Labor tries to sneak in student tax

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 while students were studying for their exams.

“While students are focussed on their exams, Labor have tried to put this back onto the Senate agenda,” said Alex Butterworth, ALSF President.

The Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities, and Other Measures) Bill has been put back on the Senate notice paper. If passed, the bill will 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.

“Year 12 students are also completing exams, and may be surprised to find themselves slugged with this new tax if the bill is successful in the Senate."

“In the middle of a financial crisis, with the worst graduate employment market in a decade, students simply cannot afford this unfair tax. It's no wonder that they're trying to sneak it through,” said Mr Butterworth.

“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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