[Greens-Media] O'Farrell's St John's College law misses the mark

[John Kaye]

O'Farrell's St John's College law misses the mark 
 
Media release: 21 November 2012 
 
The O'Farrell government's bill to amend the Saint John's College Act will not stop the culture of unacceptable behaviour, Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said: "This legislation does nothing but restart the council of the college, with all the appointments to be made by Cardinal George Pell.
 
"There is no attempt to address the sense of entitlement and arrogance that has led to a culture of harassment, vandalism and intimidation.
 
"Premier Barry O'Farrell government is ignoring community outrage and allowing the powerful St John's college alumni to perpetuate their privilege and appalling behaviour. 
 
"While sweeping changes are needed, this bill merely tinkers with the edges.
 
"Handing over the power to appoint members of the council to Cardinal Pell will not solve the serious problems being experienced by students at St John's. 
 
"These matters are too serious and too engrained to simply pass the governance powers to the Archbishop. 
 
"The university must be able to take action against the perpetrators, and to require college staff and students to undertake appropriate training.
 
"Assistance must be provided by the university to those who are suffering from harassment and bullying.  
 
"The majority of university students struggle to find affordable housing and meet their basic living costs, while an elite abuse their privilege.
 
"The purpose of on-campus accommodation should be to provide students with a convenient, affordable place to live and study in a safe environment, free from the threat of humiliation.  
 
"St John's clearly does not serve this purpose. 
 
"This bill runs cover for Barry O'Farrell. He can say he has responded to community concerns while not offending the Cardinal or the elitist group of former residents and parents who have rushed to protect their institutionalised privilege. 
 
"The culture of degrading rituals and bullying must come to an end. This bill falls far short.
 
"Those students who continue to experience harassment and bullying at St John's College have been deserted by the O'Farrell government's weak legislation," said Dr Kaye.
 
For more information:       John Kaye 0407 195 455