Students to benefit nationally with passage of Student Services and Amenities Fee

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) was thrilled to mark the passage of the Student Services and Amenities Fee today, ensuring ongoing effective representation of students nationally.

“What the passage will result in is the revitalisation of student representation on campus, with the ability for organisations to reinstate services that had previously been cut due to lack of funds,” commented National President of CAPA, John Nowakowski. “The core services of advice and advocacy, representation, events, and communication are now able to be restored and maintained with more certainty around the ongoing financial support.”

CAPA thanks the Labor Government and members of the Greens for their support in preparing this legislation and recognising the importance of student services. “Students nationally will benefit, through the provision of resources that have been wanting since 2005,” continued John Nowakowski.

But some of the optimism was tempered with caution. “Whilst we note that the passage is beneficial, this is an important time for Universities and organisations to come together and work as partners. Student control of student affairs is essential, and the appropriate use of the resources provided under the SSAF must be assured. This legislation has provided student organisations with an historic opportunity, and it must not be wasted,” commented John Nowakowski.

CAPA expects to have robust further discussions over the following months with the affiliate members, culminating in the Annual Council Meeting on November 30 – December 1 at the University of Sydney.

Media contact – John Nowakowski, CAPA National President, president@capa.edu.au 0404 165 095