Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says the Greens will be moving amendments to the Student Services Bill to better provide for the restoration of student organisations and services in the post-VSU era, saying the proposed legislation is flawed.

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committee’s report on its Inquiry into the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities, and Other Measures) Bill 2009 was tabled today, with the Bill soon to come before the Senate.

“The Greens continue to hold serious concerns about the legislation as it currently stands,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“We have contributed additional comments to the Committee’s report indicating these concerns.

“Although it is encouraging that the Government has moved to overturn the devastating Voluntary Student Unionism regime brought in by the Howard Government, the proposed legislation falls short of guaranteeing a proper restoration of student services and representation.”

The Greens made several recommendations regarding the Bill, including:

• Guaranteeing that the student levy would be directed towards student organisations,
• Subjecting all fees levied to scrutiny, accountability, and transparency,
• Allowing for effective student advocacy and representation to universities and various levels of government, on issues that concern the quality of education and student welfare,
• Not supporting any attempt to restrict funding to student media.

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens would be seeking to remedy the Bill’s weaknesses.

“We are concerned that the Government’s proposed legislation will impose a new levy on students, without students actually having a guaranteed say in how their money is spent,” she said.

“The Greens will be moving amendments once the Bill reaches the Senate, and reserve the right to our final position on it.”