Nelson's VSU Bill - Dire Consequences for Australian Universities

Despite opposition from all major stakeholder groups in the higher education sector, the government have tabled their Abolition of Compulsory Up-Front Student Union Fees Bill 2005. The entire sector are dissatisfied with the Government's proposed legislation from Vice Chancellors right through to students.

"There has been absolutely no consultation with any stakeholders in the higher education sector. Additionally, there has been no examination of the potential negative impacts this Bill could bring should it be passed in its current form. It is merely ideological posturing by the government without any thought of the consequences," said CAPA President Stephen Horton.

The experience of similar legislation in Western Australia demonstrated that under this model a wide variety of support services offered by student organisations diminished or in some cases vanished altogether. "How can Australian universities remain competitive internationally, when student welfare and support services are under threat of disappearing?" Mr Horton continued.

Student organisations provide assistance to many students who need it the most during the transition to university life. International students, whose enrolment numbers are already down at the vast majority of Australian universities, are major users of these services. "This Bill will exacerbate the problem at a time when universities, already strapped for funds, are financially reliant on this market", said Mr Horton.

"To claim that students could pay only for the services they want is absurd. For instance, the need for student advocacy services is only apparent when the student begins to experience problems. These services won't exist under the proposed legislation. This only leaves students the option of hiring a lawyer at a far greater price than the cost of student amenities fees".

"If the government is so concerned about the financial burden on students, perhaps a more practical approach would be to increase student income support and lower HECS fees", concluded Mr Horton.