Anti-fees protests in Adelaide

Anti-fees protests in Adelaide

By Susan Love and Michael Unger

ADELAIDE — One hundred and fifty people attended a "No Fees" rally at Adelaide University on October 27. The rally was organised by the socialist youth organisation Resistance in conjunction with the Adelaide University Students' Association and the Anti-Fascist Alliance. The gathering expressed anger at the government's proposal to charge a $1000 up-front administration fee for all courses and expressed solidarity with students at Flinders University who were on strike for the day.

Michelle Giglio, the Students' Association's education vice president, made the point, "If the ALP thinks education is expensive, try ignorance".

Four hundred signatures against the up-front fees were collected and presented to the vice-chancellor.

At Flinders, a student strike picketed the main entrances to the university; it is estimated that at least 40% of students and staff were on strike for the day. A lunchtime rally was attended by more than 500 students. Dean Greguric, the education officer, proposed that "O-week" be turned into "occupation week", which students supported overwhelmingly. About 300 students then marched on the university registry.

Support was shown for a cross campus Free Education Network to coordinate action against up-front fees at both Adelaide and Flinders universities. Students plan to extend the network to other tertiary campuses.

[For further info on FEN call Adam on 231 6982.]

From GLW issue 165