HECS not only student burden
Dorothy Illing, Higher education
UNIVERSITY students have become the new generation of borrowers, forced to run up credit card debts, take out private loans and rely on parents and spouses to get a degree.
Dubbed "Generation Debt", 700,000 Australian university students are among those
revolutionising the university experience through a dramatic shift in income support.
A new national report reveals fewer students receive government assistance through Youth Allowance and more are relying on paid work, which, for undergraduates, now makes up to three-quarters of their total income.
They spend less time on campus, skip more lectures and are running up an average private debt of $25,000 - on top of their government HECS loans.
The survey of 18,954 students across 37 universities warns the educational cost of the new generation is taking its toll. "During 2006, many Australian university students reported they were in stressful financial situations and many found it difficult to support themselves week-to-week," the report says. "A large proportion of students ... lacked adequate financial support and many were highly anxious about 'making ends meet' and the debts they were accumulating." The findings go to the heart of heated federal election debate about the cost burden on students and the levels of debt they will carry once they graduate.
Labor has pledged to cut HECS for some students, while the Government argues income-contingent loans do not deter them from going to university. But the private debt incurred by students has gone largely unnoticed in the debate. The independent study was commissioned by the peak Australian Vice-chancellors Committee and conducted by Melbourne University's Centre for the Study of Higher Education. It finds about 70 per cent of full-time undergraduates were working an average of 14.8 hours a week during second semester last year. And 42 per cent of part-time students were working at least 38 hours a week, equivalent to full-time employment. The average annual income from paid work increased from $8386 in 2000 to $11,960 last year, boosting income and improving students' annual deficits. Almost half the students surveyed believed that work was having a detrimental effect on their studies as their private debt ratcheted up. Many said they were working simply to afford necessities, transport, textbooks and other study materials. The study reveals the proportion of students taking out private loans rose from 10.7 per cent in 2000 to 24.4 per cent last year. The level of bank loans jumped by 71 per cent, credit cards by 42 per cent, borrowings from parents 48 per cent, and from spouses, 46 per cent. "
The survey of 18,954 students across 37 universities warns the educational cost of the new generation is taking its toll.
"During 2006, many Australian university students reported they were in stressful financial situations and many found it difficult to support themselves week-to-week," the report says.
"A large proportion of students ... lacked adequate financial support and many were highly anxious about 'making ends meet' and the debts they were accumulating."
The findings go to the heart of heated federal election debate about the cost burden on students and the levels of debt they will carry once they graduate.
Labor has pledged to cut HECS for some students, while the Government argues income-contingent loans do not deter them from going to university.
But the private debt incurred by students has gone largely unnoticed in the debate.
The independent study was commissioned by the peak Australian Vice-chancellors Committee and conducted by Melbourne University's Centre for the Study of Higher Education. It finds about 70 per cent of full-time undergraduates were working an average of 14.8 hours a week during second semester last year. And 42 per cent of part-time students were working at least 38 hours a week, equivalent to full-time employment.
The average annual income from paid work increased from $8386 in 2000 to $11,960 last year, boosting income and improving students' annual deficits.
Almost half the students surveyed believed that work was having a detrimental effect on their studies as their private debt ratcheted up.
Many said they were working simply to afford necessities, transport, textbooks and other study materials.
The study reveals the proportion of students taking out private loans rose from 10.7 per cent in 2000 to 24.4 per cent last year.
The level of bank loans jumped by 71 per cent, credit cards by 42 per cent, borrowings from parents 48 per cent, and from spouses, 46 per cent.
"I think they are not borrowing a lot more money but a lot more of the students are borrowing," University of Western Australia vice-chancellor Alan Robson said. Professor Robson said that while there was considerable private benefit in having a degree, the debt levels were now a concern. The report will be high on the agenda at a meeting of vice-chancellors in Sydney next week. http://news.com.au/newspulse\
"I think they are not borrowing a lot more money but a lot more of the students are borrowing," University of Western Australia vice-chancellor Alan Robson said.
Professor Robson said that while there was considerable private benefit in having a degree, the debt levels were now a concern.
The report will be high on the agenda at a meeting of vice-chancellors in Sydney next week.
sa.pres@nus.asn.au
rhiannon.newman@adelaide.edu.au
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Iraq: Peace is Possible Forum
IRAQ: Peace is Possible Forum.
Featuring Ruth Russell, Human Shield, International Peace Activist and Lead Democrat Candidate for the Senate in South Australia.
Monday 19th March 6PM
Lecture Theatre 29, Napier Building Adelaide University
Gold Coin Donation
Put on by the Adelaide Uni Democrats Club.
Featuring Ruth Russell, Human Shield, International Peace Activist and Lead Democrat Candidate for the Senate in South Australia.
Monday 19th March 6PM
Lecture Theatre 29, Napier Building Adelaide University
Gold Coin Donation
Put on by the Adelaide Uni Democrats Club.
First Update in Ages
Its been awhile since my last post so this is a big update on 'Demand a Better Future' and whats been going on at Adelaide and beyond. Might do it in separate posts also
Nominations are now open for student reps on Faculty Boards- Give it a go and get involved!
During the week of Monday 2 to Thursday 5 April 2007 elections will be held for student representatives to School and Faculty Boards. Each Faculty Board mustcontain two student representatives – one for undergraduate students and onefor postgraduate students. Each School Committee must contain at least one undergraduate and one postgraduate student representative. Studentrepresentatives are entitled to receive all information put before the Committee/Board, and are entitled to vote in decisions made by the Committee/Board.Nominations must be made on the official form, which can be obtained from yourSchool/Faculty office.
Nomination forms must be received by yourSchool/Faculty Returning Officer before 4pm on Wednesday 28 March, 2007. Further information is available from your School/Faculty office.
* Undergraduate students: All students who are enrolled in at least one fullyear or one semester course in a particular School/Faculty in the current yearare eligible to vote and/or stand for election to that School or FacultyBoard. Students who are enrolled in more than one School/Faculty may therefore choose to stand for and vote in elections in each of the Schools/Faculties inwhich they are enrolled.
* Postgraduate students: All students who are enrolled either full-time or part-time in a particular School/Faculty in the current year are eligible to vote and/or stand for election to that School or Faculty Board. Students whoare enrolled in more than one School/Faculty may therefore choose to stand for enrolled.
Each position is for a term of one year, from the day after the announcement of election results in the current year, to the day of the announcement of election results in the following year. Elections shall be conducted according to the first-past-the-post system. and vote in elections in each of the Schools/Faculties in which they are enrolled.
Nominations are now open for student reps on Faculty Boards- Give it a go and get involved!
During the week of Monday 2 to Thursday 5 April 2007 elections will be held for student representatives to School and Faculty Boards. Each Faculty Board mustcontain two student representatives – one for undergraduate students and onefor postgraduate students. Each School Committee must contain at least one undergraduate and one postgraduate student representative. Studentrepresentatives are entitled to receive all information put before the Committee/Board, and are entitled to vote in decisions made by the Committee/Board.Nominations must be made on the official form, which can be obtained from yourSchool/Faculty office.
Nomination forms must be received by yourSchool/Faculty Returning Officer before 4pm on Wednesday 28 March, 2007. Further information is available from your School/Faculty office.
* Undergraduate students: All students who are enrolled in at least one fullyear or one semester course in a particular School/Faculty in the current yearare eligible to vote and/or stand for election to that School or FacultyBoard. Students who are enrolled in more than one School/Faculty may therefore choose to stand for and vote in elections in each of the Schools/Faculties inwhich they are enrolled.
* Postgraduate students: All students who are enrolled either full-time or part-time in a particular School/Faculty in the current year are eligible to vote and/or stand for election to that School or Faculty Board. Students whoare enrolled in more than one School/Faculty may therefore choose to stand for enrolled.
Each position is for a term of one year, from the day after the announcement of election results in the current year, to the day of the announcement of election results in the following year. Elections shall be conducted according to the first-past-the-post system. and vote in elections in each of the Schools/Faculties in which they are enrolled.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Rudd vows education revolution!
Labor's First Educational Election Promise was revealed today... Read on for more info...
And dont forget! Tomorrow is South Australian State Conference! 6pm Students' Association of the University of Adelaide!
Rudd vows education revolution
Phillip Coorey Chief Political CorrespondentJanuary 23, 2007
IN HIS first big pitch for the prime ministership, Kevin Rudd today will identify education as the most important economic policy issue for Labor at this year's election.
The Opposition Leader will call for "nothing less than a revolution in education" and warn that Australia's prosperity will hit the wall unless the quality and funding of education - from childhood to adulthood - is raised substantially.
In a policy document to support today's speech, Labor says education, be it early childhood, school, tertiary, vocational or mature-age, can no longer be regarded as an issue of social expenditure alone.
"There is now incontrovertible evidence that education should be understood as an economic investment," it says.
The paper states Australia spends well below the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average on early childhood education and has one of the lowest retention records for secondary school students. And it quotes statistics showing Australia's productivity has declined in line with education funding.
"Australia has been insulated from this underlying deterioration in its economic performance in recent years," it says.
"The resources boom has masked the impact of slower productivity growth on employment and living standards but Australia will not be able to escape the consequences of falling productivity over the longer term."
A Newspoll out today puts Labor well ahead of the Coalition, with a two-party-preferred lead of 55 to 45 per cent. It shows Mr Rudd edging closer as preferred prime minister, with 39 per cent support compared to John Howard's 41 per cent.
The Labor policy paper says a smarter workforce is vital if Australia is to compete with the emerging global giants China and India.
"Our investment in human capital is essential for creating an innovative, productive workforce that can adapt to a rapidly changing world," it says. "We must embrace a new national vision - for Australia to become the most educated country, the most skilled economy and the best trained workforce."
Mr Rudd will say Australia's prosperity in recent years began with the economic reforms of the Hawke-Keating governments and has since been driven by the resources boom. But he will argue that the Howard Government has made little provision to sustain the economy when that boom inevitably ends. "Current policy settings are not enough to prepare Australia for the challenges ahead," the policy paper says.
Labor's treasury spokesman, Wayne Swan, who is helping drive the agenda, said education had to be "very, very explicitly linked to productivity and economic growth". He said the decline in educational investment and standards over the past decade was "the most severely squandered opportunity of the Howard years".
"Every country in the region has lifted their game as we fall behind. You can't continue to lead in productivity if you're going to run 17th or 25th in education."
Mr Rudd's speech will come two days before Mr Howard's Australia Day address to the National Press Club in which the Prime Minister will seek to outline his election-year agenda. Mr Howard devoted his address last year to education, decrying the standard of history being taught in schools.
The Labor paper says long-term under-investment in vocational education has contributed to the current skills crisis while universities have been among the hardest hit over the past decade.
Public investment in universities has declined by 7 per cent since 1995, while the OECD average is a 48 per cent rise. Student fees and charges account for 22per cent of university revenue today, double that of 10 years ago. HECS fees have almost tripled in 10 years from $4.5 billion to $13 billion.
LEARNING CURVE - Australia invests 5.8 per cent of GDP in education, ranking it 18th in the OECD.
- Australian maths and science education ranked 29th in the world.
- Public investment in universities fell by 7 per cent in the past decade, compared with OECD average of a 48 per cent increase.
- Student fees account for 22 per cent of university revenue, double that of 10 years ago.
*****************************************************
Even just those little bits at the end are horrrifying- and all it does is confirm that we are not investing enough in Higher Education!
In Solidarity,
Rhi
And dont forget! Tomorrow is South Australian State Conference! 6pm Students' Association of the University of Adelaide!
Rudd vows education revolution
Phillip Coorey Chief Political CorrespondentJanuary 23, 2007
IN HIS first big pitch for the prime ministership, Kevin Rudd today will identify education as the most important economic policy issue for Labor at this year's election.
The Opposition Leader will call for "nothing less than a revolution in education" and warn that Australia's prosperity will hit the wall unless the quality and funding of education - from childhood to adulthood - is raised substantially.
In a policy document to support today's speech, Labor says education, be it early childhood, school, tertiary, vocational or mature-age, can no longer be regarded as an issue of social expenditure alone.
"There is now incontrovertible evidence that education should be understood as an economic investment," it says.
The paper states Australia spends well below the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average on early childhood education and has one of the lowest retention records for secondary school students. And it quotes statistics showing Australia's productivity has declined in line with education funding.
"Australia has been insulated from this underlying deterioration in its economic performance in recent years," it says.
"The resources boom has masked the impact of slower productivity growth on employment and living standards but Australia will not be able to escape the consequences of falling productivity over the longer term."
A Newspoll out today puts Labor well ahead of the Coalition, with a two-party-preferred lead of 55 to 45 per cent. It shows Mr Rudd edging closer as preferred prime minister, with 39 per cent support compared to John Howard's 41 per cent.
The Labor policy paper says a smarter workforce is vital if Australia is to compete with the emerging global giants China and India.
"Our investment in human capital is essential for creating an innovative, productive workforce that can adapt to a rapidly changing world," it says. "We must embrace a new national vision - for Australia to become the most educated country, the most skilled economy and the best trained workforce."
Mr Rudd will say Australia's prosperity in recent years began with the economic reforms of the Hawke-Keating governments and has since been driven by the resources boom. But he will argue that the Howard Government has made little provision to sustain the economy when that boom inevitably ends. "Current policy settings are not enough to prepare Australia for the challenges ahead," the policy paper says.
Labor's treasury spokesman, Wayne Swan, who is helping drive the agenda, said education had to be "very, very explicitly linked to productivity and economic growth". He said the decline in educational investment and standards over the past decade was "the most severely squandered opportunity of the Howard years".
"Every country in the region has lifted their game as we fall behind. You can't continue to lead in productivity if you're going to run 17th or 25th in education."
Mr Rudd's speech will come two days before Mr Howard's Australia Day address to the National Press Club in which the Prime Minister will seek to outline his election-year agenda. Mr Howard devoted his address last year to education, decrying the standard of history being taught in schools.
The Labor paper says long-term under-investment in vocational education has contributed to the current skills crisis while universities have been among the hardest hit over the past decade.
Public investment in universities has declined by 7 per cent since 1995, while the OECD average is a 48 per cent rise. Student fees and charges account for 22per cent of university revenue today, double that of 10 years ago. HECS fees have almost tripled in 10 years from $4.5 billion to $13 billion.
LEARNING CURVE - Australia invests 5.8 per cent of GDP in education, ranking it 18th in the OECD.
- Australian maths and science education ranked 29th in the world.
- Public investment in universities fell by 7 per cent in the past decade, compared with OECD average of a 48 per cent increase.
- Student fees account for 22 per cent of university revenue, double that of 10 years ago.
*****************************************************
Even just those little bits at the end are horrrifying- and all it does is confirm that we are not investing enough in Higher Education!
In Solidarity,
Rhi
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
SA Students set to miss out
Yesterdays Release...
SA Students set to miss out
Today thousands of young South Australians await University offers which may not come.
Applications for South Australian Universities are well up this year but without a subsequent increase in the number of Government supported places. Close to 4000 people have applied for teaching at Flinders University for 400 total places.
President of the National Union of Student’s South Australian State Branch, Rhiannon Newman, said it is disappointing that the Federal Government has not taken more initiative in ensuring adequate funding for University places.
“Young people have indicated that they are willing to invest time into a tertiary education which will ultimately benefit the wider community. It seems hypocritical that those who received free education are now effectively stonewalling the next generation from the benefits they received.” Ms Newman commented.
“When the Government should be assisting students as much as possible to gain access to university, they’re actually making it harder – particularly in South Australia where student HECS debts are the highest in the country – and locking those students who are able to gain one of those rapidly diminishing University positions into a lifetime of debt.” Ms Newman continued.
“Full fee places are not the answer. If the Government is serious about investing in Higher Education it needs to start opening up more opportunities for Government supported places in our nations Universities. The Government needs to take serious steps to show its commitment to Higher Education particularly in areas such as nursing and teaching where there is a serious skills shortage.”
“When thousands of capable students miss out on a place at University this week it should send a strong message to the Government that something needs to be done. We demand a better future not only for South Australia but for the nation”, concluded Ms Newman
SA Students set to miss out
Today thousands of young South Australians await University offers which may not come.
Applications for South Australian Universities are well up this year but without a subsequent increase in the number of Government supported places. Close to 4000 people have applied for teaching at Flinders University for 400 total places.
President of the National Union of Student’s South Australian State Branch, Rhiannon Newman, said it is disappointing that the Federal Government has not taken more initiative in ensuring adequate funding for University places.
“Young people have indicated that they are willing to invest time into a tertiary education which will ultimately benefit the wider community. It seems hypocritical that those who received free education are now effectively stonewalling the next generation from the benefits they received.” Ms Newman commented.
“When the Government should be assisting students as much as possible to gain access to university, they’re actually making it harder – particularly in South Australia where student HECS debts are the highest in the country – and locking those students who are able to gain one of those rapidly diminishing University positions into a lifetime of debt.” Ms Newman continued.
“Full fee places are not the answer. If the Government is serious about investing in Higher Education it needs to start opening up more opportunities for Government supported places in our nations Universities. The Government needs to take serious steps to show its commitment to Higher Education particularly in areas such as nursing and teaching where there is a serious skills shortage.”
“When thousands of capable students miss out on a place at University this week it should send a strong message to the Government that something needs to be done. We demand a better future not only for South Australia but for the nation”, concluded Ms Newman
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Joint Press Release
JOINT STATEMENT
KEVIN RUDD MP
FEDERAL LABOR LEADER
STEPHEN SMITH MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING
SHADOW MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING
HOWARD LOCKS ONE IN THREE VICTORIANS
OUT OF A TERTIARY EDUCATION
OUT OF A TERTIARY EDUCATION
When first round university offers are released today, nearly 20,000 or one in three young Victorians will miss out on a university place.
These young Australians will be denied a chance to get ahead because for the last 10 years the Howard Government has refused to invest in Australia's tertiary education.
Critically, in areas of acute skill shortage such as teaching and nursing, approximately one in two applicants, or 2,500 students, will miss out on a university place.
Despite a chronic shortage of engineers in Australia, more than 400 students or nearly 15 per cent of engineering applicants missed out on an engineering place.
In first round offers in Queensland last week more than 5,000 young Queenslanders missed out on a university place. Around 17,000 young Victorian’s missed out on a university place in 2006 and 19,000 in 2005.
By not investing enough in higher education, the Howard Government is stopping talented young Australian’s getting ahead.
Hard working young Australians are also being discouraged from going to university by the Howard Government's massive HECS fee hikes.
This is bad for thousands of hopeful students and their families, and worse for the growth potential of the Australian economy, which is crying out for more skilled workers.
If Australia is to compete in the 21st century global economy we need the best trained workforce in the world.
You cannot be serious about locking in Australia’s economic prosperity if you are not prepared to make the required investments in education Australia needs.
*******************************************************
Absolutely appalling- just about to write a press release to that effect. When will the Government realise that they HAVE to invest in Higher Education??????
In Solidarity,
Rhi
Monday, January 15, 2007
South Australian report to National Exec
Vastly shortened version of my report to the National Union of Students (NUS) Nat Exec at the last meeting (13/01/07) Just the 'plans for the Year' section rather than the nitty gritty.
Orientation
Orientation will be make or break for State Branch. It is the only foreseeable way in which we can get anyone involved in the campaign for next year. Currently my plans for Adelaide and most likely Flinders (Uni SA as noted above is still touch and go) involves stalls next to the AEC and sign up sheets for the new E-List as well as lecture bashing, postering and general promotion. This will be the launch of the ‘Voice for the Future’ Campaign so it is obviously important. I am hoping with negotiation with Flinders to incorporate the stall into their FCCS stall. Obviously concrete, specific planning is a little difficult from the perspective of only one activist so with a little luck after the State Conference we will have more direction for Orientation.
Recruitment
As stated in the previous section Orientation is of paramount importance to the Branch. Having spoken to the National Education Officer last week on the issue of NDAs this becomes even more apparent. Let me tell you if we were to hold an NDA in the second/third week of first term on the current number of activists we have now we would have 20 people yelling on the steps of Parliament House. In case you haven’t picked up the doom and gloom overtones of this report our activist network is crying out for members. It is my hope that the many lead up events to whatever we decide to run on the NDA will encourage more people to be actively involved.
Website
A rather exciting thing happened last week where I discovered that there is an (albeit empty) website devoted to South Australia on the unistudent.com! Well I was excited. Now that I am aware of its existence I would like to keep this up to date not only as a reference point for South Australian activists but also as a method of accountability within NUS.
Recommendation 3- That the National Office Bearers assist in the creation of promotional material for South Australian O’Weeks and make a commitment to having at least one OB in the state for the duration of the Orientation period.
Recommendation 4- That the National General Secretary assist the South Australian State Branch President in keeping the SA section of the NUS website up to date and relevant.
Voice for the Future
This will be the focus for the year of State Branch (and on a personal note the Adelaide Uni Students’ Association/SRC.) We all know the specifics of the campaign as adopted by the 2006 conference so I will just speak briefly on the events I intend to run as part of the campaign this year (in addition to Orientation as previously discussed.)
Enrol to Vote- I intend to have regular ‘Enrol to Vote’ days this year. Beginning with Flinders (if it goes ahead) and Adelaide O’Camps, obviously as discussed in Orientation, and near the end of first term a BBQ/Band day at each of the Universities. This is designed not only to keep up momentum for the campaign but also to gauge interest and further recruit more people to the movement.
Fundraising Day- An event I currently have planned within the Adelaide SRC but I am hoping can also be applied to the other campuses. Basically it involves running as low cost an event as possible that is designed to raise money for future campaigns. My personal favourite is the Lost Property Stall. This is an old event that the SAUA has always run whereby Security gives us all their lost property and then we sell it (its quite amazing that people will pay for quite a lot of junk.) Ideas such as bake sales, ‘Busk for your HECS,’ and obviously the standard BBQ have been floated. This has yet to take concrete shape.
NDA- This is the section of my report that I believe will cause the most controversy. At this point in the year I can see no way in which South Australia could have an effective protest. Please take my earlier comment about the 20 people on the steps of Parliament house VERY seriously. This is not an exaggeration. I am fully committed to getting involved in the campaign as a CONCEPT, and will of course have something on the day. However, NDA’s are currently not a viable option in South Australia and I fundamentally believe that it will not be an effective or productive use of my time to spend the entirety of the first half of the year organising one.
Other Stuff- Lecture Bashing, Postering, Forums (hopefully the seat of Adelaide’s candidate debate as in 2004,) leafleting, etc. As much activity as can be arranged on as small a budget as possible. Ideas always welcome. I am also very keen to make some generic banners with slogans such as ‘Vote for the future’ or ‘This Federal Election, will you be voting for Higher Education?’ These will be able to be used throughout the entirety of the year and I hope will be a starting point for getting people interested.
Yours in Union and Solidarity,
Rhiannon Newman
President South Australian State Branch of NUS
President Students’ Association of the University of Adelaide
Mob- 0400273335
Office- 8303 3899
Email- rhiannon.newman@adelaide.edu.au
Mailing Address- Attn: President
Students Association
Lady Symon Building
University of Adelaide
South Australia 5005
Just a little bit of it (coz it went for 11 pages and noone needs to read that) to keep you up to date with whats happening.
In Solidarity,
Rhi
Orientation
Orientation will be make or break for State Branch. It is the only foreseeable way in which we can get anyone involved in the campaign for next year. Currently my plans for Adelaide and most likely Flinders (Uni SA as noted above is still touch and go) involves stalls next to the AEC and sign up sheets for the new E-List as well as lecture bashing, postering and general promotion. This will be the launch of the ‘Voice for the Future’ Campaign so it is obviously important. I am hoping with negotiation with Flinders to incorporate the stall into their FCCS stall. Obviously concrete, specific planning is a little difficult from the perspective of only one activist so with a little luck after the State Conference we will have more direction for Orientation.
Recruitment
As stated in the previous section Orientation is of paramount importance to the Branch. Having spoken to the National Education Officer last week on the issue of NDAs this becomes even more apparent. Let me tell you if we were to hold an NDA in the second/third week of first term on the current number of activists we have now we would have 20 people yelling on the steps of Parliament House. In case you haven’t picked up the doom and gloom overtones of this report our activist network is crying out for members. It is my hope that the many lead up events to whatever we decide to run on the NDA will encourage more people to be actively involved.
Website
A rather exciting thing happened last week where I discovered that there is an (albeit empty) website devoted to South Australia on the unistudent.com! Well I was excited. Now that I am aware of its existence I would like to keep this up to date not only as a reference point for South Australian activists but also as a method of accountability within NUS.
Recommendation 3- That the National Office Bearers assist in the creation of promotional material for South Australian O’Weeks and make a commitment to having at least one OB in the state for the duration of the Orientation period.
Recommendation 4- That the National General Secretary assist the South Australian State Branch President in keeping the SA section of the NUS website up to date and relevant.
Voice for the Future
This will be the focus for the year of State Branch (and on a personal note the Adelaide Uni Students’ Association/SRC.) We all know the specifics of the campaign as adopted by the 2006 conference so I will just speak briefly on the events I intend to run as part of the campaign this year (in addition to Orientation as previously discussed.)
Enrol to Vote- I intend to have regular ‘Enrol to Vote’ days this year. Beginning with Flinders (if it goes ahead) and Adelaide O’Camps, obviously as discussed in Orientation, and near the end of first term a BBQ/Band day at each of the Universities. This is designed not only to keep up momentum for the campaign but also to gauge interest and further recruit more people to the movement.
Fundraising Day- An event I currently have planned within the Adelaide SRC but I am hoping can also be applied to the other campuses. Basically it involves running as low cost an event as possible that is designed to raise money for future campaigns. My personal favourite is the Lost Property Stall. This is an old event that the SAUA has always run whereby Security gives us all their lost property and then we sell it (its quite amazing that people will pay for quite a lot of junk.) Ideas such as bake sales, ‘Busk for your HECS,’ and obviously the standard BBQ have been floated. This has yet to take concrete shape.
NDA- This is the section of my report that I believe will cause the most controversy. At this point in the year I can see no way in which South Australia could have an effective protest. Please take my earlier comment about the 20 people on the steps of Parliament house VERY seriously. This is not an exaggeration. I am fully committed to getting involved in the campaign as a CONCEPT, and will of course have something on the day. However, NDA’s are currently not a viable option in South Australia and I fundamentally believe that it will not be an effective or productive use of my time to spend the entirety of the first half of the year organising one.
Other Stuff- Lecture Bashing, Postering, Forums (hopefully the seat of Adelaide’s candidate debate as in 2004,) leafleting, etc. As much activity as can be arranged on as small a budget as possible. Ideas always welcome. I am also very keen to make some generic banners with slogans such as ‘Vote for the future’ or ‘This Federal Election, will you be voting for Higher Education?’ These will be able to be used throughout the entirety of the year and I hope will be a starting point for getting people interested.
Yours in Union and Solidarity,
Rhiannon Newman
President South Australian State Branch of NUS
President Students’ Association of the University of Adelaide
Mob- 0400273335
Office- 8303 3899
Email- rhiannon.newman@adelaide.edu.au
Mailing Address- Attn: President
Students Association
Lady Symon Building
University of Adelaide
South Australia 5005
Just a little bit of it (coz it went for 11 pages and noone needs to read that) to keep you up to date with whats happening.
In Solidarity,
Rhi
SA NUS Press Release
First Press Release of the State Branch of the National Union of Students available for your perusal.
Students, the ‘Voice for the Future’
The South Australian Branch of the National Union of Students is gearing up for a big year with plans for student involvement in the Federal Election already underway.
South Australian National Union of Students President, Rhiannon Newman, said that plans were well under way to make the student agenda paramount within the Federal Election agenda.
“It’s about making sure that students are not forgotten around polling time. We’ve had ten years of excessive cuts to Higher Education and it’s time that we start taking some of that back”
Ms Newman argues that young people need to be empowered within the democratic process.
“Speaking with young people and in particular students it soon becomes obvious that they are passionate about issues which affect them particularly in the higher education sector they are just not engaged with the process.” Ms Newman said.
In response to criticism that young people are not interested or apathetic, Ms Newman says students are part of an informed and aware generation but one that is continually ostracised and disempowered when it comes to issues both that affect them and the wider community.
“Every student I have come across has been informed and aware regardless of their political ideology. Yet this is not reflected in voter registration or young people involved in the political process. The South Australian branch of NUS is committed to encouraging young people and students in particular to really stand up and ensure their voices are heard at this Federal Election,” Ms Newman said.
“Students are the voice for the future and its time the Government started listening.” Ms Newman concluded.
Just got back from Sydney fror the National Presidents Summit and NUS National Executive. More to come in regard to whats happening in the Higher Education Sector.
In Union,
Rhi
Students, the ‘Voice for the Future’
The South Australian Branch of the National Union of Students is gearing up for a big year with plans for student involvement in the Federal Election already underway.
South Australian National Union of Students President, Rhiannon Newman, said that plans were well under way to make the student agenda paramount within the Federal Election agenda.
“It’s about making sure that students are not forgotten around polling time. We’ve had ten years of excessive cuts to Higher Education and it’s time that we start taking some of that back”
Ms Newman argues that young people need to be empowered within the democratic process.
“Speaking with young people and in particular students it soon becomes obvious that they are passionate about issues which affect them particularly in the higher education sector they are just not engaged with the process.” Ms Newman said.
In response to criticism that young people are not interested or apathetic, Ms Newman says students are part of an informed and aware generation but one that is continually ostracised and disempowered when it comes to issues both that affect them and the wider community.
“Every student I have come across has been informed and aware regardless of their political ideology. Yet this is not reflected in voter registration or young people involved in the political process. The South Australian branch of NUS is committed to encouraging young people and students in particular to really stand up and ensure their voices are heard at this Federal Election,” Ms Newman said.
“Students are the voice for the future and its time the Government started listening.” Ms Newman concluded.
Just got back from Sydney fror the National Presidents Summit and NUS National Executive. More to come in regard to whats happening in the Higher Education Sector.
In Union,
Rhi
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Price of knowledge a heavy burden
This article today from the Australian on the impact of HECS debts- HECS really seems to be at the forefront of people's minds at the moment which coincides with all the thousand of Year 12's about to start Uni.
Price of knowledge a heavy burden
Samantha Maiden
29 December 2006
WHEN Innes Bailey graduates from university next year at the age of 23, he will enter the workforce with a business degree and a debt of more than $30,000.
His degree will help him find a job, but he is unlikely to pay off the debt until he reaches his thirties. "It will probably be between $30,000 and $35,000," Mr Bailey said yesterday.
"There would be no hope of paying it upfront, even if my parents wanted to."
Under the HECS system, students can defer fee payments but must start to repay the debt through taxation once they earn more than $36,000 a year.
Mr Bailey's debt is higher than for a basic economics or arts degree because he started in one faculty after he finished school before moving to others.
"I did a year of arts, two years of design and two years of economics and finance," he said.
"I will be graduating in a business degree. I can only name one friend from high school who stuck with a degree and didn't change at least once.
"When I first found out how much it was, it didn't completely surprise me. I've been at university for five years. It's just something you have to deal with if you go to university."
Student leaders claim the number of graduates with large debts is set to grow as the 25 per cent rises in HECS fees from last year onwards flow through the system.
Queensland National Union of Students president Dan Doran said he knew many students with debts significantly higher than the $10,500 average.
"My HECS debt will be about $24,000," he said. "To be employable today, a lot of students are doing double degrees and they are costing more.
"It's a national disgrace that we are the only country to decrease spending on education as a percentage of gross domestic product."
Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations president Nigel Palmer said postgraduate students faced even larger debts.
"HECS is capped, but in the case of ... postgraduate degrees those universities can basically charge what the market will bear for them," Mr Palmer said.
"If people are already loaded up with significant HECS debts, it's a real disincentive to take on further postgraduate studies.
"There are fewer and fewer incentives to stay on and undertake research."
A few weeks ago Jenny Macklin, the then Labor Shadow Minister for Education was in Adelaide and spoke with a few of us on the issue of HECS and in particular how South Australians alone owe 800 million dollars in debt. This of course then leads into the argument of whether the current education system is 'worth it' or whether there should be significantly better conditions within Universities to show some of where exhorbitant fees are going. Its an issue to think about, what will your HECS debt be when you finish????
Rhi
xoxo
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Nelson Mandela
Price of knowledge a heavy burden
Samantha Maiden
29 December 2006
WHEN Innes Bailey graduates from university next year at the age of 23, he will enter the workforce with a business degree and a debt of more than $30,000.
His degree will help him find a job, but he is unlikely to pay off the debt until he reaches his thirties. "It will probably be between $30,000 and $35,000," Mr Bailey said yesterday.
"There would be no hope of paying it upfront, even if my parents wanted to."
Under the HECS system, students can defer fee payments but must start to repay the debt through taxation once they earn more than $36,000 a year.
Mr Bailey's debt is higher than for a basic economics or arts degree because he started in one faculty after he finished school before moving to others.
"I did a year of arts, two years of design and two years of economics and finance," he said.
"I will be graduating in a business degree. I can only name one friend from high school who stuck with a degree and didn't change at least once.
"When I first found out how much it was, it didn't completely surprise me. I've been at university for five years. It's just something you have to deal with if you go to university."
Student leaders claim the number of graduates with large debts is set to grow as the 25 per cent rises in HECS fees from last year onwards flow through the system.
Queensland National Union of Students president Dan Doran said he knew many students with debts significantly higher than the $10,500 average.
"My HECS debt will be about $24,000," he said. "To be employable today, a lot of students are doing double degrees and they are costing more.
"It's a national disgrace that we are the only country to decrease spending on education as a percentage of gross domestic product."
Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations president Nigel Palmer said postgraduate students faced even larger debts.
"HECS is capped, but in the case of ... postgraduate degrees those universities can basically charge what the market will bear for them," Mr Palmer said.
"If people are already loaded up with significant HECS debts, it's a real disincentive to take on further postgraduate studies.
"There are fewer and fewer incentives to stay on and undertake research."
A few weeks ago Jenny Macklin, the then Labor Shadow Minister for Education was in Adelaide and spoke with a few of us on the issue of HECS and in particular how South Australians alone owe 800 million dollars in debt. This of course then leads into the argument of whether the current education system is 'worth it' or whether there should be significantly better conditions within Universities to show some of where exhorbitant fees are going. Its an issue to think about, what will your HECS debt be when you finish????
Rhi
xoxo
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Nelson Mandela
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Last "Women in Black" for the year
On the last wednesday of every month a group of women gather on the steps of Parliament House and hold a silent vigil to protest war and in particular to highlight the particular impact that war has on women (such as the prolific use of rape as a tool of war.) This vigil is called "Women in Black," and the silence is to represent the idea that 'too many words have been spoken,' and that actions speak louder than words.
Actually the original organisers say it better than I do-
"Women In Black New York stand in silent vigil to protest war, rape as a tool of war, ethnic cleansing and human rights abuses all over the world. We are silent because mere words cannot express the tragedy that wars and hatred bring. We refuse to add to the cacophony of empty statements that are spoken with the best intentions yet may be erased or go unheard under the sound of a passing ambulance or a bomb exploding nearby.
Our silence is visible. We invite women to stand with us, reflect about themselves and women who have been raped, tortured or killed in concentration camps, women who have disappeared, whose loved ones have disappeared or have been killed, whose homes have been demolished. We wear black as a symbol of sorrow for all victims of war, for the destruction of people, nature and the fabric of life. Women in Black is an international peace network.
Women in Black is not an organization, but a means of mobilization and a formula for action. Women in Black vigils were started in Israel in 1988 by women protesting against Israel’s Occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Women in Black has developed in countries such as Italy, Spain, Germany, England, Azerbaijan, Colombia, and in FR Yugoslavia, where women in Belgrade have stood in weekly vigils since 1991 to protest war and the Serbian regime’s policies of nationalist aggression. Women in Black groups have formed in many cities in the United States since September 11th. Women in Black New York have been holding vigils in solidarity with our sisters throughout the world since 1993. "
The point of this post was a. To make more people aware of the Event, and b. To post the contents of this week's leaflet (we hand out a leaflet each month and people take turns writing it.)
The women decided that as it is Christmas and the last vigil of the year that the message should be of Peace and not of War. It went as follows-
"We hold a silent vigil for peace here on the last Wednesday of each month. Usually our leaflet focuses on an issue about peace or conflict which is currently in the news. However, on this the last Wednesday of the year, we are thinking about how everyday actions promote peace. So here is a wish to you for the New Year:
Where there is love
there is hope
Where there is hope
there is joy
Where there is joy
there is laughter
Where there is laughter
there is freedom
Where there is freedom
there is trust
Where there is trust
there is love.
The current Dalai Lama has said: "I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment."
In the coming year, may the pursuit of true happiness bring you contentment and lasting peace.Women in Black hopes for - and will work for peace for people all around the world - such as people in Gaza, and East Timor, in Colombia and Darfur, in Chechnya, Iraq, West Papua and Sri Lanka as well as those of us in more affluent countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, Japan and Europe.
Women in Black is an international anti-war movement.
Vigils have been held in countries such as Italy, USA,
Canada, Germany, India, Palestine and Israel
as well as most Australian capitals.
For more details phone: 8232 6334"
So, lovely women of Adelaide please remember that 'Women in Black' occurs on the Last Wednesday of EVERY month at 5 on the steps of Parliament House. I encourage all to attend (and dont forget to wear Black!)
Also for further contact details my new office number is- 83033897
In peace and solidarity,
Rhi
xoxo
Actually the original organisers say it better than I do-
"Women In Black New York stand in silent vigil to protest war, rape as a tool of war, ethnic cleansing and human rights abuses all over the world. We are silent because mere words cannot express the tragedy that wars and hatred bring. We refuse to add to the cacophony of empty statements that are spoken with the best intentions yet may be erased or go unheard under the sound of a passing ambulance or a bomb exploding nearby.
Our silence is visible. We invite women to stand with us, reflect about themselves and women who have been raped, tortured or killed in concentration camps, women who have disappeared, whose loved ones have disappeared or have been killed, whose homes have been demolished. We wear black as a symbol of sorrow for all victims of war, for the destruction of people, nature and the fabric of life. Women in Black is an international peace network.
Women in Black is not an organization, but a means of mobilization and a formula for action. Women in Black vigils were started in Israel in 1988 by women protesting against Israel’s Occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Women in Black has developed in countries such as Italy, Spain, Germany, England, Azerbaijan, Colombia, and in FR Yugoslavia, where women in Belgrade have stood in weekly vigils since 1991 to protest war and the Serbian regime’s policies of nationalist aggression. Women in Black groups have formed in many cities in the United States since September 11th. Women in Black New York have been holding vigils in solidarity with our sisters throughout the world since 1993. "
The point of this post was a. To make more people aware of the Event, and b. To post the contents of this week's leaflet (we hand out a leaflet each month and people take turns writing it.)
The women decided that as it is Christmas and the last vigil of the year that the message should be of Peace and not of War. It went as follows-
"We hold a silent vigil for peace here on the last Wednesday of each month. Usually our leaflet focuses on an issue about peace or conflict which is currently in the news. However, on this the last Wednesday of the year, we are thinking about how everyday actions promote peace. So here is a wish to you for the New Year:
Where there is love
there is hope
Where there is hope
there is joy
Where there is joy
there is laughter
Where there is laughter
there is freedom
Where there is freedom
there is trust
Where there is trust
there is love.
The current Dalai Lama has said: "I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment."
In the coming year, may the pursuit of true happiness bring you contentment and lasting peace.Women in Black hopes for - and will work for peace for people all around the world - such as people in Gaza, and East Timor, in Colombia and Darfur, in Chechnya, Iraq, West Papua and Sri Lanka as well as those of us in more affluent countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, Japan and Europe.
Women in Black is an international anti-war movement.
Vigils have been held in countries such as Italy, USA,
Canada, Germany, India, Palestine and Israel
as well as most Australian capitals.
For more details phone: 8232 6334"
So, lovely women of Adelaide please remember that 'Women in Black' occurs on the Last Wednesday of EVERY month at 5 on the steps of Parliament House. I encourage all to attend (and dont forget to wear Black!)
Also for further contact details my new office number is- 83033897
In peace and solidarity,
Rhi
xoxo
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Higher Ed Press Release
Before I post the new Labor Policy on Higher Ed... Another plea for NUS Office Bearers! If you are interested please email me at rhiannon.newman@adelaide.edu.au !!!!!!! Even if you just want more info on what NUS is all about!!
19 December 2006
HIGHER EDUCATION NEEDS INVESTMENT NOT COMMITTEES
If the Minister for Education, Science and Training’s priority is a bureaucratic review of the higher education sector, then it’s only further evidence that the Howard Government has completely lost interest in investing in Australia’s future.
During the Howard Government’s 10 and a half years in office:
· HECS debts have increased on average by 100 percent; · Public investment in tertiary education in Australia has gone backwards 7 percent while the OECD average is a 48 percent increase;
· To afford to study, Australian students are working up to two or three jobs at once thus leaving them less time to hit the books;
· 300,000 people have been turned away from TAFE colleagues because the Federal Government wilfully neglects to fund the places.
After a decade of acute underinvestment and blaming others, the best the Howard Government can do for Australia’s universities is to set up an interdepartmental committee and create more paperwork.
It is one thing to initiate the review required by the 2003 legislation; it’s another entirely to get on with the job of actually investing in higher education and easing the growing pressures on students.
Australia’s future prosperity requires policy solutions and greater investment in higher education, not a phased bureaucratic talkfest.
Given the Minister’s propensity for discussion papers, I would encourage her to read Labor’s White Paper - Australia’s Universities: Building Our Future in the World.
The sector has already read and welcomed our White Paper so a significant piece of consultation work has been done if the Government cares to pick it up and implement what’s required.
When Labor makes announcements next year about investing in higher education and addressing the skills crisis, we want be talking about inter-departmental reviews. We will be offering detailed policies for the future of our nation.
This is hopefully the start of making Higher Education a big election issue!
Rhi
xoxo
19 December 2006
HIGHER EDUCATION NEEDS INVESTMENT NOT COMMITTEES
If the Minister for Education, Science and Training’s priority is a bureaucratic review of the higher education sector, then it’s only further evidence that the Howard Government has completely lost interest in investing in Australia’s future.
During the Howard Government’s 10 and a half years in office:
· HECS debts have increased on average by 100 percent; · Public investment in tertiary education in Australia has gone backwards 7 percent while the OECD average is a 48 percent increase;
· To afford to study, Australian students are working up to two or three jobs at once thus leaving them less time to hit the books;
· 300,000 people have been turned away from TAFE colleagues because the Federal Government wilfully neglects to fund the places.
After a decade of acute underinvestment and blaming others, the best the Howard Government can do for Australia’s universities is to set up an interdepartmental committee and create more paperwork.
It is one thing to initiate the review required by the 2003 legislation; it’s another entirely to get on with the job of actually investing in higher education and easing the growing pressures on students.
Australia’s future prosperity requires policy solutions and greater investment in higher education, not a phased bureaucratic talkfest.
Given the Minister’s propensity for discussion papers, I would encourage her to read Labor’s White Paper - Australia’s Universities: Building Our Future in the World.
The sector has already read and welcomed our White Paper so a significant piece of consultation work has been done if the Government cares to pick it up and implement what’s required.
When Labor makes announcements next year about investing in higher education and addressing the skills crisis, we want be talking about inter-departmental reviews. We will be offering detailed policies for the future of our nation.
This is hopefully the start of making Higher Education a big election issue!
Rhi
xoxo
Monday, December 18, 2006
Hate Will NOT Win
Just a nice post with a great message!!
Hate Will NOT Win
I am the guy who came out to the entire school in his senior speech and got a standing ovation for his courage.
I am the girl who kisses her girlfriend on the sidewalk and laughs at those who glare.
We are the couple who planned and studied and got a damn good lawyer and BEAT the state that wanted to take our child away.
We are the ones who took martial arts classes and carry pepper spray and are just too dangerous to gay bash.
I am the transgender person who uses the bathroom that suits me, and demands that any complaining staff explain their complaint to my face in front of the entire restaurant--and shares with my other trans friends which restaurants don't raise a stink.
I am the mother who told her lesbian daughter to invite her girlfriend over for dinner.
I am the father who punished his son for calling you a fag.
I am the preacher who told my congregation that love, not hate, is the definition of a true follower of God.
I am the girl who did not learn the meaning of "homosexual" until high school but never thought to question why two men might be kissing.
I am the woman who argues (quite loudly and vehemently) with the bigots who insist that you do not have the right to marry or raise children.
We are the high school class who agrees, unanimously, along with our teacher, that love should be all that matters.
You're stronger than you think. I am making a difference. Hate will not win
Hate Will NOT Win
I am the guy who came out to the entire school in his senior speech and got a standing ovation for his courage.
I am the girl who kisses her girlfriend on the sidewalk and laughs at those who glare.
We are the couple who planned and studied and got a damn good lawyer and BEAT the state that wanted to take our child away.
We are the ones who took martial arts classes and carry pepper spray and are just too dangerous to gay bash.
I am the transgender person who uses the bathroom that suits me, and demands that any complaining staff explain their complaint to my face in front of the entire restaurant--and shares with my other trans friends which restaurants don't raise a stink.
I am the mother who told her lesbian daughter to invite her girlfriend over for dinner.
I am the father who punished his son for calling you a fag.
I am the preacher who told my congregation that love, not hate, is the definition of a true follower of God.
I am the girl who did not learn the meaning of "homosexual" until high school but never thought to question why two men might be kissing.
I am the woman who argues (quite loudly and vehemently) with the bigots who insist that you do not have the right to marry or raise children.
We are the high school class who agrees, unanimously, along with our teacher, that love should be all that matters.
You're stronger than you think. I am making a difference. Hate will not win
Citizenship Test and Hicks...
Guilty or not, Hicks has done his time - Senator Natasha Stott Despoja
Author: Senator Natasha Stott Despoja
THE Federal Government has announced it will introduce a citizenship test for migrants to test their commitment to "Australian values" and principles such as the importance of democracy and the rule of law.Yet the Government is flouting these very values in relation to someone who is already an Australian citizen David Hicks.
The whole point of the rule of law is that the law should apply to all people equally, yet the Federal Government is attempting to enforce so-called Australian values on potential citizens while refusing to protect its only citizen languishing in Guantanamo Bay.
A fair go?
In June, Prime Minister John Howard went so far as to assume Mr Hicks' guilt, claiming that
"He has, amongst those that are held in Guantanamo Bay, committed more serious offences than most."
In fact, it has not been proved that he has committed anything. What about the rule of law applying to Mr Hicks? Of course, that is a pipe dream under the new military commission laws enacted this year the current ones as well as those (eerily similar) commissions ruled illegal by the US Supreme Court. They allow for a conviction on evidence that Mr Hicks will never be allowed to see; remove the right to a speedy trial; remove the right to habeas corpus, the right of a detainee to challenge their unjust treatment; and remove the right to cross-examine witnesses who have given evidence against the detainee: basic principles that underpin a democracy.
But that is why the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and military commission were established: to exist outside US and international law, to be a law unto themselves.
To all intents and purposes, the Australian Government has abandoned Mr Hicks to the whims of "Gitmo".
The injustice of his five years in detention is hitting home for an increasing number of Australians, who realise that many convicted criminals do not serve this long for their crimes, and certainly not without charge or a fair trial.This is not about Hicks the man, or what he is suspected of having done.
It is about the rule of law and the responsibility of our Government to protect our citizens detained overseas. Of course, those suspected of crimes should be tried, and if they are found guilty they should be brought to justice. But, in the process, it is essential we do not allow for the erosion of the rule of law and the destruction of values and principles we are seeking to defend.It is time to bring David Hicks home.
Senator Natasha Stott Despoja is the Australian Democrats' spokeswoman on foreign affairs and the Attorney-General's portfolio.
Author: Senator Natasha Stott Despoja
THE Federal Government has announced it will introduce a citizenship test for migrants to test their commitment to "Australian values" and principles such as the importance of democracy and the rule of law.Yet the Government is flouting these very values in relation to someone who is already an Australian citizen David Hicks.
The whole point of the rule of law is that the law should apply to all people equally, yet the Federal Government is attempting to enforce so-called Australian values on potential citizens while refusing to protect its only citizen languishing in Guantanamo Bay.
A fair go?
In June, Prime Minister John Howard went so far as to assume Mr Hicks' guilt, claiming that
"He has, amongst those that are held in Guantanamo Bay, committed more serious offences than most."
In fact, it has not been proved that he has committed anything. What about the rule of law applying to Mr Hicks? Of course, that is a pipe dream under the new military commission laws enacted this year the current ones as well as those (eerily similar) commissions ruled illegal by the US Supreme Court. They allow for a conviction on evidence that Mr Hicks will never be allowed to see; remove the right to a speedy trial; remove the right to habeas corpus, the right of a detainee to challenge their unjust treatment; and remove the right to cross-examine witnesses who have given evidence against the detainee: basic principles that underpin a democracy.
But that is why the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and military commission were established: to exist outside US and international law, to be a law unto themselves.
To all intents and purposes, the Australian Government has abandoned Mr Hicks to the whims of "Gitmo".
The injustice of his five years in detention is hitting home for an increasing number of Australians, who realise that many convicted criminals do not serve this long for their crimes, and certainly not without charge or a fair trial.This is not about Hicks the man, or what he is suspected of having done.
It is about the rule of law and the responsibility of our Government to protect our citizens detained overseas. Of course, those suspected of crimes should be tried, and if they are found guilty they should be brought to justice. But, in the process, it is essential we do not allow for the erosion of the rule of law and the destruction of values and principles we are seeking to defend.It is time to bring David Hicks home.
Senator Natasha Stott Despoja is the Australian Democrats' spokeswoman on foreign affairs and the Attorney-General's portfolio.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Labor's Education Election Policy
This just in... Federal Labor has just started releasing its new policy on Education. Nothing about VSU or additonal support for student orgs (or additional support for students attending Higher Education either) but they have started talking about tackling HECS. Seeing as HECS debts are mounting well into the billions now this seems fairly reasonable. Its a huge debt to start your career with- i know mine will be over $50000 when I finish- try getting a morgage with that baby!
Anyway this is a good start (obviously not far enough yet but we are still a year out from elections.)
Everyone has to keep up the pressure next year! Show the Govt and Opposition that Higher Education is IMPORTANT!
Rhi
xoxo
Anyway this is a good start (obviously not far enough yet but we are still a year out from elections.)
Everyone has to keep up the pressure next year! Show the Govt and Opposition that Higher Education is IMPORTANT!
Rhi
xoxo
Monday, December 11, 2006
Elections not Erections
In the words of the great Robert Simms with a Federal Election looming next year its time to start talking 'Elections not Erections.'
Couldn't have put it better myself!
On that note its probably a good idea for people to start familiarising themselves with Labor's new Frontbench. If Labor wins next year it will be important to know which of these that we will need to be lobbying. Not to mention we want the Labor Party to back the 'Voice for the Future: The National Student Agenda' Campaign as part of their election policy.
Julia Gillard- Shadow Minster for Industrial Relations (Should be linked closely with the 'Your Rights at Work' Campaign)
Peter Garrett- Spokesperson for Climate Change and the Environment
Stephen Smith- Shadow Minister for Education and Training
Will be the three important ones for the 'Voice for the Future' Campaign- the details of which I will be posting shortly.
Next year is all about the Federal Election- Australia needs a progressive agenda and Students need to be at the forefront of this!
Rhi
xoxo
(In the words of the great Peter Garrett... 'It's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.' Don't take regressive policy sitting down!)
Couldn't have put it better myself!
On that note its probably a good idea for people to start familiarising themselves with Labor's new Frontbench. If Labor wins next year it will be important to know which of these that we will need to be lobbying. Not to mention we want the Labor Party to back the 'Voice for the Future: The National Student Agenda' Campaign as part of their election policy.
Julia Gillard- Shadow Minster for Industrial Relations (Should be linked closely with the 'Your Rights at Work' Campaign)
Peter Garrett- Spokesperson for Climate Change and the Environment
Stephen Smith- Shadow Minister for Education and Training
Will be the three important ones for the 'Voice for the Future' Campaign- the details of which I will be posting shortly.
Next year is all about the Federal Election- Australia needs a progressive agenda and Students need to be at the forefront of this!
Rhi
xoxo
(In the words of the great Peter Garrett... 'It's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.' Don't take regressive policy sitting down!)
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Same-Sex Rights recognised in South Australia!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL QUEER IDENTIFYING PEOPLE!
SA Upper House passes bill for same-sex rights
A bill giving same-sex couples greater legal rights has passed the Upper House of South Australian Parliament.
The bill provides increased rights for property ownership, inheritance and other matters.
The legislation also recognises two people living together in a non-sexual relationship.
Gay rights lobbyists have welcomed the passage of the bill.
Ian Purcell from the Let's Get Equal campaign says the legislation will make a real difference to the lives of gay couples.
"If your partner is ill in hospital, you as a same-sex partner will now legally be recognised as next of kin and can make decisions - medical decisions on behalf of that person," he said.
"This is something that people who are in heterosexual relationships take for granted."
This is a step in the right direction I am so pleased!
Rhi
xoxo
SA Upper House passes bill for same-sex rights
A bill giving same-sex couples greater legal rights has passed the Upper House of South Australian Parliament.
The bill provides increased rights for property ownership, inheritance and other matters.
The legislation also recognises two people living together in a non-sexual relationship.
Gay rights lobbyists have welcomed the passage of the bill.
Ian Purcell from the Let's Get Equal campaign says the legislation will make a real difference to the lives of gay couples.
"If your partner is ill in hospital, you as a same-sex partner will now legally be recognised as next of kin and can make decisions - medical decisions on behalf of that person," he said.
"This is something that people who are in heterosexual relationships take for granted."
This is a step in the right direction I am so pleased!
Rhi
xoxo
Saturday, December 9, 2006
Hicks Rally
Still recovering from NUS so unable to go- But I am glad that people are still against the unlawful imprisonment of David Hicks.
Thousands rally to bring Hicks home
December 9, 2006 - 7:59PM
Thousands of people have rallied in capital cities across Australia, urging the federal government to do more to bring David Hicks home from Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
More than a thousand people marched in Sydney, while hundreds took part in protests in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Canberra to mark the fifth anniversary of the accused terrorist's incarceration.
But only 400 people turned out in Hick's hometown of Adelaide, with his father Terry Hick's blaming the 40 degree Celsius heat for the lowest attendance yet at the annual rally.
Mr Hicks, who says he has not spoken with his son since July 7, was optimistic the recent change in the federal Labor leadership could hold new hope for his son's release.
"We'd like to test the waters with Kevin Rudd to get his thoughts," Mr Hicks said.
"I would imagine that it would be of interest to him because it might be a reasonable opportunity to gain some votes if the number of people turning out across Australia for the rally today is any indication."
David Hicks has been held in the US detention centre at Guantanamo Bay on Cuba since January 2002 after being captured in Afghanistan in late 2001.
The Muslim convert had pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, attempted murder and aiding the enemy.
However, the charges were dropped after the US Supreme Court in June declared that the military tribunals set up to try Hicks and other inmates were illegal.
Former Guantanamo Bay detainee Mamdouh Habib was among those marching in Sydney, and wore a t-shirt with the slogan "Prisoner Exchange Program - Imprison Howard - Free Hicks".
"(Prime Minister) John Howard, he doesn't want (to) bring David Hicks here for so many reasons, because he's a good witness against the crime of the government overseas," Mr Habib told the gathering that marched on the US Consulate.
"And, I'm telling you from here, I'm not scared from anybody. I'm not scared to go back to Guantanamo Bay. I'm telling John Howard, come here, take me back to Guantanamo Bay - I will be proud to be there ... with you, because you (are a) criminal."
Labor's legal affairs spokeswoman Nicola Roxon, who addressed the crowd in Melbourne's Federation Square, said the government's stubbornness was the reason Hicks had not been brought home.
"Australia's laws are more than adequate to deal with any security risk that the government believes Mr Hicks poses," she said.
"If Mr Hicks is assessed as a security risk to the community, our laws allow control orders to monitor a person's movements in proportion to the threat they pose to the community."
In Brisbane, Queensland Democrats senator Andrew Bartlett applauded the hundreds at the rally, saying they should not be ashamed to defend Australians' rights.
If someone hears about this sort of thing please post on it! I would love to hear about it (preferably before the event so I have some chance of attending!)
Rhi
xoxo
Thousands rally to bring Hicks home
December 9, 2006 - 7:59PM
Thousands of people have rallied in capital cities across Australia, urging the federal government to do more to bring David Hicks home from Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
More than a thousand people marched in Sydney, while hundreds took part in protests in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Canberra to mark the fifth anniversary of the accused terrorist's incarceration.
But only 400 people turned out in Hick's hometown of Adelaide, with his father Terry Hick's blaming the 40 degree Celsius heat for the lowest attendance yet at the annual rally.
Mr Hicks, who says he has not spoken with his son since July 7, was optimistic the recent change in the federal Labor leadership could hold new hope for his son's release.
"We'd like to test the waters with Kevin Rudd to get his thoughts," Mr Hicks said.
"I would imagine that it would be of interest to him because it might be a reasonable opportunity to gain some votes if the number of people turning out across Australia for the rally today is any indication."
David Hicks has been held in the US detention centre at Guantanamo Bay on Cuba since January 2002 after being captured in Afghanistan in late 2001.
The Muslim convert had pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, attempted murder and aiding the enemy.
However, the charges were dropped after the US Supreme Court in June declared that the military tribunals set up to try Hicks and other inmates were illegal.
Former Guantanamo Bay detainee Mamdouh Habib was among those marching in Sydney, and wore a t-shirt with the slogan "Prisoner Exchange Program - Imprison Howard - Free Hicks".
"(Prime Minister) John Howard, he doesn't want (to) bring David Hicks here for so many reasons, because he's a good witness against the crime of the government overseas," Mr Habib told the gathering that marched on the US Consulate.
"And, I'm telling you from here, I'm not scared from anybody. I'm not scared to go back to Guantanamo Bay. I'm telling John Howard, come here, take me back to Guantanamo Bay - I will be proud to be there ... with you, because you (are a) criminal."
Labor's legal affairs spokeswoman Nicola Roxon, who addressed the crowd in Melbourne's Federation Square, said the government's stubbornness was the reason Hicks had not been brought home.
"Australia's laws are more than adequate to deal with any security risk that the government believes Mr Hicks poses," she said.
"If Mr Hicks is assessed as a security risk to the community, our laws allow control orders to monitor a person's movements in proportion to the threat they pose to the community."
In Brisbane, Queensland Democrats senator Andrew Bartlett applauded the hundreds at the rally, saying they should not be ashamed to defend Australians' rights.
If someone hears about this sort of thing please post on it! I would love to hear about it (preferably before the event so I have some chance of attending!)
Rhi
xoxo
Welcome!
Welcome to Adelaide Activists!
This is designed to be a network for Progressive students in South Australia and in particular at Adelaide University. I envision it will include discussions on upcoming campaigns, issues currently in the media, happenings at the three Universities and coordination through NUS State branch and nationally. Please feel free to comment and start debate on anything in here as well as emailing me anything you think should be included at- rhiannon.newman@adelaide.edu.au
Currently in SA News-
Nominations will soon be open for positions within the National Union of Students State Branch so please be thinking about which of these you would like to nominate for! Details of positions to be elected available soon!
Currently elected for 2007 are-
President-
Rhiannon Newman
Education Officer-
Larissa Harrison
Women's Committee-
Alexandra Barratt
Alicia Tan
Lavinia Emmett-Grey
Hannah Frank
Larissa Harrison
Rhiannon Newman
The Constitution for South Australian State Branch is currently being written any suggestions to me ASAP
I am currently in the process of writing a strategic plan for Student Activism in South Australia for 2007. Again any suggestions would be most appreciated. The main focus will be surrounding NUS's main campaign 'Voice for the Future' which incorporates the fight for equitable higher education, the 'Your Rights at Work' Campaign and Global Warming. As it is a Federal election year a strong 'Enrol to Vote' campaign is also on the cards. These are the sorts of campaigns that can be incorporated into all interest groups and have widespread appeal.
So if you are ready to ensure the continuation of Adelaide Activism- Welcome! You are in the right place and I look forward to the campaign!
Rhi
"You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day"
This is designed to be a network for Progressive students in South Australia and in particular at Adelaide University. I envision it will include discussions on upcoming campaigns, issues currently in the media, happenings at the three Universities and coordination through NUS State branch and nationally. Please feel free to comment and start debate on anything in here as well as emailing me anything you think should be included at- rhiannon.newman@adelaide.edu.au
Currently in SA News-
Nominations will soon be open for positions within the National Union of Students State Branch so please be thinking about which of these you would like to nominate for! Details of positions to be elected available soon!
Currently elected for 2007 are-
President-
Rhiannon Newman
Education Officer-
Larissa Harrison
Women's Committee-
Alexandra Barratt
Alicia Tan
Lavinia Emmett-Grey
Hannah Frank
Larissa Harrison
Rhiannon Newman
The Constitution for South Australian State Branch is currently being written any suggestions to me ASAP
I am currently in the process of writing a strategic plan for Student Activism in South Australia for 2007. Again any suggestions would be most appreciated. The main focus will be surrounding NUS's main campaign 'Voice for the Future' which incorporates the fight for equitable higher education, the 'Your Rights at Work' Campaign and Global Warming. As it is a Federal election year a strong 'Enrol to Vote' campaign is also on the cards. These are the sorts of campaigns that can be incorporated into all interest groups and have widespread appeal.
So if you are ready to ensure the continuation of Adelaide Activism- Welcome! You are in the right place and I look forward to the campaign!
Rhi
"You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day"
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