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PSA supports students’ rally against VSM
28 September 2011
PSA supports students’ rally against voluntary student membership bill
The PSA, the country’s biggest union, is supporting student opposition to the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill to end universal membership of students’ associations and will be taking part in today’s rally.
“The existing legislation is both flexible and inclusive and allows students to decide themselves on whether their association is voluntary or compulsory,” says Acting National Secretary Jeff Osborne.
“There is no need for this legislation. Its likely outcome is a loss of student services in the areas of welfare, academic advocacy, counselling as well as financial and legal assistance.
“Social events, clubs, sports and recreational facilities – the things that bring richness to the student experience - could all be lost.
“It’s a blatant attempt to undermine an independent student voice in election year. Why is the Government attacking democratic institutions when there are a great many more serious issues that need to be addressed?,” says Jeff Osborne.
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