February 2008
Universities Australia provided a submission to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations discussion paper The Impact of Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) on Services, Amenities and Representation for Australian University Students. The discussion paper sought views from higher education stakeholders on the impact of VSU on student services and amenities and student representation including their continuity.
In 2005 the-then Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) took an active stance opposing the intended changes to student services and advocated against the introduction of VSU and then subsequently for the maintenance of certain services and amenities under the legislation. In 2004 the estimated cost of Student services and amenities was $173m with estimated revenue of $169m. Therefore even with student services fees there was a shortfall of $4m.
The introduction of VSU Transitional funding was one way in which universities could bid to gain access to some funding for the maintenance of sporting and recreational facilities. However there are practical needs that go beyond these services which are critical to the effective provision of support for university students.
To read Universities Australia complete submission, please download the PDF below.
