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At the last University Council meeting in August, the University voted to continue to recognise WUSA as the undergraduate student representative body. Recommendations were put forward that if implemented will strengthen student representation.

 
From here, WUSA will now begin negotiations with UOW for case-by-case funding. WUSA has already gained UOW support to have election costs of  $20,000 covered to ensure that all undergraduates have the opportunity to vote. Now WUSA hopes to see improved financial support similar to other Universities across the country.

Jewel Topsfield
Age, November 2, 2007

MORE than 1000 jobs have been slashed at universities, hundreds of
student services have shut down and sporting club membership has
dropped by almost 20 per cent following the Federal Government's ban
on compulsory union fees.

A report on the impact of voluntary student unionism also accuses the
Government of using the $40 million a year transition fund - to help
universities cope with the loss of fees - as a pork barrel in
Coalition electorates.

"Campuses in Coalition-held seats received in total more than twice
the funding Š compared to the campuses in Opposition-held seats,"
said the report by Australian University Sport and the Australasian
Campus Union Managers Association.

Designed to depoliticise service delivery on campus, the voluntary
student unionism laws banned universities from collecting $179
million a year in compulsory union fees. These were used for services

The Australian: Brendan O'Keefe | November 01, 2007

HECS increases in the past two years have eaten away any extra money
students had in their pockets since voluntary unionism made service
fees non-compulsory. A report on the impact of VSU by Australian University Sport and the
Australasian Campus Union Managers Association said many domestic,
full-time, undergraduate students were worse off because of the
legislation.

The report says: "For students subject to HECS fees and who first
enrolled in 2005 or subsequently, the level of increase in HECS fees
in real terms relative to the 2004 year - and even after taking
account of the increased repayment threshold - has on average
significantly more than consumed any economic benefits gained from no
longer being required to pay compulsory amenities and services fees."

HECS increases had increased students' future debts and way beyond
the $300 to $400 they saved on amenities fees. And as student unions

University of Wollongong staff unions - the NTEU and CPSU - are hosting a “Politics in the Pub: Meet the Candidates” forum in the Unibar on Thursday, 8th November at 5.30 pm. Candidates will discuss their key issues and will declare where they stand on industrial relations and higher education. The forum will finish with questions from the audience. All declared candidates (as at 25 October) have been invited to participate:
Sharon Bird - Australian Labor Party
John Derbridge - Christian Democratic Party
Colin Fowler - Liberal Party
Jess Moore - Socialist Alliance
Michael Organ - Greens
ALL STAFF, STUDENTS AND INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME

Your students' association is under threat from Gerard Sutton (VC) and Chris Grange (VP). They are threatening to tear down the existing representative organisations and replace them with a model that they develop.

Demand this pair keep their hands off WUSA and WUPA. Read our submission to the University Council. For more information visit your rights at uni or contact your student association on (02) 4221 4201 or info@wusa.uow.edu.au.

Sign the petition in support of WUSA & WUPA's independence!