If your an australian student stand up for student unionism and stop *ANOTHER* mistake in the Federal Government's plans. I dont know how many times I've told people, howard government brings nothing but lies and deciet... and people *still* voted for that ass wipe...
The SU is an important part of any university, just because in Howard's days (how long ago was this? 50?) all they did was most likely smoke pot and socialise - hmmm howard or costello socialising... hard to think about that... - and the occasional rocking up to lectures and studying... atleast thats what George Bush Jnr did most of his time... It doesnt give the government any right to take away this generation's uni life and more importantly voice. Students in this day and age go through sooo omuch more crap - most of which is the federal government's problem in the first place - and we need people/orgnasations like the SUs to look after the students and give them a voice.
For example, when concession cards jumped to $70 something it was the SU that stood up for students and eventually got it back to less than the $10 we pay now. If we loose such people we're loosing our voice against the wider world.
Just got this email from our student union... Be there... or be square...
Dear valued members of the SSU,
You have probably heard by now about VSU / ASOL (Pronounced ***-Hole).
This legislation introduced by the Federal Government will as from January 01, 2006 shut down student organisations or significantly alter the services they offer. You have probably heard it all by now, however bluntly put, this will change the very way students experience their education whether you are doing Higher Education or TAFE.
A brief list of student services likely or definitely on the chopping board:
- Student Activities (Free Bands, BBQs, Food etc)
- Student Representation (Where we support you in case you fail a subject or think that you have been marked unfairly)
- Student Cafeterias (Student Budget Meals and discounted foods)
- Swinergy (Swinburne Sports: sold off or prices skyrocket)
- Student Funding for Clubs (Radio Station/Magazine/Religious & Social clubs etc) Standing Committees (SISA / SUPA)
- Student Advocacy (Those transport concession card prices didn't drop from $72 to $8 by accident!)
Tomorrow on the 28th of April, 2005 the Swinburne Student Union will be shutting its doors. The reason this is occurring is that the National Day of Action, called by the National Union of Students is tomorrow. Staff and Student Representatives from the Student Union will be marching in the city, as will thousands and thousands of students from all over Australia. We will be rallying to show our vocal opposition to the federal government and their disgraceful legislation that will affect our way of life.
This is one of the many activities that will be carrying out to try to stop this legislation from going through. We need only 2 senators in the Senate in August to not vote for this legislation and we will have won the battle. The more pressure we can put on these people to represent what the majority of students think - the greater chance we can continue to run student organisations effectively. Additionally, the day the government represents what the majority of students think - will also be a victory for democracy.
This is your chance to make a difference and I applaud you to come tomorrow to the rally. Even Swinburne management are in support of this. There is going to be big music festival as well, with bands, comedians and thousands of students from all over Victoria who think just like you.
"How can I go?"
Hawthorn Students: Under the Sails, 12:00pm (Leaving 1pm), Thursday - 28th - Contact Vicky on 9214 5917
Pharan Students: Outside PK Cafeteria, 12:00pm (Leaving 1pm), Thursday - 28th - Contact Kirk on 9214 6692
All other students: State Library - Swanston Street, Melbourne Central Train Station at 2pm.