Luke Fomiatti, Sydney

UWS students declared victory after the University of Western Sydney Board of Trustees voted against increasing HECS fees on August 12.

With only two days’ notice, 100 students blockaded the secret meeting, which was called specifically to discuss fee increases. After barring board members’ entry for over two hours, the protesters agreed to allow the meeting to proceed on the condition that they were allowed entry and the right to speak.

Vice-Chancellor Janice Reid argued that unless the university raised fees it would face an annual deficit of $15 million, and placed the blame for this on decreasing government funding and a drop in international student enrolment. This laid the ground for an argument to raise fees by the maximum of 25%. However, part way through her report Reid departed from her prepared speech and said that the fees should not be raised.

Despite arguing that this would mean “significant sacrifices in other areas” and that the board would have to make a lot of “tough decisions” about “boutique courses” and other “sacred cows”, board members agreed and voted against a fee increase.

Students were jubilant about the decision, but vowed to continue their campaign against the university’s course cuts and the federal government’s funding cuts. UWS Students Association education officer Ben Chapman said, “This was a good win but it doesn’t go near to solving the problems of the university. It is only the first step in getting the people of western Sydney the uni they deserve.”

From Green Left Weekly, August 18, 2004.
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