Federal Election 2004

Staff and Students Campaigned for a Fair University System

Universities and the Election

Mr Carey said there is now a clear choice to for members voting this Saturday. " CPSU members should not forget how we have had to fight the changes made to the University system. We were doing this in the interests of the students and also for the Staff who in the end work for the students."

"CPSU members actively campaigned against the Liberal Government Education Minister, Nelson's so-called education reforms by organising rallies, meetings, by joining forces with other unions and groups concerned about higher education issues. We lobbied politicians and we made submissions to Government and Senate Inquiries."

Hostile policy to University Staff

The Nelson policies were aimed at displacing awards and agreements, removing restrictions on casual employment and at forcing workers into Australian Workplace Agreements by tying university funding to the introduction of individual contracts.

Unfair cost of education for Students

For students the Nelson education policies has meant an increase in HECS fees of 25 per cent, more places for students who can afford to pay high fees to gain entrance and increased debt.

David Carey, CPSU Federal Secretary said "All through 2003 and 2004 we, the Unions, and the Students have asked the Government to change their policy.

"The Howard Government had a chance to reconsider their policy in this Election Campaign.

"Unfortunately, a future Howard Government pledges to continue with their industrial relations agenda of more individual contracts and greater casualisation of the workforce."

The Labor Alternative

The Labor Party has promised to stop the Howard Government 25 per cent increase in fees and to increase public funding to universities.

They have promised to phase out up front full fee paying places for domestic undergraduate students and to create 20,000 new places.

The Labor Party also promises to compensate universities for any loss of revenue from the abolition of the fee hike.

Mr Carey said : "At election time workers in the University education sector, as voters, especially in the Marginal Seats, need to remember the Howard Governments attack on their wages and conditions and on the provision of a fair and equitable education system. Do we want more of the same, or is it time for a change?"

Resources:
CPSU Secretary open Letter to University General Staff in Marginal Electorates (pdf File)

© 2001 Community & Public Sector Union - State Public Services Federation (CPSU-SPSF) - National Office

http://www.cpsu-spsf.asn.au/campaigns/higher_ed/20041007_198.html
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005