Media release by the National Union of Students. STUDENTS CALL ON PARLIAMENTARIANS TO OPPOSE GOVERNMENT’S HIGHER EDUCATION LEGISLATION 28 August 2014 For immediate release The National Union of Students has called on parliamentarians to oppose the government’s Higher Education and Research Reform Amendment Bill which was introduced in the House of Representatives today. National President Deanna Taylor said that while it was pleasing that the Labor Opposition, Greens and Palmer United Party crossbenchers in the Senate had pledged their opposition to the package, it was crucial they hold firm. “Those in parliament who have announced their opposition to the package must not waver or compromise. There can be no compromises or negotiation on this legislation. As long as the package contains fee deregulation, Christopher Pyne’s pride and joy, higher education is destined to become inaccessible and unattainable for anyone but the well-off. The package must be blocked as a whole: no ifs, buts or maybes.” Ms Taylor noted that the public overwhelmingly did not support the government’s plans. “The polling shows that around two-thirds are opposed to fee deregulation, and over two-thirds are opposed to increases in fees. Despite clear public opposition and protests from students, the government seems hell-bent on ignoring their constituents’ wishes and pushing ahead with their horrific agenda.” Ms Taylor said Christopher Pyne had made it clear he had no interest in discussing students’ and staff members’ concerns with them directly. “Interestingly, the National Union of Students and National Tertiary Education Union were not invited to attend the briefing session held this morning on the legislation, and were not even notified that it was occurring. Not only does the government hide things from the public, their Education Minister hides things from two of the most important higher education stakeholders: staff and students.” Ms Taylor said students who occupied Liberal Party offices in Melbourne this morning were making it clear students would not accept the government’s plans without a fight. “Students will continue to fight the government’s higher education legislation every step of the way. We are not going to accept anything less than a quality higher education system that is accessible to all.” For further comment Deanna Taylor P: 0411 606 808 E: [email protected]
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 03:51:05 +0000
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