Education campaign at ANU

By Martin Iltis

CANBERRA -- An education forum organised by the Australian National University Students Association affirmed the need to have both ANU and cross-campus education collectives build actions such as the National Union of Students national day of action against cuts to education on March 26.

Thirty-five people heard SA president Mat Tinning outline the Liberal government attacks on higher education and students.

The president of the ACT branch of the National Tertiary Education and Industry Union, Doug Kelly, explained how the university administration's "restructuring" measures are causing staff redundancies and fewer course choices for students. Many departments have had to cut courses despite guarantees from the administration that this would not happen.

At ANU, 210 staff have already taken voluntary redundancy packages. According to Kelly, the administration will eradicate another 190 jobs this year. The university is hiring staff who took voluntary retirements as "consultants", but will not reveal their salaries.

Kelly emphasised the need for staff and students to unite against the attacks to education. The meeting decided that education action group meetings will be held every Wednesday lunchtime. For more information about the campaign, telephone 249 2444.

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