Community Leaders Oppose VSU Legislation
28 June 1999
Thirty five prominent Australians have joined the debate over the Government’s \"Voluntary Student Unionism\" legislation, sponsoring a statement of opposition which will appear in \"The Australian\" today.
The group, which includes religious, community and union leaders as well as sporting identities, writers and entertainers, has called upon the Senate to reject the legislation, because of the negative impact it will have on universities and the community.
The National Tertiary Education Union which represents 25,000 staff in Australian universities is one of the sponsors of the statement. The NTEU has criticised the Bill as being ideologically based, and of no benefit to anyone.
NTEU Policy & Research Officer, Mr. Greg McConville, said that the Bill would have a devastating impact on employment and the economy, especially in regional areas.
\"If the Bill is passed, it will result in a loss of over 3000 jobs, 1000 of which would be in regional areas. Student organisations contribute over $150 million to the economy each year and provide essential services which would be lost in many areas of Australia.\"
\"It is shameful that the Government is proposing a change which would have such a massive effect on employment and services, with complete disdain for those who would lose their jobs and the communities that would lose services.\"
\"The legislation will result in a further drain on the finances of universities, if they are to continue to provide any comparable level of student services without student organisation fees.\" Mr. McConville concluded.
The Bill is likely to be before the Senate on Tuesday.