V.S.U. – 6 Quick Facts:

It’s not about choice, it’s about silence.

It’s not about freedom, it’s about government control.

It’s not about saving money, It’s about destroying uni life.

1. “Voluntary Student Unionism”

Deceptive name given to Anti-Student Organisation Legislation (ASOL). Attempts to make union membership on an opt-in basis, in order to silence the voice, and limit the rights of students.

2. Not the first attempt…

Student Associations (SAs) speak out against the government (for peace, women’s rights, fair education etc). Conservative forces have tried to silence SAs for the last 30 yrs. The Liberals are now taking advantage of senate control to attempt to silence dissent and continue to deregulate education – plans that have been in the pipeline since the mid 1970’s.

3. But the most recent attempt…

In a long line of attacks on higher education: HECS increases, user-pays preference, abolition of subsidies and so on. ASOL, if passed, will pave the way for even more destructive ‘reforms’. Brendan Nelson (Minister for Education) introduced the Bill on 16 March 2005. It now needs to go through 2 readings in the lower house, then put to the senate. This is expected to happen in August (when the new senate sits). 

4. Destruction of Uni life

ASOL will make it unlawful for uni’s to levy students for anything that is not directly related to their study. This covers several aspects: services (gym, bookshop, counselling, food, entertainment, childcare); representation (your SA which represent and defend your rights, lobby the government, and support students); and culture (funding for clubs, live music, cultural events & activities). Under ASOL these services will be unavailable, weakened or more expensive.

5. Freedom?

Nelson plugs ASOL as giving students ‘freedom’ to choose whether they join their union. This is a complete contradiction of the reality of ASOL. Rather than limiting freedom, universal membership for SAs is necessary for students to have their rights protected and thus to enjoy any meaningful “freedom”. Without strong SAs students can expect higher fees, less support, more funding cuts, and will have little recourse for unfair treatment. Despite this, students already have the choice to “opt-out” of joining their union.

6. Saving money?

Just as tax cuts coincided with decreased funding for public services, ASOL will coincide with the destruction of student services and rights that are beyond their dollar value. The $351 you may save each year in fees will in no way compensate for everything we stand to lose under ASOL.