DEMAND A BETTER FUTURE - WHY I THINK YOU SHOULD GET INVOLVED IN YOUR NATIONAL UNION

Whether you are a incoming student starting this March, or a second, third, or eighth year student continuing with your degree, you might be aware of the National Union of Students (NUS), and the work it does lobbying the Federal Government on behalf of over 1 million students across Australia for accessible education and fair income support payments.

Student activists engaging in a presentation at Presidents Summit

Last week, the Executive of the University of Sydney Union Board of Directors attended NUS’ annual President’s Summit, held in Host Co’s recently refurbished Holme Sutherland Room. The summit was an opportunity for campus Presidents, General Secretaries, and Treasurers of affiliate student organisations to gather and discuss their campus, the student movement, and receive updates on the proposed initiatives of each of the National Office Bearers. While the USU does not affiliate to NUS, we have sought to engage with the national union both because of our constitutional commitment to Universal Student Unionism and the campaigns NUS has run to defend the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), but also because we have recently adopted recommendations made by the NUS Queer Department campaign "I'm Here to Pee" by installing a gender neutral bathroom in the Holme Building.

Around 60 student activists attended the summit from across Australia, some coming from as far as WA, or from regional campuses like the University of Newcastle. During the course of the summit there were also workshops run by autonomous Office Bearers – I personally found the workshop run by the National Disabilities Officer eye opening as it forced me to think more about invisible illnesses that can make being a student even more difficult. However, what remained at the core of the summit were the reports and workshops run by both the National Education Officer and the National Welfare Officer.

The National Welfare OB telling it like it is

Last year, after the release of the Federal Budget, NUS ran one of the most successful education campaigns ever in Australia – uniting thousands of students in protest against the Federal Liberal Government’s proposed cuts to education, and income support payments such as Youth Allowance and Newstart. It was this campaign, the lobbying done in Senate Committees by NUS, and the involvement of so many students from diverse backgrounds, courses and universities that the introduction of fee deregulation has been held off.

If implemented, fee deregulation would mean universities across the nation would be faced with a massive reduction in funding from the Federal Government, and be forced to find sources of income elsewhere. The rhetoric from the Government suggests that this would enable competition based on quality and innovation, for the benefit of students. However, what it actually does is leave universities the ability to charge whatever they wish for the courses they offer for the first time since the 1970s, with estimates suggesting some degrees could go up to $100,000. This would create astronomical debt for graduates.

Call to action to email Senator Muir

Last year’s victory however is not concrete. Student activists across the nation know that at any moment this damaging policy could be proposed again, and could get implemented if support for the reform builds. This will reduce the accessibility of tertiary education for many young people, especially those from low-socio economic backgrounds. We’ve reached a critical juncture in higher education; with uncertainty around funding sources, fees, and the availability of income support. We require an active national student union more than ever. Without a union, a whole generation of young people might be forced to rule out going to university.  

Last week the discussion around fee deregulation picked up again when the ABC reported cross-bench Senator Ricky Muir had announced he would consider plans to deregulate university fees after receiving a call from Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s Office, full article here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-28/senator-ricky-muir-remains-open-to-deregulating-university-fees/6050404

Those attending President Summit wrote emails to Senator Muir asking him not to support the deregulation of university fees, and within a few hours his position changed, with a statement on Facebook that he had “listened to the people of Victoria and Australia" and "decided that if deregulation is the only option for university reform then it should be taken to the election.” 

Full article here: http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/senator-ricky-muir-reveals-new-position-on-abbott-governments-university-reforms-20150128-12zwbw.html

The gender pay-gap will impact HECS debts

You may have also come across the hashtag #hackthefees whilst scrolling through Twitter over the past couple of days, which was used during two online actions run during Triple J’s radio program, the Hack. The purpose was for student leaders and activists to inform Nick Xenophon and Christopher Pyne of the damaging impact of deregulating university fees whilst they were both on air. Summit attendees rallied together and were tweeting like mad, which lead to many students not at the summit joining in. 

Small actions like these can make a difference, but is simply not enough. It is not enough to just have a few rallies and campaigns, here and there, what we need is a national union that not only protests the Federal Government’s attacks on students and young people, but one that is active in the conversations the around the future of higher education in Australia.

Joining in on the online twitter protest

Presidents Summit is a small part of this, designed to engage campus student leaders in campaigns and organising to fight against damaging attacks on our education. At the summit, the Education campaign for 2015 was discussed extensively.

Over the next year, NUS has a plan to organise students to:

• Ensure the Higher Education and Research Reform Amendment Bill is blocked in the Senate and the Federal Liberal Government abandons it’s plans

• Demand Vice-Chancellor’s and University administrations stop selling out students, and oppose these unfair reforms

• Work with community groups and key sector bodies to plan for a fairer higher education sector

Now more than ever it is important that we DEMAND A BETTER FUTURE. This is where YOU come in. To win this battle, NUS is going beyond the traditional rallies, protests, summits of campus Presidents, and National Days of Action. This year the Education Department is seeking students new and old to share their stories and views on the proposed changes to higher education. You do not have to be a seasoned activist, heavily engaged in education campaigns, or even hold a position on your campus. 

Campus activists stand united against increased fees at the summit

Why? Because the “campaign is about all students and members taking the lead. We know that conservatives like to take aim at campaigns by saying unions are unrepresentative and ideological. By sharing their stories, students are showing that deregulation is truly an unpopular policy in our community. We also know that real student stories are more powerful than any facts or figures” according to Hannah Smith. Responses will be compiled and presented in meetings with key politicians and policy makers, with an opportunity for students to accompany education activists to such meetings – this will be determined on a case by case basis, and when strategically appropriate.

If you are interested in being involved, answer the following questions, and send your responses to Hannah Smith at education@nus.asn.au

NUS is asking for YOU to build its message

Your name:
Degree:

University:

Residential postcode:
Background/Story:

What does education mean to you?
How do the proposed higher education changes make you feel?

How would you be willing to share your story?

You can also attend the National Day of Action on March 25^th - but we will remind you closer to the event I'm sure. For more information click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1411912355766655/?fref=ts

The student movement needs a united union and engaged students, will you join the fight?

In Unity,

ROBBY MAGYAR
HONORARY TREASURER

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY FOR THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FREEDOM RIDES TOUR (BUT WERE TOO AFRAID TO ASK)

Background

The Freedom Rides are an oft celebrated moment within USYD's history.

They are celebrated because a group called Student Action For Aborigines decided to draw attention to the severe discrimination facing Indigenous Australians in Rural Communities. SAFA was notably founded somewhere in the vicinity of the Quad’s Jacaranda. 

SAFA members included:

• Charles Perkins (President, Arrente Man and Activist)
• Ann Curthoys (Historian at Sydney University)
• Jim Spiegelman (see: Spiegelman CJ)
• Dace Cassidy (reporter for the ABC) 

The 50th Anniversary of the freedom rides is an opportunity to recreate SAFA’s journey. The journey will be stopping at Dubbo, Moree, Walgett and Kempsey, just as was done half a century ago.

50th Anniversary’s Current Significance

That issues facing first nations people should be at the forefront of our University’s consciousness goes without saying, however too often this commitment remains largely academic. 

Union Policy goes further than most organisations in:

"recognising that the land belonging to (the Cadigal people of the Eora nation)  was never ceded, given up, bought, or sold.”

However, as an organisation we still have a long way to go in facilitating Indigenous participation, leadership, accessibility and support in our organisation's supremely white-anglo history. 

Why YOU should Apply

• Because all you need is the ability to listen. Hence encompassing literally all of you. 
• Because you are a USYD Student
• Because it would be sick! 

If you have taken anything from the above let it be that listening is important, particularly when the voice you are listening to is one that can teach you about some of the lesser heard histories of this nation. You’re a University student after all right?

You literally have until 5pm Friday. All registration details are available on the SRC's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/usydsrc) with an explanation of the Freedom Ride's importance written by current SRC President Kyol Blakeney.

Bebe speaking about the Freedom Rides at a Panel at Manning in 2013

BEBE D'SOUZA
VICE PRESIDENT - ETHNO-CULTURAL PORTFOLIO HOLDER

EXPULSION OF A UNION MEMBER

EDIT: The Board unanimously moved all recommendations discussed in this post on 31 October 2014. However, due to incorrect notice provided by the President, the two expulsion motions were rescinded and later re-moved on 28 November 2014.

At the Meeting of the Board of Directors on 28 November 2014, the Board unanimously resolved to expel a Union member for the first time in recent memory.

Context

On October 14, it was reported in Honi Soit that a current Union member had had nude photos disseminated throughout the University community by Alexander Wright (AID: 728288). This was a series of actions that Mr Wright had admitted to both the survivor and her family. She has suffered in public spaces and amongst Union members and events in ways that have been devastating for her welfare. On October 16, Mr Wright then attended a Union event alongside the survivor. Following concerns and reports of intimidation of both the survivor and other Union members, he was requested to exit the venue by Staff.

The conversations that ensued raised questions of the extent to which, by remaining silent, the Union was abrogating its constitutional responsibilities to provide and maintain safe spaces. We are bound to work "at all times towards creating an environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment,” and this is a commitment that must extend as much as possible beyond autonomous spaces and events.

Given that, the Board unanimously resolved the following on 31 October:

Recommendation 1: That the Board voice its commitment to maintaining environments that are safe and free from harassment.

Following their rescission due to the abovementioned procedural error, the following recommendations were unanimously approved on 28 November:

Recommendation 2: That, pursuant to section 9.2(f)(ii) of the USU Constitution, the Board expel Alexander Wright (AID: 728288) from Membership of the USU.

Recommendation 3: Following Recommendation 2, and pursuant to section 9.2(f)(iii), that the Board debar Alexander Wright (AID: 728288) from exercising the rights of Membership until it resolve otherwise.

Procedure

As noted, Recommendations Two and Three were moved according to the following sections of the USU Constitution:

9.2(f) Should any Member neglect to pay any sum to the USU or in the opinion of the Board be guilty of misconduct, the Board may:

(i) take legal action;
(ii) expel such Member from Membership of the USU; or
(iii) debar such Member from exercising the rights of Membership for such time as it thinks fit provided that:

A. such Member of Members shall have the right to an appeal to the University;
B. the Board may not delegate its authority in such a matter;
C. such Member shall be informed of the matters to be raised against that Member;
D. such Member shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard but shall not be represented before a decision is made.

Recommendations Two and Three were moved under an interpretation of the text that subsections (ii) and (iii) were not mutually exclusive. Moreover, the absence of a definition of expulsion was found to require a time period, provided in Recommendation Three.

One week prior to the Meeting, Mr Wright was given notice due under s 9.2(f)(iii)(C), and was offered the opportunity to speak to the Recommendations under s 9.2(f)(iii)(D). He retains the right to appeal to the University Senate under s 9.2(f)(iii)(A).

Towards a safe campus community

These resolutions stand as a crucial reinforcement of the Board’s commitment to protecting the safety and welfare of its Members. Where Members have their welfare jeopardised, it is the duty of the Union to ensure that this is not perpetuated or worsened in its own spheres. We should actively enter debate and tirelessly pursue the avenues available to us to uphold the values we are bound to.

If you or someone you know has either experienced harassment or feels unsure about an unwanted experience and would like to speak with someone, please contact the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on (02) 9515 9040. The University’s Counselling and Psychological Services can also be contacted on (02) 8627 8433. Alternatively, the Board are always available to put you in contact with the relevant resources and service providers.

OLIVIA RONAN
BOARD DIRECTOR