VSU debate at University of Newcastle

Voluntary Student Unionism - or VSU - has been a topical issue around University campuses.

Yet, local student groups protesting against VSU serve to demonstrate just why VSU is necessary.

Last week the Newcastle University Students Association (NUSA) made a frivolous protest against VSU where barely 100 students marched on Senator Tierney's office while he was obviously in Canberra for the Budget sittings.

This week, the National Union of Students (NUS) demonstrated against VSU in an aggressive protest that required mounted police action.

The University of Newcastle is holding a debate, today, on the topic of VSU and its merits for Universities and students, between three Young Liberals, and three NUSA representatives. The debate is in the University Drama Theatre, from 1 pm to 2 pm and is chaired by Professor Godfrey Tanner.

"We welcome the opportunity to engage in debate on this topic," said David Williams, President of the University of Newcastle Liberal Club.

"The fact that NUSA recognise they will lose funding if VSU is introduced means that they realise they simply do not provide a quality of service that the majority of students would pay for, if given the choice."

"Rather than attack the basic democratic right of freedom of association, NUSA would be better advised providing real services such that people would join their organisation of their own volition," said David Williams. "VSU is good for students. It's only the student politicians who are opposed to it."

"We will be proving this in the debate today."