Vanstone blunders

October 2, 1996
Issue 

By Sarah Peart and Marina Cameron

SYDNEY — On September 23, 50 students staged a sit-in at a conference on "Higher Education in a Changing Environment" which was attended by vice-chancellors and at which Amanda Vanstone was scheduled to speak.

The conference started two hours late as students occupied the conference room and staged their own speak-out. This was the only chance for students to have any input into the conference because of a $1895 registration fee.

Students talked about the real impact that cuts to higher education would have on quality and access, and the need to build a broad movement involving staff and university, high school and TAFE students.

The Cross Campus Education Network moved a motion that NUS national president Lori Farone, who was scheduled to speak at the conference, address students outside instead of giving credibility to the conference. Farone did not turn up to either the conference or rally.

National president of the National Tertiary Education and Industry Union, Carolyn Allport, addressed the student rally saying that the NTEU would continue their campaign against the cuts. This included calling on the ALP and minor parties to block the cuts in the senate, political action in marginal seats and extensive advertising and industrial action.

When the conference was able to continue, Senator Vanstone accused vice-chancellors of running a "well-planned, political campaign of misinformation". She thereby succeeded in pitting yet another part of the university sector against her.

Yet, on September 20 the VCs came out in favour of HECS increases and "acknowledged" the government's budget decisions. In general, the VCs have accepted the tasks of implementing and managing the cuts to higher education. Vanstone, it seems, is still not satisfied.

Some VCs have hit back, criticising Vanstone as "ill informed" and "not in control of her portfolio". University of New South Wales head, John Niland, said Vanstone was acting as "the minister against education as much as the minister for education."

Marcus Greville, Sydney Resistance activist said, "Vanstone's defensiveness is a sign that the NTEU and students' campaign has had an impact. Students and staff intend to continue their campaign, and to pressure the VCs to oppose the cuts."

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.