2004 RESSO CONFERENCE
VSU BRIEFINGS
Assumptions behind VSU
UTAS 1998. VIC & WA
UTS
VSU ONLINE
The View from the Right
Andrew Norton
VOLUNTARY STUDENT UNIONISM - Resources
2004
AVCC media release, 9 November 2004, Minister’s assurance on continuing collaboration welcomed
AVCC Plenary Meeting in Sydney. Nelson and AVCC discuss VSU and funding for core student services, as well as other higher education reforms including indexation; review of National Protocols; credit transfer systems between VET and Higher Education; and workplace relations issues.
Nelson announces VSU legislation will shortly be debated in Parliament. The Howard Government does not believe that university students who enrol at Australian universities to study for a degree should be forced into union membership and forced to pay compulsory union fees.
Joseph v La Trobe University, 15 June 2004
Applicant Joseph attempts to sue La Trobe University under the Trade Practices Act 1974 on the basis that he is “coerced” to pay an annual “General Service Fee” (GSF) which includes a student association component. Joseph claims the University imposes an unlawful condition when it requires him to purchase non-academic services from the University as a condition of his purchase of academic services.
The University submits that the collection and distribution of funds raised through the GSF does not constitute the imposition of a condition that Joseph acquire non-academic services from third parties and that collection and administration of the GSF is consistent with its powers under constituent documents and relevant legislation.
Joseph’s case is dismissed by Justice Goldberg on the basis that the causes of action are not made out.
NUS & CAPA Media Release, 13 February 2004, Nelson's Plan to Kill Off Campus Life
NUS and CAPA jointly condemn the Federal Government reneging on undertakings it gave to four Independents Senators and proceeding with trying to get the Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Up front Union Fees) Bill passed.
2003
AVCC Survey of Student Organisations, June 2003 - associated tables
Survey published by AVCC looks at the relationship between the university and student organisation(s); membership of student associations/unions/guilds; payment of student services fees, fee amounts and setting of fees etc.; financial obligations to student bodies; and services provided by universities.
Lindsay Tanner against VSU - Farrago, Melbourne University
VSU commentary by David Lafferty - Green Left Weekly
Lafferty outlines the government's agenda whilst talking about the collective democratic membership of student unions and the strong united student voice that results. Lafferty identifies this as perhaps the real motive for the government seeking to undermine student union membership and funding.
2000
Victorian legislation, October 2000
The current VSU provisions in the Tertiary Education Act 1993 and the impact of the amended Repeal VSU Bill in the Lower House, Thursday October 25, 2000
1999
VSU Parliamentary e-brief, Dr Kim Jackson, Analysis and Policy, Social Policy Group, 14 March 1999
1998
University of Canberra, Students' Association Education Collective, briefing paper