[Greens-Media] Student democracy just as important as rugby matches

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

24.08.05

Student democracy just as important as rugby matches


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today urged parliamentarians concerned about
the future of university education in Australia to recognise that
funding democratic student control over student services is as important
as funding university rugby clubs.

"The Greens support a compulsory student services fee that funds student
representation as well as sporting and cultural services," Senator
Nettle said.

"Students use the services they pay for and must be able to have a say
in how these services are run. The representation of students on
university bodies must also be protected. 

"The Greens are yet to see the Opposition's proposed amendments to the
government's anti-student services bill but we are concerned about what
'political' activities would not be supported. The Greens do not want to
see the principle of student representation undermined.

"Any changes to the way student associations are run must not remove the
capacity for students to hold elections for democratic control of their
services.

"The government is quite happy for parliaments and elections to be
publicly funded, and should also support the funding of student
democracy.

"The Greens support expanding the involvement of students in the
management of the education and services they are paying for."


Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146