NO VSU FOR 2006 A VICTORY FOR UNIVERSITY SPORT
MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 31 October 2005
NO VSU FOR 2006 A VICTORY FOR UNIVERSITY SPORT
Federal Education Minister Dr Brendan Nelson's concession that universities will be allowed to charge students fees for campus services next year is a "victory for common sense", says Mr Greg Harris, chairman of AUS's VSU Working Group.
As reported in the Sydney press today, Dr Nelson has accepted that universities do not have enough time to implement the Government's planned Voluntary Student Unionism legislation for 2006.
First introduced to the House of Representatives in March, the legislation is yet to progress to the Senate after strong opposition from members of the Coalition, students, university administrators and peak national bodies like AUS.
The legislation bans universities from collecting $160 million a year in fees for services ranging from sporting facilities and child care, to counselling and transport.
"We welcome the news that the Minister does not intend to penalise universities for charging students fees, meaning we can now get on with the business of providing services and amenities to students and many community members," said Mr Harris, executive director of Sydney University Sport.
"There is no doubt this is a victory for common sense, given the enormous impact this legislation would have on the sector.
"Importantly, the legislation's delay presents us with the opportunity to reiterate our support for the bill's central theme - voluntary student unionism - while arguing for the continuation of a fee that underwrites so many crucial campus services and amenities.
"It has been said many times before - why throw the baby out with the bathwater when the legislation's main target, political clubs funded by compulsory fees, represents such a small proportion of the whole?
"As we and others have proposed, there are amendments available to the Government that would address concerns about accountability without tearing down so many of the features that make Australian university life attractive to local and international students.
"We believe those amendments enjoy significant support in the Government and that a common sense outcome is still achievable as more of its members come to appreciate the devastating effect this legislation would have on universities."
For more information contact Greg Harris on 0414 844 845 or Toni Bush at AUS (07) 3832 9874
Monday 31 October 2005
NO VSU FOR 2006 A VICTORY FOR UNIVERSITY SPORT
Federal Education Minister Dr Brendan Nelson's concession that universities will be allowed to charge students fees for campus services next year is a "victory for common sense", says Mr Greg Harris, chairman of AUS's VSU Working Group.
As reported in the Sydney press today, Dr Nelson has accepted that universities do not have enough time to implement the Government's planned Voluntary Student Unionism legislation for 2006.
First introduced to the House of Representatives in March, the legislation is yet to progress to the Senate after strong opposition from members of the Coalition, students, university administrators and peak national bodies like AUS.
The legislation bans universities from collecting $160 million a year in fees for services ranging from sporting facilities and child care, to counselling and transport.
"We welcome the news that the Minister does not intend to penalise universities for charging students fees, meaning we can now get on with the business of providing services and amenities to students and many community members," said Mr Harris, executive director of Sydney University Sport.
"There is no doubt this is a victory for common sense, given the enormous impact this legislation would have on the sector.
"Importantly, the legislation's delay presents us with the opportunity to reiterate our support for the bill's central theme - voluntary student unionism - while arguing for the continuation of a fee that underwrites so many crucial campus services and amenities.
"It has been said many times before - why throw the baby out with the bathwater when the legislation's main target, political clubs funded by compulsory fees, represents such a small proportion of the whole?
"As we and others have proposed, there are amendments available to the Government that would address concerns about accountability without tearing down so many of the features that make Australian university life attractive to local and international students.
"We believe those amendments enjoy significant support in the Government and that a common sense outcome is still achievable as more of its members come to appreciate the devastating effect this legislation would have on universities."
For more information contact Greg Harris on 0414 844 845 or Toni Bush at AUS (07) 3832 9874
Last Modified on 31/10/2005 13:47
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