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BRIEF
University bans O-day politics

Stewart Woolley, Bathurst

10 March 2007

A ban on political content took place during the March 1 orientation day at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, rural NSW. The Student Representative Council (SRC) fought this censorship and successfully negotiated with university management to hold a “political market day” forum the following week.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on February 16 that campus head Greg Walker said stalls for political groups had been banned “because it was ‘inappropriate’ for first-year students’ introduction to the university with their parents”.

Jon Childs, the SRC’s president, said that many first-year students were set to vote for the first time, in the upcoming NSW elections. “It is important that all registered voters in NSW understand the different positions held by the major parties, and recognise just how important it is to make an informed vote”, he said.

The forum provided students with an opportunity to meet and speak with candidates and political activists, including the Greens’ Sebria Lawrence, a candidate for Bathurst, and Rachel Evans, a Socialist Alliance upper-house candidate. Representatives of Labor, the Democrats and the Nationals also spoke.