By Saffron Geyle
Most students at ANU have heard the acronym “SAlt” thrown around in conversation before, but what does it stand for?
SAlt is short for Socialist Alternative, a group of left-wing activists who rally for ideological and political change. Offering itself as a student forum for change, SAlt has organised student-run protests, namely the recent rally at Parliament House against transphobia in light of Kellie-Jay Keen’s visit. Socialist Alternative’s roots go back to the 70s, but was officially founded as SAlt in 1995. They have been involved in countless political movements since then.
However, the organisation has not stood without run-ins, giving it the slightly controversial name it holds amongst students today. Some students have accused SAlt of exhibiting forceful behaviours in favour of their agendas. In the past this has lead to incidents and conflicts, members of SAlt have been accused of anti-sematic behaviours towards the ANU Jewish Students’ Association, enacting violence at protests and rallies, and the forcing of agenda during SRC meetings.
Socialist Alternative member Nick Reich spoke to Observer about what SAlt stands for and what they do as a whole.
“…it’s kind of hard to encapsulate all of the political perspectives of Socialist Alternative.”
Reich described SAlt as a “revolutionary socialist group who think that, fundamentally, capitalism is the root of the largest number of evils in society”.
“…we need to have a pretty clear theoretical understanding of what are the sort of dynamics and driving factors of capitalism, but also a very active sort of approach to building any resistance whatsoever to the system where it arises.”
On the ANUSA webpage, SAlt describes itself as “the biggest anti-capitalist organisation in Australia”. It also says that they organise “activism, discussions of radical left wing politics” and more on campus.
Reich also said that SAlt are “very active in building protests, wherever they are, in service of progressive causes against oppression and exploitation”.
A familiar approach to informing students about upcoming protests is the handing out of pamphlets on uni avenue. When asked about this approach, Reich said that it isn’t unusual and “realistically, this has always been a staple of the left and any kind of protest movement”. The origins of pamphleting date back to the 16th century, mainly when protestant religious groups rallied support in protest of the church in France, Germany, and England.
“…we want to stop people and explain to them this event that is coming up, you know, get them to sign a petition, or to come along to a future meeting or protest…”
Socialist Alternative have organised numerous protests for students on and off campus, all of which can be found on SAlt’s facebook page.
“…we often put meetings up in response to particular events. So earlier this year, we had public meetings about Andrew Tate, and what fueled his rise and his popularity, given that he’s such an outrageous misogynist.”
These protests are organised along with other ANU departments (e.g. Women’s, BIPOC, etc.). Earlier on in the year, SAlt assisted in the ‘Sovereignty Day’ rally alongside ANUSA and the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.
Reich added that not all protests “are specifically Socialist Alternative” and that the aim is to “draw in people who share an opposition to a particular oppression or outrageous sort of winding back of people’s rights”.
In addition to protests, Socialist Alternative host discussions and meetings open to students who are interested in listening or participating. These meetings often occur on campus, and involve live conversations between both active SAlt members and students alike.
Reich noted that it isn’t necessary to be a Socialist before joining these discussions or protests.
“There’s not a sort of political bar to meet before you come along to a meeting or a protest.”
SAlt hold Marxist discussion groups every Tuesday evening at 5pm. Reich described the nature of these groups as “…things like discussing Black Lives Matter earlier this year, we also had a discussion of the murder of Tyrion Nichols”.
Reich mentioned that in addition to students, members are made up of “workers, you know, trade unionists, organizers, activists”.
All Socialist Alternative groups interact and facilitate each other’s goals in the form of meetings, conferences, and their national newsletter the Red Flag. Reich stated that conferences are held “in Melbourne over the Easter weekend, and in Sydney later in the year”.
The public conferences tend to attract large crowds, and speakers of high academic caliber or international guests. In a Melbourne conference to be held, guest speakers Gary Foley and John Maynard will feature.
“We’ve got socialists coming from Russia, who are talking about organising anti-war protests over there. People from Palestine, Sri Lanka, America, Latin America…a whole suite of like organizers and activists from around the world.”
These conferences are structured to begin with speakers delivering their key topical inputs, and then turning the microphone to members of the audience for discussion. All members of the public are welcome to attend these conferences. Socialist Alternative members usually organise and give talks.
“…it’s also just a meeting place for the left more broadly, where people can come to hear more big night speakers who have come from, like, the history of the left.”
Reich commented on the perceptions around SAlt, leaving a message for students who don’t yet understand the objectives of the organisation.
”The main thing that we want people to know is if they want to get involved in a fight back against injustices or anything that outrages them. That is the only starting point which is required.”
Graphics by Will Novak
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