Some questions for Mark Latham

During the short time in which he has been federal leader of 
the Australian Labor Party, Mark Latham, has outlined his support 
for a number of progressive policies, in particular the return of 
Australian troops from Iraq, the preservation and development of 
Medicare, and acceptance of the right of all citizens to 
education, from infancy to old age.

These and a great many other issues that are of major importance 
to the Australian people require explanation by the party that 
presents itself as the "alternative" government. The Guardian 
therefore invites the leader of the ALP reply to a number of 
questions regarding these issues:

* Would you seek to end the US/Australia war alliance?

* Would you support scrapping the US/Australia Free Trade 
Agreement?

* Would you move to repeal the anti-democratic "terror" laws 
introduced by the Howard Government?

* Would you act to remove the draconian powers that ASIO has been 
given which turn it into a secret police force?

* Would you support scrapping the Goods and Services Tax?

* Will you act to create real jobs — full-time, proper wages etc 
and not merely introduce cheap labour schemes?

* Would you fully fund and expand Medicare, to enable universal 
access to bulk billing?

* Would you support the extension of Medicare benefits to cover 
dental care?

* Would you act to protect and broaden the scope of the 
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme?

* Would you fully fund public education?

* Would you phase out the use of public funds to support private 
education?

* Would you scrap university fees?

* Would you support the abolition of the anti-union Workplace 
Relations Act?

* Do you acknowledge the right of Aboriginal people to self-
determination?

* Would you act to reinstate the sacked Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander Commission or create a similar body and what form 
would this take?

* Do you favour the development of peaceful and fair relations 
with Australia's Asian and Pacific neighbours?

The Guardian looks forward to Mr Latham's comments on 
these and any other issues.