Boycotts: Starting a Local Group

Tell the Government and the Opposition what you think of their policies:

Write a letter or call John Howard and Kim Beazley
Prime Minister John Howard
Canberra Tel: (02) 6277 7700 Fax: (02) 6273 4100
Electorate Tel: (02) 9251 5454 Fax: (02) 9251 5711
Email: via his webpage http://www.pm.gov.au/email.cfm
Kim Beazley, Leader of the Opposition
Canberra Tel: (02) 6277 4022 Fax: (02) 6277 8495
Electorate Tel: (08) 9527 9377 Fax: (08) 9592 1361
Email: Kim.Beazley.MP@aph.gov.au

You can also write to Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Defence Minister Robert Hill. All letters whould be addressed: c/o- Parliament House, Canberra, ACT 2600. Make sure they are handwritten, legible and concise. The more people that write letters, the harder they are to ignore.

Email a politician: Let them how you feel. Even if a politican is firmly against war then it is important to show them your support. Ask your local member what his or her views are. For a full list of current federal members' email addresses click here. Ask the other candidates, too, and vote accordingly.

Get involved with local peace groups: These voluntary organisations are up to date with local actions and developments. They are also a great resource to learn more about the issues and what you can do. If there isn't one locally (or it is not doing anything), get one going yourself!

Write letters to local papers and ring talk back radio: When you write a letter to the editor, keep it short and snappy, and include your name, address and phone num ber (or they won't publish it!).

Distribute information: Send emails of interesting articles to people you know, or help distribute leaflets or put up posters for coming events organised by peace organisations in your area or city.

Organise a local debate like the ones organised by NSPD. We often get the question: "how did you get people like Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd to come to your meetings". The only secret is - we asked them. The politicians that represent your area should welcome the chance to meet and discuss major issues with their electorate. Your local paper should be interested, too (though we have to admit our experience is that their enthusiasm level can be heightened by placing an ad for the meeting!)

© NSPD 2004. Last modified 18/2/05