University of Melbourne to introduce fees

Issue 

University of Melbourne to introduce fees

By Alison Dellit

The University of Melbourne Council announced on March 13 that, despite student protest, it would introduce up-front fees for selected courses in 1998. Melbourne is the first university to adopt undergraduate fees since their deregulation last year.

The initial council meeting to vote on the proposal was disrupted by 50 students. Vice-chancellor Alan Gilbert then called for a postal vote, giving council members less than a week to return their ballots.

Jo Williams, education officer and member of Resistance, said, "The implications of this decision are enormous. It is totally undemocratic for council to decide without discussing it with students, staff and the wider community. A postal ballot meant that council members decided without any information or debate.

"Up-front fees will have a devastating effect. The council will give priority treatment to fee-paying students who attract revenue. There is no guarantee that students who don't pay fees will have a place all the way through their degree."

Williams said that the fees "are a direct result of the government policy of moving towards a privately funded university system. More and more universities will take this option. It is imperative that the national day of action on March 26 is a major show of student anger."

The University of Melbourne Education Action Group has organised a counter-ballot of students over the next few weeks, backed by a mass leafleting and postering campaign designed to educate students about the impact of fees.

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.