Inactive student guilds face active opposition

By Corinne Glenn

PERTH -- In the lead-up to the national week of action against education cuts and up-front fees, you could be forgiven for thinking that student unions were banned and working underground. The unfortunate absence of any publicity is a result of the depoliticisation and complacency of the National Union of Students and student guilds.

The only event planned for the week is a hearse, with a coffin in the back representing higher education, which will drive to each metropolitan campus.

Resistance activist at the University of Western Australia Justin Randell told Green Left Weekly that this is not enough.

“Only a couple of people can get involved, the driver and the passenger! There is no publicity out to let students know when the hearse will be visiting their campus. Students haven't had an opportunity to play a part in deciding what will happen during this week of action. We aren't opposed to this stunt, but it isn't enough.”

This lack of collaboration by student unions is not new, Randell commented. “This year the student guilds and NUS have done little to involve students, sporadically participating in Cross Campus Network meetings. Instead of organising campaigns to politicise and mobilise students, student guilds and NUS have been generally ignoring the issues and only occasionally putting on a little show.

“We need student unions that involve students and fight for their interests. The Liberal government and its Labor predecessor pushed through major cuts to higher education. Student unions need to fight these attacks, instead of lying down and taking it. We need fighting student unions for a fighting chance.”

Resistance is currently organising with independent activists to run for guild positions and NUS. These tickets will present a plan of active opposition to complacent and apolitical forces in WA.

Resistance wants to reclaim student organisations for students and make them fighting bodies involving more students. To get involved telephone (09) 227 7367.

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