Nelson VSU legislation amended by stealth

The Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment Bill 2005 will enable universities to continue to charge international students for the provision of crucial support services as required under the National Code of Practice, regardless of whether the Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Up-front Union Fees) Bill 2005 is passed.

This ESOS amendment will exempt universities who must comply with the National Code from the penalty provisions of the VSU legislation also before parliament.

"In effect the ESOS amendment constitutes a modification of the VSU legislation because, if both are passed, universities will only be prevented from charging local students a compulsory services fee," said CAPA President Stephen Horton.

"The ESOS amendment recognises that international students need support services such as orientation and advocacy. It also recognises that these services, many of which are provided by student organisations, are under threat with the current VSU Bill. Why is Minister Nelson prepared to deny domestic students the same levels of support?"

"International students certainly have particular needs, and CAPA has been at the forefront of defending international student rights, but all students deserve a robust and caring university experience. All students deserve a say in how their support services are provided. The future for local students and regional campuses still remains in doubt. This is yet another example of the poorly thought out nature of Minister Nelson's VSU agenda."

CAPA reiterates its call for a rejection of the VSU legislation, making the ESOS amendment unnecessary.