[Greens-Media] Media release: Siewert joins students against VSU

[Ludlam, Scott (Sen R. Siewert)]

Siewert joins students against VSU

25 August 2005

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert today joins students from across the state
at 12:30pm at a rally at WA State Parliament in a National Day of action
against upcoming legislation on Voluntary Student Unionism.

"The introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism as suggested by the
Liberal government is going to not only decimate any healthy debate on
current government policies by destroying guilds and 'political' student
associations but is going to damage far more facilities and services,"
said Ms Siewert.

"The real losers are going to be non-political services - and the
students who rely on them.  It is particularly ironic that casual
workers, young people and women who will be worse off under proposed
Industrial Relation 'deforms' will also face a reduction in services and
amenities that would support their student life.

"Services such as childcare, security, legal and advocacy services,
womens and queer support services could all potentially be compromised -
and these services are vital in providing the support that enables
students to continue their education.  With the highest drop-out rate
from university in the first year, it has been shown that involvement in
activities and student associations increases the retention rate of
students.  This is the guilds role and it is vital to allowing
accessible education to as many people as possible.

"This is of course relevant particularly in regional communities who
will see loss of sporting and community facilities which will contribute
to our ongoing rural decline - if Coalition Senators genuinely care
about their constituents they need to fight harder to make sure services
are retained.  If they care about employment and vibrant communities
they might want to consider the 7000 people who work in student
organisations - how many of them might lose their jobs?" stated Senator
Siewert. 
 
For more information call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025