News items from this weeks GrenLeft Weekly with discussion and Lalitha interviews Mehreen Faruqi on the privatisation of Newcastle Rail.

Australian News

Article and discussion on Malcolm Turnbull considering raising the goods and services tax (GST). https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/60577

Article and discussion on Gas miner Metgasco's surprise announcement on November 2 that it was recommending its shareholders accept a $25 million payout for its three remaining exploration licences in NSW's Northern Rivers district. https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/60585

Article and discussion on the Australian Border Force staff being stood down over work bans. https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/60583

Article and discussion on the Mike Baird Coalition government of NSW selling $1 billion of state-owned property in 2013 and 2014, escalating its neoliberal drive to privatise public assets. https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/60581

Article and discussion on World Kobane Day being celebrated in Australia on November 1st. https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/60574

Article and discussion on Sydney University medical students taking action for refugees. https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/60579

International News

Article on Seattle socialist Kshama Sawant being re-elected to council in the United States. https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/60600

Article and discussion on the ongoing war without guns between the Spanish state and Catalonia entering a critical new phase on October 27. https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/60597

Interview

Lalitha interviews Mehreen Faruqi, the NSW Greens transport spokeswoman on the privatisation the railway lines in Newcastle.