Iain McIntyre is the author of two excellent new publications from Homebrew Books (described below). He will launch both books with a brief talk and a screening of news footage from the AIDEX '91 anti-arms fair protests and Evictions, a film by Richard Lowenstein about anti-eviction struggles during the Great Depression. Discussion will follow.

Always Look On The Bright Side Of LIfe: The AIDEX '91
Story (144 pp) 

In November 1991 over 1000 protesters blockaded the National Exhibition Centre in Canberra for 12 days with the aim of shutting down the Australia International Defence Exhibition. AIDEX ’91 saw the most police violence and highest number of arrests in the Australian Capital Territory since the Vietnam era. Although the exhibition was eventually able to go ahead the blockade caused enough disruption to ensure that no one would dare hold another arms fair on this scale in Australia again. The success of the protest came at a cost however with hundreds of demonstrators injured and their actions vilified in the mainstream media.
Alongside a detailed account of the protest itself the book traces the background of the blockade amidst the growth of opposition to the Australian arms industry during the 1980s. Using the words of the protesters themselves the book also explores the lessons of AIDEX ’91, the effect of the protest on a generation of Australian activists and the way in which similar strategies were used to stop the 2008 Asia Pacific Defence and Security Exhibition from occurring. The book features many photos from both the AIDEX ’89 and ’91 protests.

Lock Out The Landlords: Eviction Resistance,
1929-36 (44pp)

The economic depression of the 1930s saw thousands of Australians thrown out of their homes and into the streets. These actions however did not go unopposed. Across Australia pickets, occupations and protests were organised to disrupt and prevent evictions and auctions. Where these failed some took matters into their own hands wrecking the properties of landlords and real estate agents in revenge. This pamphlet chronicles just some of the many struggles that took place. It includes a chronology of actions as well as photos and quotes from those involved providing a fascinating insight into the events of the time. Originally released in 1997 this second edition adds photos and more detailed listings.

Both books are available from Jura Books.