The rally against the state government on March 4, 1978, in King George Square, Brisbane, featured several speakers addressing various issues. Peter Noonan discussed the threat to student unionism, highlighting the Western Australian government's ban on political use of student fees and the potential for similar actions in Victoria. Kev Durnian from the Seamens Union spoke about the Utah dispute, criticizing the company's refusal to negotiate and the repressive measures against the union. Sandra Bloodworth warned of the dangers of uranium mining and the erosion of civil liberties. Megan Martin condemned the Queensland government's right-to-work legislation, which aims to weaken trade unions. John Freeland criticized the government's interference in education, citing the banning of educational materials and the sacking of teachers.
The speakers at this rally organized by the CLCC, were trying to build a united front through:
Mass mobilization of students and workers to actively resist legislative attacks
Support trade unions in their struggles against government repression
Maintain solidarity across different social and political movements (student unions, labour unions, civil liberties groups, concerned christians, feminists, peace activists and environmentalists)
Organize public rallies and demonstrations to raise awareness
Defend the right to march and assembly and democratic rights.
Expose how proposed legislation like "right to work" laws aim to weaken collective organizing power in unions.
