Frivolous student protest fires lots of arrows but hits no targets

David Williams, President of the University of Newcastle Liberal Club, spoke out today against the planned day of action by the National Union of Students (NUS).

"NUS want people to believe they are standing up for the rights of students today," said David Williams, "but they are simply giving more reasons to show their lack of relevance to students today."

"One really must question just what NUS think they will achieve today," David Williams said.

"The list of demands range from 'stop Peter Reith' to 'abolish the GST' and all other left-wing rhetoric under the sun - but nothing that involves any educational issue being faced today."

"NUS have clearly lost focus for what they are supposed to be about," said Mr. Williams.

"What NUS are really organising is a day out for themselves and a handful of interested others. They have advertised extensively that free entertainment and a meal is provided. Yet, the entertainment and meal are not free," said David Williams, "they come at a cost which every single student - whether part-time or full-time, must pay under compulsion or not be able to enrol at University."

"This is just another example of the flagrant disregard of student funds that NUS exhibit," Mr. Williams said. "Why should 14,000 students here at the University of Newcastle subsidise the excesses and political tirades of but a handful who wish to go about joyriding in Newcastle under the guise of a protest march without any clear issue at hand?"

"Today's protest is a token event by NUS to show they are around and doing something - but all they prove is their own lack of a message."

"Today's protest is a farce - and one that comes at a cost to all students, the vast majority of which will be attending classes as normal."