Update me on VSU (9 Viewers)

[Generator]

I believe it may be something to do with RU 486.

The ABC said that an $80m transitional funding package is to accompany VSU. That's a certainty, but as you say, there's much more to this than meets the eye and we may only realise what the true cost happens to be early next year.

 

[nit]

So does this mean 1/2 a year (or 1 semester) of CSU at which point VSU kicks in?

 

[Generator]

genius .

Shut up, matty.

Yes, nit.

 

[walrusbear]

i'm very disappointed this passed today
the coalition has proved itself to be very poor leaders in these past few months
and to think howard said he wouldn't abuse the senate majority

very disappointed VSU is passed
especially when the proVSU arguments you see on this board, repeated ad nauseum, refuse to actually consider the cultural impact of the policy

 

[walrusbear]

hes an excellent politician however my opinion of him and his policies has dropped significantly over the past few months

if by that you mean dishonest and ruthless, then yes

 

[Phanatical]

i'm very disappointed this passed today
the coalition has proved itself to be very poor leaders in these past few months
and to think howard said he wouldn't abuse the senate majority

very disappointed VSU is passed
especially when the proVSU arguments you see on this board, repeated ad nauseum, refuse to actually consider the cultural impact of the policy

I don't think I can be accused of not considering the cultural impact of the policy. I serve as Vice-President and Programs Director of the Sydney Eclectic Composers Society, and we haven't had a single cheque from the Union in a year. Our Society continues to grow despite this.

Culture on campus is one thing, but while culture can survive on campus without the funding (as we have proven), how can students survive without being able to go shopping for food? $540 represents two weeks wages for many students, and because they can hardly afford to save, it means they have no money to go shopping for groceries. It's a BIG investment. It's not deferable either, so it HAS to be paid right there and then.

 

[Capitalist Pig]

i hope you boring fuckwits that do nothing at uni except attend lectures and tutorials and walk straight back out are happy



for the rest of us who actually live life we've been fucked over by dodgy politicians taking bribes and everything to suit themselves. it doesnt even fucking effect them yet they get to be the ones to decide what happens to us.



i go on the record here and say they deserve to be shot

Mate I use the union, and in fact I value it so highly that I'm taking an active role in making sure that it can provide the best possible services to students (through being a member of the activities committee and possible union board director next year), but I will never endorse the robbery of students who don't use the services to fund my enjoyment.

You do, and you know what that makes you? A theif.

Shame, Matty. Shame.

 

[Phanatical]

Consider joining the Independent Students Association (www.isa-usyd.org).

 

[hipsta_jess]

$540 represents two weeks wages for many students, and because they can hardly afford to save, it means they have no money to go shopping for groceries.

Perhaps the answer lies in not abolishing the GSC, but reducing in. Personally, I think Sydneys is somewhat exorbitant. At Newcastle, we pay ~$180 per semester, which is a lot more manageable.

 

[poloktim]

I am glad that VSU has passed, however I'm very upset at how it was passed.

The ends never justifies the means. A dirty deal late in the afternoon just before everybody can go home; more lies from our prime minister; very little debate time. I honestly thought we lived in a democracy.

Our ruling leaders are a bunch of mongs. They lie about debate, they cheat behind closed doors with that evil ultraconservative party Family First, and they waste time on pointless matters so a deal can be made.

I'm going to enjoy my free choice, but I'm going to regret how I came to get it.

A thank you goes to everybody in the Coalition and Family First, sellouts and liars alike (except Joyce who actually crossed the floor).

Edit: I forgot to thank Family First, too.

 

[gerhard]

if erewamai is right about ru486 my blood will boil.

 

[euskadi_warrior]

About time VSU came around...some student unions have just been wasting and wasting their money for ages. While I feel sorry for some groups that are going to suffer from this move, I reckon it just needs to happen.

 

[walrusbear]

it doesnt make me a thief


i utilise the services provided to me that i pay for what the fuck are you talking about

he's a capitalist pig
so he believes in user pay to its utmost

 

[hfis]

i'm very disappointed this passed today
the coalition has proved itself to be very poor leaders in these past few months
and to think howard said he wouldn't abuse the senate majority

very disappointed VSU is passed
especially when the proVSU arguments you see on this board, repeated ad nauseum, refuse to actually consider the cultural impact of the policy

Whilst I must commend you on your Harvey Birdman avatar, I feel it necessary to point out that passing bills which don't agree with whatever political stance you may align with does not constitute an 'abuse of power'.

 

[MoonlightSonata]

Whilst I must commend you on your Harvey Birdman avatar, I feel it necessary to point out that passing bills which don't agree with whatever political stance you may align with does not constitute an 'abuse of power'.

True, but frequent curtailing of parliamentary debate on extremely significant and controversial legislation does.

 

[Collin]

I love you Steve Fielding!

 

[Plebeian]

Consider joining the Independent Students Association (www.isa-usyd.org).

Possibly you should post something there before sending people to it?

Most people from the USyd forum would know that I am pretty strongly against VSU. Current union services definitely need a shakeup, but as the Vice-Chancellors Committee said, full VSU is 'an elephant to squash an ant'. I intensely dislike the way universities are being transformed into places of vocational education rather than the bodies of social criticism and cultural advancement that they should be.

And although I am fortunate enough to not have to take advantage of things like childcare in order to get my degree, I don't believe that people who do should be forced to shoulder all of that burden themselves. Jesus said that we shall be judged by how we treat the poorest in our society ("Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.", Matthew 25:40). I wonder whether Senator Fielding considered that when he voted to eliminate these services.

Also, forgive me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe I've yet to hear a convincing refutation of the comparison between union fees and taxes. Why should I pay taxes to the government for things I don't use? I have never been hospitalised with an injury, so why should I have to pay tax towards anything but the maternity unit? If I have no obligation to fund childcare places on my university campus, why should I be doing it for the rest of the workplace where the people are earning way more money? There is a whole bunch of federal services that I, as a taxpayer, cross-subsidise because they are regarded as essential - but are somehow not essential when reproduced in microcosm on a university campus. Is this really a consistent stance, or is it just another example of politicians valuing their own ideology over expert opinion (in this case, the AVCC)?

 

[frog12986]

At least my funds will no longer be directed towards the 'green left' and 'socialist alliance' to whom my SU has such an affinity towards. Why should we pay for the political mileage of groups that represent the interests of a minute few. I have never used a student service, and never intend to. I attend, I learn and I leave..simple

 

[Not-That-Bright]

True, but frequent curtailing of parliamentary debate on extremely significant and controversial legislation does.

What exactly is your issue with it? The debate has been done outside of parliament...

 

[Generator]

What exactly is your issue with it? The debate has been done outside of parliament...

Debates are publicly ignored by the government, NTB. The point goes beyond this particular case, too.