Campaigns against fees

Campaigns against fees

SYDNEY — Students achieved two small victories against the introduction of up-front fees last week.

The council of the University of Technology Sydney met on February 27 to discuss a proposal charge up-front fees for up to 25% extra (non-HECS) places. UTS would have been the first university to approve such a proposal, but the decision was deferred after about 60 students staged a picket and then broke through security to interrupt the meeting.

Students demanded the right to speak, presenting a petition of 1000 staff and student signatures against the proposal. The decision was eventually deferred to a working party. Students are planning an ongoing campaign against the proposal.

On February 28 at Macquarie University, students picketed a council meeting to protest against a motion to introduce fees of $25 to $200 for basic services such as academic appeals and requests for special examinations. Students interrupted the meeting and occupied the council room. The motion was removed from the agenda.

From GLW issue 265