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Malaysian human rights expert to speak on VSU at International Forum

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) today announced that the Secretary-General of Malaysia's National Human Rights Society will head the list of internationally renown speakers at the upcoming 2nd Asia Pacific Postgraduate Forum (APPF), to be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 23rd to 26th.

Nelson's comments further proof of VSU fiasco

Ending weeks of speculation and a year of disruption to universities, Minister Nelson's comments in today's Age confirm that voluntary student unionism legislation is unlikely to be implemented before 2007.

The impending enrolments for the 2006 academic year, the conflict with the requirements of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act, the outcry from across the higher education sector, and the concerted efforts of many members of parliament and the Coalition have shown the recklessness of this legislation.

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.

VSU Senate Committee report confirms Government arrogance

The long awaited release of the Senate Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Committee report into the Provisions of the Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Up-front Union Fees) Bill 2005, confirms the sector belief that the Government is not interested in reasonable discussion of the legislation.

"Government members of this Committee have put ideology not only before reasoned argument, but also before the interests of students, their families, the higher education sector and the Australian economy", said CAPA President Stephen Horton.

Postgraduate students rally against VSU

Students and staff of postgraduate student organisations will today join other students and community members across the country in a National Day of Action opposing the Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Up-front Union Fees) Bill 2005.

"As Minister Nelson refuses to reach any compromises on amending the Bill, students are again uniting to defend their quality of education," said CAPA President Stephen Horton.

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.

CAPA concerned by Minister's ARC decision

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations is wary of the decision of the Minister for Education to abolish the Australian Research Council Board.

"Minister Nelson already has shown his willingness to use his powers under the Australian Research Council Act 2001 and reject peer approved research funding applications.

"Now, the peer review approval process for research funding is in greater jeopardy, because an important element of independent scrutiny has been removed," stated CAPA President Stephen Horton.

Stott Despoja's amendment offers tax relief for disadvantaged research students

The Australian Democrats' spokesperson for Higher Education, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja, has today introduced a Private Member's Bill to the Senate, which will extend tax exemption status to eligible part-time scholarships, including research scholarships.

"The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations has long been campaigning for the removal of this unjust imposition on the most disadvantaged of our research students. We are delighted that Senator Stott Despoja has introduced this amendment," announced CAPA President Stephen Horton.

CAPA calls for student solidarity with NTEU Day of Protest Action

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations expresses its support and solidarity with the National Day of Protest Action called on June 1 by the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU).

"It is in the interests of all groups in the sector to unite in the struggle against the concerted effort of this Government to erode the rights of students and staff alike. These attacks threaten the independence of universities to collect student services fees, fund student organisations and negotiate their own employment arrangements," said CAPA President Stephen Horton.

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.