Voluntary Student Unionism Legislation

Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities, and Other Measures) Bill 2009

ACUNSA has sent a number of letters to Senator Barnaby Joyce (Nationals) and Senator Steve Fielding (Family First), urging them to consider voting for the proposed amendments that would see greater support given to Australian university students.

If you agree with the proposed amendments, we urge you to act now in ensuring that these measures are passed and come into effect! To read more on the issue, continue reading below.

What is Voluntary Student Unionism? 

As a result of Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) Legislation, introduced by the Howard Government in 2006, your Student Associations and the University have suffered dramatic decreases in funding which in turn has meant that many services have had to be reduced, discontinued or funding redirected to them from areas such as teaching and research.

 

Over the past few years, as a direct result of the legislation, the Student Associations capacity to provide students with a quality student life and wide range of services has diminished. Prior to 2006, each student payed a compulsory student amenities fee to the university at the start of each semester. This fee was used to fund essential student services and also the Student Associations. All six of the Student Associations are incorporated organisations, meaning that they fall within the universities structure. This means that although we have a representative function, we are not - like many other student organisations - independent unions.

A percentage of the money levied was given to Student Associations to fund and subsidise services and events that were put on by each association. This meant that all money levied from students was in turn put back into student activities and services.

 

However, since mid-2006 with the introduction of the Howard Government's Voluntary Student Unionism Legislation, students have not paid any fees to the University. This has meant a dramatic loss in funding to both university operated student services and also to the Student Associations. As a result. this has meant a rise in the costs associated with Student Life activities.

 

This Amendment, being voted on in Senate in the coming months, will restore the University's and Student Associations full capacity to provide greater quality services to all ACU National Students.

 

Key discussion points

• Universities can only use the student fee (capped at $250) to restore basic, necessary and important services and amenities to students and it does not allow a return to compulsory student unionism
• Unlike in previous years, students will pay the services fee when they pay their HECS after their degree.
• The legislation will set national benchmarks that require all universities to provide information on, and access to, a range of basic support services, including health, welfare and financial services, ensuring a high level of support is being made for our students
• This is a practical and sustainable approach to ensuring continued, affordable support for Australia's university students.

To read more about the Proposed amendments to Legislation please visit: http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/higher_education/policy_issues_reviews/key_issues/VSU

There are a number of ways you can support our campaign to amend VSU Legislation:

1. Sign the 'Getup!' Petitition on VSU Amendment Legislation at http://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/campaign.php?alias=SupportStudentServices&id=549

2. Write directly to one or all of the following Senators:

   •  Senator Steve Fielding (Family First)

   • Senator Nick Zenaphon (independent)

   • Senator Barnaby Joyce (Nationals)

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