Students say No to VSU

Thursday 5 May 2005

Students from the University of Newcastle will rally in Wheeler Place on Saturday the 7 May 2005 to protest over planned Federal Government changes which will enforce voluntary student unionism (VSU).

Claire Osborn, Education Officer at the Newcastle University Students Association, says the students hope to put pressure on the Federal Government in the lead up to the Federal Budget to increase funding for public education and scrap the VSU legislation.

Claire says, "Under the pretext of individual choice the legislation aims to destroy student unions, deprive students of virtually all non academic services and encourage apathy among students."

"It will mean higher prices and a severe reduction in services and the quality of campus life."

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Saunders says he supports the students' stand.

"Voluntary Student Unionism would result in a depletion of services and facilities for students on campus," he said.

"I believe universities should retain the right to have compulsory services and amenities fees for students," said the Vice-Chancellor.

The Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee (AVCC) recently called for a change in the government position on VSU and suggested a compromise should be sought that would sustain student services and amenities on campus.

At the University of Newcastle the current student services fee is between $300 and $350 a year and goes toward, catering and food, sporting facilities, student development courses, international student services and advice, international clubs, student organisations, travel services, dental services, welfare services, on-campus shops, photocopying services, campus sports, facility maintenance, recreational libraries, computer facilities, art galleries, book shops, student magazine, legal services, academic dress, academic advice and advocacy.

The Student anti-VSU rally will be held at 11 am at Wheeler Place (next to Civic Theatre) Newcastle, Saturday 7 May 2005.

For interview contact Claire Osborn on 0423 507 006 or Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Saunders on 02 4921 5101.