The Group of Eight (Go8) today called on the Senate to support the Government’s policy for restoring vital student services on university campuses (Higher Education Legislation Amendment Bill 2009).

"The Federal Government’s decision to allow universities to support essential student services through the collection of a modest fee is a sensible compromise that will enhance the quality of Australia’s higher education system," said Go8 Chair, Professor Alan Robson.

"The guidelines which underpin the legislation make it very clear that universities will be required to use the funds for services and student representation and advocacy, not for "marginal and extreme political activities" as claimed by the Opposition in its Senate committee report on this issue.

"The introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism in 2005 has had a serious impact on the delivery of childcare, sporting, health, counselling and other services, and on campus life and student representation more broadly.

"All Go8 Vice-Chancellors will continue to provide a high quality level of service to all students on campus. However cross subsidising student services from vital teaching and learning resources is not a long-term solution.

"The Go8 strongly supports the Government's decision to ensure students will have the option of a HECS style loan to cover service fee costs.  This means the student services fee will not pose an up-front barrier to any student,” Professor Robson concluded.

FOR COMMENT: Professor Alan Robson, Go8 Chair and Vice-Chancellor, The University of Western Australia, Ph: 08 6488 2809

FOR INFORMATION: Kerrie Thornton, Director, Communications & International
Tel: (02) 6239 5488, 0407 947 087