Speak-out condemns VSU

Issue 

CANBERRA — More than 100 students gathered at the Australian National University on March 31 for a speak-out organised by the student association's education department against the federal government's moves to introduce "voluntary student unionism" (VSU).

While several speakers from the students' association downplayed the political role of student unions, instead focusing on their role as service providers, ANU academic Rick Kuhn and Resistance activist Leigh Hughes were enthusiastically received by the crowd when they condemned the VSU legislation as a political attack on the basic right of students to organise a fight-back against regressive Coalition policies.

Hughes highlighted the failure of previous attempts to introduce VSU and urged students to continue to mobilise against attacks on student unions.

There will be a national day of action against VSU on April 28.

Amy McDonell

From Green Left Weekly, April 6, 2005.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.