing is that he has a title deed in the shape of a few thousand tons of men of war, with guns enough to blow the unfortunate natives to little small bits if they object. Wonderful justice, isn't it?... The aboriginals had more right to be in Australia than we had, looking at things justly.’
Marxist Left Review - https://marxistleftreview.org/
Red Flag Books - https://shop.redflag.org.au/
Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper:
https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Jun 27, 2021
Jun 27, 2021
52 min
On this episode we preview The Fight for Workers’ Power: Revolution and Counter-Revolution in the 20th Century with author Tom Bramble. The book recounts key periods of international class struggle from 1914 to 1956 with the aim of bringing the lessons from these struggles to a new generation of socialists. Tom has studied, written about, and taken part in the labour movement in Australia and internationally. His books include a history of the trade union movement and the Labor Party in Australia, and Introducing Marxism: A Theory for Social Change, published in 2015.
Red Flag Books - https://shop.redflag.org.au/
Read more on Russia here - https://redflag.org.au/russia/
Come to the Melbourne book launch on Thursday 15 July - https://www.facebook.com/events/313896660248031
Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper:
https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Jun 17, 2021
Jun 17, 2021
46 min
The recent hospitalisation of 4 year old Tharunicaa and the story of her family Priya, Nades, and Kopika is a perfect illustration of the brutality of the Australian government's treatment of refugees. On this episode we discuss the campaign to bring this family back to Biloela with full residency rights and what their experience has revealed about the politics of the Australian refugee torture regime. Aran Mylvaganam, a refugee who was detained as a child when he arrived in Australia in 1997 and who later founded the Tamil Refugee Council, discusses the history of Tamil persecution in Sri Lanka. Liz Walsh, socialist and veteran refugee activist, argues that the campaign for this family should be the basis for building a new movement to fight for all refugees.
Actions Saturday 19th June:
Melbourne:
Join the Perth campaign - https://www.facebook.com/tamilrefugeecounciloz and https://www.facebook.com/curtinuwasar
Aran will be speaking at Socialism in Sydney - http://www.socialismsydney.com/program/2154/
Red Flag coverage of the story of the 'Biloela family' - https://redflag.org.au/article/relief-one-biloela-family-fight-isnt-over
Profile of Kokilapathmapriya (Priya) Nadesalingam by Ben Hillier - https://redflag.org.au/article/freedom-fighter-celebrate-international-womens-day
Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper:
https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.