2009 students stuck with VSU

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on the Federal Government to amend voluntary student unionism legislation promptly in order to fast-track the restoration of student services for those enrolled at university in 2009.

A motion moved today by Senator Hanson-Young to scrap the current VSU system was supported only by the five Greens Senators.

"While the Greens welcome confirmation that the Federal Government will be changing the current voluntary student unionism legislation at some point, we are concerned that, as university enrolment commences across the country next week, no changes will take effect before the 2010 academic year at the earliest," said Senator Hanson-Young.

"Students at university in 2009 will still cop the depressing legacy of VSU, and face only skeleton support services to get them through their degrees."

Senator Hanson-Young pointed to the Government's report, Impact of Voluntary Student Unionism on Services, Amenities and Representation for Australian University Students, released in April, which clearly showed that voluntary student unionism had been devastating for universities, and undermined the quality of student support services on campuses across the country.

"The Government knows and has publicly confirmed that VSU has been a regressive and destructive policy for Australian universities," said Senator Hanson-Young.

"Australian students deserve to know when their needs will be bumped up on the agenda of this supposed 'education revolution' Government.

"The Greens will continue to campaign for essential student services and representation to be restored as soon as possible."

Senator Hanson-Young's motion is below.

For more information: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760

Senator Hanson-Young's motion:
The Senate

1. recognises that University enrolments for 2009 are due to begin next week around the country;
2. notes:
   
   1. the summary report "Impact of Voluntary Student Unionism on Services, Amenities and Representation for Australian University Students", released in April this year, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact VSU has had on the quality of  student support services on campuses across the country;
   2. the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government; and
   3. the Government's commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and
3. calls on the Minister for Education to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of voluntary student unionism will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in  legislation is in place before 2010.