CAPA applauds Tony Windsor's VSU initiative

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations applauds the initiative of the Federal member for New England, Tony Windsor, in proposing amendments to the Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Up-front Student Union Fees) Bill 2005.

"Student organisations provide accommodation, financial assistance, sporting facilities, social clubs and activities, academic services, cultural and artistic support and pastoral care. The effects on students should these services cease to exist will be devastating," said CAPA President Stephen Horton.

"It is ironic that the way the Bill currently stands, political activism which requires little in the way of resources will be the only thing to remain, while the central services provision of student organisations will be destroyed. The proposed amendments attempt to offer some protection to these essential services," continued Mr Horton.

"Mr Windsor has called for those affected by the Bill to provide feedback on the efficacy of the draft amendments. This approach is in stark contrast to the position of the Government which has thus far not engaged in any negotiation, despite widely expressed sector concern."

"Mr Windsor has recognised the devastating consequences to Australian universities and students if this Bill is passed in its current format and his request for feedback is particularly welcome. Mr Windsor is to be congratulated on his initiative," concluded Mr Horton.