AVCC Releases Figures on Student Services. (August 14, 2005)

   The Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Up-front Student union fees) Bill has been strongly criticised by the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee.

AVCC Chief Executive Officer John Mullarvey said, "There is no doubt in Vice-Chancellors' minds that if the Bill is to pass though parliament as it stands, the current level and accessibility of essential student services on university campuses Australia-wide will simply not exist in 12 months."

The AVCC urged the Government to consider a compromise position that would allow universities to charge compulsory student services and amenities fees for, health and dental services, computing, photocopying and library services, welfare services and child care facilities, sporting facilities and clubs, non-political student societies, international student services, and student representation.

Mr Mullarvey went on to say, "In 2005, universities look to collect over $170 million in the student services and amenities charge. This legislation will place a large proportion of that funding, and the services it supports, in jeopardy.

    "The bulk of the money is directed towards sporting facilities (21%), health and welfare services (11%), non-political services (39%), and computer and study assistance (6%).

    "The AVCC urges Government to carefully consider the compromise proposal and make the right decision for the future of Australia’s universities and their students."

To support its argument for the Government to reassess its position it presented the following table which shows that of $122.7 million dollars contributed by student bodies 17.2% support "Advocacy, representation and political activity"; the remaining 82.8% goes to support the student services currently provided.

The government is fully aware of the sums involved and the distribution of those funds. Which leads to the question as to what is its purpose in bringing this highly contentious issue to a head in the manner it has, or is it really just sheer gormlessness?

It has certainly led to significant media, opposition party and governmental back bench preoccupation thereby detracting from the continued degeneration of the university sector.