PARTISAN!

The Revolutionary Communist Organisation (RCO) condemns actions taken by the Communist Students Collective (CSC) against members of its Newcastle section, which have taken place since the CSC was formed in 2023. Leading CSC members, two of whom are former RCO members, have worked to put the RCO into disrepute, sabotaging political and industrial work being undertaken by comrades in Newcastle.

We make clear our condemnation of undisciplined conduct by those who call themselves ‘communists’, which not only harms comrades and sympathisers but also puts the movement into disrepute. We also make clear that we strongly condemn abuse, harassment, and sexual misconduct, and hold true to communist and feminist principles: we believe abusers and harassers must be forced out of the movement.

Leading members of the CSC; Amber Young (CPA NSW), Max Brown (former RCO member, CPA NSW), Theo Catt (former RCO member), and Danlo Moey (CPA NSW), have worked together to sabotage attempts to unify communists and socialists in Newcastle. In particular, they have worked together to obfuscate, downplay, and cover for, allegations of rape and misconduct levied toward Theodore Catt. Aforementioned members have also created an unprofessional culture within the CSC which encourages conformity, casual abuse, and in the extreme, sustained harassment of other members.

The RCO appeals to members of the CSC and those affiliated with it to do the following: organise together to remove the current leadership and established a principled campus organisation following communist politics, or failing that, to leave the CSC and make a serious regroupment. We encourage members of the CSC to come forward with any knowledge they might have about abuses carried out by the CSC leadership. We also call for a serious investigation to be undertaken into aforementioned allegations of sexual misconduct levied against Theo Catt.

The working class does not care about gossip wars. However, the increasing visibility of such things only serves to put the entire movement into disrepute, turning away potential militants and radicals. The RCO does not publicly comment on disputes with other groups on the Left, however, the nature of events in Newcastle requires an open and principled condemnation. It is regrettable that it has become necessary to make a public statement on misconduct by the CSC as an organisation. The RCO believes in and supports a united communist movement, and their consolidation into a renewed Communist Party.