Update me on VSU (2 Viewers)

[walrusbear]

NATASHA STOTT-DESPOJA: Well I'd like to know if the Labor Party is prepared to sell out students and universities and their traditions and academia by giving the Government the numbers.

That is, if the numbers don't come from the Government in their own right, thanks to Senators such as Senator Joyce and others having concerns over this regressive and draconian legislation, is the ALP seriously considering a compromise that will still have a negative impact on student services and student advocacy and welfare?

They haven't made clear if this is a compromise position designed to make this legislation acceptable for the Government or for vulnerable backbenchers. We're not really sure what they're after.

What's the Labor Party done here? Are they offering a carrot to the Government if the Government can't get the numbers in their own right? Are they seriously suggesting that they've put forward a compromise that won't hurt students and their services and particularly student representation and advocacy?

It seems to me they've ditched principle for pragmatism and it doesn't seem to be working.

 

[Not-That-Bright]

What happened to u guys wanting a balance?

 

[Generator]

what exactly is covered in the labor party plan?
just welfare and sport?

Counselling, according to other reports, but the 'and so on' could count for quite a bit. I just hope that the ALP considers apolitical advocacy (e.g., legal aid and a support system for those students going through with academic and centrelink appeals) as being an essential service, and that those 'renegade' Senators from the Coalition realise that such a service is just as important as the campus gym (if not more so, I would say).

 

[Generator]

What happened to u guys wanting a balance?

In all likelihood we all hold a different idea as to what would constitute a balanced approach. Mine would be freedom of association, but universal levies for the support networks (legal, academic and welfare), cultural activities and sporting groups.

 

[walrusbear]

In all likelihood we all hold a different idea as to what would constitute a balanced approach. Mine would be freedom of association, but universal levies for the support networks (legal, academic and welfare), cultural activities and sporting groups.

i agree

the bold points are mine concern. the 'compromise' may leave them out, which would be a big shame

 

[Xayma]

In all likelihood we all hold a different idea as to what would constitute a balanced approach. Mine would be freedom of association, but universal levies for the support networks (legal, academic and welfare), cultural activities and sporting groups.

But there is limited freedom of association when you are forced to pay.

You might be able to go to a gym elsewhere that is cheaper or more convienent but the additional cost when you are already paying for (part of) membership of university gyms.

Support networks I agree with, particularly academic, since there isn't equivalent servies available to students (at least not affordable to the vast majority).

 

[Generator]

But there is limited freedom of association when you are forced to pay.

No, because you wouldn't be paying to associate with a student union.

Edit: My primary concerns are similar to walrusbear's, but I can see no real reason to exclude sporting facilities from the general equation.

Meanwhile... Students storm ALP office over VSU, [WA] Students rally against VSU

 

[leetom]

The Australian has called the ALP's move a 'backflip', which is a bit rich.

The Opposition moves to compromise and negotiate with the Government, and it gets labelled the negativly charged term of 'backflip'.

The forty who have barricaded themselves in the Victorian HQ probably arn't even members, more likely Socialist Alliance. They are being unreasonable, adhering to strict USU as it stands is just as childish as vehement support for VSU.

The clear solution is Union reform, which will be achieved through making Union funding of political activity voluntary, while charging compulsory fees for the more societally and culturally essential services.

The ALP deserves praise for its sensible stance. Such a stance will blunten the rhetoric of Nelson and provide a more realistic solution at the same time.

 

[Phanatical]

Yep, I completely agree. It's better than nothing, as far as we should be concerned.

 

[walrusbear]

i missed the Day of Action yesterday
what happened? any reportage at all?

 

[Phanatical]

The Sydney protest was about 300 people. I guess most protesters were smart enough not to make the 45 minute trek all the way down to Williams Street and the Liberal Party HQ. There weren't any reports of violence, but there were a lot of pretty horses. This time, they gave out thousands of helium-filled balloons, that were to be simultaneously released upon arriving at the Liberal HQ. I think it was this act that really annoyed me, since those balloons have to come down somewhere. Environmentally friendly, my commie ass.

 

[SashatheMan]

The Sydney protest was about 300 people. I guess most protesters were smart enough not to make the 45 minute trek all the way down to Williams Street and the Liberal Party HQ. There weren't any reports of violence, but there were a lot of pretty horses. This time, they gave out thousands of helium-filled balloons, that were to be simultaneously released upon arriving at the Liberal HQ. I think it was this act that really annoyed me, since those balloons have to come down somewhere. Environmentally friendly, my commie ass.

balloons fly of u space u idiot. gosh.!

 

[Generator]

Campus passion still flares

"Write if you can … ," Farrago's 1925 editorial continued. "And if you can neither write nor criticise, read it ( Farrago) talk about it, abuse it if you will, but don't be apathetic." Today's editors ask the same.

 

[Generator]

Life a barren stage for students under Howard's decrees

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The ALP should be introducing its amendment to the VSU legislation this week (well, they said that it would be ready by the next parliamentary sitting, anyway).

 

[walrusbear]

Life a barren stage for students under Howard's decrees

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The ALP should be introducing its amendment to the VSU legislation this week (well, they said that it would be ready by the next parliamentary sitting, anyway).

i don't have strong hopes for it
i bet they offer a weak as piss solution

he puts it well here:

The confessed aim is to bleed money from student politics. Though vengeful in its own right, what puts "voluntary student unionism" beyond the comprehension of just about anyone outside think-tank land is the Howard Government's indifference to the collateral damage to university life across the country.

 

[Generator]

Expect the sporting fields to be protected, though. Advocacy and cultural/social activities aren't that important (unless they are of the sporting variety), after all.

I'm not expecting a great deal from the ALP, but here's to their amendment being more of an effective compromise than a sellout.

 

[j_hakka_v2]

All of you should be made to pay for what you use. If you can't afford that, then take up part-time study, get a job (Oh no...a bit of hard work), and get on with life. Why should some bestial student who engages in silly political protests have to be subsidised by the studious student.

 

[Generator]

All of you should be made to pay for what you use. If you can't afford that, then take up part-time study, get a job (Oh no...a bit of hard work), and get on with life. Why should some bestial student who engages in silly political protests have to be subsidised by the studious student.

Read through the thread and then, if possible, try and not simplify the issue when you next reply (or just refer to walrusbear's last post for a rebuttal).

 

[j_hakka_v2]

Read through the thread and then, if possible, try and not simplify the issue when you next reply (or just refer to walrusbear's last post for a rebuttal).

Pardon my suffering from aprosexia in a thread that exceeds 25 pages.

 

[Riewe]

Expect the sporting fields to be protected, though. Advocacy and cultural/social activities aren't that important (unless they are of the sporting variety), after all.

Considering Australia is a sporting nation, with its athletes held in higher esteem than most, i would hope that uni sport is protected. I wouldn't mind paying uni fees next year if it meant the sport stayed and politics left. That way, we all win.