Every Likelihood the Voluntary Student Unionism Debate Will Involve a New Minister Next Year. (December 8, 2005)

    Its looking ever more likely that to get a resolution to the form the method for defraying costs of non-academic university services will take, will require the replacement of the current Minister for Education, Science and Training thereby allowing Brendan Nelson to save face.

Dr Nelson has told the media that he will have no truck with the proposal of Nationals' Senator Barnaby Joyce to allow universities to collect amenities fees if voluntary student unionism (VSU) is introduced.

He once again uttered the refrain, "That is not something that's supported by the Government nor is it the policy on which all of us, me, Senator Joyce and others were elected."

The ABC reports, "The minister says it is still the Government's intention to proceed with the legislation and negotiations over the next 24 hours will decide whether it goes to a Senate vote this week or next year."

And while Dr Nelson continues to kowtow to the most reactionary section of the Liberal Party in his mechanisms for the "reformation" of the university sector he sows the seeds of its degradation with extraordinary distinction.

Some legacy.