HIGHER ED RALLY! - Melbourne Thur 21 Aug
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) is holding a rally, coinciding with the ACTU Congress, to demand a fair and accessible higher education system for all.
When? ... 1PM, THU 21 AUG
Where? ... BATMAN PARK, Spencer St, on the Yarra Melways map ref 2F, B8
SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR, UNIONS & PROMINENT AUSTRALIANS.
Ensure that all Australians have a chance to attend university based on
ability, rather than ability to pay.
On Thursday 21st August,
Demand a Fair and Accessible Higher Education System!
The Federal Government's planned reforms for higher education represent the biggest shake up for universities in over a decade. They will:
- Significantly increase the cost of higher education for students and their families, including allowing universities to increase current fees and offer more fee places. This will see a large increase in student debt.
- Limit students access to public subsidised higher education to 5 years.
- Undermine the industrial rights of university staff, by making increases in funding to universities conditional on the introduction of Australian Workplace Agreements.
- Prohibit universal student union membership.
- Amend the Workplace Relations Act to curb the ability of employees in higher education to take industrial action in bargaining.
These changes threaten not just those currently attending university but anyone who wants
a higher education qualification for themselves or their children.
The
Government's plans to increase university fees could see you or your child's first degree
become your second mortgage.
You can voice your concerns in a number of ways:
- Send a letter to your local Member of Parliament and your State of Territory Senator, telling them that you disagree with the Government's proposals
- Contact talkback radio, and write letters to newspapers
- If you work at a university, talk to your colleagues and management about how the changes will affect staff and students.
- Sign one of the submissions to be sent to the Senate. Click here for access to the online petition
- Raise your concerns in parents groups and other community forums you are involved in.
- Get involved in the Public Education Network or Tertiary Education Alliance operating in your State or Territory. Click here for contact details
- Resource Materials and further information can be found here and at www.unistudent.com