RMIT O-week handbook attacked

By Peter Barker and Claire Newman

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) orientation handbook, a student-produced publication, has been attacked for supposedly advocating illegal ways for students to supplement their Austudy payments. Other articles on safe sex, sexual harassment and disabled students' rights have been ignored.

The storm created by the establishment media and politicians is reminiscent of the furore following La Trobe's Rabelais' guide to shoplifting article. The Kennett government has threatened to cut RMIT's funding by the equivalent of the handbook budget.

A tongue-in-cheek reference in one article to growing dope to supplement Austudy was intended to highlight the fact that, because Austudy payments are 30% below the poverty line, students are being forced to find other ways to survive.

The free MET tickets page was designed to draw students' attention to the fact that paying $108 for a so-called concession card is unacceptable. It also pointed out that international students, who pay massive up-front fees and are required to pay much higher taxes if they get a job, are not entitled to any student concessions, Medicare or the vote.

Students must defend their right to have their voices heard.

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