LABOR BREAKS PROMISE TO STUDENTS

The Australian Liberal Students’ Federation (ALSF) today condemned the decision of the Rudd Labor Government to push ahead with their plan to force a $250 tax upon university students.

“Kevin Rudd and Labor told students before the 2007 election that VSU would not be repealed. They have broken that promise,” said Alex Butterworth, ALSF President.

Debate on the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities, and Other Measures) Bill resumed in the Senate this afternoon, which if passed, would allow universities to charge students a compulsory student union fee of up to $250 per year, regardless of ability to pay or willingness to use the services.

“Kevin Rudd has labelled the level of student debt in this country a ‘national disgrace’, yet he has let one of his Ministers off the leash to increase their financial burden by up to $250 million per annum.

“In the middle of a financial crisis, with the worst graduate employment market in a decade, students simply cannot afford this unfair tax,” said Mr Butterworth.

In 2007, then Shadow Minister for Education and Training, Stephen Smith completely rejected any suggestion that a Rudd Government would consider a compulsory student amenities fee.

“I am not considering a HECS style arrangement, I’m not considering a compulsory HECS style arrangement and the whole basis of the approach is one of a voluntary approach. So I am not contemplating a compulsory amenities fee.” said Stephen Smith in 2007. Source: Doorstop interview at Parliament House Canberra, 22 May 2007.

“The Rudd Government’s determination to push ahead with this bill is a clear breach of an election promise they made to Australian University students. It also continues the Rudd Government’s record of completely disregarding the opinions of young people,” Mr Butterworth said.

“The majority of Australian University students support voluntary student unionism (VSU), as highlighted by the Australian Democrats Youth Poll conducted in 2008, which showed 59 per cent of students are in favour of VSU,” said Mr Butterworth.

The ALSF remains hopeful that crossbench Senators will join the Liberal Party in standing up for the rights of students by blocking this bill in the Senate when it is voted on next week.

Media Enquires: Alex Butterworth + 61 418 264 020 abutterworth@alsf.org.au www.alsf.org.au

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