Grassroots Activists Run for Senate in Upcoming Election

Community activists Dr Renfrey Clarke and Ruth Ratcliffe have been endorsed by the Socialist Alliance as their Senate candidates for the federal election on August 21st.

Dr Renfrey Clarke has over 40 years experience campaigning for workers rights, social justice and the environment.

‘’Together, working people have the power to give nature and humanity a sustainable future”, Dr Clarke said.

‘’Workers rights and the environment are one struggle; a vote for the Socialist Alliance helps drive the fight forwards.”

A former teacher and now a community worker in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, Ruth Ratcliffe has been actively involved in numerous campaigns for social justice.

‘’I'm standing for the Socialist Alliance to help build a very different kind of society — one that is truly democratic, where we ensure that everyone has access to education, health care and decent housing, and where we take urgent and necessary action to address the climate crisis.” Ms Ratcliffe said.

Climate change will be a key campaign priority, with Socialist Alliance candidates calling for immediate and large scale public investment for 100% renewable energy by 2020, in order to achieve a safe climate future.

‘’Coal barons and oil magnates profit from wrecking the climate – but for the rest of us, their actions promise devastation,’’ Dr Clarke said.

‘’On climate change, there’s no room for excuses or half measures.’’

The Socialist Alliance campaigns for a complete change of priorities in Australian politics and is committed to putting people before profits.

In addition to the Senate Team, youth activist Gemma Weedall will contest the seat of Adelaide for the Socialist Alliance.

For media inquiries or interviews, please contact Gemma Weedall on 0437 714 786 or Ruth Ratcliffe on 0403 679 742

Young Climate Activist to Contest Seat of Adelaide

Youth activist and part-time worker Gemma Weedall has been endorsed by the Socialist Alliance to contest the seat of Adelaide in the upcoming federal election on August 21st.

Weedall recently completed a Bachelor of Social Sciences, Politics Major, at the University of Adelaide, where she was a well known student activist.

In April this year, Gemma attended the World People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

‘’In Cochabamba, my eyes were opened to the perspectives of people from the countries of the Global South, who are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, despite having contributed least to the problem,’’ Ms Weedall said.

Gemma is a passionate grassroots climate change activist and active member of the Climate Emergency Action Network (CLEAN).

“Young people will have to bear the burden of irresponsible climate change and environment policies of both Labor and Coalition governments,”

“My generation does not have the luxury of assuming we will inherit a safe climate, we are going to have to fight to for it.”

Gemma is an active member of the socialist youth organisation, Resistance, and is passionate about the rights of young people, and has also been also been active in struggles around a range of issues from marriage equality to worker’s rights.

‘’I’m standing for the seat of Adelaide with Socialist Alliance because I believe that people and the planet should be prioritised over profits, and I refuse to allow my future and the future of the planet to be sold out to corporate interests.’’

Ms Weedall will campaign alongside the Socialist Alliance Senate Team comprising of community activists Dr. Renfrey Clarke and Ruth Ratcliffe.

For media inquiries or interviews, please contact Gemma Weedall on 0437 714 786 or Ruth Ratcliffe on 0403 679 742