Parramatta Candidates Called to Account on Higher Education Policy
Union Campaign in Federal Election Commences with Election Forum in Marginal Seat
University staff and students will demand answers from candidates vying for the seat of Parramatta at a Public Forum tonight.
The Parramatta electorate, held by the Liberal’s Ross Cameron by a margin of just 1.2 percent, is one of the most marginal in the country and will be crucial in deciding the fate of the Howard Government.
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), representing almost 1000 staff of the University of Western Sydney and 28 000 across the country, said the forum will give voters the opportunity to scrutinise the Coalition Government’s record on higher education and clearly see what differences lie in education policies
“Voters in Parramatta electorate have a big responsibility” said Mike Donaldson, State Secretary of the NTEU.
“It is important for people to make themselves aware of what is offered by the Parties and what the election result might mean for future opportunities for people in Western Sydney” he said.
The NTEU, which represents academic and general staff at Universities, has joined with the National Union of Students, the NSW Teachers’ Federation, the Community and Public Sector Union and the Parents and Citizens Association to form the Tertiary Education Alliance which is hosting tonight’s forum.
Election 2004 – the Future of Tertiary Education in Western Sydney
A Public Forum presented by the Tertiary Education Alliance
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Julie Owens
Andrew Bartlett |
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Ross Cameron
Kerry Nettle |
Thursday, 10 June; 6-7pm, Parramatta Town Hall, Church Street
Mall, Parramatta
Contact: Mike Donaldson, NTEU State Secretary, (02) 9212 5433 or 0419 295 077