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Voluntary Student Unionism
What is Voluntary Student Unionism?In 2005 the Howard Government introduced a bill which prevented Universities from collecting a compulsory Amenities & Services Fee and having a compulsory Student Union. In WA Student Unionism was already completely voluntary, the only change for student organisations was that our funding was cut down to less than 25% of what it had been in previous years.
As a result of this, the Guild has lost a lot of services, support and space for students at ECU. Since the introduction of VSU the ECU Student Guild has lost:
• Harambee Student Publication
• Free Guild Legal Service
• Guild Tenancy Advice Service
• Guild Funded Careers Officer
• Guild Shop (Heavily discounted books, stationary, food & etc)
• Student Accommodation Support
• Student Common Rooms and Spaces
• Events, Clubs and Activities Funding
• Equity Rooms
If VSU was repealed, the Guild could achieve some of the following aims:
• Take over the Cafeterias - provide cheap quality food
• Provide an Accommodation Service
• Provide Book Vouchers to reduce the cost of textbooks
• Provide a Free Legal Service to Students
• Provide more Bands, Events & Engagement Opportunities
• Open a new Guild Shop
The 2008 Rudd Government has identified that student services have lost a total of over $160 million dollars of funding across Australia, resulting in devastating cuts to services and support for students at University. ECU in particular suffers a very high student dropout rate because students don't have the support they need at University.
Minister for Education Julia Gillard and Minister for Youth Kate Ellis are now conducting an enquiry into VSU and ways of supporting struggling student services, support and activities at University. Show your support by filling out a postcard petition at your local Guild Office or Activist Space, or email evp@ecuguild.org.au to find out ways you can get involved in the campaign.
STAND UP AND BE HEARD!