Division Description Changes — Voluntary Student Unionism — 25th Sep 2008

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senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by system

on 2014-10-07 16:19:57

Title

Description

  • The majority voted against a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?id=2008-09-25.17.2 motion] introduced by Greens Party Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate Sarah Hanson-Young] that:
  • ''That the Senate—''
  • ''(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;''
  • ''(b) notes:''
  • ''(i) the summary report, [http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students]'' [480 KB]'', dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,''
  • ''(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and''
  • ''(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and''
  • ''(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.''
  • This was a [http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx substantive motion] [924 KB], meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.
  • Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.
  • ''Debate in Parliament''
  • The Labor Government joined the Coalition Opposition in voting against this motion.
  • Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate Joe Ludwig] confirmed that "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector".(Read Senator Ludwig's discussion [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2008-09-25.18.1 here].) He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right".
  • ''Background to the motion''
  • Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283 Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005]. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.
  • References
  • The majority voted against a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?id=2008-09-25.17.2) introduced by Greens Party Senator [Sarah Hanson-Young](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate) that: _That the Senate—_ _(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;_ _(b) notes:_ _(i) the summary report, [The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students](http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf)_ [480 KB]_, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,_ _(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and_ _(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and_ _(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010._
  • This was a [[http://www.aph.gov.au/](http://www.aph.gov.au/)~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx substantive motion] [924 KB], meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.
  • Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.
  • _Debate in Parliament_
  • The Labor Government joined the Coalition Opposition in voting against this motion.
  • Labor Senator [Joe Ludwig](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate) confirmed that "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector".(Read Senator Ludwig's discussion [here](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2008-09-25.18.1).) He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right".
  • _Background to the motion_
  • Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the [Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005](http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283). This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.
  • References
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by system

on 2014-10-07 16:16:35

Title

Description

  • The majority voted against a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?id=2008-09-25.17.2 motion] introduced by Greens Party Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate Sarah Hanson-Young] that:
  • ''That the Senate—''
  • ''(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;''
  • ''(b) notes:''
  • ''(i) the summary report, [http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students]'' [480 KB]'', dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,''
  • ''(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and''
  • ''(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and''
  • ''(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.''
  • This was a [http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx substantive motion] [924 KB], meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.
  • Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.
  • ''Debate in Parliament''
  • The Labor Government joined the Coalition Opposition in voting against this motion.
  • Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate Joe Ludwig] confirmed that "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector".[1] He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right".
  • Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate Joe Ludwig] confirmed that "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector".(Read Senator Ludwig's discussion [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2008-09-25.18.1 here].) He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right".
  • ''Background to the motion''
  • Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283 Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005]. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.
  • References
  • * [1] Read Senator Ludwig's discussion [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2008-09-25.18.1 here].
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2014-03-21 12:24:18

Title

  • Voluntary Student Unionism Motion - Agree to motion
  • Motions - Voluntary Student Unionism - Agree to motion

Description

  • The majority voted against a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?id=2008-09-25.17.2 motion] introduced by Greens Party Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate Sarah Hanson-Young] that:
  • ''That the Senate—''
  • ''(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;''
  • ''(b) notes:''
  • ''(i) the summary report, [http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students]'' [480 KB]'', dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,''
  • ''(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and''
  • ''(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and''
  • ''(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.''
  • This was a [http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx substantive motion] [924 KB], meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.
  • Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.
  • ''Debate in Parliament''
  • The Labor Government joined the Coalition Opposition in voting against this motion.
  • Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate Joe Ludwig] confirmed that "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector".[1] He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right".
  • ''Background to the motion''
  • Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283 Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005]. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.
  • References
  • * [1] Read Senator Ludwig's discussion [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2008-09-25.18.1 here].
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2014-02-17 15:00:53

Title

Description

  • The majority voted against a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?id=2008-09-25.17.2 motion] introduced by Greens Party Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate Sarah Hanson-Young] that:
  • ''That the Senate—''
  • ''(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;''
  • ''(b) notes:''
  • ''(i) the summary report, [http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students]'' [480 KB]'', dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,''
  • ''(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and''
  • ''(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and''
  • ''(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.''
  • This was a [http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx substantive motion] [924 KB], meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.
  • Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.
  • ''Debate in Parliament''
  • The Labor Government joined the Coalition Opposition in voting against this motion.
  • Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate Joe Ludwig], speaking on behalf of the Labor Government, [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2008-09-25.18.1 confirmed that] "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector". He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right".
  • In particular, Senator Ludwig said that the government "have no plans to reinstate compulsory student unionism and will not be returning to the hefty upfront fees that the previous government allowed to exist at some universities".
  • Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate Joe Ludwig] confirmed that "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector".[1] He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right".
  • ''Background to the motion''
  • Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283 Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005]. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.
  • References
  • * [1] Read Senator Ludwig's discussion [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2008-09-25.18.1 here].
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2014-02-17 14:53:21

Title

Description

  • The majority voted against a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?id=2008-09-25.17.2 motion] introduced by Greens Party Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Sarah Hanson-Young] that:
  • The majority voted against a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?id=2008-09-25.17.2 motion] introduced by Greens Party Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate Sarah Hanson-Young] that:
  • ''That the Senate—''
  • ''(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;''
  • ''(b) notes:''
  • ''(i) the summary report, [http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students]''[480 KB]'', dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,''
  • ''(i) the summary report, [http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students]'' [480 KB]'', dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,''
  • ''(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and''
  • ''(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and''
  • ''(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.''
  • This was a [http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx substantive motion] [924 KB], meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.
  • Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.
  • ''Debate in Parliament''
  • The Labor Government joined the Coalition Opposition in voting against this motion.
  • Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate Joe Ludwig], speaking on behalf of the Labor Government, [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2008-09-25.18.1 confirmed that] "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector". He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right".
  • In particular, Senator Ludwig said that the government "have no plans to reinstate compulsory student unionism and will not be returning to the hefty upfront fees that the previous government allowed to exist at some universities".
  • ''Background to the motion''
  • Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283 Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005]. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2014-02-17 14:52:38

Title

Description

  • The majority voted against a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?id=2008-09-25.17.2 motion] introduced by Greens Party Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Sarah Hanson-Young] that:
  • ''That the Senate—''
  • ''(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;''
  • ''(b) notes:''
  • ''(i) the summary report, [http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students]''[480 KB]'', dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,''
  • ''(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and''
  • ''(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and''
  • ''(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.''
  • This was a [http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx substantive motion] [924 KB], meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.
  • <p>The Aye voters failed to pass the following <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0028;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0000%22">motion</a>, which was introduced by Greens Party Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Sarah Hanson-Young</a>:</p>
  • <p><blockquote><i>That the Senate—</p>
  • <p>(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;</p>
  • <p>(b) notes:</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a> </i>[480 KB]<i>, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and</p>
  • <p>(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and</p>
  • <p>(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.</i></blockquote></p>
  • Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.
  • <p>This was a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx">substantive motion</a> [924 KB], meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.</p>
  • ''Debate in Parliament''
  • <p>Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.</p>
  • The Labor Government joined the Coalition Opposition in voting against this motion.
  • <p><b>Debate in Parliament</b></p>
  • <p>The Labor Government joined the Coalition Opposition in voting against this motion.</p>
  • <p>Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Joe Ludwig</a>, speaking on behalf of the Labor Government, <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0029;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0000%22">confirmed that</a> "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector". He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right".</p>
  • <p>In particular, Senator Ludwig said that the government "have no plans to reinstate compulsory student unionism and will not be returning to the hefty upfront fees that the previous government allowed to exist at some universities".</p>
  • <p><b>Background to the motion</b></p>
  • <p>Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283">Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005</a>. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.</p>
  • Senator [http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate Joe Ludwig], speaking on behalf of the Labor Government, [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2008-09-25.18.1 confirmed that] "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector". He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right".
  • In particular, Senator Ludwig said that the government "have no plans to reinstate compulsory student unionism and will not be returning to the hefty upfront fees that the previous government allowed to exist at some universities".
  • ''Background to the motion''
  • Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283 Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005]. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2013-11-08 16:14:03

Title

Description

  • <p>The Aye voters failed to pass the following <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0028;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0000%22">motion</a>, which was introduced by Greens Party Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Sarah Hanson-Young</a>:</p>
  • <p><blockquote><i>That the Senate—</p>
  • <p>(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;</p>
  • <p>(b) notes:</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a> </i>[480 KB]<i>, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and</p>
  • <p>(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and</p>
  • <p>(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.</i></blockquote></p>
  • <p>This was a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx">substantive motion</a> [924 KB], meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.</p>
  • <p>Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.</p>
  • <p><b>Debate in Parliament</b></p>
  • <p>The Labor Government joined the Coalition Opposition in voting against this motion.</p>
  • <p>Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Joe Ludwig</a>, speaking on behalf of the Labor Government, confirmed that "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector". He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right"</p>
  • <p>Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Joe Ludwig</a>, speaking on behalf of the Labor Government, <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0029;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0000%22">confirmed that</a> "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector". He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right".</p>
  • <p>In particular, Senator Ludwig said that the government "have no plans to reinstate compulsory student unionism and will not be returning to the hefty upfront fees that the previous government allowed to exist at some universities".</p>
  • <p><b>Background to the motion</b></p>
  • <p>Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283">Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005</a>. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.</p>
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2013-11-08 16:11:30

Title

Description

  • <p>The Aye voters failed to pass the following <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0028;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0000%22">motion</a>, which was introduced by Greens Party Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Sarah Hanson-Young</a>:</p>
  • <p><blockquote><i>That the Senate—</p>
  • <p>(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;</p>
  • <p>(b) notes:</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a> </i>[480 KB]<i>, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and</p>
  • <p>(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and</p>
  • <p>(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.</i></blockquote></p>
  • <p>This was a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx">substantive motion</a> [924 KB], meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.</p>
  • <p>Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.</p>
  • <p><b>Debate in Parliament</b></p>
  • <p>The Labor Government joined the Coalition Opposition in voting against this motion.</p>
  • <p>Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Joe_Ludwig&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Joe Ludwig</a>, speaking on behalf of the Labor Government, confirmed that "[t]he government’s consultations on VSU [voluntary student unionism] have supported our view that this policy has had a substantial negative impact for students and the higher education sector". He said "[w]e want to provide a sustainable and robust solution" but that the government "will of course not be rushed on this and is undertaking a proper process to ensure it gets the policy right"</p>
  • <p><b>Background to the motion</b></p>
  • <p>Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283">Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005</a>. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.</p>
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2013-11-08 16:01:07

Title

Description

  • <p>The Aye voters failed to pass the following <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0028;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0000%22">motion</a>, which was introduced by Greens Party Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Sarah Hanson-Young</a>:</p>
  • <p><blockquote><i>That the Senate—</p>
  • <p>(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;</p>
  • <p>(b) notes:</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a> </i>[480 KB]<i>, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and</p>
  • <p>(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and</p>
  • <p>(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.</i></blockquote></p>
  • <p>This was a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx">substantive motion</a>, meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.</p>
  • <p>This was a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx">substantive motion</a> [924 KB], meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.</p>
  • <p>Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.</p>
  • <p><b>Background to the motion</b></p>
  • <p>Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283">Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005</a>. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.</p>
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2013-11-08 16:00:01

Title

Description

  • <p>The Aye voters failed to pass the following <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0028;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0000%22">motion</a>, which was introduced by Greens Party Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Sarah Hanson-Young</a>:</p>
  • <p><blockquote><i>That the Senate—</p>
  • <p>(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;</p>
  • <p>(b) notes:</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a></i>[480 KB]<i>, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a> </i>[480 KB]<i>, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and</p>
  • <p>(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and</p>
  • <p>(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.</i></blockquote></p>
  • <p>This was a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx">substantive motion</a>, meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.</p>
  • <p>Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.</p>
  • <p><b>Background to the motion</b></p>
  • <p>Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283">Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005</a>. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.</p>
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2013-11-08 15:59:49

Title

Description

  • <p>The Aye voters failed to pass the following <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0028;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0000%22">motion</a>, which was introduced by Greens Party Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Sarah Hanson-Young</a>:</p>
  • <p><blockquote><i>That the Senate—</p>
  • <p>(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;</p>
  • <p>(b) notes:</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a><i>[480 KB]</i>, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a></i>[480 KB]<i>, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and</p>
  • <p>(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and</p>
  • <p>(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.</i></blockquote></p>
  • <p>This was a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx">substantive motion</a>, meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.</p>
  • <p>Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.</p>
  • <p><b>Background to the motion</b></p>
  • <p>Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283">Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005</a>. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.</p>
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2013-11-08 15:59:33

Title

Description

  • <p>The Aye voters failed to pass the following <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0028;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0000%22">motion</a>, which was introduced by Greens Party Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Sarah Hanson-Young</a>:</p>
  • <p><blockquote><i>That the Senate—</p>
  • <p>(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;</p>
  • <p>(b) notes:</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a> [480 KB], dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a><i>[480 KB]</i>, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and</p>
  • <p>(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and</p>
  • <p>(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.</i></blockquote></p>
  • <p>This was a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx">substantive motion</a>, meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.</p>
  • <p>Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.</p>
  • <p><b>Background to the motion</b></p>
  • <p>Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283">Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005</a>. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.</p>
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2013-11-08 15:58:55

Title

Description

  • <p>The Aye voters failed to pass the following <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0028;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0000%22">motion</a>, which was introduced by Greens Party Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Sarah Hanson-Young</a>:</p>
  • <p><blockquote><i>That the Senate—</p>
  • <p>(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;</p>
  • <p>(b) notes:</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a>, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a> [480 KB], dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and</p>
  • <p>(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and</p>
  • <p>(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.</i></blockquote></p>
  • <p>This was a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx">substantive motion</a>, meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.</p>
  • <p>Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.</p>
  • <p><b>Background to the motion</b></p>
  • <p>Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283">Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005</a>. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.</p>
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2013-11-08 15:56:37

Title

Description

  • <p>The Aye voters failed to pass the following <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0028;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0000%22">motion</a>, which was introduced by Greens Party Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Sarah Hanson-Young</a>:</p>
  • <p><blockquote><i>That the Senate—</p>
  • <p>(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;</p>
  • <p>(b) notes:</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, <a href="http://www.unistudent.com.au/home/documents/VSU%20report.pdf">The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students</a>, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and</p>
  • <p>(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and</p>
  • <p>(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.</i></blockquote></p>
  • <p>This was a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/05%20About%20Parliament/53%20HoR/532%20PPP/Practice6/PDF/Chapters/6Chap09.ashx">substantive motion</a>, meaning that it was a “self-contained proposal... drafted in a form capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House”.</p>
  • <p>Someone who voted Aye supported the motion. Since the majority voted No, the motion was unsuccessful. This means that the majority of the Senate disagreed with the motion.</p>
  • <p><b>Background to the motion</b></p>
  • <p>Voluntary student union fees were introduced by then Prime Minister John Howard’s Coalition Government with the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r2283">Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Upfront Student Union Fees) Bill 2005</a>. This meant that universities could no longer require students to pay a compulsory fee for facilities, amenities or services that were not of an academic nature.</p>
senate vote 2008-09-25#1

Edited by mackay staff

on 2013-11-08 15:48:38

Title

  • Voluntary Student Unionism
  • Voluntary Student Unionism Motion - Agree to motion

Description

  • <p pwmotiontext="moved">That the motion (<b>Senator Hanson-Young&#8217;s</b>) be agreed to.</p>
  • <p>The Aye voters failed to pass the following <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0028;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansards%2F2008-09-25%2F0000%22">motion</a>, which was introduced by Greens Party Senator <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Sarah_Hanson-Young&mpc=Senate&house=senate">Sarah Hanson-Young</a>:</p>
  • <p><blockquote><i>That the Senate—</p>
  • <p>(a) recognises that university enrolments for 2009 are due to begin in the week beginning 28 September 2008 around the country;</p>
  • <p>(b) notes:</p>
  • <p>(i) the summary report, The impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation for Australian university students, dated April 2008, that specifically highlighted the devastating impact voluntary student unionism (VSU) has had on the quality of student support services on campuses across the country,</p>
  • <p>(ii) the alternative solutions to the current system of VSU put forward by a number of key stakeholders, including a proposal based on a combination of shared funding arrangements between students, universities and government, and</p>
  • <p>(iii) the Government’s commitment to restoring essential student services and representation; and</p>
  • <p>(c) calls on the Minister for Education (Ms Gillard) to confirm before enrolments for the 2009 university calendar commence, that the current system of VSU will be scrapped to address the regressive impact VSU has had on student services and the educational experience, to ensure any change in legislation is in place before 2010.</i></blockquote></p>