The national body representing tertiary students is urging the Government to listen to the overwhelming chorus against making student union membership voluntary. Queer university groups were among the many organisations and individuals who spoke out against the ACT Party's Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill, which the Education and Science Select Committee is due to report back to Parliament on by 30 September. New Zealand Union of Students' Associations (NZUSA) says the committee received more than 4,400 submissions, with an overwhelming 98 percent opposed. UniQ groups across the country are concerned the bill could lead to their demise, as a voluntary regime would guarantee a dramatic drop in student union membership and therefore a huge fall in their funding. The Human Rights Commission spoke out against the bill, as did many students, universities and polytechnics, students' associations and community organisations. Co-President of the NZUSA David Do says the overwhelming and diverse response against the proposed law change speaks volumes about the work and value of students' associations. "National has been sent a clear message by students, the tertiary sector, and the community. National and the Select Committee need to make the right decision and listen to the will of the people." Co-President Pete Delaney says National needs to consider the feedback from those in the tertiary sector at the coalface of delivering important services, facilities and representation to students. "Submitters recognised the bill is unworkable, not supported by students, would result in major new costs to Government, institutions and students, and would cause significant disruption to the sector. "In contrast, the few who supported the bill were mostly confined to individuals with narrow concerns regarding just one campus. The needs and stability of the tertiary sector cannot and should not be put unnecessarily at risk on the whim of a few," Delaney says.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 22nd September 2010 - 11:42am