1999

 

Back in May 1999 I was in Sydney and attended a union rally. It was after NATO bombed Yugoslavia and it was a topic being discussed. John Maitland spoke and he was very impressive. Many years later he was exposed in a corruption scandal.

It was the last time I went to any union event. I hardly knew anyone and there was plenty of division. I was disappointed in certain actions but I did support the amalgamations. John Howard was the PM at the time and he remained there until 2007. I wasn’t feeling the best on that day.

I left this rally and walked back to the YWCA where I was staying. When I got to Martin Place I run into a large group of angry Yugoslavs who were protesting. Someone gave me a pamphlet and I followed them to Macquarie Street. The Police had a barricade and they looked serious. I had to give the Yugoslavs some support before I wondered up to Hyde Park.

I found a quiet seat and began reading this pamphlet when I felt up to it. A man with an accent approached me to ask about what I was reading. When I showed him he told me that he was an International. He had an accent and told me that in two years’ time you’ll know all about it.

He walked away towards Oxford Street or Museum Station. I didn’t know the guy, although he may have recognised me. He could have been at the rally and it would not have surprised me if he was another MUA member. I was under surveillance at the time but I dismissed a conspiracy or intimidation. More likely he was a harmless shit stirrer or Trotskyist revolutionary.

For me 1999 was a turning point. I was granted DSP in November and I never did work for an employer again. My Father died that year and everyone was asking me questions. I went through some dark periods. I had a Caveat on my house and my court case was now being handled in Victoria.

Bridget was in school at Geurie and Margaret was always nearby. The family pets were getting attention and enjoying life. I can tell you that in 2 years the world did not end!