Queensland Nationals add their voice to concerns over VSU Bill

At their State Conference last weekend, the Queensland Nationals joined their colleagues in Victoria and NSW in expressing concern over the ramifications of the Higher Education Support Amendment [Abolition of Compulsory Up-front Student Union Fees] Bill 2005.

"Clearly, the Government has failed to allay community fears about the impact on welfare services, academic advocacy, orientation programs, sporting clubs, pastoral care, and support for international students", said CAPA President Stephen Horton.

"The dramatic loss of funding arising from this legislation will mean the annihilation of these services on which students, and the $7.5 billion Australian education export industry, depend. "

In the face of the clearly articulated concerns of the Victorian, NSW and Queensland Nationals State Conferences as well as concerns from many Liberal Party members, the Federal Government would be wise to step back from the ideologically driven position of non- negotiation", continued Mr Horton.

CAPA calls on the National Senators, to adhere to the resolutions of their State Conferences, and vote against the legislation in its current form.