Uni Cuts Are Dumb Cuts! Vote Smart, Vote for Higher Education

Advocate vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au • ISSN 1329-7295

Uni cuts are dumb cuts! Vote smart, vote for higher education

ɓɓAnalysing the cuts ɓɓIndustrial action hotting up ɓɓQuestioning civility in Australia ɓɓNTEU election strategy ɓɓTackling insecure employment ɓɓNT Intervention – 6 years on ɓɓMajor party policy scorecard ɓɓBluestocking Week 2013 ɓɓDefending academic freedom ɓɓTrish Crossin tribute ɓɓBuilding ‘Big Society’ in Australia ɓɓIndigenous Canadian connection ɓɓTAFE privatisation increases ɓɓNational Teaching Conference ɓɓ...and much more. Member Benefits

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For more information: 1300 853 352 | memberadvantage.com.au/nteu Advocate ISSN 1321-8476 NTEU National Office, PO Box 1323, Sth Melbourne VIC 3205 Published by National Tertiary Education Union ABN 38 579 396 344 1st floor, 120 Clarendon St, Sth Melbourne VIC Publisher Grahame McCulloch Editor Jeannie Rea phone (03) 9254 1910 fax (03) 9254 1915 Production Paul Clifton Editorial Assistance Anastasia Kotaidis email [email protected] Feedback, advertising and other enquiries: [email protected] Division Offices www.nteu.org.au/divisions Contents All text and images © NTEU 2013 unless otherwise stated. Branch Offices www.nteu.org.au/branches

3 Australia deals the gender card p. 18 p. 22 Editorial, Jeannie Rea

UPDATE

Cover image: 4 Award modernisation Victorian Dumb Cuts ARC queried at Senate Estimates rally at the State Library, 14 May 2013. after release of NTEU ERA Report Photo by Toby Cotton. 5 NTEU defeats sub-standard Agreement at Swinburne College 6 Bargaining update & State of Play 7 TAFE down the privatisation road 8 Action hotting up 9 National stoppage planned over stalled Agreement negotiations 10 Deal to make 80 Monash IT staff redundant ‘stinks’ FEATURES 11 Federal Court reinstates professor sacked in sham redundancy 18 Big investment in campaign for a 34 The NT Intervention – 6 years on smart vote Barbara Shaw tells how she and her family have Withholding results NTEU will spend up to $1 million to defend high- survived under the NT Intervention. er education in this year’s Federal election. 13 Bluestocking Week: Holding the line 36 Questioning civility in Australia 20 The cruellest cuts of all National Women’s Conference Why does incivility continue to be a feature of We analyse the budget cuts to higher education. Australian political life? INDIGENOUS NEWS 22 Campaign album 37 Don’t leave it to the managers 14 Whole-of-University Approach Images from the Dumb Cuts campaign. Academic governance seems to have aban- survey doned its original mission. 24 Vote smart. Vote for higher ed. 38 Building ‘Big Society’ in Australia Indigenous Forum 2013 Matthew McGowan outlines the Union’s plans for our Federal election campaign. Unions sound the alarm at the impact of cutting 15 Why some people are arguing that public services in seeking ‘Big Society’. Recognition is Ridiculous 25 Comparing the parties’ policies 40 Canadian connection Rating the main parties on a range of issues.

www.nteu.org.au/advocate and an e-book www.issuu.com/nteu at www.nteu.org.au/advocate online as a PDF at is available UNICASUAL NEWS CAUT’s Aboriginal Member-at-Large Dan Mc- 16 Tackling insecure employment 28 Hidden nasties Donald’s first visit to NTEU Indigenous Forum. Advocate www.nteu.org.au/softfdelivery Details at copy). than mailed printed rather (email delivery’ ‘soft opt for NTEU members may Maurice Blackburn Lawyers highlight the unwel- 41 CARA turns 80 17 Brainstorm! What advice would you come surprises in the Coalition’s IR plans. give your supervisors and colleagues? Assisting refugee academics since 1933. Farewelling Tony Windsor Sydney Casuals Network gets flexible 42 Garment workers pay the ultimate 29 Voting for education & research price COLUMNS CAPA’s election stance is focussed on postgrads. Over 1000 workers were killed when the Rana Plaza garment factory collapsed on 24 April. 46 eLectioneering 30 Strained but not spooked News from the Net, by Pat Wright NTEU’s National Teaching Conference: a stimu- 43 Protecting global education & lating meeting of experts on higher education educators 47 Budget fails science and research learning and teaching. Lowering the Boom, by Ian Lowe Organisations fighting for academic freedom. 32 The future of universities 48 Racism in academic hiring 44 Gezi Park protests resonate in Thesis Whisperer, Inger Mewburn James Arvanitakis on what makes a good teach- Turkish academe er, the role of universities, and Greek lamb. Turkey’s unrest was over more than just trees. 49 A living wage Letter from New Zealand/Aotearoa, p. 30 p. 38 Lesley Francey, TEU

YOUR UNION 50 NTEU at 20: an unlikely union 51 Vale Paul Mees 52 Members running in the election 53 Tribute to Senator Trish Crossin 54 NSW delegates & activists e-news Branch & delegate development 55 New staff in NTEU Offices Updating your member information Membership form In accordance with NTEU policy to reduce our impact on the natural environment, Advocate is printed on is printed Advocate environment, our impact with NTEU policy on the natural reduce to In accordance Free. Certified and ECF Chlorine a PEFC Certified mill, manufactured by stock, – a 30% recycled Behaviour

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 1 Images from the Uni Cuts, Dumb Cuts campaign. See more on p.22. Photos: Paul Clifton, Lachlan Hurse, Helena Spyrou, Kate Gale.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE NATIONAL OFFICE STAFF Executive Manager Peter Summers ICT Network Engineer Tam Vuong National President Jeannie Rea Industrial Unit Coordinator Linda Gale Database Programmer/Data Analyst Ray Hoo Vice-Presidents Kelvin Michael (Academic) National Industrial Officers Wayne Cupido, Payroll Officer Jo Riley Lynda Davies (General) Susan Kenna, Elizabeth McGrath Executive Officer (General Secretary) Anastasia Kotaidis General Secretary Grahame McCulloch Policy & Research Coordinator Paul Kniest Executive Officer (Administration) Tracey Coster National Asst Secretary Matthew McGowan Policy & Research Officers Jen Tsen Kwok, Admin Officer (Membership & Campaigns) Julie Ann Veal National Executive: Terri MacDonald Administrative Officer (Resources) Renee Veal Andrew Bonnell Linda Cecere Stephen Darwin Indigenous Coordinator Adam Frogley Receptionist & Administrative Support Leanne Foote Gabe Gooding Ryan Hsu Genevieve Kelly Indigenous Organiser Celeste Liddle General Admin Support Officer Miin Yeo John Kenny Margaret Lee Colin Long Finance Manager Glenn Osmand Virginia Mansel Lees Kevin Rouse John Sinclair National Organiser Michael Evans Senior Finance Officer Gracia Ho Jan Sinclair-Jones Melissa Slee Media Officer Carmel Shute Finance Officers Alex Ghvaladze, Tamara Labadze, Michael Thomson Lolita Wikander National Publications Coordinator Paul Clifton Education & Training Officers Ken McAlpine, Lee Powell, Sonia Uthuppu, Daphne Zhang Indigenous Member (IPC Chair) Terry Mason Helena Spyrou National Growth Organisers Gaurav Nanda, National Membership Officer Melinda Valsorda Rifai Abdul, Priya Nathan page 2 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Editorial Jeannie Rea, National President Australia deals the gender card

In her last speech as we not have gender equity and men still because she had no choice but to act in win the game because they are men. Am an environment where her sex and gender Prime Minister on 26 I being too harsh on men? I do not think were always on the line. Two weeks before so. Was Julia Gillard treated too harshly the Labor caucus decided to dump her June 2013, Julia Gillard politically and personally because she is a and restore Rudd, we had experienced a said ‘There has been a lot woman? I think so. woeful week of disrespect for the Prime Minister where not only had her body This does not mean of analysis about the so been the direct can- that she should vas for political and be protected or called gender wars, me media opponents, absolved from Her internationally but the Socceroos playing the gender card criticism. It means acclaimed ‘misogyny speech’ coach had to make that critique should hit a nerve because what she because heavens know no a gratuitous sexist not dwell on her spoke of experiencing as the comment and an- gender, but should one noticed I was a woman leader of the country was the other sex and sexism understand it did same sort of everyday casual scandal in the ADF until I raised it. But against matter. Julia Gillard’s and pointed sexism with was revealed. that background, I do policy and political decisions that which the rest of us women Australia was want to say about all of were contrary to are familiar. And we expected attracting inter- her self proclaimed national attention these issues, the reaction that as Prime Minister she labour feminism are also deserved respect. as a particularly to being the first female particularly disap- backward society pointing, and galling with poor attitudes Prime Minister does not to other labour to women. This is feminists. shameful when Australia has also been, explain everything about at times, a world leader in advancing the In her final speech, Julia Gillard went on status of women in public life. my prime ministership, to say, ‘What I am absolutely confident of is it will be easier for the next woman and Breaking into the public sphere was the nor does it explain woman after that and the woman after focus of Australian nineteenth century nothing about my prime that, and I’m proud of that’. Let’s just hope feminists – including the Bluestockings we don’t have to wait too long for the crashing through into our universities. Our ministership.’ next woman, but we may as the level of foremothers also understood that women discomfort with a woman Prime Minister have to be out of the house and into the I woke up feeling rather sad on the was extraordinary. House. The first woman to run for a na- morning of 27 June and as I made my way tional parliament was an Australian. Earlier Her internationally acclaimed ‘misogyny through the day, I found that women at this year, the National Union of Students speech’ hit a nerve because what she work, on the train and in the shops, and on proclaimed that ‘our bluestockings are spoke of experiencing as the leader of the social media shared these feelings. What- on the line’. This year’s NTEU Bluestocking country was the same sort of everyday ever we thought of Julia Gillard’s political Week slogan is ‘holding the line’ (see report, casual and pointed sexism with which performance as Prime Minister, I realised p.13). that we were mourning no longer having the rest of us women are familiar. And we a woman Prime Minister. expected that as Prime Minister she also Jeannie Rea, National President deserved respect. [email protected] For three years, young girls grew up seeing a woman running the country. And It is very difficult to reflect upon and judge General Secretary Grahame McCulloch a woman who is committed feminist. It is Gillard’s prime ministerial performance, is on leave. only as time passes that will we quite understand how meaningful and important this was. Within a few days, it seemed that we were back to business as usual. Men were again doing most of the talking in the media; there seemed to be a feeling of collective relief. No longer would the men have to worry about having the ‘gender card played’ against them. Because ‘playing the gender card’ in Australian colloquial usage is apparently about women pulling men up on sexist behaviour. The gender card is actually the one dealt against women as

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 3 Update Award ARC queried at Senate Estimates modernisation after release of NTEU ERA Report The Fair Work Commission’s two yearly review of the modern During a Senate Estimates hearing on 3 June 2013, both the awards is nearly complete. Australian Greens and the Coalition directed questions to the Australian Research Council (ARC) about the impact of the ERA The Commission must make sure the on university staff. modern awards (as a whole) are operating without anomalies and are providing an This followed reports in both The effective safety net for workers. Australian and New Matilda that highlighted game-playing by Research Institutes case universities during the ERA as- NTEU has just completed one major case sessment process, and the unfair in accordance with the review – our work and punitive use of ERA results in to have staff in research institutes covered framing performance measures by the two higher education Awards. that punish ‘underperforming’ Impact of ERA Research NTEU has said that: and early career staff. Assessment on University • The work performed by staff in research During the hearing, the ARC put Behaviour and their Staff institutes is substantially the same as on the public record that ad- that performed by staff working in dressing the misuse of the ERA Jen Tsen Kwok research in universities. results was not their responsi- NTEU National Policy and Research Unit bility. Professor Aiden Byrne, April 2013 • Research institutes supervise students, ARC Chief Executive Officer hold academic titles conferred by stated, ‘If a particular university universities, conduct peer reviewed chooses not to do research in a research, and are affiliated with univer- particular area, I do not think it sities. should be our role to tell them that they must do research in • Most of the Enterprise Agreements and Full report available online at www.erawatch.org.au previous Awards covering research in- a particular area.’ Published by NTEU ISBN 978-0-9806500-6-8 stitutes use the classification descriptors Professor Byrne added, ‘We in the Academic Staff Award and/or the cannot control how the sec- General Staff Award. These Awards and tor uses it. Once we put it out, we cannot control whether Agreements were made by consent. someone uses our assessment exercise in a rankings exercise.’ The last day of hearing for the NTEU case Of greater concern in terms of the misuse of the ERA results is the ARC’s position was 25 June. Senior Deputy President that universities ‘restructuring’ their research profile is a positive, even though the Smith of the Fair Work Commission will ERA results do not match the organisational structure of universities themselves. issue a decision in due course. As Byrne stated, ‘Of course, institutions are using it in a positive way to decide what Employers fail to cut pay from they are going do in terms of their research profile. They see that they are strong in one area or weak in another area so they take particular steps.’ Private Providers The Labor Government also failed to assume responsibility on this matter. The NTEU The only other outstanding matter under sent a letter to relevant Ministers in May, calling for an independent review on the the review is a confused and failed at- impact of ERA and the adaptive behaviour of universities on academic freedom and tempt by the Australian Council for Private the character of Australia research. Education and Training (ACPET), to cut pay for academic teachers working under Correspondence from the then Minister for Research and Science, Don Farrell (20 the Educational Services (Post-Secondary June 2013) stated that the ARC ‘is seeking feedback from the sector in relation (to) a Education) Award. The application affects number of matters that relate to issues raised in the NTEU report’. There is nothing staff in VET, higher education and English that publicly indicates this is the case. language teachers in private colleges. The Union released the Impact of ERA Research Assessment on University Behaviour The key matter in the ACPET application and their Staff report in late April 2013. The report was the result of an exploratory, involved cutting the preparation time multi-method study conducted in 2012 with the support of the NTEU Victorian under the Award from 3 hours to 1 hour and ACT Divisions. It included a national survey of senior research administrators, for academic teachers – effectively cutting focus groups, in-depth interviews, and a workshop in Melbourne with Early Career pay by two-thirds. The 3:1 hour ratio was Researchers (ECR). The report is available on the ERA Watch website. based on sound argument and accepted when the Award was made in 2010; the Jen Tsen Kwok, Policy & Research Officer employer groups provided no evidence as More information about the report is available on the ERA Watch website: to why this should change. www.erawatch.org.au Though we are yet to get a decision, the A discussion paper about the assessment of research impact has been recently Commissioner hearing the case has indi- released. Submissions are due 16 August 2013. cated it will not be successful. Susan Kenna, Industrial Officer page 4 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Update

Swinburne College, an arm of Swinburne conclusion. We will fight any and every NTEU University, provides Foundation Studies, attempt to use secret, non-union Agree- Pathways, and English Language Intensive ments to subvert wages and conditions.’ Courses for international students. Until Kamal Farouque, employment law princi- January 2013, all Swinburne College staff defeats sub- pal at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, which worked under either the NTEU Swinburne represented the NTEU at the Commission, Agreement or the Australian Education said it was unprecedented for an employer Union’s TAFE Agreement for Teachers. standard to pay costs in this situation, and it only Earlier this year, Swinburne used its shell occurs when the Commission finds that Agreement company, Swinburne College Pty Ltd, to the application made was made vexatious- employ four new staff members. ly or had no reasonable chance of success. ‘A completely new Agreement was ‘negoti- ‘Swinburne was on shaky legal ground in at Swinburne ated’ with these staff in short order – it took seeking to have this sub-standard Agree- only 28 days, perhaps a record for a ment approved,’ Farouque said. Collective Agreement in the Australian College ‘This scheme was devised to make an university sector! It appears Swinburne’s in- Agreement with four unrepresented staff tention was to register this Agreement with to avoid bargaining with about 100 other An underhand attempt by the Fair Work Commission and then transfer employees and the Union. Swinburne University to slash most, if not all, Swinburne College staff to staff working conditions at its the shell company and new Agreement. ‘This kind of chicanery is something I would expect to see in a dodgy small subsidiary, Swinburne College ‘The problem was that this new Agreement business operator trying to bypass the Pty Ltd, failed in the Fair Work included greatly reduced terms and con- protections in the Fair Work Act, not a Commission last month. Colin ditions for staff. Sound familiar? Certainly self-proclaimed internationally renowned Chris Corrigan and Peter Reith would be Long, the NTEU Victorian higher education establishment like nodding with approval at this point.’ Division Secretary said that he Swinburne.’ hoped that the decision would When the NTEU discovered what Swin- Josh Cullinan, NTEU Industrial Officer, said burne was up to, it quickly headed to the serve as a warning to other that the first that members knew of the Commission to object to the ‘Agreement’ ‘ universities not to pursue non- secret Agreement was when it was lodged being approved. union deals. in the Commission. ‘Then, on the night before the ‘We weren’t going to stand idly by and let ‘Bastard Boys has been playing on the Commission hearing, Swinburne withdrew wages be slashed and workloads massive- ABC again recently. But has this dramatic its application which had been signed by ly increased,’ Cullinan said. recreation of the 1998 waterfront dispute the Vice-Chancellor. It seems like it wasn’t been seen as a training video by Swin- prepared to be subjected to the public ‘Whilst we forced the University to bin this burne University management?’ Long scrutiny that proceeding to a contested attack on members, the man responsible asked. The waterfront dispute involved approval process would entail.’ has been promoted. Something’s rotten Patrick Stevedores using various nefar- at Swinburne and we are determined to The Commission subsequently ordered ious means – including creating shell stop the rot. We call on the Vice-Chancellor Swinburne to pay the Union’s legal costs companies and training a replacement to give a full explanation of how this has of $33,655. workforce in Dubai – to try to de-unionise happened.’ the Australian waterfront and reduce ‘It’s a great win for the NTEU. We hope terms and conditions. other universities will draw the obvious Carmel Shute, NTEU Media Officer

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NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 5 Update

Many university managements have gone Industrial action is already underway Bargaining further, and are pushing outrageous cuts at several Branches. Members at most to procedural fairness, and want an open Victorian campuses and JCU are currently update door on using short-term and casual banning the transmission of mid-year appointments. results. Sydney members have taken several full-day strikes, and a number of University managements are Members are taking industrial action at other Branches have imposed shorter the following sites: Sydney, New Eng- dragging their feet at bargaining stop-works and a variety of work bans (see land, Swinburne, RMIT, La Trobe, Victoria, tables around the country. report, p.8). Melbourne, Monash, Ballarat, Deakin, UTas A few new Agreements have been final- and Howard Florey. With more Branches conducting protected action ballots, the level of action in ised, but most employers are unwilling to NTEU Special National Council, meeting in support of new Collective Agreements is address the reasonable NTEU claims for Canberra in June, resolved on ‘a vigorous expected to intensify as second semester improved job security, manageable work- industrial campaign’ to secure new Agree- gets underway. loads, career path opportunities, increased ments on acceptable terms, including 24 levels of Indigenous employment and fair hour stoppages at all protected action www.universitybargaining.org.au wages. sites on 20 August (see report, p.9). Round 6 Bargaining – State of Play July 2013 Status Curtin CQU ECU Approval Date by Nat’l Executive 27/11/12 27/11/12 18/06/13 Expiry Date 30/06/16 30/06/16 30/06/16 Salary Increase (flat) 16% 16% 16% Increase compounded 16.99% 17.14% 16.99% Annual Expiry to expiry 4.29% 4.25% 4.25% wage growth Payrise to payrise 4.29% 4.25% 4.25% Casuals Scholarly Teaching Fellows ✔ n/a ✔ Academic Workloads Hours-based cap on teaching ✔ ✔ ✔ General Staff Claims Enforceable classifications ✔ ✔ ✔ Staff development fund ✔ ✔ ✔ Mobility scheme ✔ ✔ ✘ Internal advertising of positions ✔ ✔ ✘ Indigenous Employment Employment strategy / targets ✔ ✔ ✔ Monitoring Committee ✔ ✔ ✔ Superannuation SGC increases ✔ ✔ ✔ Removal of age-based limits ✔ ✔ ✔ Notes and special features Indigenous Indigenous employment employment target and target con- Monitoring tained in MOU. Committee contained in MOU.

Industrial action

KEY: Claim achieved ✔ Claim rejected or stalled ✖ Claim under serious negotiation ? Claim largely settled with some detail in dispute ✔?

page 6 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Update TAFE goes down the privatisation road

Recent figures on Victorian TAFE enrolments confirm the NTEU’s worst fears. Following the $290m cuts to TAFE last year, student numbers are down and, for the first time ever, private providers are the single largest providers of Vocational and Education Training (VET) in Victoria. Dr Colin Long, NTEU Victorian Division Secretary, says that other states are also following Victoria down the privatisation road.

‘It’s not surprising that the Victorian Gov- ernment released the figures on the last day of Parliament before the winter break to avoid having to answer questions’, Dr Long said. ‘Government-funded places in TAFE in Victoria have dived by 21,000 or 7%, with student numbers overall down by 9%. Apprenticeship enrolments have declined by 7%, traineeships by 23%. is in fact reallocated funding. The financial now retaining the National Institute of ‘As the NTEU also predicted, the TAFE position of TAFE colleges has declined, Circus Arts but whether it plans to sell the cuts have hit disadvantaged students according to the Auditor-General’s report campus itself is unknown.’ the hardest with an 18% cut in students released in May. Some TAFEs teeter on the aged 15-19, an 18% drop in early school edge of sustainability. Queensland copies Victoria leavers, and an 11% drop in students from In Queensland, the Newman Government non-English speaking backgrounds. The Swinburne University’s TAFE campus at is closing and selling 13 of its 82 TAFEs. most dramatic declines are in regional Lilydale, on the eastern edge of Mel- As from 1 July, TAFE facilities were being areas,’ Dr Long said. bourne, closed on 1 July. transferred to a new entity which will ‘Courses such as agriculture, hospitality, ‘It appears that Yarra Ranges Council has provide access for public training facilities business studies and tourism – where been in secret negotiations with Swin- for private providers, as well as public TAFE there is a demonstrable skills shortage – burne and local Liberal politicians to shut institutes. have been chopped. There’s also been a the campus and possibly buy at least part Queensland will also phase in contestabil- 17% drop in students starting higher level of it. ity of funding from 1 July, with an initial courses such as diplomas. ‘In an astounding admission, the Yarra ‘contestable funding pool’ established ‘Premier Napthine has the hide to say that Ranges Council management executive through $21 million from National Part- the Victorian Government is ‘proud’ of its had even started to seek planning per- nership Agreement funds (new Common- reforms to TAFE. Obviously, he hasn’t even mission from the Minister for Planning to wealth money) and a matching $21 million bothered to speak to people in his own rezone the Swinburne University site away State VET Revenue General (existing state electorate where South West TAFE has from education. money) contribution. It plans to introduce sacked over 50 staff and culled 30 courses. Long said that the NTEU and the local full contestability on 1 July 2014. The Warrnambool community stands to community were campaigning to have the In NSW, where TAFE is reeling under the lose $28m over four years from the TAFE site rezoned for educational purposes. loss of $80m and 800 jobs, the Govern- cuts.’ ‘Meanwhile, the fate of Swinburne’s ment is threatening further cuts to help It has also been revealed half of the $200m Prahran campus, the home of its creative fund its share of the Gonski reforms. for TAFE ‘structural reforms’, announced arts programs in TAFE and the university, Image: Carmel Shute when Napthine assumed the premiership, remains unclear. Swinburne now says it’s

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 7 Update

– Swinburne, RMIT, Deakin, La Trobe, Action Victoria, Monash, Ballarat, Adelaide, James Cook and Tasmania. The bans have attracted some flak from hotting up students, especially at RMIT where bans were originally limited to off-shore stu- Nationally, industrial action in dents in Singapore but now apply across support of bargaining claims is the board. The Union lifted the majority of hotting up. bans in early July. Meanwhile, at the University of Tasmania Let them eat cake management is threatening to stand down staff for participating in work bans such as The University of Sydney Branch, which not responding to emails. This is on a par so far has taken five days’ strike action, is with Qantas locking out pilots for wearing geared up for a 48-hour strike from 7–8 red carnations during its 2011 pay dispute! August and, if necessary, a community rally at the official university Open Day on Short stoppages have also been held at Saturday 31 August. Swinburne, Deakin, Melbourne, Tasmania and New England. A variety of bans from Branch President Michael Thomson said not undertaking staff appraisals to travel- that Sydney University management had ling between campuses are in force. offered a 2.9% p.a. rise for three years over a four-year span. Marblegate? ‘JCU can find money for those things or the 11% salary increase for senior execu- ‘This equates to 2.1% over four years. Accelerating senior staff salaries have been tives at the University last year. Why are Management admits that the cost of living a sore issue at JCU where Vice-Chancellor people in management receiving bonuses index is 2.8% p.a. in Sydney so effectively (and also Chair of Universities Australia), if JCU is in such dire financial straits that it it is offering us a wage cut. The offer is Professor Sandra Harding, received a 27% can’t give other staff a decent raise?’ even more paltry when you consider the salary increase in 2012, with her salary massive salaries of senior management rising to $777,000. ‘Believing’ at the University of and the University’s sizeable bank balance,’ Melbourne he said. ‘Though Professor Harding’s salary is yet to approach the $1 million mark like VCs at At a stop work rally in late May at the ‘You have to laugh sometimes, though! In the Universities of Sydney and Melbourne, University of Melbourne, hundreds of staff recent negotiations, the Provost asserted staff are naturally affronted when she held placards which sent up the Universi- with Alice-in-Wonderland logic that the offers a 2.6% pay rise from 1 June and a ty’s latest fundraising campaign, ‘Believe’. University’s $137 million surplus reported further 0.4% if ‘certain conditions’, such as Some of the signs included ‘I believe a by the NSW Auditor General was in reality cuts to penalty rates for the lowest paid great University values its staff’ and ‘I a $46 million deficit. It doesn’t seem to staff in the university, are met,’ JCU Branch believe that I’ve lost faith in the University have put the dampener on the Vice-Chan- President, Dr Jan Wegner, said. to negotiate fairly’. cellor’s and Deputy Vice-Chancellors’ salaries, however.’ ‘An offer of 2.6% is not enough. Nor is 3%. Afterwards, the placards were planted in Everyone in North Queensland knows that the lawn directly opposite the Raymond On 1 July, members rallied outside the means a pay cut in real terms,’ Dr Wegner Priestley building (see photo, below), which Senate declaring ‘Let them Eat Cake’. said. houses a number of senior management Protesters brought along a cake and their staff, to stand as a silent reminder of what’s own Marie Antoinette to add to the drama ‘JCU management says it simply can’t find at stake. (see photo, above right). any more money for salaries but it’s pretty clear where the money is going – new Millionaire bosses at Deakin Results bans projects and new buildings, new signage, even a new set of marble pillars at the On 1 July, the NTEU Branch at Deakin A number of Branches have imposed bans entrances to the Townsville and Cairns University rejected a wage offer of 3% a on the transmission of student results campuses at the cost of $330,000. year over 4 years.

page 8 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Update

‘Staff are not about to get excited just because the Vice-Chancellor has opened her purse and rattled a few coins,’ said Dr Colin National Long, NTEU Victorian Division Secretary. stoppage An analysis of Deakin’s annual reports by the NTEU reveals a university with planned over extremely strong income, profits and operating cash flows, and high holdings of cash and investments. stalled Collective ‘The University recorded a 2012 surplus of Agreement $108.9 million,’ Dr Long said. ‘The Universi- ty’s holdings of cash and investments were negotiations at a record level of $337.7 million at the end of 2012. The Deakin Vice-Chancellor pockets $750,000, a quarter of a million Nationwide stoppages being dollars more than the salary of the Aus- planned for Tuesday 20 tralian Prime Minister. The top ten earners August will press the case for at Deakin reward themselves with salaries faster progress in enterprise totalling $4.1 million. bargaining across the country. ‘These are the people who think a 3% salary Stoppages involving Branches offer to the average Deakin worker is gen- able to take protected erous because it is 0.1% higher than public industrial action, will coincide sector increases.’ Dr Long said, ‘The average with community protests Deakin worker is angry that the hard work they put in every day is somehow lost in the calling for increases in higher sector Agreements increased by 3.9% minds of the millionaire bosses’. education funding. a year in the public sector in the March quarter, up from 3.3% the previous Going slow in Morwell Given the sacrifices our members are quarter, with wage rises of 3.7% a year making to maintain high standards in Some Branches have come up with in private sector Enterprise Agreements, the sector, management needs to be creative means of getting their messages up from 3.4% in the previous quarter. across. Members at Monash University’s sent a strong signal. The time has come Churchill campus were so fed up with to tell management that we expect This shows our claims are more than management walking away from nego- better of them,. reasonable. tiations they staged a ‘Go Slow to Work’ The Union is also pressing for improve- The Government’s decision to cut convoy to protest. ments on Indigenous targets, workload grants by 3.25% in the middle of the Disgruntled staff gathered at a shopping regulation and reduced casual employ- Union’s current bargaining round and centre car park in Morwell on 27 June ment. on the eve of the Federal election had made hard negotiations even harder, before driving off in the fog at a slow pace Delegate after delegate at the recent but that there were encouraging signs in suitably adorned cars out to Churchill NTEU National Council in Canberra ex- that the Government may change its campus. NTEU delegate, Marion Slawson, pressed their frustration at the absence mind on these cuts. said that negotiations started back in Au- of serious pay offers from most employ- gust, but despite more than 20 meetings, ers. In those cases where employers If there is a shift in government policy, management had not moved on the key have made offers, they are often below we would expect to see a swift change items in the NTEU’s log of claims. inflation and take no account of the on- in management attitudes at the bar- ‘We’re only doing 38 kmh, but we were still going productivity gains in the sector. gaining table. If managements fail to moving significantly faster than manage- Our members deserve better. respond appropriately, staff will have every right to hold them to account. ment in EBA negotiations!’, Slawson said. Just released Department of Education, ‘With Monash having decided to ‘give’ the Employment and Workplace Relations Matt McGowan, National Assistant Churchill campus to the University of Bal- data shows that wage rises in public Secretary larat, finalising an Enterprise Agreement now is even more critical for NTEU members at Churchill, as whatever Agreement work additional hours each day to make Monash campuses. that is in place on 1 January 2014 will up for the rostered day off,’ she said. cover our conditions of employment when ‘On the face of it, this might appear we transfer.’ ‘It also means Monash is able to offer reasonable but other campuses have extended hours for some services to stu- access to much more frequent public Another delegate, Anne Lorraine, said that dents. Our supervisor members reported transport services and there is no shortage Monash management had also attacked last year that rostered days off minimised of parking space here at Churchill. We’re two Gippsland-specific conditions prior to unplanned absences. Management is also concerned that staff having to pay for negotiations stalling – rostered days off being pigheaded on this issue and has parking will soon be followed by students and free parking. already withdrawn rostered days off for having to pay. With the massive cuts to ‘Monash is attempting to get rid of the many staff.’ student support, students can ill afford another financial impost.’ rostered day off arrangements for general Lorraine said that Monash also wants staff. It is a family-friendly provision that to abolish free parking for staff, to bring Carmel Shute, NTEU Media Officer costs the University nothing, because we the Churchill campus in line with other

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 9 Update

nance in lecture theatres and the electron- Amongst management’s claims is that a Deal to make ic lodgement of assignments. Manage- performance appraisal process called ‘I ment’s ‘consultation paper’ is littered with Contribute’ has improved efficiency and errors and misconceptions, claiming for thus fewer staff are needed. example, that workloads have dropped 80 Monash ‘As the process has only been implement- in a number of areas and that work has ed since the beginning of this year, it’s concluded in others while members advise hard to envisage it having saved any staff that this is definitely not the case.’ IT staff at this point at all. And its value as a tool Schroeder said that in one area where staff for Monash University staff seems to be redundant cuts are proposed, management claims in question, since almost all the staff who that the outsourcing of work has meant received an ‘I Contribute’ Award at the the staff who performed that work are no inaugural awards presentation seem now ‘stinks’ longer required. to have either already left the University or be amongst those targeted for a voluntary ‘In fact members tell us they’re busier than separation package,’ Schroeder said. Monash University is pressing ever – working well in excess of paid hours ahead with its plans to to ensure the image and reputation of the ‘While members have acknowledged that cut around 80 positions in University are protected from the errors there has been an increase in flexibility eSolutions, its information made by the company engaged to take with staff being able to be deployed to over the work because of their supposed different projects as the need arises, the communications and technology expertise,’ she said. overall impact on workload is relative- department, which currently ly minor and certainly nothing of the ‘Management claims that staff consulta- employs 800 staff. magnitude claimed in the management’s tion has been significant but feedback proposal. The overwhelming view of mem- from members confirms that management The latest cuts follow on from ones made bers is that there is little justification for only ever considers responses that are late last year, and are the advance guard of reducing staff numbers because there is consistent with their own views. Members even more cuts under a bizarrely entitled no reduction in workload in almost every also resent being asked to provide infor- program called ‘Professional Strengthen- area where staff cuts are proposed. mation, which they have done so in good ing’. faith, only to find the information provided ‘The proposed cuts are thus sham NTEU Branch Industrial Organiser, Liz has been used selectively in determining redundancies and the Union may well Schroeder, said that Monash had added which jobs will be targeted.’ end up taking the matter to the Fair Work a $10,000 sweetener to the standard Commission. Public money should not be In one area, Schroeder said, members voluntary departure package. ‘However, squandered on making people redundant. understood the information was being even with that sweetener, the whole thing Taxpayers have a perfectly reasonable provided to rectify an under-classification stinks’, she said. expectation that money provided to uni- of positions that had been evident for the versities will be used for quality education, past two years but now find that, under ‘Monash management failed to properly not payouts to staff whose work still needs the proposal, their jobs are slated to go. consult the Union prior to the official an- to be done.’ nouncement on 23 April. Its proposal is full ‘Understandably, they question manage- of holes and, most importantly, the redun- Monash stands to lose an estimated $48 ment’s integrity! The proposed structure dancies aren’t genuine. Monash is already million through the Federal Government for this particular area has six supervisors advertising for IT positions which bear an funding cut but stresses that the budget to manage only eight staff. We’re left won- uncanny resemblance to the ones they’re shortfall has not prompted the cuts. Rath- dering whether the staff are particularly trying to abolish. Also, it’s an amazing act er it claims the cuts are justified as a result naughty or the supervisors extraordinarily of sophistry, it says the voluntary departure of the centralisation of services. inept. In an area where staff are already packages don’t constitute redundancies!’ overworked, this ‘too many chiefs and not The NTEU has conveyed its views to Schroeder said that getting rid of so many enough Indians’ structure does not auger Monash management and awaits a staff will diminish the vital IT services that well. This area’s proposed organisational response. A third tranche of cuts is mooted 70,000 staff and students depend on. chart, which shows which ICT positions for later this year. would service what areas, manages to www.nteu.org.au/monash ‘These are the people who look after the leave out an entire faculty!’ email and internet system, AV mainte-

page 10 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Update

university managements, aimed at silenc- Federal Court ing dissenters and backing bad decisions. reinstates ‘The issues raised in the court were repeat- edly raised by Professor Bessant and by the NTEU before she was sacked but RMIT professor refused to listen. It is a sorry day when we have to come to the Federal Court to get a sacked in sham university to abide by its own Agreement redundancy and the Fair Work Act,’ Dr Long said. Professor Bessant was subject to a series of arbitrary changes by RMIT that started in In May, the Federal Court late 2009 with removing her from a leader- ordered the reinstatement of ship role and ended up with her dismissal. Professor Judith Bessant at The judgment confirms that RMIT acted despite the personal trauma she experi- RMIT University in Melbourne against the law in a way that has harmed enced. – a judgement that the NTEU Professor Bessant deeply. welcomed as a warning to all Justice Gray found that the dismissal In March 2010, when Professor Bessant employers not to use sham was a ‘very serious’ contravention of the was told by email that she had been rolled Fair Work Act and that the breach of the as head of youth work, she was so shocked redundancies to get rid of staff Collective Agreement was also ‘serious’. In where the real reasons would be she fainted, struck a chair and knocked out his decision he said ‘Employers must un- a tooth. Worse was to come. prohibited by the Fair Work Act. derstand that making use of redundancy as a pretext for getting rid of an undesired Professor Bessant said, ‘My academic work RMIT claimed to the Federal Court that employee is not an option ... [and] that is very important to me and I now look for- Professor Bessant, a professor of youth obligations entered into pursuant to en- ward to focusing my energies on getting studies and sociology, was redundant on terprise bargaining agreements ... are real to know my students again and making a financial grounds. But on 16 May Justice and substantive obligations, and must be contribution to the research profile of the Peter Gray found that her sacking in April met.’ (Paragraph 144) University.’ last year was motivated by the fact that The Court fined RMIT $37,000 for taking Justice Gray’s decision states, ‘By this the professor had made complaints and unlawful ‘adverse action’ against Pro- judgement, she will be vindicated.’ lodged grievances about her workplace fessor Bessant and for breaching the rights, including complaints of bullying. redeployment provisions of the Collective Carmel Shute, NTEU Media Officer NTEU Victorian Division Secretary, Dr Colin Agreement. Full Federal Court decision: Long, said that the judgement provided www.judgments.fedcourt.gov. Dr Long said that the decision also reflect- a telling insight into the management au/judgments/Judgments/fca/ ed the group-think prevalent in Australian culture of Australian universities. single/2013/2013fca0451 ‘Although this case involved RMIT, the approach taken by the University to For example, when we have a getting rid of someone who is prepared to Withholding ban on transmitting student results speak out will be all too familiar to univer- to the university administration, we sity staff across Australia,’ he said. always provide a system whereby ‘The use of sham redundancies is unfair to results students who actually need their results thousands of academic and general staff by a particular deadline for a significant who lose their jobs for no good reason. reason can obtain an exemption and Higher education is an expanding sector Maximising have their results released. and already has one of the most ‘flexible’ For most students, therefore, there workforces of any industry, with two- impact on will simply be some frustration and thirds of staff now on short term contracts. irritation at the delay in receiving their ‘Despite this, university managements management, results. The results will eventually be waste perhaps $50 million each year released, and this will happen sooner making staff ‘redundant’ when they are minimising if the senior management at the uni- not. The constant threat of these arbitrary versity put in the effort to negotiate an ‘redundancies’ directly undermines aca- impact on Agreement with the NTEU. demic freedom and the morale of those Every Branch that has imposed with- who remain,’ he said. students holding results bans has set in place ‘Understandably, most staff in this position mechanisms for students to apply for exemptions so as to avoid hardship. ‘take the money and run’. It is to Professor The NTEU has designed Bessant’s great credit that she was willing our industrial action to try Any students who are affected by a re- to go all the way and successfully contest sults ban, and have good cause to apply a sham redundancy and get her job back.’ to maximise the impact on university managements for an exemption, should visit their local NTEU Branch office (location details are The Federal Court recognised that com- while minimising the impact pensation could have been ‘significantly available via Branch websites). on students. in excess of $1,000,000’ but at all times www.nteu.org.au/branches Professor Bessant wanted reinstatement

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 11 Holding the Line! Celebrating women’s participation in higher education.

For the latest information on events at your campus, please visit www.nteu.org.au/bluestockingweek Update

and paths to promotion and decision Bluestocking making power are still gendered. National Women constitute the majority of casual- ised academics, but only a quarter of the Women’s Week 2013: professoriate, make up most of the lower level general staff without adequate op- Conference portunities for career advancement, and Holding the students are still sharply concentrated in traditional gendered disciplines and cours- This year’s biennial National line es. Women graduates still earn less than Women’s Conference of their male counterparts, and are more delegates from NTEU likely to be in insecure jobs. NUS has to Branches was held on The theme for Bluestocking keep agitating about the lack of physical Week 2013 (12–16 August) is safety on campuses. 19–20 July in Melbourne. ‘holding the line’, as we face, in It focussed upon women Bluestocking Week is named for the pio- in leadership – formal Australian public life, a swirl neering women of the 19th century who and informal - in higher of resistance to women’s rights grabbed the term, which was meant to be to gender equity, where we are a derogatory dismissal of their achieve- education, in unions and in mocked for ‘playing the gender ments, and proudly wore the badge (and politics. card’ as though this is mere stockings) of serious scholarship. See invention to get advantage or www.nteu.org.au/bluestockingweek and The purpose was to consider and the 2012 edition of Agenda for the origins contest the constructions and values ‘whinge’ about ongoing sexism. and histories of the Bluestockings. of leadership from feminist perspectives. While recognising women’s Last year when NTEU and NUS relaunched The National Union of Students (NUS) achievements in securing formal Bluestocking Week and organised events themed their Bluestocking Week, held leadership positions, women leaders on campuses around the country, we earlier this year*, ‘Our blue stockings are still face a very different experience created physical space and time to speak on the line’. With a graphic of a woman to men and are judged differently out against sexism. The feedback was very stepping gingerly along a clothes line, (and more harshly). The conference positive as women (and men) learned that NUS Women’s Department is clearly saying drew upon the experience and exper- their scepticism about the rhetoric of gen- that younger women are not as confident tise of feminist academics, politicians der equity was justified and that in reality as they should be that their sex and gen- and union leaders, as well as that of we have a long way to go. der will not be used against them. all participants. It was recognised We focussed last year upon celebrating Bluestocking Week is coordinated by the that feminist critiques also draw the success of women in higher education Women’s Action Committee which has attention to the more complex and drawing upon the history of women’s representatives from each Division. Events nuanced ways that women exercise determined struggle for participation in are being organised at National, State and formal and informal leadership and universities as students and staff, as well as Branch levels. Contact your Branch to get advocate more holistic and trans- upon challenging gendered discrimination involved and make suggestions. For more formative approaches. information and to keep up with what is in the construction and transmission of Workshops focussed upon further being planned go to the website. knowledge. We emphasised that women developing delegates individual and may now have the numbers, as the major- Jeannie Rea, National President collective capacity to ensure that ity of students and staff in universities, but gender analyses are not neglected in we are still continually struggling against *In 2014 NUS will revert back to holding enterprising bargaining, recruiting, Bluestocking Week in August. gendered segregation as a major obstacle organising and campaigning. Activity to gender equity. Disciplines, occupations www.nteu.org.au/bluestockingweek focussed workshops included organising against casualisation and for secure jobs in universities with Sydney University Casuals Network passing on their clever and innovative yoga based action; educating and organising for safety at work (anti-bullying); strategies for an inclusive practice at work; media and communication Holding the Line! skills; and even singing for strength and solidarity. The women’s conference was organ- Celebrating women’s participation ised by the National Women’s Action Committee which has two represent- in higher education. atives from each NTEU Division. www.nteu.org.au/women

For the latest information on events at your campus, please visit www.nteu.org.au/bluestockingweek NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 13 Indigenous News

Whole-of- how we can best support each Forum 2013 other as Indigenous unionists in University working within higher education in the Pacific region. Approach survey The National Indigenous Forum was held on 23-24 May, Delegates participated in the traditional ‘Yarn Session’: an opportunity and for the first time ever was The NTEU Indigenous Unit is for feedback on local issues at their moved from its usual venue keen to hear members’ thoughts respective institutions. A number of key in South Melbourne to the about the recommended ‘Whole- themes that came out of this session stunning Brambuk Cultural were insecure work, cultural responsi- of-University Approach’ to Centre in the Grampians. Set bility, racism and lateral violence, and better Aboriginal and Torres amongst some of the most ‘mainstreaming’ at the various units. It Strait Islander access and is clear that the specific issues affecting beautiful natural bushlands outcomes in higher education. Indigenous staff are ongoing, and the in eastern Victoria, delegates sector is a long way from affording In- The 2012 Review of Higher Education and international guests were digenous staff the security and respect Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal greeted by some of Gariwerd’s that they deserve whilst working at our and Torres Strait Islander People made most famous residents – institutions. a number of Recommendations. These kangaroos, kookaburras and National Assistant Secretary Matt Mc- identify a number of priority areas that the rock wallabies – on their Gowan gave an overview of the ‘Dumb Review panel believe will provide tangible arrival in Brambuk. Cuts’ campaign and analysis of the and meaningful outcomes for Indigenous current state of play coming into the students and staff. Recommendation 10 Federal election. The specific implica- from the Review states: After gathering around the Bora ring and receiving a Welcome to Country by tions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait ‘That universities adopt a whole-of-uni- Uncle Rooney Grambeau, the delega- Islander students and staff in the sector versity approach to Aboriginal and Torres tion of nearly 40 people moved into the were discussed. Ken McAlpine present- Strait Islander student success so that facul- Whale Room for the Forum. Over the ed an outline of the Round 6 bargaining ties and mainstream support services have next two days, delegates discussed is- strategy and tactics. primary responsibility for supporting Abo- sues around bargaining, cultural respect As all delegates set to depart at the end riginal and Torres Strait Islander students, on campus, sovereignty versus cultural of the second day, it was agreed that backed up by Indigenous Education Units.’ recognition, the cuts to university fund- this year’s National Indigenous Forum On face value, this recommendation (if ing and what impact these will have on was an empowering, supportive and implemented according to the spirit in our staff and students, and a number of productive two days of discussions, which it was made) would appear to other workplace issues. and that all felt invigorated by being in provide a significant change to the current Also for the first time ever, the NTEU such amazing and culturally-inclusive approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait was pleased to host representatives surrounds. Islander higher education; one that may from New Zealand and Canada – Maori The Indigenous caucus is going to deliver better outcomes for students and Officer Lee Cooper and Vice President continue to investigate sites of cultural staff across the sector. Maori Hemi Houkemau from the NZ significance and their suitability as Conversely, the NTEU Indigenous Unit Tertiary Education Union (TEU), and venues for our annual National Indige- have also been approached by a number ‘Aboriginal Member-at-Large’ Dan Mc- nous Forum, as it is important that the of concerned members, indicating that a Donald from the Canadian Association NTEU looks at continuing to work in an ‘Whole of University Approach’ could be of University Teachers (see report, p.40). inclusive manner. Delegates were able to gain perspective interpreted by university management The National Indigenous Unit thanks to erode, or even remove, the ability for on issues facing Indigenous peoples in the sector across the Pacific region and the delegates for attending, the NTEU Indigenous Education Units to provide ap- staff for their support, and our Interna- propriate academic and pastoral support draw parallels with the many struggles faced locally. tional guests for their wonderful per- for students by transferring those specific spectives. We look forward to National services to the universities’ wider student A strong commitment between the Indigenous Forum 2014! support services. There is also no clear in- various unions was made to continue dication about how this recommendation sharing information and to examine Celeste Liddle, Indigenous Organiser will impact upon current and future staff. To ensure our members views on this important Recommendation are heard, NTEU has developed a private and confidential online survey seeking perspectives on how this recommendation may be implemented at different institutions. The survey will be open from 5pm, Friday 2 August. You will require your NTEU membership number to complete it (contact Adam or Celeste for assistance). www.nteu.org.au/indigenous/wou- survey page 14 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Indigenous news

Deliberation Australia has determined that Why some people almost all Aboriginal People want Sover- Also in this issue of Advocate: eignty, Treaty, Land Rights and dedicated The NT Intervention – are arguing that seats in Parliament. 6 years on There has been no funding or media made Barbara Shaw, p.34 Recognition is available for any other case to be put be- Indigenous Forum – fore Aboriginal and Torres Strait communi- Canadian Connection Ridiculous ties or the wider Australian public. Dan McDonald, p.40 ‘Recognition’ within the Constitution will There has been a growing potentially mean that Aboriginal people discussion around the country will be referred to as ‘original occupiers’ in The NTEU Gubba Caucus produced a Ten concerning the cancelled this document. Additionally, this rec- Point Plan for a Post-Treaty Union that re- referendum followed by the ognition will encompass certain Native quires the Union to take steps to support campaign mounted by the Title rights as determined presently by Sovereignty, Self Determination and com- mits the NTEU to fostering these goals. Government for Constitutional law. ‘Original occupiers’ is not the same as being recognised as ‘Original Peoples’. Recognition. The Greens need to examine their policy Additionally, Native Title places Aboriginal stance and consider supporting Treaty, land relationships within Western legal Sovereignty, Self Determination and Land All the main political parties are currently understandings of land ownership and supporting the proposal and the National Rights before Constitutional Recognition. is not rigorous. Native Title is not Land The NTEU needs to actively support this Congress of Australia’s First Peoples is Rights, nor is it as detailed as being paid by the Government process of the grass roots Aboriginal the rights outlined within the population. to run an advertising campaign UN Declaration on the Rights in support of Recognition. Vari- of Indigenous Peoples; for Unless this is done, it would be analogous ous groups around the country instance in the rights to land to the NTEU agreeing to broad concepts have been allocated a portion of use and minerals. Aboriginal with management in Enterprise Bargain- these campaign funds such as people have not marched for ing with the detail and enforcement to be Recognise, You Me Unity and The Native Title, but for Land Rights. discussed later. This will affect all of us and Search Foundation. Many gov- we are not being given a full and balanced ernment and non-government In 1982, Canada recognised case to look at. There are some links below organisations have stated their support, as robust Land Rights. The same year that that give alternative views to the official has the ACTU. Australia began a ten year fight to deny Constitutional Recognition site. them here and granted hundreds of illegal The basic proposals of Recognition land leases in an attempt to later extin- You may be interested to know that the include: guish claims under the Native Title Acts. Murrawarri People declared a Republic straddling the Queensland–NSW border • Recognising Aboriginal Australians as Those groups opposed state that before ‘the first occupiers’. in March and are applying to the UN for there is Constitutional Recognition, there recognition. There has also been a meet- • Continuing relationship with traditional must be negotiation of formal Treaties, ing of concerned groups in Brisbane at the lands and waters. Sovereignty and Land Rights that have Murri School on the 22–23 June to prepare been determined with rigorous rights as in a National Movement. • Removal of laws based on race. countries such as Canada. Only then, they • Recognition of English as the national argue, can we negotiate Constitutional Terry Mason, Chair, NTEU Indigenous language with Aboriginal languages as Recognition at the table as equals. Policy Committee part of the nation’s heritage. The argument that if we get Constitution- Original Sovereign Confederation originalsovereignconfederation.com Much of the advertising material and the al Recognition we will have grounds to further explore Treaty, Sovereignty and statements made in the media con- Treaty Republic treatyrepublic.net Land Rights is difficult to maintain when centrate though about it being time to Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy remove discrimination based on race as the level of education of the issue in the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal popula- www.facebook.com/ it is divisive, it being the right thing to do BrisbaneSovereignEmbassy- tion was so low that the referendum was and it will facilitate Reconciliation. MusgravePark called off. The current campaign is still not It is being put forward as a grass roots cam- dealing with the knowledge required for a No to Constitutional Recognition paign that has had wide consultation. But reasoned vote. www.facebook.com/ many people are offended that the ‘Long VotenoToConstitutionalChange Walk supporting Recognition’ with Michael The Greens have policy that recognises: Idle No More Long was launched with representatives of • Australia must comply with internation- all major parties on Sorry Day. Sorry Day www.facebook.com/ al agreements and laws that recognise IdleNoMoreCommunity is a genuine community and grass roots the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait organisation recognising removals and Islander peoples including the Declara- First Nations Telegraph previously non-political in nature. tion of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. www.firstnationstelegraph.com The National Congress Expert Panel stated • Right to redress and manage their land National Unity Government that referendum success would depend on and waters. nationalunitygovernment.org the support of the majority of Australians • A Treaty that recognises the prior oc- but note that the majority of Australians Murrawarri Republic cupation and sovereignty of Aboriginal do not support Sovereignty and Treaty kyliegibbon4.wix.com/murrawarri- within the Constitution. In surveys, Issues and Torres Strait Islander peoples republic

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 15 Casuals News

But while we are making inroads in Tackling higher education, unions in very few other sectors of the economy have made much headway. insecure The ACTU’s Howe Inquiry into insecure employment in 2012 appeared to create a framework for unions to campaign around employment the issue while it was in the headlines, but there is little evidence of much still a work in movement. This is partly because there has been such strong employer resistance against progress moves to provide more secure employment, with major employer groups boy- NTEU’s bargaining claims to cotting the Howe Inquiry and claiming address casual and contract that casual and contract employment employment through the gives employees greater ‘flexibility’ creation of Scholarly Teaching around working hours. Fellow positions (STFs) and While former Prime Minister Julia Gillard Early Career Development addressed the ACTU’s Community Summit Fellowships (ECDFs) are on insecure employment in March, the Labor Government has shown only a luke- receiving a mixed response warm response to any positive initiatives. from universities during this bargaining round. Adam Bandt’s bill The Greens’ Federal MP Adam Bandt intro- Casualisation in bargaining duced a private member’s bill to amend the Fair Work Act in November 2012, While casualisation of the academic seeking improvements for the thou- workforce is acknowledged by some sands of Australian workers affected by employers as a serious issue, fixing the insecure employment. problem is caught between the current Labor Government’s view that it is up to The Fair Work Amendment (Tackling universities to solve it, and universities Job Insecurity) Bill 2012 would provide a blaming inadequate government funding mechanism for workers employed as cas- for perpetuating the problem. uals or on fixed-term contracts to move to either full-time or part-time ongoing New Agreements finalised so far at employment. Public hearings on the Bill Curtin and Edith Cowan Universities have occurred in May, but it had not been voted created new STF positions, while Central on by the end of this Parliament in June. Queensland University – the only other And if Bandt fails to retain his seat at the finalised new Agreement – has very few

election, it’s unlikely that the Bill would be VOLUME 3 No. 2 casual employees. But the issue is a serious August 2010 taken up by either of the major parties. Connect stumbling block for negotiations at many other sites. New ACTU TV ads VOLUME 3 No. 2 Watch all the TV ads online at the August 2010 These latest initiatives are part of NTEU’s The ACTU has made insecure employment ACTU YouTube site: ongoing commitment to reduce insecure VOLUME 3 the centrepiece of its approach to the No. 2 August 2010 employment in higher education. During Federal election, with its first TV adver- www.youtube.com/user/yrawma the last bargaining round this involved a tisements appearing during the Rugby VOLUME 3 No. 2 range of claims for more adequate pay- League’s State of Origin series. Curiously, August 2010 ment and resources for casual staff, which the ad doesn’t mention the ALP or the were substantially achieved. VOLUME 3 election, but urges viewers to join a union No. 2 August 2010 However, there have been some unintend- if they are concerned about their employ-

Vol. 6 ment security. VNo.OL UME2 3 JuneNo. 2013 2 ed consequences as a result, including August 2010

AN NTEU & CAPA PUBLICATION FOR CASUAL AND SESSIONAL STAFF some universities becoming reluctant to This has led to a 300% increase in people employ as many casual staff as previ- joining unions through the ACTU Contact ously, putting further pressure on the Centre, a pleasing result, but one that already huge workloads of many ongoing indicates that job insecurity is rife in many academic staff, or various courses simply industries. This is a potentially strong un- dropping tutorials and other class contact ion campaign still waiting to happen. Casualisation is ‘the dirty little secret of university expansion’ activities. Academics address parliamentary hearing Strike a Pose! Casuals aren’t just bending over backwards Michael Evans, National Organiser Supporting Swinburne

This has serious implications for the Online learning and casual www.unicasual.org teaching What will be the impact of MOOCS? quality of education that students receive, Exploring an open future The possibilities of open teaching and research

not to mention the greater pressure put Why I’m A Member Kurt Iveson Read more in Connect, the NTEU and CAPA Precarious employment infographic on many casual staff who are struggling to Unscrambling the facts and stats magazine for academic casuals read online at www.unicasual.org.au ISSN 1836-8522 (Print)/ISSN 1836-8530 (Online) get enough work to make ends meet. www.unicasual.org.au/publications/connect page 16 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Casuals News

Flexibility. Raised arms Brainstorm! So we can reach for more It’s more than qualifications, more expe- What advice rience, more publications, bending over more hours, in search of would you stable work backwards. give your Sydney University Casuals’ Eagle pose supervisors Network has developed a yoga performance that highlights the Our arms and legs wrapped and colleagues? difficulties of insecure work, in knots, trying to meet the with the tagline ‘Flexibility. university’s constantly chang- Casual and sessional It’s more than bending over ing requirements. members, if you were backwards.’ actually asked, what would you advise your subject or Watch the video of the group performing course coordinator or Head their routine at the NTEU & NUS ‘Uni Cuts, of School to improve your Dumb Cuts’ National Protest on 14 May Wheel pose 2013 in Victoria Park, Sydney. working conditions? Because casual staff are vimeo.com/nteutv/yogaaction expected to bend over What would you put on a checklist backwards. for supervisors and sessionals to Read more about this topic in the latest issue of Connect: jointly check off to ensure that work- www.unicasual.org.au/publications/ ing conditions are being met – pay, connect payment for marking, other payment, facilities, access to professional development, tertiary teaching One-legged certificate, department meetings, tree pose travel between sites..? Standing forward bend What would you like to ask of your Practice finding balance in a life of unstable work. colleagues – to be included in staff Represents the race-to-the- professional and social events, bottom in our conditions. course team meetings, moderation and assessment panels, research groups, even a hello at the photo- copier..? To make your suggestions, go to Chair pose the website link below. Or contact NTEU National President Jeannie Rea A substitute for not hav- Savasana - corpse pose directly at [email protected]. ing any office space. Close our eyes. Play dead. This is what We will prepare an advice/checklist management wants us to do rather than to give to supervisors and col- fighting for a fair deal. leagues. www.unicasual.org.au/ brainstorm

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 17 NTEU 2013 Federal Election strategy Big investment in campaign for a smart vote

On 18 June, a special meeting of the NTEU National The Council resolved to campaign to: Council made an historic decision voting to spend up to 1. Prevent a Coalition majority in the Sen- ate by defending the Greens balance of $1 million on a campaign to defend higher education power. in this year’s Federal election. This is a very significant 2. Secure the election of NTEU’s preferred Lower House candidates who support decision and financial commitment and it was debated the Union’s higher education and indus- at length over the three day meeting of 120 Council trial policies. 3. Enable NTEU members and activists delegates representing all Branches. to choose different methods of direct involvement in opposing the election of a Coalition Government, including the NTEU election campaign and relevant local campaigns run with the ACTU. This does not and will not involve any donations by the NTEU to political parties or candidates. The NTEU has never been affiliated to, or donated to, a political party. The decision to actively intervene in this election is, though, a departure from NTEU’s previous approach to elections where we have presented the various party positions, urging a vote for higher education which has, on balance, advocated a vote against the Coalition. The NTEU has also, at times, participated in targeted seat campaigns and ACTU campaigns – the Jeannie Rea most notable of these was the Your Rights at Work campaign in 2007. This year we National President are involved in the Secure Jobs campaign and have seconded a staff member to work with the ACTU on the public sector component of this campaign. Photo: National Councillors gather out the front of Parliament House on 17 June to protest the university funding cuts. Photos Helena Spyrou Helena Photos funding cuts. the university protest on 17 June to House of Parliament out the front gather Councillors National Photo: page 18 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate 2012 National Council decision to focus on Senate When the NTEU National Council met in October last year, delegates deliberated upon the 2013 Federal election and recognised that the Coalition led by Tony Abbott had a good chance of forming government. On the basis of the Coalition’s track record, current policies and announce- ments, this was viewed by the Council as a potential disaster for higher education and for workers’ rights to organise and campaign. Council concluded that the NTEU should focus election campaigning porters of universities and students. It was model is to put more teachers and support on trying to prevent the Coalition also viewed as a betrayal of Labor’s commit- staff into schools to give all kids a better controlling the Senate. ment to higher education, which started in chance to succeed – and maybe go onto the halcyon days of investment in univer- university, where we reluctantly have had Between National Councils it is the sities, abolition of tuition fees and the in- to admit that the quality of education and responsibility of the National Executive to troduction of a tertiary living allowance by student experience is in jeopardy. implement Council decisions. However, the Whitlam Labor Government. While free This Labor Government’s legacy may be the seriousness of the political situation university education has gone, successive many more students at university, but they following the announcement on 13 April Labor governments have committed to struggle to stay and succeed because the by the Labor Government of further cuts increasing access and supporting quality costs of studying and living are so high to high education propelled the National teaching and research in universities. Executive to convene the first ever special and there is inadequate educational and meeting of the National Council, which Julia Gillard as Education Minister in broader support. the first Rudd Government made grand made the above decision. Labor has taken their traditional support- promises, instituted the Bradley Review ers for granted and this is offensive. Labor Balance of power in the Senate and then proceeded to talk big and make policy should be determined by those substantive budget promises. But almost The decision to campaign to retain the who support traditional labour principles immediately the cutbacks started. Greens balance of power in the Senate is not swinging voters in key seats. a very pragmatic one. The Greens have Opening up higher education through made higher education a top item on their the uncapping of government supported What can our campaign election campaign agenda, which means places, increasing eligibility for student achieve? that they have made a commitment for financial support, regional loadings Making higher education a mainstream this election campaign and to follow and HEPP all fitted with a commitment election issue is our aim. Retention of through in Parliament regardless of which to dramatically increasing the number Greens balance of power in the Senate, major party is in government. and diversity of graduates. However, the preventing Coalition control of both Hous- refusal to address the base funding gap, The Greens do have a reliable record as es, is our objective. The NTEU’s campaign the preparedness to sit by and do nothing advocates for tertiary education and for can send a message to Labor that uni- as universities responded to funding students’ rights, and this is safer than sup- versity staff support cannot be taken for deficiencies by continuing to exploit inter- porting freewheeling Independents. The granted, and establish a university voice in national students fees to subsidise local ALP cannot gain a majority in the Senate. the Lower House through the election of students and rapidly casualise teaching On current projections, the Coalition is Andrew Wilkie or Anna Reynolds (follow- had already tested Labor supporters’ faith more likely to control the Senate either in ing further advice from the Tasmanian in the Government’s commitments. its own right or with random right-wing Division) in Denison and Adam Bandt in small party or Independent support, which The Government just expected university Melbourne, noting that this does not assist will harness them to policies which have staff to work harder, longer and more pre- the Coalition in any way. no broad community support. For Labor, cariously. The new generation of students, The NTEU University of New England and even Coalition voters with an interest many first in their family to go to univer- Branch was also talking with Independent in higher education, the Greens holding sity, have to manage in an environment member for New England Tony Windsor, the balance of power makes sense. of constant cutbacks in staff, courses and but he consequently announced his services. Labor’s determination to broaden retirement (which also meant the end of Labor’s betrayal on higher the diversity of students has succeeded if the secondment of an NTEU staff member education measured by the significantly increased with the ACTU campaign in New England). numbers eligible for the very tightly For this election campaign the NTEU is means tested Student Allowance. But what building upon the momentum gained by The change of leadership provided an is the message to these students, if the the unprecedented public support for the opportunity for the Labor Government to Government introduces the Student Start- Union’s campaign against the latest $2.3 reverse the latest cuts to higher educa- up Scholarship recognising the costs of billion cuts to universities and student tion and commit to a 10% increase in real studying at university and then abolishes support to advance our case for higher funding per student and better student it with the offer of a further loan for poor education as an election issue. We are income support (and less debt). students to increase their debt burden? determined to have the voice of the sector At the time of printing there had been no heard in the political life of this country. But it was the decision to cut higher edu- changes. cation to help fund the National Plan for The decision of the Labor Government to School Improvement (Gonski reforms) that Full text of the Council motion: make the latest cuts, on top of continuous stunned everyone – even Mr Gonski. The www.nteu.org.au/library/view/id/4053 cuts since 2011, totalling over $4 billion very purpose of the new school funding deeply rocked NTEU members and sup-

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 19 Cuts to higher education The cruellest cuts of all

On Saturday 13 April 2013, the then These budgetary savings, which add to a total $2.3 billion over four years (or $2.8 billion if you include the restrictions to self education Minister for Tertiary Education, Dr tax dedications), comprise: Craig Emerson, released a Statement • $900 million cut (described as an efficiency dividend) to university grants. on Higher Education which said: • Savings of $1.2 billion by abolishing student start-up scholarships ‘Today the Government announced and replacing them with HECS type loans. • $230 million in savings by removing discounts for upfront or early savings in the higher education repayment of HECS debts. portfolio that will contribute to the The Government tried to sell these cuts as being nothing more than a funding of school education reforms slowing of the rate of the growth in university funding. The language used by then Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the time clearly indicated designed to ensure that all Australian she expected universities and university students to be willing to make room for more important (higher priority) policies, including school children get a flying start in the funding of the National Plan for School Improvement (Gonski re- life.’ forms) and Disability Care (the national disability insurance scheme). Chart 1 gives credence to the Government’s argument that the total level of spending on our universities has increased significantly and at a faster rate under the ALP than it did under the Coalition. It also shows that the impact of the efficiency dividend will not result in a reduction in total spending, but merely a slowdown in its rate of growth. However, this does not take into account the entire picture. Impor- tantly, Chart 1 also shows that when you adjust the total level of government expenditure to allow for rising costs (indexation) and increasing student load, then the real rate of growth per student has been very flat since 2007. It should be pointed out that the blips in Paul Kniest funding per student between 2009 and 2012 are largely a result of NTEU Policy & Research Coordinator the rolling in of once-off budgetary and/or policy changes – including transferring the funding for improved teacher education practicum payments into base grants, the transition to the demand driven funding system, a compositional shift to more expensive disciplines Photo: Staff and students protesting the Gillard Government’s cuts to higher education, Melbourne, 14 May 2013. Photo Paul Clifton Paul 2013. Photo 14 May Melbourne, higher education, cuts to Government’s the Gillard protesting and students Staff Photo: page 20 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Chart 1: Commonwealth Grants (excluding Competitive Research Grants) by students and the bringing forward (and 20000 and Student Contributions Australian Universities 2001 to 2017 ($m) therefore a one-off double counting) of over enrolment payments in 2010. 18000 In other words, the real level of resources 16000 universities have had to educate each Total Grants Commonwealth supported student does 14000 Total Grants (without E ciency Dividend) (without E ciency Dividend) not reflect the recommendations of the Bradley and Base Funding Reviews, which 12000 both concluded the need for a significant (10%) increase in funding per student. 10000 Total Grants Coalition Labor (Adjusted for Indexation) While the rate of increase in funding 8000 per student over the last 4 years of the Coalition under Howard may at first glance 6000 Total Grants appear significant, it was building from (Adjusted for Indexation & Student Load) a very low base funding level, which had 4000 fallen as a result of more than a decade 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 of cuts under the Coalition. It also has to be remembered that the subsequent Source: DIICCSRTE (2013) Estimates increases in funding were made condi- tional on universities complying with the rate to HECS Band 2 ($400 million in between government contributions and Higher Education Workplace Relations May 2012). student contributions through HECS) Requirements (HEWRRs) and the National for Commonwealth Supported Places in Any analysis of the Budget finances would Governance Protocols, which saw both an real (inflation adjusted) 2013 values is clearly show that higher education has unrivalled level of ministerial interference presented in Chart 2. The data in the chart contributed more than its share (com- in university autonomy and academic free- demonstrates that the real level of direct pared to expenditure) to Budget savings dom, as well as the foreshadowing of the Commonwealth funding per student over the last three years. Coalition’s doomed WorkChoice agenda. falls from $10,900 per student in 2012 Impact of efficiency dividend to $10,300 in 2015, before recovering to In addition, the April 2013 cuts must be $10,500 by 2017. seen in context in that they come on top cuts On average this represents a 5% decrease of $2 billion cuts to higher education fund- The $900 million efficiency dividend cuts per student over the next four years. The ing since January 2011, when universities apply to all university grants except for only reason that total funding per student contributed almost $400 million in savings Australian Postgraduate Awards (APAs). does not fall by the same order of mag- to help pay for the Queensland floods. In These cuts will result in a loss over the next nitude is because of increased student each subsequent Budget and Mid Year four years of: Economic and Financial Outlook (MYEFO) contributions over the same period, where since January 2011, higher education has • $154 million in research and research the average student contribution rises been subject to budgetary savings meas- support funding. from about 38% in 2012 to more than 42% ures, including: in 2015. • $24 million in student support and • Cuts to higher education performance equity funding including Indigenous The reason for this large increase in funding ($95 million in May 2011, a support funding. student contributions is due to increased further $241 million in November 2011 HECS fees for maths and science students • $670 million in Commonwealth Grants and $269 million in October 2012). (as a consequence of no longer treating Scheme, which is the funding univer- them as national priority places) and the sities receive to educate Common- • Reduced and ultimate abolition of fact that student contributions will rise by wealth-supported students. discounts for students who repay HECS the full amount of indexation and not be upfront or early ($230 million in May Total funding versus funding discounted by 2% and 1.25% in savings 2011). that the Government has given to itself. per student • Increased HECS fees to be paid by maths, statistics and science students An analysis of the Government’s own Impact on students and debt by moving them from national priority projections of total funding (broken down The real cruelty of cuts announced on 13 April, however, relate to the abolition of student start-up scholarships. These Chart 2: Average Real Funding per Commonwealth Supported University Place 2012–2017 (2013 Values) scholarships were grants of $2,000 per 12,000 43.0% year to students in receipt of student in- Student % (RHS) Commonwealth(LHS) Student (LHS) come support, that is, the most financially 42.5% disadvantaged students. 11,000 42.2% 42.0% 41.9% 42.0% This measure is estimated to save the Commonwealth $1.2 billion over four 41.1% 41.0% 10,000 years. The scholarships will be replaced by loans, whereby students from low income 40.0% backgrounds will be able to borrow the 9,000 equivalent of the scholarships ($2,000 per 39.0% year) and repay it through HECS. 8,000 In other words, this will add anywhere be- 38.3% 38.0% tween $6,000 to $12,000 to the HECS debt of the most disadvantaged students. This 7,000 37.0% is unfair and cruel and will not help the Government meet its much lauded social 6,000 36.0% inclusion agenda. 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Source: DIICCSRTE (May 2013) Estimates

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 21 Uni Cuts, Dumb Cuts Campaign album

From the earliest rally in Perth, on 17 April, to the Day of Action on 12 May, NTEU members – with NUS, CAPA and students – came out in force to support our ‘Uni Cuts, Dumb Cuts’ campaign. More photos in our flickr galleries: www.dumbcuts.org.au/resources/photos

Perth Sydney

Sydney Melbourne

Melbourne

page 22 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Uni Cuts, Dumb Cuts Brisbane

Adelaide Newcastle

Canberra

Perth Toowoomba

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 23 Vote Smart Vote for higher ed.

The NTEU will be to promote the objectives of the promoting an election Want to assist campaign. There are many ways for our members to help out depending on campaign around the the campaign? your ability and interest. theme ‘Vote Smart, Vote You can chose your level of involve- Over 300 members have Greens in the Senate’. This ment. Examples of things that you can already signed up to work on volunteer for include: will be a highly targeted the NTEU’s election campaign. • Distributing campaign messages campaign designed to get Our target is to involve over through your social media contacts. 2,000 members across the the maximum impact for • Distributing materials to colleagues, country. friends and students. the funds applied. The NTEU’s election campaign will • Talking to students about enrolling be a campaign designed to highlight to vote. The campaign will include activities involv- higher education in the debates around ing members who are keen to keep higher • Having a student union represent- the election, and will provide many education in the public eye. It will include ative come and speak to students opportunities for union and community targeted television, billboard, online and about enrolling to vote. members to get involved. It will be other forms of paid advertising. focused on three main objectives: • Putting a corflute sign in your front While $1 million is a lot of money, when it yard or in your workplace 1. Highlighting issues affecting higher is being spent on advertising it disappears education, and in particular the cur- • Being involved in a campaign com- very quickly. That is why the Union will be rent funding difficulties faced by our mittee in my city or region. targeting our advertising to areas where it members in universities. will make the most impact. • Helping to organise in an election 2. Seeking to ensure a Green balance of event in on campus. Our analysis indicates that the States power in the Senate to prevent the where there is the most likelihood of the • Participating in doorknocking of possibility of a Coalition-controlled NTEU influencing a battle for a Senate election material Senate. seat – and where the contests are likely to • Participating in letterboxing of elec- be between a candidate of the right and a 3. Promoting a limited number of Lower tion material. Green – are in WA and SA. With the polls House members who have demon- shifting so dramatically, the focus on SA strated commitment to improved • Staffing a polling booth for a few and WA will continued to reviewed. But funding for the sector, and to a pro- hours on election day handing out on this understanding, the majority of our gressive industrial relations agenda NTEU how-to-vote materials. paid media effort will likely be in those States. There will be some funds spent in The campaign will involve as many • Making a financial donation to help the Lower House seats of Denison and volunteers as can be mustered in our extend the range of the campaign. communities and in our universities Melbourne to support Andrew Wilkie and For info visit www.votesmart.org.au Adam Bandt, respectively, as key opponents of the recent cuts. The Union will have a significant online compromise or negotiation. on recent polls, it seems highly likely that the Coalition will election 3 senators in and social media presence through the There are six senators from each State up each State with the possible exception of campaign across the country to support for election in 2013, plus two each from SA and, on more recent polling, Victoria. and promote the work of our members on the ACT and NT. the ground. In WA and SA, as a result of the expected The process used to elect senators voting patterns, it seems likely that the Why target SA & WA? depends on the percentage of the vote last place will be a contest between a they attract. With the exception of the Ter- candidate of the right and the Greens. It is As most people understand, there are two ritories, a senator is elected when they get on this basis that the NTEU is focusing its houses of Parliament; the House of Rep- 14.3% of the vote. So, if a party attracts largest effort in these two States. resentatives and the Senate. The Senate a 28.6% primary vote, they will elect two is known as the House of Review because If the election of sufficient Greens means senators on their primary vote alone. It is most legislation originates in the House the Coalition can be held to only 3 seats often the case that one party or the other of Representatives and cannot be put into in each State, then no party will be able to wins three seats in a given State on pri- law until the Senate also agrees. use the Senate as a rubber stamp. mary votes, with the other party winning A party that controls both houses of Par- two. The struggle for the last Senate seat Matt McGowan, National Assistant liament is able to pass legislation without is usually a battle for preferences. Based Secretary page 24 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Federal Election scorecard Comparing the parties’ policies

The lead-up to the 2013 The Coalition released its ‘Real Solutions’ Four Independents voted to support document in January 2013, which Greens Member for Melbourne, Adam Federal election has been represents a thumbnail of policy ideas Bandt’s motion against the university it would advance in government. The cuts in the House of Representatives on marked with leadership Coalition has not committed to reversing 20 June 2013: Bob Katter, Rob Oakeshott, uncertainty and the the $2.3 billion funding cuts, or even Craig Thompson and Andrew Wilkie. ruled out further cuts, and has avoided The election campaign may bring greater toppling of another sitting policy pronouncements in the health and clarity to the parties’ policies on issues education portfolios. Prime Minister. The policy relevant to NTEU members, and the policy positions listed on the scorecards If the Coalition perceives it has an elec- directions of the major following are based upon existing policies tion-winning lead, it may delay as long as outlined by the Coalition and the Austral- parties are becoming possible – or even refrain from – issuing ian Greens, as well as Labor’s legislative any detailed higher education policy. and public record in the last three years, as moving targets in some Though the Opposition Leader told the of 12 July 2013. key controversial areas Universities Australia conference early this year that higher education policy could do See overpage for our policy scorecard. including the $2.3 billion with a period of ‘masterful inactivity’, it appears a Coalition Government university cuts, the fixed would aggressively advance policy carbon price, asylum change, at least in relation to online 2013isanelectionyear. learning, international education and seekers and potentially research funding. makesureU a reversal of policy to The Australian Greens have responded to the $2.3 billion slashed from univer- put single parents on sity funding by establishing the ‘Uni Newstart allowances. Cuts Hurt’ campaign, and committing get2have to a number of positions on higher Senator Kim Carr has education including rejection of the returned to the education funding cuts, a 10% increase in base funding per student, better student yoursay! and research portfolios income support and measures to relieve student debt, and the protection with enthusiasm and has of the rights of university workers. anticipated policy changes, The 43rd Parliament was Australia’s first minority government since 1941- immediately noting the 43. The passage of over 590 individual sector’s opposition to the pieces of legislation during this period depended upon close working rela- $2.3 billion cuts announced tionships between Labor, the Greens, and a number of key independents. back in April. Going into this election has seen the emergence of a number of minor parties that do not have a specific interest in higher education, including the Wikileaks Party, the Katter Australia Party and Palmer’s United Party. These can be added to the already established small parties – The Sex Party, www.nteu.org.au/enroltovote Family First, CDP, various hunting/ fishing parties and others.

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 25 Federal Election scorecard

POLICIES ALP LNC GRN COMMENTS $2.3 BILLION IN UNIVERSITY CUTS Increase funding per government ✖ – ✔ Labor has advised the sector that there will be no additional per student funding increase. The Coalition supported student by 10% in line with the are silent on this issue. The Greens support a 10% increase in per student base funding over four years. Base Funding Review (BFR) Reverse $900 million efficiency dividend ✖? ✖ ✔ In the June 2013 Senate Estimates, Labor stated that $2.3 billion of funding cuts are planned to take to university funding effect from January 2014 but indications from the new Minister are that there may be changes on the funding cuts. The Coalition voted against a repeal of the cuts on 20 June. The Greens oppose the cuts.

Restore Student Start-up Scholarships ✖? ✖ ✔ In the recent speculation, the new Minister has not indicated that Labor will reverse the cuts to scholar- ($1.2 billion) and up-front payment of ships and up-front payment of HECS. The Coalition will likely retain these cuts. The Greens are opposing HECS ($300 million) them.

HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY Maintain student demand-driven model ✖? ✔ ✖ Labor introduced the Higher Education Support Amendment (Demand Driven Funding System and Other Measures) Act in September 2011, but the new Minister has now considered restoring caps on student numbers. The Coalition has stated it supports the current system. The Greens reject demand-driven and entitlement-based funding for universities.

Maintain current ban on full fees for ✔ ✖ ✔ Upon forming government, Labor reversed the Coalition’s policy that had allowed for full fee places for domestic students domestic students. Labor and the Greens continue to oppose full fees for domestic students. The Coalition in 2010 and again in August 2012 stated it would reintroduce full fees for domestic students. - Support a national plan for investment ✔ ✖ ✔ The Government, with the Chief Scientist, published the National Research Investment Plan (NRIP) in No in research vember 2012. In response to a call by higher education organisations to back a strategic national research policy, the Coalition has committed to protecting only medical research funding. The Greens have called for the Government to set a national target of 3% of GDP for research and development funding.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Commitment to reduce casualisation in ✖ ✖ ✔ Labor has not responded to the ACTU’s Secure Work campaign. The Coalition is committed to greater Australian universities employment ‘flexibility’. The Greens are committed to measures that reduce casualisation and increase job security. In November 2012, the Greens introduced legislation designed to allow the Fair Work Commission to make orders for more secure working arrangements.

Maintain a paid parental leave scheme ✔ ✔ ✔ Labor introduced Australia’s first national Paid Parental Leave scheme on January 2011, with 18 weeks paid at minimum wage. The Coalition is proposing a Paid Parental Leave Scheme paid by a 1.5% levy on companies with taxable income, paid at full salary up to $150,000. The Greens propose 26 weeks paid at the minimum wage, which could be topped up through bargaining.

Legally enforceable workplace flexibility ✔ ✖ ✔ Labor, with the support of the Greens, passed the Fair Work Amendment Act in late June 2013, which for families includes extending the ‘right to request’ flexible work arrangements. The legislation was opposed by the Coalition and Senator Xenophon. In 2012, the Greens introduced a private members’ bill with a right to have the Fair Work Commission arbitrate if the employer refuses a request.

Protect union rights ✔ ✖ ✔ The former Coalition Government introduced the Higher Education Workplace Relation Requirements (HEWRRs) which were a preliminary version of WorkChoices targeted at university staff. Labor returned a significant number of union rights with the introduction of the Fair Work Act 2009. The Greens have committed to protect the rights of university workers, including the rights of unions to enter workplaces, organise members and engage in strike action.

STUDENTS AND INCOME SUPPORT Funding for independent student advoca- ✔ ✖ ✔ The Coalition introduced voluntary student unionism (VSU) legislation in 2005, removing the funding cy and representation that supported independent student representation. This was partially restored by Labor in 2011 with the Student Services and Amenities Act, but with some concerns highlighted by student organisations. The Greens support the full restoration of student advocacy and representation rights.

Maintain the real cap on HECS fees ✔ ✔ ✔ In response to the Base Funding Review, Labor stated it did not support increasing student contributions at that time. In August 2012, the Coalition stated it would not cap places or increase HECS. The Greens have a stated commitment to HECS reform to relieve the rising student debt burden.

Increase student income support ✔ ✔? ✔ In 2010, Labor introduced changes that targeted student income support to the most disadvantaged students. The National Party supports an expansion of income support targeted at students from rural - and regional backgrounds, but groups within the Coalition have only recently campaigned to abolish Ab study. Austudy support remains below Newstart levels and the Greens want to increase Youth Allowance by $50. (See section on Student Start-up Scholarships for more.) page 26 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Federal Election scorecard

POLICIES ALP LNC GRN COMMENTS INDIGENOUS ISSUES Implement recommendations from the ? ? ? Since Minister Chris Evans left office, there has been limited progress on the Behrendt Report’s findings. 2012 Review of Higher Education Access Even though Tony Abbott has declared Indigenous affairs will be a top priority under a Coalition Govern- and Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres ment, the Coalition has not released its detailed Indigenous Affairs policy. The Greens position on the Strait Islander People (Behrendt Report) Review is also unclear. Mandate Indigenous employment – – – No parties have made a statement about this crucial area of higher education policy. targets tied to funding agreements for all universities

Overturn all aspects of the NT Interven- ✖ ✖ ✔ The Coalition introduced the NT Intervention and this has been supported by Labor through the Stronger tion and restore the goal of true self-de- Futures legislation in 2011. The Greens are committed to repealing the Northern Territory Intervention termination for Indigenous people and Stronger Futures. Repay ‘stolen wages’ to Indigenous ✖ ✖ ✔ Labor removed its Stolen Wages policy from its national party platform in 2009. The Coalition is silent on workers and their families this issue. The Greens are committed to compensating the Stolen Generations and have previously sought to establish a Stolen Generations Reparations Tribunal. Ensure appropriate consultation with a ✖ ✖ ✖ While all the major parties have made commitments to the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and view to negotiate and deliver true Sov- Torres Strait Islanders, none have done so in terms of the negotiation of a Treaty. Although the Greens ereignty, a Treaty and self determination have mentioned Sovereignty in their policy, it is in the framework of recognition within the Constitution for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander as per the other two parties. people

HUMAN / CIVIL RIGHTS Recognition for same sex marriage ✔✖ ✔✖ ✔ Marriage equality is part of Labor’s platform, and it has previously allowed a conscience vote on the issue. Coalition policy states that marriage be defined as being between a man and a woman, and party policy cannot be subject to a conscience vote. However, Tony Abbott has indicated that the party room of a future parliament could change that policy. Some Labor and Coalition Senators co-sponsored a marriage equality bill in 2012. The Greens support same sex marriage and have proposed private members bills on many occasions. Oppose mandatory detention of asylum ✖ ✖ ✔ Labor’s policy on asylum seekers was changed as a result of the Houston Review. It involves the seekers introduction of a ‘no advantage principle’ to ensure no benefit to asylum seekers who arrive by boat, and the reopening of Nauru and Manus Island detention centres. Both Labor and the Coalition supported the excision of the mainland from the migration zone, which now denies the application of the Refugee Convention to asylum seekers who arrive by boat. Both Labor and the Coalition have rejected bids to open offshore centres to inspection by Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner, and blocked attempts to give Australian media the same access it has to mainland detention centres. The Greens want offshore processing stopped.

CLIMATE CHANGE / SUSTAINABILITY Price on pollution (carbon price) ✔ ✖ ✔ In 2012, Labor legislated a price on carbon with the Greens’ support. The Coalition intends to repeal any scheme within six months of winning office, and implement a Direct Action Plan that will depend upon planting soil carbons. As of 15 July 2013, Labor has removed the fixed price on carbon and moved to fast track a floating carbon price. Reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas ✖ ✖ ✔ Labor and the Coalition share a target of reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 5% emissions by at least 20% by 2020 compared to 2000 levels by 2020. The Greens are pushing for a 90% renewable energy target by 2030.

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 27 Coalition’s IR plans Hidden nasties

In hiding for so long, It does however allow the Commission The Coalition will no doubt stack the terms to make a judgment on the claims be- of reference to ensure that it gets the the Coalition has finally ing pursued by Unions when this should result that it wants. be a matter solely for the Union and its released its industrial members. Right of Entry relations policy. Maurice Bullying The Coalition has made it clear that they intend to wind back right of entry access Blackburn Lawyers The Coalition plans to hobble Labor’s sys- for Union officials. Unions will be able to highlight some of the tem of dealing with the blight of bullying seek access to a workplace if: in the workplace, which came into effect • The Union is covered by an Enterprise hidden nasty surprises. on 1 June 2013. Agreement that applies to the work- The Coalition plans to require those sub- place. Enterprise Agreements ject to bullying to lodge their complaint • The Union is a bargaining representa- with a regulatory agency first prior to ac- The Coalition plans to change the land- tive that is seeking to make an Agree- cessing the Fair Work jurisdiction. This will scape of enterprise bargaining and tilt it in ment to apply to the workplace. favour of employers by: no doubt cause further delay and deny bullied employees the relief that they so • There is evidence that it has members • Making it clear that industrial action can desperately need. who have requested their presence. only take place after there have been genuine discussions about the pro- The bullying laws will also be extended If a Union wishes to enter a workplace posed Agreement (the policy is silent to apply to trade union officials and their which is covered by a modern award, on what happens when an employer conduct towards managers, employers or, an enterprise agreement that does refuses to bargain). and other workers. not cover that Union, access will only be allowed if: • Requiring that the parties, during Productivity Commission enterprise bargaining, discuss ways to review • The Union can demonstrate that they improve productivity. Agreement does have, or had, a lawful representative role not have to be reached on what is to be Too scared to reveal the full extent of their in that workplace. attack on workers’ rights in this country, done about improving productivity but • There is evidence that the workers or the fact that the Coalition has decided the Coalition plans to ask the Productivity Commission to review the Fair Work Act members have requested the presence to take a seat at the bargaining table of the Union. and tell the parties what they must and report on: discuss is concerning. • What impact the laws have had on What ‘evidence’ will be required to support an entry to a workplace is unclear. • The Fair Work Commission will be productivity. required to determine that claims made • What ways the law could be changed to This article first appeared in Maurice by a Union are ‘realistic and sensible’. improve jobs, wages, and make work- Blackburn’s Employment & Industrial law news. Reprinted with permission. What this actually means is not defined. places work better.

entry into the NSW Legislative Assembly Farewelling Tony and his 2001 move to the federal scene when he took the seat of New England Windsor from the National Party. It would be trite to say that Windsor is The 43rd Parliament, the old-style Country Party. There’s some truth to that, but his politics had a first hung parliament broader reach and a deeper intellectual draw. Over the more than two decades in 70 years, afforded of Windsor’s contribution to public life, Australians the neoliberalism, or ‘economic rationalism’ as it was commonly termed, has been as- opportunity to come to cendant, and in few places more so than the university sector. know Tony Windsor. In some ways it might be said that the Tony was the unassuming Independent most effective voice against neoliberalism who had been in public life since his 1991 has been the conservative one – con-

page 28 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Postgraduates Voting for education and research

The 2013 Federal election many student associations; more cuts be presenting a clear and concise pub- to higher education and research; and lication for distribution on campus that won’t be about higher deregulation. outlines for postgraduate students, the position of each of the major parties on At a recent meeting of the CAPA Executive education and research in the policies that are important to them. and key affiliates, we locked down our the mainstream media, or key higher education and research policy We will help to facilitate candidate forums within the major parties. priorities for the upcoming campaign. on major campuses and we will support They are: the NTEU’s Enrol to Vote campaign. But it should be. • Putting a face on the Student Services We will work with the National Union and Amenities Fee of Students and the NTEU as part of an With the return of Kim Carr as Minister ‘education coalition’ to ensure that the • Restoring funds recently cut from for Innovation, Higher Education and message across the sector’s peak bodies higher education and research, and a Research in recent weeks, there has been is a united one, capable of representing commitment to increase funding by some renewed hope within the sector students and casuals as a whole. that the channels of conversation will be 10% as per the Bradley Review. reopened and that higher education will As we always have, we will establish a • Demonstrating what casualisation be restored as an important part of the clear, balanced and fair policy campaign means for postgraduates. Government’s policy agenda. that delivers on the issues of importance • An e-learning approach that values ac- for postgraduate coursework and higher But none of us is in any doubt that we ademic staff and enhances the student degree by research students. have a fight on our hands this election experience. campaign. This is not about partisanship, but about • A clear message to the sector that ensuring the strongest possible out- The Council of Australian Postgraduate universities are institutions of education comes for an informed postgraduate Associations (CAPA) agrees with the NTEU first, and businesses second. population. that the focus this campaign must be on the Senate, where ensuring that checks We will also be supporting our friends at Meghan Hopper, National President, and balances are maintained must be our the National Indigenous Postgraduate As- Council of Australian Postgraduate priority. Students hold grave concerns sociation Aboriginal Corporation (NIPAAC) Associations (CAPA) that a Coalition-controlled House and in their campaign around the outcomes of Senate would result in the same slash and the Behrendt Review. burn approach we saw under Howard – a roll-back of the Student Services and CAPA will not be releasing a ‘score card’ to Amenities Fee, which has sustained so judge the major parties. However, we will

servative in the best sense of the term: sor decried as hypocritical nonsense late 1960s and early 70s contained sceptical of grand departures from what arising from the obsession of Coalition more than a dash of neoclassical has worked over time, and practical in members with their bygone battles of instruction, but it was eclectic enough orientation. university days. to offer other schools of thought, and suited his sceptical and discerning mind. What complemented this method in When it was proposed in 2004 that the Windsor’s approach was a disdain for GST would be extended to previously When Windsor was thrust onto centre duplicity. The word ‘hypocrisy’ occurred exempted textbooks, Windsor, a fiscal stage in 2010, Australians were present- in many of Windsor’s parliamentary conservative in the best sense of the ed with a straight politician of another speeches, and it was almost invariably a term, pointed to the irrationality of the era, and they warmed to him. Although dart directed at the highly selective – or measure in the light of the first-home- he often used the term ‘politics’ in its downright specious – application of buyers’ subsidy, and voted against it. pejorative sense, Tony Windsor showed user-pays. In October 2005, he voted against the us what the profession might be if prac- Higher Education Workplace Relations tised by decent men and women from This was never more obvious than when Requirements (HEWRRs), the forerunner various walks of life. Windsor railed against the Howard to WorkChoices, which he also voted Government’s abolition of the students’ against in December of that year. Tim Battin, UNE Branch President services and amenities fee, a measure forged under the guise of ‘voluntary stu- Windsor’s education in economics at dent unionism’ and ‘choice’, which Wind- the University of New England in the

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 29 National Teaching Conference Strained but not spooked

Delegates to the NTEU’s first National Teaching Conference speakers and other participants were concerned with the impact Conference were not ‘spooked by MOOCs’ as the upon Australian university and academic independence if universities decided to Q&A session was themed, but were well aware of the accredit MOOCs to replace locally devel- opportunities and pitfalls. MOOCs, the (currently) oped and controlled content. They were also concerned with the impact upon ac- free massive open online courses launched in 2012 ademic and general staff jobs. Because of the direct association made by university from consortia of major US universities, have already managements between digital technology attracted much interest from Australian universities, and cutting labour costs, the ways that digital technology is adopted in univer- numbers of whom are already signing into the US sity learning and teaching will accelerate existing trends in both ‘unbundling’ the consortia and developing their own MOOCs. academic role and casualising academic work.* In following up on the conference the NTEU National Executive has determined that a position paper be developed on online learning and teaching under the cloud of the MOOCs, focussing on four factors: content, admissions, accredita- tion and labour arrangements, as well as the overriding question of a sustainable financial model. The National Teaching Conference was held on 4–5 April at RMIT University in Mel- bourne, with over one hundred participants including delegates from most Branches Jeannie Rea as well as casual academic members, and National President also representatives from NUS (National Union of Students) and CAPA (Council of Postgraduate Student Associations). The conference was built around the key Photos: Above: Q&A session at the National Teaching Conference. Photos Paul Clifton Paul Photos Conference. Teaching the National Q&A session at Above: Photos: page 30 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate themes of learning and teaching in a mass higher education system; the digital revo- lution and tertiary learning and teaching; and autonomy and authority in higher education courses and curriculum. Following the opening speech by the NTEU National President, Jeannie Rea, RMIT Uni- versity Vice-Chancellor Margaret Gardner, who co-hosted the conference, provided a keynote address focussing upon her role as the Chair of the Strategic Advisory Commit- tee of the Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT) (the NTEU is also on the committee). University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor, Professor Warren Bebbington, in the first session, introduced some controversy by speculating upon the value of teaching-on- Student session Branch President and Ted Clarke, Univer- ly universities, as well as proposing wiping sity of Melbourne NTEU Branch President the slate and starting again on academic A whole session was devoted to asking and was chaired by Dr Kelvin Michael, workload models. In this environment of ‘what do students want (and need?)’. University of Tasmania NTEU Branch Pres- passionate educators, this contribution Chaired by NUS President Jade Tyrell, the ident and NTEU National Vice-President opened parameters of debate, while the speakers included leaders representing (Academic). The session on ‘Autonomy practicalities rolled into the enterprise Indigenous students, postgraduates, and accountability’ included Prof. Glenn bargaining agenda at that university. undergraduates, international students, as Finger, Dean (L&T) at Griffith; Stephen well a first year and an RMIT student. The Most significantly, this was a conference Darwin, NTEU Secretary ACT Division; student perspective certainly challenged of experts on higher education learning Associate Prof. Andrew Bonnell, University some of our assumptions about how and teaching, and most speakers were of Queensland NTEU Branch President students understand the contemporary not only NTEU members but activists and and Queensland Division President; and university. officials. This is testimony to the quali- Paul Kniest, NTEU Policy and Research ty and high levels of commentary and They were clearly unconvinced that uni- Coordinator. analysis amongst the NTEU leadership versities are pursuing a student-centred and membership, and reinforces to us and model. They could not understand the Internationalisation university managements that NTEU ac- fuss about applications of digital com- The final session on ‘Internationalisation tivists are more than likely to be amongst munication technologies in teaching and of curriculum and mission’ featured Terri the most professionally engaged and monitoring student progress, but insisted MacDonald, NTEU Policy and Research knowledgeable amongst university staff. they wanted teachers to talk to and give Officer; Prof. James Arvanitakis, University It was remarked that we did not need to feedback. Students bear the brunt of the of Western Sydney and the 2012 Prime go overseas to find experts on Australian casualisation of teaching, but are also Minister’s University Teacher of the Year; universities or call upon Ernst and Young. aware of the plight of their casual teachers. Terry Mason, Badanami Centre, Univer- sity of Western Sydney and Chair NTEU The program was purposefully organised Learning and teaching Indigenous Policy Committee and Dr Yuko around the major themes and not around Kinoshita, Japanese Program Convenor, occupations and employment arrange- Speakers on ‘Learning and teaching in the University of Canberra. ments. This was also to send a message that digital age’, as well as Prof. Bebbington, discussion about university learning and included Prof. Raewyn Connell, Sydney; The Academic Staff Working Party of the teaching must be inclusive of academics Prof. Paul Turnbull, Professor of eHistory, National Executive will be following up on whether ongoing, contract or casually em- UQ; and Prof. Stuart Bunt, UWA & NTEU recommendations for further work arising ployed, as well as general and professional WA Division President. On ‘Curriculum and out of the conference. For details of the staff involved in learning and teaching, assessment in a mass system’, Prof. Shirley conference program, speakers’ presenta- noting the increasingly blurred boundaries Alexander, DVC (Teaching, Learning & tions and more go to the conference explored by NTEU National Vice-President Equity) at UTS; Cathy Rytmeister, Mac- website. (General Staff) Dr Lynda Davies in her quarie Branch President and Vice President presentation. This structure was at odds (Academic) NSW Division; and Drs Andrew www.nteu.org.au/ntc2013 with the daily practice in universities where Funston, Brian Zammit and Julie Fletcher employment arrangements and position from Victoria University (pictured below). *Further commentary on MOOCs by J. Rea: classifications, as well as sheer workload, On the second day, ‘The work of university ‘Online learning and casual teaching’, Connect, mean that many staff work in isolation, teaching’ was tackled by Dr Susan Mayson, vol. 6, no. 2, June 2013, pp10-11, www.nteu.org. despite the rhetoric of teamwork. Monash, Professor Belinda Probert, former au/connect Top: Jeannie Rea & Professor Raewyn Connell. DVC La Trobe; Dr Lynda Davies, Griffith ‘MOOCs, money and casual staff’, Campus Re- view, vol. 23, no. 6, June 2013, pp 22-23, www. Below: Panel for ‘Curriculum and assessment in a mass system’ and NTEU National Vice-President (General staff); Dr Steve Mackey, Deakin NTEU campusreview.com.au chaired by Cathy Rytmeister

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 31 The future of universities

Since being awarded the Office of Learning and I think most of the time people think I will respond with a set of dot points, Teaching’s University Teacher of the Year Award late explaining how I prepare course materials, delivery, assessments and all the impor- in 2012, I have been invited to speak at many events on tant ingredients that go into developing a ‘what makes a good teacher?’ subject. While this is no doubt fundamental, I always respond in two ways: firstly about telling them about my first day at university as a student, and secondly, by asking and attempting to answer a very different question: ‘why do universities exist?’ The reason these two issues form the foundation of my presentations is because asking ‘what makes a good university teacher’ limits the understanding of the work we do: our work takes us out of the classroom and into the students’ homes, the cafes in which they share stories with their friends and in the discussions they have with class mates and acquaintances. We must ask: ‘what do we want those conversations to be like?’ My own experience highlights the changing nature of the student cohort: as a bricklayer’s son I entered an institution that was unwilling to assist me; and encountered academics who occasionally encouraged me to ‘pursue my father’s Professor James Arvanitakis career’ as I ‘may not be suited to university.’ University of Western Sydney, Institute for Culture and Society

page 32 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate A story of lamb Let’s begin with the story of lamb: as the first member of my family to enter university I was unsure what to take on my first day. My mother, who had spent most of her life working in a factory in Greece and then ironing in Australia, responded to my question ‘what should I take to university’ the day before I started by telling me to take my passport. Her reasoning was that I needed identification and that way people would know who I was. She also packed me some roasted lamb, telling me it would assist me in making friends. My first day at university was hellish: I walked into the wrong lecture theatre In addition, most of our students work, quently, we can not measure the posi- and was too embarrassed to leave; I did have additional responsibilities and must tive impact we can have on the various not understand I had to find my own try and juggle their time: as one young communities we engage with in purely assignments; nor did I understand that I student told me, ‘my mum does not under- financial terms. could not just find a lecturer and ask them stand why I can’t babysit my brothers and In addition, the Ernst and Young report questions (‘See my consultation hours’). write my essays.’ fails within its own terms. While I have Though I survived that first day, in many It is for many reasons that I support the no problem with building closer links ways this set the tone for my time at widening participation and inclusion to industry, the main risk is always that university. I struggled through, found aca- program and have no problem with larger we get caught up in meeting short-term demics mostly disinterested in my plight, lectures (or ‘massification’): this is a social priorities of partners. In other words, and many others hiding behind protocols justice project in which we are involved. Ernst and Young are promoting the worst I did not understand. It was a handful of This is not to dismiss the need for more dimensions of short-termism that plague teachers who encouraged me that made funding to provide more support, but this country. all the difference. what we are doing is expanding the life Remembering that the top ten jobs cre- choices of students – something about I am reminded of this experience when ated in 2011 did not exist ten years prior, which we can and should be proud. I receive an email at the beginning of we need to realise we are not only about semester asking, ‘What do I bring to the Nevertheless, the growth in participation skills and training, but about building an first lecture?’ and inclusion does require changing engaged, empowered, ethical and critical- Students have changed: deal our approach and practices – not always ly analytical citizenry. This is the future of easy, but important for responding to the universities. with it… changing environment in which we work. The changing nature of the student cohort Conclusion What is the role of universities? we work with today would not have been A generation ago, the complex ethical recognisable only a generation below. A recent report by Ernst and Young look- issues surrounding genetic patenting did Being a ‘first in family’ student is not the ing at the future of universities showed not exist; Australia’s refugee obligations rarity it once was, as our classrooms are a distinct lack of understanding of the enjoyed mainstream acceptance, and filled with students who represent the value of what we do.1 They focussed on climate change was the concern of a wider participation program that has seen increasing skills, better links to industry handful of scientists. We cannot predict a surge in student numbers. and ‘speed to market’ of innovations. The the challenges of tomorrow, but we can But this is not the only change: like record report failed for many reasons but I will work to build a set of principles that will labels and newspapers, we no longer ‘own mention only two. encourage our students to deal with them. While delivering content is important, this the content’ or are the only ones who can The first is that it mentioned ‘community is only part of the equation. deliver it. No longer is the delivery of lec- engagement’ only in passing. The authors tures a simple linear and vertical process – appeared to assume that we only exist to Professor James Arvanitakis is Head lecturers standing at the front and talking serve industry – ignoring the many other of the Academy at UWS and a member to the students. Today we compete with communities with whom we work. Many of the UWS Institute for Culture many other information delivery mech- of my colleagues spend time with primary and Society. He works to bridge the anisms – and I am not just talking about and secondary school children; advocate research/teaching nexus, as recognised Facebook. Universities are just one voice for tertiary education among Indigenous by the Prime Minister’s Teacher of Year out there and we compete for attention communities; work on community hous- Award and an ARC Discovery Grant in and credibility with many others. ing; promote health in refugee communi- the same year (2012). This includes the shock-jocks who are ties; or work with nuclear veterans. given more airtime about misogyny and There is no commercial imperative here: 1. http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAs- climate change than those who research what we are doing is promoting social sets/University_of_the_future/$FILE/Univer- the field. How do we compete with that? justice and community cohesion. Conse- sity_of_the_future_2012.pdf

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 33 The NT Intervention – Six years on

Six years ago my family watched the TV in my living They said the Intervention was about stop- ping children from being abused, that it room as John Howard announced he would be sending was going to stop the drinking and domestic violence. But all I have seen is racism and in the military and taking control of our communities. disempowerment of our people. It’s the old assimilation policy back again, to control I have never been more frightened in my life. I locked the how we live. The Government and many non-Aboriginal NGOs have taken over the gate of my town camp and kept the kids inside for two assets and responsibilities of our organisations, both in the major town centres and weeks for fear of them being taken. I worried constantly remote communities forcing us to comply about my family out bush who didn’t understand what with their policies that take no account of Aboriginal culture and our obligations. was coming. Take income management, which I have been on for five and a half years. I ran for parliament in 2010 and outpolled both La- bor and Liberal candidates in Central Aus- tralian communities. I have represented my people at the United Nations. But the Government says I can’t manage my money. On their own estimations of $6,000 to $8,000 per person per year administrative cost for income management, the Govern- ment has spent more than $30,000 just to control my small income. This system has made it much harder for us to share and care for each other. I used to run an unofficial safe house here at Mt Nancy town camp. I’d get money off Barbara Shaw all the parents every week. If there was Resident of Mt Nancy town camp drinking and fighting and the kids needed in Alice Springs somewhere to be, they knew they were safe here at Big Mamma’s house and that I could buy meals for them. No one has the cash to chuck in any more. The Govern- page 34 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate ment has refused to fund a community search for alcohol, along with ‘star-cham- they could without police. Our Night centre here on our town camp. ber’ powers that treat us as terrorists. Patrol is still active, but are being pushed I have heard that this week in a case aside out of their role. The town camps of Alice Springs have brought by Palm Island residents, the High seen a massive influx of people coming in Living under NT Housing rules and Court ruled that alcohol laws which target from remote communities. Taking away regulations is not culturally appropriate. Aboriginal people are ‘special measures’ Community Development Employment For example, in Aboriginal society when under the Racial Discrimination Act be- Projects (CDEP) and Aboriginal Communi- somebody passes away, the family moves cause they are for our own good. ty Government Councils out bush means out of that house and another moves in. people have nothing to do there. At the Let me explain what this means for my life. We swap houses. Or if a young fella comes moment I have five families and four Earlier this year there was a massive police out of ceremony camp, he has to stay in a generations staying in my house, my little raid here on my camp which they said was house with other young men. We can’t take family and others from the bush, many a ‘routine operation’ to search for alcohol. our own initiatives to make these changes trying to access There were paddy any more. There is a real ignorance and a services like respite wagons, squad cars, hostile mentality towards Aboriginal peo- care which should Self determination is the four wheel drives, a ple within the NT Housing department. be available back key... It is just disgusting how surveillance van and I have fought the Intervention from day in their home com- much money has been wasted police officers on dirt one. We built a massive amount of support munity. We are one on bureaucrats to control bikes circling every from people and organisations right across family in each room yard, going in to us, or on ineffective non- Australia to try and stop the government and another in the search every house. Aboriginal services that can from continuing the Intervention for lounge room. As I was shaking in my another 10 years through the ‘Stronger Fu- always, I have given not engage with our people. shoes. I had many tures’ laws. But they refused to listen to us. up my bed out of children in the house respect for older I will keep fighting. Self determination who are already scared of police and I relatives. is the key to getting us out of the social didn’t want them coming through. I was problems that we face today. It is the Many who come into town to access the breaking the law that day. I had three only way to do this. It is just disgusting services just stay here, or others come in cans left over from a six pack of beer in how much money has been wasted on just to drink. I am witness on a daily basis the house. I was worried I was going to bureaucrats to control us, or on ineffec- to the increase in drinking and fighting on be arrested and taken away with all these tive non-Aboriginal services that can not our camps that has come from this. children in my house. I gave it to the police engage with our people. and asked them not to come through It makes me sick in my stomach when I because of the children. But they said Whether it’s in a remote community or hear Aboriginal NT MLA Bess Price attack they had to. They walked through making here in a town camp – services must be me in Parliament as an anti-Intervention comments like they were a landlord doing delivered by our people. We must be given activist who does not care about the an inspection, ‘this is a nice house, not like the power and resources to take control. suffering of women and children. I have those other ones’. We have the language, we have the com- to deal with these issues every day and munication, we can relate to one another. I see them getting worse because of the So many more of our people are going to And there must be proper funding to our policies she has supported. The massive prison. There are twice as many people organisations, on a scale that can actually influx of her own constituents from bush locked up now than before the Interven- help lift us out of shocking living con- communities that have been robbed of tion and three times as many woman. ditions. Not just peppercorn short term jobs and assets is a major driving factor. Close relatives of mine – men, women grants that set us up to fail. and teenagers are all currently in prison. Bess Price promised on ABC radio after I’m giving support to my brother in law I want to appeal to all the supporters I being elected to the Northern Territory looking after a baby and young child while know are out there to keep fighting along- Parliament last year that she would put his wife is in prison. side me. Income management is not just back the Yuendumu community council. in my backyard, now it’s coming to yours. Where is that promise now? Her Country The house I live in is just one year younger On 21 June, there was a press conference Liberal Government has made it clear they than me. My father fought for funding in Playford, South Australia, announcing will not be bringing back the Councils. Her to build houses on our town camps. We a new coalition that has formed there to Government has cut funding for our youth used to manage them ourselves before fight the expansion of income manage- programs, has cut funding for domestic we were forced to sign over our leases to ment into their community. On 22 June violence workers in NT Hospitals. These the Commonwealth government. Now I there was a rally in Bankstown in Sydney are all things we have been campaigning am paying next to market rent to the NT which is also facing income management. for. The $1 billion that has been budgeted Housing agency on a house I have lived in since the Intervention for the income man- for much of my life. Tony Abbott has said that income management system Bess Price supports – but agement should apply to all people on We have so many problems with NT has never had to live under – could fund Centrelink across Australia. I truly believe Housing. We used to get repairs and the support and services that we actually he will be even worse for Aboriginal maintenance done through our Aboriginal need to deal with these issues. people than John Howard. I encourage council Tangentyere, but now we have everyone to vote for progressive parties Many more police are employed now in to wait and wait for shoddy work from other than the two major parties which Alice Springs, supposedly to deal with the NT Housing. We used to be able to have have kept us under this Intervention. social problems. But the relationship with people making trouble on our town camp Aboriginal people has seriously broken dealt with straight away through Tangen- But most importantly we must continue down. We live in fear of the police, always tyere. Now we don’t have that power and to stand together and to struggle, to fight hearing stories about them bashing our can’t do anything about problem visitors. for Aboriginal self determination and to relatives, or taking them 20km out of town fight for jobs and services for all struggling I sit at my front door and see Public so they have to walk back. We are scared communities — not the punishment of Housing Officers, toy coppers who just what happened to Kwementyaye Briscoe, the Intervention. Black and White unite! cruise around our camps watching for who died last year after being taken into trouble and calling the police. It used to be ‘protective custody’ by the police. This article was first published in New our Night Patrol — our own people who Matilda. Reprinted with permission. The Intervention gave police the power would actually get out of the car, engage newmatilda.com/2013/06/21/ to enter our homes without a warrant to with us, try and solve problems where nt-intervention-six-years

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 35 CHASS Forum Questioning civility in Australia

Comments on political (in) is a liberal democratic concept about a preparedness to look civility by NTEU National to the merits of an argument, to listening and being broad minded President Jeannie Rea and inclusive. It was pointed out at the CHASS National that this is at odds with the very structure of parliament which could be Forum 2013 at Parliament an exemplar for behaviour. However, the Westminster system is constructed as a House on 20 June were government and opposition, where the picked up in the media. leaders are separated by, apparently, a two sword length table. You have to be on a In a riveting presentation on cultural Participating in a panel side – cross benches are always uncomfort- competence and education, Emeritus able. And most public institutions and prac- Professor Gillian Triggs, President of the on civility and democracy, tices, such as courts and industrial relations, Australian Human Rights Commission and former Dean of Law at the University of she was asked why does are constructed as adversarial rather than collaborative. Sydney, grappled with the notion that leg- incivility and downright islating for civility can run counter to free- But what is abusive and diminishes public dom of speech. She raised the debate over rudeness continue to be discourse, and what is just good fun or the harmonisation bill before parliament enlivening to robust debate? This was un- late last year, which sought to regularise a feature of Australian resolved, but Andrew Leigh and Andrew anti-discrimination legislation across the political life. Jaspan, founder and editor of The Conver- country. What emerged was opposition to sation, both argued that the anonymity of areas, such as racial anti-vilification claus- social media has increased the tolerance es, which had been operating without The focus of the panel was upon political levels for much higher levels of abusive controversy or any perceptible impact on debate and the role of media. Rea opined language and crude personalised insults. free speech in some jurisdictions. On the that bad behaviour continues to be While many an abusive blogger would other hand sweeping clauses using termi- rewarded. She explained that it is reported be a coward if confronted in person, it nology such as ‘insult and offend’ raised and then repeated in further commentary, does seem that ‘blogger’ abruptness and concerns amongst others. The proposed and then another attention grabbing rudeness has seeped into more public bill was withdrawn. (NTEU had objected comment captures further attention and exchanges. Jaspan argued that trust has to clauses in the bill which exempted it keeps going. Therefore, while public been broken in public discourse. religious bodies including educational figures sometimes inadvertently make institutions from prohibition of discrimina- uncivil remarks, others purposefully do so While the session on civility and the arts tion against homosexuals.) knowing it keeps them and their message focused positively upon the powerful role in the public domain. of the arts in creating more social and Triggs noted that while Australia has sustainable society, the afternoon session ratified a number of international human NTEU was a sponsor of the Council for on the ‘Borders of Civility’ tackled the hard rights treaties, they have not been given ef- Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences questions of how to deal with issues that fect in local law, and concluded that maybe (CHASS) Forum which addressed the theme ignite discontent and negativity. How can if we did it would help with drawing some of Civility in Australia. The Federal MP for difference be accepted, but also contest- acceptable borders that encourage civility Fraser (and former NTEU member at ANU) ed? How can we be civil in negotiating in public discourse and action. Andrew Leigh was also on the opening inclusive citizenship? panel and spoke of his research on uncivil In her presentation, Jeannie Rea focused parliamentary language, specifically the Dr Tom Calma, co-chair of Reconciliation upon women in public life, noting that this use of the words ‘liar’ and ‘unparliamentari- Australia, former Aboriginal and Torres was unavoidable following a week where ly’. Despite current presumptions, Federal Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner the (then) Prime Minister had her sex and Parliament has reached lower points of and Race Discrimination Commission- gender used against her in particularly incivility in the past. This does not excuse it, er, and Chancellor of the University of sordid commentary, and she was then but just suggests that we should not be too Canberra from next year, focussed upon accused of ‘playing the gender card’. Rea presumptive that incivility is more prolific. incivility in the workplace and specifically sought to unravel gendered from fair upon lateral violence. He spoke of lateral enough, even robust, criticism, but con- Throughout the day, speakers returned violence as that amongst oppressed cluded that it is virtually impossible when to the theme of what is meant by and people to one another, where negative a woman is always judged as a woman desirable about civility in Australian public stereotypes contribute to low self-esteem first – and that generally goes against her life. Alongside a fondness to consult dic- and people then lash out on their own. (see Editorial, p2). tionaries, there was consensus that civility page 36 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Academic governance Don’t leave it to the managers tion difficult in some, and non-existent in other, universities. Academic boards and their committees as well as faculty boards ademics. Most participants’ roles are now While the narrow elitism and committees benefit greatly from defined by their professional position. student input, apart from the basic issue Even if these members are still elected, it of the old professorial of students’ rights to participation (not is from amongst a few choices, resulting just consultation) in the governance and board was effectively in many electorates of few electors, for management of their university. challenged in the 1970s, example of deans, associate deans or heads of school rather than fewer desig- In this unhappy and unproductive scenario today the university nations contested by many candidates. and extreme workloads, the participation Not surprisingly, elected members then of academics has also dropped off in governance agenda is feel constrained to speak for the narrower faculty and university level academic gov- thoroughly focussed interests of their electorate rather than ernance. The thousands of casual academic proffer an opinion on any topic. This also staff have no opportunity to participate upon management and makes for dull meetings of reports and and are not even eligible to stand for elec- set pieces, which also does not encour- tion. NTEU encourages members to stand seems to have abandoned age greater competition and excitement for boards and committees and to the the original mission about contesting board and committee demand time and opportunity to do so. elections. of providing academic We need to remember and implement There are also many more members who the UNESCO 1977 Recommendation leadership. are appointed to the board by virtue of concerning the Status of Higher Education their position. Whether they are voting Teaching Personnel: members or not, a room full of people In the 1970s, student and staff protest Higher education teaching personnel reporting not debating also discourages demanded greater democratisation of should have the right and opportunity, vigourous and constructive discussion. A academic governance, but the mangeri- without discrimination of any kind, typical scenario becomes that of report alist shift in the 1990s valued expertise according to their abilities, to take part after report, usually with the ubiquitous and position over representation. This in governing bodies and to criticise the PowerPoint. A board member’s request is an international trend and starts from functioning of higher education institu- to discuss, for example, priorities in the an assumption that universities are by tions, including their own, while respecting university budget manifests at the next definition not well run and, as a corollary, the right of other sections of the academic meeting in a long report from a delegate questions the ability of academics to community to participate, and they should of the CFO where questions are permitted, lead. Norwegian researchers, Larssen et al also have the right to elect the majority of but not necessarily answered and there is (2009) concluded: representatives to academic bodies within no actual debate. This includes at the system level a growing the higher education institution. There are valiant efforts by academic belief in the benefits of the marketplace in The principle of university autonomy is board chairs and executive staff to invig- higher education governance, leading to also recognised internationally and the orate their boards with more professional a growing reliance on competition in the intellectual freedom of staff and students development opportunities for board distribution of public funds for teaching is now enshrined in federal legislation as members to increase their effective par- and research. required in university policy, thanks to ticipation, but this does not work if there long term advocacy of the ALP by NTEU. At the institutional level the role and are fewer opportunities to really make a position of formally appointed or elected difference. Recognising membership of We exercise intellectual freedom through leaders, managers and administrators has boards and committees in time and work- our teaching and research, but if we fail to been strengthened and professionalised load allocations also makes a significant be involved in the academic governance at the cost of the general involvement difference, including signalling to staff of our universities we will continue to have of the academic staff in governance that their contribution is really valued. to respond to bad decisions after the fact matters. However, it is difficult to conclude rather than stop them in their tracks. that universities are more effective and Just as the participation of staff and stu- efficient. New decision making structures dents on university councils comes under Jeannie Rea, NTEU National President regular attack (and has now been removed do not necessarily lead to the desired be- This article draws from Jeannie Rea’s paper, havioural changes, and outcomes of new from the Victorian university acts by the ‘A Union perspective on academic governance governance arrangements seem to have a Liberal Government), so too does participa- in Australia today’, presented at an Academic number of unintended consequences. tion in academic governance. The destruc- Governance Forum in Sydney, 6 May 2013. tion of student representative organisa- Larssen, I.M., Maassen, P. & Stensaker, B. (2009), Restructuring, and even renaming, of actions by the previous Federal Coalition ‘Four basic dilemmas in university governance ademic boards has resulted in significant Government (and only partial restoration reform’, (Norway) in Journal of Higher Education diminution of academics representing ac- by Labor) has rendered student representa- Management and Policy, 21/3.

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 37 The conservative experiment Building ‘Big Society’ in Australia

The ACTU and public Unions are also aware of an international Furthermore, the entire increase in the trend to reduce or remove core public numbers of children now counted as sector unions, including services, such as health, education and being in poverty in 2011-12 came from welfare, with privatised, for-profit compa- working households, and that children liv- the NTEU, are deeply nies acting as government agencies for ing below the poverty line were now twice concerned at the likely these services. as likely to come from working families. impact of current and While so-called Public Private Partnerships What is particularly disturbing is that (PPPs) are not unusual in Australia, the these statistics covered the period before forecast cuts to public targeting of areas such as child protection, a range of austerity measures and welfare school education, universities, hospitals cuts were introduced by the Government. services at both State and and policing is a concern. Also new is the Given the likely impact of these measures, Federal levels. rhetoric that surrounds these cuts, with social commentators in the UK are now the UK’s Cameron Government leading predicting that the level of poverty will the international charge through its ‘Small rise considerably further. However, the Government, Big Society’ platform. response of the Cameron Government, like many conservative forces internationally, The Big Society concept is to continue to reduce the role, scope In Australia, the Opposition under Tony and breadth of government support and Abbott have already adopted the philos- to outsource public services, including ophies championed by the Cameron Gov- health and education, wherever possible. ernment as part of the Big Society agenda In the UK, the mechanism to reduce ‘big but for the most part the Australian government’ is the flagship concept of the public is unaware of the implications. This Conservative Party (and now part of the article presents the background to the Big Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Society and the targeted removal of public Agreement), the so-called ‘Big Society’. services in the UK, the impact it will have Presented as a mechanism to empower in an Australian context, and the need for local people and communities, it was sold unions to be active in the campaign to as the way to cut through bureaucracy and oppose the cuts to our public services. to transfer power and decision making Terri MacDonald The Guardian1 recently reported official UK responsibility from the politicians to the Policy & Research Officer figures finding that an additional 900,000 people. However, in reality the Big Society people – including 300,000 more children is more about privatising the social welfare – were plunged into poverty during the state on a massive scale; cutting back on first year of the Cameron Government. public services by either tendering these

page 38 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate out to private companies or using com- • Review arrangements for the provision signalled that universities will need look to munity based volunteer labour to plug the of social welfare services. alternate private funding sources under a resulting gaps. Coalition Government, with the best the • Introduce community boards to man- sector can hope for is no further cuts to While the Big Society concept was initially age the budgets and staffing of public public funding. He also told universities championed by Anglican theologian schools and hospitals. to consider ways they could increase inter- and director of the conservative political • Engage community and national student numbers think-tank ResPublica, Phillip Blond, the not-for-profit organisa- and improve levels of private ideas behind it can be traced back to John tions to deliver public investment and philanthrop- Locke, Edmund Burke, William Cobbett, services. ic donations, while simulta- Thomas Carlyle and John Ruskin. More neously making clear that recent influences include American con- • Increased reliance on and universities will be expected servative communitarians who call for a advocacy for community to maintain quality teaching return to ‘community and civic order’. volunteerism. and research. Existence in Australia At State level, the NSW, While the Big Society con- Victorian and Queensland In Australia, the concept underpinning cept has lost political favour governments have been in the UK, aspects of the the Big Society is being already seen in looking to streamline state many different areas. In higher education, language have now become public sector services. Re- embedded in the conserva- philanthropy has been viewed by both views have been commis- conservative governments and universi- tive policy agenda. There- sioned by WA, Victorian and fore, the response of unions ties as an untapped source of private fund- NSW governments to review ing; in social welfare services, faith based should do more than be oppositional the delivery model of social services by – we must claim a new space and seek to organisations (such as Mission Australia) the states, with a stated aim to look at have been lobbying for a greater role in redefine what we value as a society. If the alternative funding models. In Victoria, Coalition win the Federal election, Austral- not only providing social welfare services, the Service Sector Reform project aims but to act as agencies or instruments of ia will experience a substantially different to determine ways that Victorian public political landscape, one that will seek to government. In business, the Australian sector can adjust to both a growing de- Chamber of Com- privilege neoliberalism and promote a mand from a rising socially conservative, fear based agenda. merce and Industry population and (ACCI) have launched It will be also be blatantly and militantly While the Big Society concept shrinking budgets; anti-union. their ‘Too Big to Ignore’ a consultation campaign, ostensibly has lost political favour in the paper has set Thus, unions must be prepared to not only a lobbying focus for UK, aspects of the language out the term of engage on the industrial forefront, but small business in the have now become embedded reference for the also claim the broader social justice sphere lead up to the Federal in the conservative policy review as whether where the concepts of values, communi- election, but drawing agenda. State government ty, social worth, compassion, justice and much from the view should provide humanity are seen to be part of the union that government has social services, role and agenda. The ACTU, in consulta- become too big and and if so, why and tion with public sector unions, including needs to be reduced. what. It is thought that the likely result NTEU, is currently formulating a campaign While the concept of the Big Society is of these reviews will be the emergence to promote these exact issues. 3 in line with conservative philosophy, the of Social Benefit Bonds (already on trial 1. Butler P. (2013) ‘Poverty rose by 900,000 in political language used to pitch the idea is in NSW within the state’s Child Protection coalition’s first year’, The Guardian, 14 June. Services) and/or Public Service Mutuals that traditionally associated with broad left 2. Hudson, S. (2011) ‘Most Think the Big Society (PSM)4, both of which scheme outsource thinking. This is a deliberate strategy that Will Not Be Achieved, Poll Suggests,’ Third public services to private enterprises. seeks to present the concept as a commu- Sector. nity based, grass roots ideology. Ironically, It is very clear that the Big Society philos- 3. NSW’s SBB system pays a return based on the concept in the UK has lost traction with ophy dovetails with the agenda of public the achievement of agreed social outcomes. both the left and the right in government, sector cuts implemented by conservative Under the SBB, ‘investors’ (private enterprise) and is considered by many to have failed governments in NSW, Victoria, Queensland fund the delivery of services targeted at its original aims. Not surprisingly, there has and to a lesser extent in NT, ACT and WA. improving a particular social outcome, with been a loss of public support for the Big Research undertaken by the ACTU (ACTU the view that achievement of this outcome Society, with a 2012 survey finding that Jobs Report, February 2013) found more should reduce the need for, and therefore only 9% of the UK population believed than 50,000 public sector jobs were lost in government spending on, acute services. policy would achieve its aims, and 39% of the year to November 2012, representing a Public sector ‘savings’ are then used to repay the principal of the investors and addi- the opinion that the Government should reduction in the overall numbers of public 2 tional reward payments (e.g. the return on ‘forget about the whole idea’ . sector workers for the first time since the investment), the level of which is dependent However, the failure of the policy has not late 1990s. The report also notes that an on the degree of outcome improvement prevented Australia’s conservatives from analysis of State, Territory and Common- achieved. wealth government budgets signal further seriously considering how it could be 4. Mutuals are organisations that are owned significant reductions in public sector jobs implemented here, with Opposition leader by their customers, their employees or both, in 2013-14, and Shadow Treasurer, Joe Tony Abbot and his senior colleagues existing to serve them instead of share- meeting with the Big Society’s philosoph- Hockey recently flagged the abolishment holders. Co-operatives are one form of a ical architect Phillip Blond in late 2012. of 12,000 Commonwealth public sector mutual organisation. In 2012, the Australia The Coalition has already integrated the jobs as a ‘starting point’ should the Coali- Institute found that while 80% of Australians 5 Big Society into its policy settings. Tony tion form government. are members of co-operatives or mutuals, Abbott’s ‘Stronger economy and stronger In terms of higher education, the Big only 20% were aware of their connections. Most however, are currently confined to the Australia’ speech (Press Club, January Society style changes seen in the UK are finance sector. 2012) essentially incorporates the four of likely to play out here in reduced public the core tenets of the Big Society (albeit funding. Earlier this year at the Universities 5. Towell, N. (2013) ‘Hockey says 12,000 cull just without naming it) stating that a Coalition Australia conference, Tony Abbott clearly a start’, Canberra Times, 17 May. Government would:

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 39 Indigenous Forum Canadian connection

Tansi (Greetings)! On 23-24 that we know disproportionately impact programs for Indigenous May, I was fortunate to people. join some forty-odd NTEU As I sat during the second day, I thought that there is one area colleagues at your 2013 where NTEU has made significant- Indigenous Forum. My ly more progress than CAUT, perhaps reflecting a decade longer at travel down from Canada the task of including Indigenous people in the forefront on national was a first step in what Most of the first day was then given over union activity (our Aboriginal we hope will be stronger to the Members’ Yarn, where each dele- Working Group didn’t form until 2006). gate spoke of the issues at their university, You have been able to bargain specific links between Indigenous and gave their perspectives both on what language around Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employment targets, and academic staff in our two is needed to improve the working conditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island- are reaching in this current round of bar- countries. er peoples on campuses, and on how we gaining toward specific numerical targets. as Indigenous peoples can support our We are not near that yet in Canada, The Canadian Association of University communities in the move to sovereignty though such language is sorely needed in Teachers (CAUT) invites an Indigenous and equity. our Agreements. Aboriginal peoples repre- member of NTEU to make a reciprocal As each member spoke, I was struck by sent 4.3% of the Canadian population, yet journey to our Forum for Aboriginal Aca- the similarity to remarks heard at our we hold only about 0.7% of the academic demic Staff in Toronto in November. events. People spoke about the isola- positions in our universities. As Indigenous student enrolment climbs, we have lagged We will also be extending an invitation to tion they sometimes felt on campuses behind in the most crucial indicator for colleagues we met from Aotearoa New (where numbers are few), on concerns those students’ success on campuses (i.e. Zealand, as CAUT becomes the third mem- about ‘mainstreaming’ of services where the presence of Aboriginal people on ber of the partnership Lee Cooper and the Indigenous voice gets lost, and on staff). I hope you have success bargaining Hēmi Houkāmau of the TEU have already how the presence of Indigenous staff numerical targets this round, as it will em- forged. Since our winters are somewhat on campus is the greatest predicator of bolden my Canadian colleagues to fight harsher than those here in southern Vic- Indigenous student success and commu- harder as the snows swirl this fall. toria, I would suggest that NTEU and TEU nity perception of the university. It seems bundle your delegates well. both our countries still lag in academic There are many things I will bring home appointments of Indigenous lecturers and from my time up at Brambuk. I will bring As we gathered at the Brambuk Cultur- professors, and that many of the actions home the yarns I heard, and will try to be al Centre on the first day, all delegates taken by university administrations to ‘In- an effective witness as I share them at our remarked on how good it felt to be in digenise’ campuses are still at the surface forum. I will bring home the similarities Aboriginal space, and how that reloca- level, where photo-opportunity and softly between our struggles for a place in the tion from the urban gave them strength. worded policy still trumps substance and academy and for universities at the service Outside the building, as we stood in circle, real progress. of our communities and path to Sover- Uncle Rooney Grambeau gave a welcome eignty. to country. We then entered to conduct In the yarn session, and in subsequent business. conversations I held with Indigenous Finally, I will bring home the spirit of colleagues over coffee and food, the inspi- celebration that your delegates carried I think the tone of the meeting was set rational nature of a grassroots Canadian into daytime sessions and night time early by IPC Chair, Terry Mason (UWS) in movement often came up. Many spoke of gatherings. Too often, when we gather his response to opening remarks by NTEU the impact that ‘Idle No More’ is having in in Canada, we forget that our peoples Assistant Secretary, Matt McGowan. Terry their communities and on their campuses. were singing/dancing peoples and that reminded those in attendance that this our business was always conducted in an was Indigenous space, dedicated to an A young generation of activists is emerg- environment of feasting and stories. You Indigenous agenda and focused on issues ing worldwide, and it may be a case remember that better than us: megwitch that flow from Aboriginal and Torres Strait where we older Indigenous activists will (thanks) for the reminder. Islander staff to NTEU leadership. Though be scrambling to stay with them. It may be the energy of students and young he thanked Matt for his overview, and Dan McDonald, Aboriginal Member- community members that will fuel our the National Office appeal for support of at-Large, Canadian Association of the ‘Uni Cuts, Dumb Cuts’ campaign, he attempts to bring progress to the universi- University Teachers Executive stressed that the two-day focus would be ties. It may also be their energy that can be [email protected] on the Indigenous agenda. harnessed to fight the university funding cuts occurring in both our countries, cuts Image: Helena Spryrou

page 40 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Assisting refugee academics CARA turns 80

What do South Africa’s rope is politically and economically united will be able to say’ that ‘this Continent was Justice Albie Sachs, saved by its Western nations,’ Einstein told the crowd, urging them to donate to the Paralympics founder Sir Academic Assistance Council. Ludwig Guttmann and Staff at the London School of Economics Nobel Prize Laureate Sir were inspired by Einstein’s speech to donate a percentage of their salaries in support of their refugee colleagues. The Hans Kreb all have in moral and emotional comfort’ which CARA recipients of that aid went on to win 18 offered. Sachs went on to be appointed by common? None of them Nobel prizes, and16 received knighthoods. Nelson Mandela to South Africa’s Constitu- would have lived lives of Other CARA members included, Sir William tional Court in 1994. Bragg, Professor at the University of Since the 1990s, CARA shifted its focus to outstanding achievement Adelaide for 23 years who uniquely shared the Middle East, particularly Iraq, and to a Nobel Prize in Physics with his son (Sir had it not been for the Africa. It is not widely known that academ- Lawrence Bragg), and Australian-born Ox- ics are routinely killed or kidnapped in a Committee for Assisting ford and Harvard professor Gilbert Murray, number of countries as a consequence of an outstanding classical scholar and public their profession. Hundreds have lost their Refugee Academics (CARA). intellectual. lives in the past decade. In Iraq alone, 19 CARA, which recently turned 80, started Ninety-year-old German-born Profes- academics were assassinated in 2011. out life as the Academic Assistance Coun- sor Lewis Elton, father of the comedian CARA runs special programs focussed on cil (AAC). Founded by William Beveridge, and author Ben, is the oldest surviving Iraq and Zimbabwe. It launched its Iraq director of the London School of Econom- beneficiary of CARA’s work. A physicist Program in late 2006 in response to a ics in May 1933, its mission was to aid the and education researcher, Elton is Jewish. targeted campaign of assassination and academic victims of Hitler. Hitler, elected His father, a professor in ancient history kidnap against Iraq’s academics. Its Zim- a mere two months earlier, lost no time in Prague, fled with his family to the UK babwe Program began three years later, in sacking university professors and staff in 1939, thanks to a grant from CARA. when the number of academics fleeing suspected of beings radicals or Jews. The grant lasted a year by which time his Zimbabwe soared and the higher educa- father had a job as a classics master at a tion sector underwent a dramatic decline. Soon, dismissing academics because of grammar school. Lewis Elton enjoyed a their politics or race had become part of a long and successful career, working as At home in the UK, CARA helps refugee much broader Europe-wide phenomenon. Professor of Higher Education at Manches- academics with education, training and By 1939, thousands of academics had lost ter University and Professor Emeritus at employment advice; financial grants; their jobs in Austria, Italy, Czechoslovakia, University College London. support with extra costs such as travel and Spain and Portugal. child care; and assistance through work Post-war, CARA helped academics seeking placement/shadowing opportunities and According to Professor David Zimmerman, refuge from the People’s Republic of China a mentoring program. an historian at the University of Victoria and the Eastern Bloc. One of CARA’s most in Canada, in the early days of CARA, ‘the vocal supporters is the South African CARA works internationally with other Holocaust was still beyond imagination: human rights leader, Albie Sachs, whom similarly-minded organisations and joined help was offered to save careers not lives.’ CARA helped in 1966 and again in 1988. with the Scholars at Risk network and Between 1933 and 1939, CARA helped Sachs was exiled for his anti-apartheid ac- the Institute of International Education’s around 900 scholars financially and/or by tivities and lost an arm when a bomb was Scholar Rescue Fund to denounce – in the finding them positions. Beveridge esti- placed in his car by South African security strongest terms – the attack on the Uni- mated the figure was more like 2000 since agents. He often speaks of the ‘immense versity of Aleppo on 15 January this year. many simply required Sadly, it looks like CARA has its work cut advice. out for it for many years to come. Albert Einstein threw his weight behind Carmel Shute, NTEU Media Officer the operation telling CARA www.academic-refugees.org 10,000 people at the Left: German-born physicist Professor Lewis Elton, the Albert Hall in London oldest surviving beneficiary of CARA’s work. in October 1933. ‘Let us hope that a Right: German-born physician, biochemist and Nobel historian delivering laureate Sir Hans Kreb (1900-1981). judgment in some Image source: Wikipedia future time when Eu-

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 41 International Garment workers pay the ultimate price

Over 1000 workers were deaths has captured attention, but will it ers have implored them to keep trading hold our interest long enough to make in Bangladesh so they can keep their jobs. killed when the Rana Plaza change? These proprietors are apparently very concerned about the welfare of workers! Journalists, to their credit, have been garment factory collapsed And yet back in Australia they are also part keeping this ‘story’ in the public eye. of campaigns against amendments to the on 24 April in Dhaka, The recent Four Corners report bailed up Fair Work Act to enable unions to enter and Australian distributors and retailers and Bangladesh. At least as monitor workplaces. we have subsequently heard big name many more were seriously companies squirming about how it is not The Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union their responsibility. This is an old story. of Australia (TCFUA) has reported that injured and are probably Companies have been successfully dis- every day they are still finding factories unable to work again. tancing themselves from bad publicity by and sweatshops with locked and blocked sub-contracting for years. doors, non-existent or unmaintained fire equipment, unsafe wiring or power sourc- Their many dependants There are 3.5 million garment workers in es and multiple breaches of safety laws Bangladesh and this number is rising all have lost their wage earner and regulations. The TCFUA has fought the time, as companies flock to Bangla- for many years to improve the wages and and now have to manage desh where the Government colludes with conditions of local clothing and textile the factory owners against the workers. workers who work either in factories, the costs of caring for their Bangladeshi garment workers suffer long sweatshops or at home as outworkers in hours, are paid too little to live on, and are injured relatives. their lounge rooms or in backyard sheds constantly frightened by the terrible and for piece rates. It took more than two unsafe working conditions. Unions are A few months’ earlier, 112 workers died decades to get some federal regulation of forbidden from entering workplaces. in a fire in another Dhaka factory. This outwork where outworkers and sweat- caused merely a blip in the international The international labels avoid respon- shop workers can be protected. news stream. More than 600 Bangladeshi sibility for their products made under TCFUA Secretary Michele O’Neil recently garment workers have been killed at these conditions and then also have the said, ‘Our union sometimes gets accused work over the last decade. One thousand audacity to claim that Bangladeshi work- continued next page...

page 42 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate International

Advocate published the article because tional human rights, and interna- Protecting we will continue to campaign for the in- tional humanitarian law who were tellectual freedom of university staff and concerned about ongoing attacks on students. Bombing students and staff is educational institutions, their students, global the extreme end of the continuum from and staff in countries affected by conflict denying the free exchange of ideas with- and insecurity. in universities and broader society. On 18 January, the Global Coalition education & NTEU consistently supports campaigns put out a statement condemning the by Educational International (EI), the January attack on Aleppo University. educators global federation of education unions, ‘There can be no possible justification in defence of educators persecuted for for such an attack on students in their speaking out. examination rooms and dormitories. It is one more grim example of the way that In the last Advocate (vol NTEU is also affiliated to Scholars at Risk educational institutions, and their inno- (SAR) an international network of higher 20, no 1) we reprinted an cent staff and students, are all too often education institutions in over 34 coun- caught up in violence around the world,’ article from University tries dedicated to promoting academic said Stephen Wordsworth, Executive freedom and defending the human Director of CARA. World News on the rights of scholars worldwide. SAR’s bombing of Aleppo mission is to protect threatened scholars, ‘The bloodshed in Syria continues and prevent attacks on higher education all levels of education have paid a heavy University in Syria. The communities and promote academic price in the conflict. Reports are that in freedom. some parts of Syria education has come article aroused some to a virtual standstill. All parties must In this edition of Advocate we recognise immediately abstain from targeting controversy arguing that the 80th anniversary of the Committee educational facilities and educators and for Assisting Refugee Academics (CARA), it took a particular side. students must be protected. who are also running an emergency appeal for Syrian academics. There is also ‘We call upon the parties in Syria to take It was arguably as balanced a news re- the Scholar Rescue Fund (SRF) founded all necessary steps to protect schools port as possible considering it was pub- by the Institute of International Educa- and universities, and those who work lished the day after the bombing and tion (IIE) in 2002, providing academic and study in them, from any further quoted a number of sources in trying to fellowships and other support for estab- attacks. Syria’s academics and its young work out who was responsible. That over lished scholars whose lives and work are people are the country’s future,’ conclud- eighty students and staff were reported threatened in their home countries. ed Mr Wordsworth. killed has not been disputed. By the time Advocate was published several weeks CARA, SAR and IIE-SRF are all mem- EI www.ei-ie.org later, more information and debate – and bers of the Global Coalition to Protect SAR www.scholarsatrisk.org unfortunately fighting and bloodshed – Education from Attack (GCPEA). GCPEA CARA www.academic-refugees.org had occurred both revealing and obscur- was established in 2010 by organisations ing the motivations of those responsible from the fields of education in emergen- SAR www.scholarrescuefund.org for the two Aleppo explosions. cies and conflict-affected fragile states, IIE-SRF www.scholarrescuefund.org higher education, protection, interna- GCPEA www.protectingeducation.org

Garment workers pay the ultimate price continued of forcing Australian jobs offshore because the Melbourne Trades Hall about having production and clean supply chains also we fight for workers to receive a wage to jump out the window of an upper floor do have a role. they can live on, have safety standards onto the bodies of her dead co-workers. As argued in TCFUA Journal this autumn, that protect their life and laws that require When asked what we should do to help, ‘Bangladesh is desperate to maintain and companies to disclose the details of their she said that we must keep organising in grow its garment industry. Global brands whole supply chain, whether the clothes our unions and fighting for decent wages are desperate for us to buy and wear are being made in a factory or someone’s and conditions and occupational health their labels. Workers and their families are home. Well I’m OK with that – it can’t be a and safety laws – in Australia. She said our desperate. Self-regulation, brand specific job at any price. Safe work with dignity is wins gave them hope of what is possible. codes and private sector audits do not not too much to ask’. It is considered rather old fashioned these work. days to talk of workers of the world uniting These days, as International Women’s Day and fighting, but international solidarity ‘Workers being free to organise a union (IWD) has been co-opted by the corporate is critical. and demand safety standards, higher pay world, it is too often forgotten that IWD and enforceable labour laws from their commemorates the brave young New York Precarious work, dangerous workplaces, government do work. Enforceable tripar- women garment workers who one hun- bans on unions organising and striking – tite union, government, business agree- dred years ago organised and took to the these are not just issues of the last century ments backed by law, effective compliance streets in protest demanding their rights or of developing countries. and unionised workplaces do work.’ following a fire at the Triangle shirtwaist The TCFUA with community and activist factory, which killed 146 workers. groups has led a campaign to make fash- Jeannie Rea, National President Some years ago, I remember a survivor of ion brands and companies accountable. a toy factory fire in Thailand speaking at Consumer campaigns demanding ethical Image source: Yahoo

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 43 Unrest in Turkey Gezi Park protests resonate in Turkish academe

In recent weeks, images from Turkey of tear gas and Yet the anger that has been on display – and the unwarranted crackdown by the excessive police force, and stories about government authorities – would not surprise those who have been watching recent clashes investigations and accusations aimed at Gezi Park between the government and parts of protesters may have surprised many outside observers. Turkish higher education. In December a similar but smaller protest took place at Initially a small protest to stop plans to demolish one of Middle East Technical University, a public university in Ankara. Students wanted the few parks left in central Istanbul, it erupted into vast to demonstrate against the policies of demonstrations against the policies of the government Erdoğan’s political party during a visit by the prime minister to the campus. There, of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. too, reports indicated that the police had launched unprovoked attacks and violence against demonstrators. When faculty members issued statements condemning police brutality, state officials began to press charges and opened disciplinary investigations against student protesters. Then some government-appointed rectors condemned students there as ‘radicals,’ and many faculty members responded by condemning their own rectors as undemocratic. That was not the only example of how universities have been on the front lines between Erdoğan and his opponents. Over the last few years, Erdoğan’s political party, known as AKP, has concentrated Asli Igsiz power and carried out a series of regula- Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern and tions that compromised the autonomous Islamic Studies decision-making process of various public institutions, including academic ones. New York University Previously independent bodies, such as Source: Osman Orsal/Reuters Source: Park. gassed in Gezi is tear University, Technical Istanbul at urban planning professor Sungur, Ceyda Photo: page 44 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate the Turkish Science Academy, have been Council also started a series of disciplinary Couvert, a French student, was deported forced to accept AKP-supported candi- investigations against faculty members and reportedly interrogated about her dates; other institutions that were sup- and students, often prompted by issues on thesis on the Kurds. The Council of Higher posed to protect the environment have the state agenda, which under current cir- Education appears to have investigat- been absorbed into other bureaucracies or cumstances means the AKP Government. ed students and faculty members who completely dismantled. supported and/or attended the Gezi Academics have also been targets because protests. Also, a textbook on the history Indeed, it was only because of the Gezi of their research. For example, Onur of the telegram (written by a professor at protests that the Turkish Parliament post- Hamzaoğlu, chair of the department of Ankara University) was reportedly held as poned debate on an AKP-sponsored draft public health at Kocaeli University’s School evidence of illegal organisation. law affecting thousands of hectares of of Medicine, has conducted research on forests that enjoy special protected status health hazards at urban industrial sites. According to the Initiative for Solidarity as conservation zones. The proposal would Not too long ago, Hamzaoğlu found heavy With Detained Students, students involved have eliminated independent assessment metals in breast milk and infant faeces. in the protests sometimes are forced to of those areas by scientists or by scientific After he publicly cautioned residents of choose between their rights as citizens institutions, leaving the fate of the regions Kocaeli against the dangers of chemical and the right to education: Govern- to politicians. Like Gezi Park, they would pollution supported by his findings, the ment-appointed university administrators then have become open for private ex- leaders of the city and the province, both reportedly punish or investigate student ploitation for tourism or construction. members of AKP, brought him to court. protesters, suspending them, expelling Hamzaoğlu was accused of ‘threatening to them, and/or not allowing them to make The Council of Higher Education, which incite fear and panic among the popu- up necessary examinations if they are oversees Turkish universities and is often lation.’ In addition, reportedly following detained. referred to by its Turkish acronym of YÖK, the lead of the Ministry of Health and the has long operated as an extension of the Surveillance, allegations of cronyism, Council of Higher Education, the rector Government. But under the AKP, its cen- concentrations of administrative powers, of the university opened a disciplinary tralised disciplinary actions have drawn violations of academic freedom, and investigation against Hamzaoğlu. sharp criticism. In 1982, following a coup denying students their education are d’état, the military-sponsored constitution Turkish scholars have long been vulnera- but a microcosm of the climate in Turkey. established the Council to exercise control ble to state prosecution in fields deemed Much of this is not new, and yet it is most over higher education. Accordingly, ‘sensitive’ by officials. Recent high-profile distressing that this is happening under universities cannot autonomously elect examples include İsmail Beşikçi, Müge a civilian government often hailed as a their administrators and depend on the Tuzcuoğlu, Pınar Selek, and Büşra Ersanlı. ‘model of democracy.’ But while protesters Council to open an academic position. The They were detained and/or interrogated in Istanbul and elsewhere have taken to President of Turkey appoints the head of on the basis of their research on Kurdish the streets for a variety of reasons, it’s clear the Council and university rectors – the populations or their teaching at a Kurdish higher education has a big stake in how latter from one of the three candidates science academy. Some were also subject- the demonstrations are resolved. who have received the most votes from ed to ad hominem attacks by pro-govern- the faculty. Controversial voting processes ment news media. This article first appeared in The Chron- and bullying are among the grievanc- cile of Higher Education blog, 2 July 2013. Students are equally vulnerable to inves- es recently reported. What’s more, the www.chronicle.com/blogs tigations. During the Gezi protests, Elisa

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 45 News from the Net Pat Wright eLectioneering

Campaigning is warming of each story available through online is a skeptical analysis of the uses to which subscription. Fairfax has followed with ICTs have been put by the major parties up for the 2013 Federal online versions of The Age and the Sydney in the USA, up to and including in the Morning Herald, again behind a paywall Congressional election in the middle election. Of course, a after the first ten downloads each month. of President Obama’s first term. Davis’s base level of campaigning Both corporations tantalise potential general conclusion was that use of the subscribers with occasional freebie stories internet made no significant fundamental in the traditional news in full. change to the established political system, partly because the two major political In moving online, the mainstream news- media is always with parties, Democrats and Republicans, were papers have to adapt to the new environ- equally proficient in using it. us, particularly for the ment, evolving from a one-way commu- conservative Coalition. nication style to something more like a Guide to Online Campaigning for Unions: conversation – and some newspapers are Everything a Non-Expert Needs to Take However, campaigning better at it than others. They also face an Online Union Campaign from Start to strong competition from longer-estab- Finish by Alex White (at alexwhite.org or in the traditional news lished online journalism, some of it supe- Amazon.com) is a practical handbook media is being augmented rior to their hardcopy rivals. Publications for unions, but with equal relevance for native to cyberspace include Inside Story, political parties, augmented by articles on more and more in The Global Mail, PoliticOz, The Monthly, The the alexwhite.org website, such as ‘What Conversation, Crikey, New Matilda, On Line Labor Can Learn from Obama in 2013’ 2013 by campaigning Opinion, and now an Australian edition of New Matilda (23 Jan 2013) and ‘It’s the with information The Guardian. personal contact, stupid’ The Drum ABC (22 November 2012). White’s experience SBS and ABC television and radio provide of two and a half months as an Organising and communication On Demand and iView programs for a Fellow on Obama’s campaign for a second fortnight or so, provide newsclips on technologies (ICTs) and term led him to a conclusion complemen- their YouTube channels, video and audio tary to that of Davis – the internet and ICTs social media networking. podcasts, email lists, RSS feeds, tweets in themselves, when used simply for the with links on Twitter, and status updates transmission of information, have little Just as crude economic rationalism is and conversations on Facebook. Channel impact on electoral outcomes, but, when very economical of thought and effort, ONE uses the Zeebox mobile phone and used to bond volunteers, to keep them relying on the market metaphor to ex- tablet app to synchronise football scores well-informed, maintain morale, exchange plain everything, so, too, does relentless and stats, Formula 1 lap times etc. with experiences, equip them with targeted negativity. Relying on simplistic slogans to their sporting telecasts to enhance the electorate intelligence, the subsequent dominate the political discourse, and slack viewing experience (so why not electoral personal contact with the undecided journalism to focus on gossip, scandal contests?). All of these developments indi- around the water-cooler, in the coffee and the foibles of particular politicians cate a growing popularity of the internet, shop or on the doorstep can make a great rather than the analysis of policies. Thus relative to traditional media, but whether difference. have journalists and commentators in they have any electoral influence remains the traditional news media shredded the to be seen. The US Democrats had invested more in credibility of all politicians and provided the technological than in the personal It is clear that the Coalition enjoys greater a large section of the population with an in the Congressional campaign (and lost influence in the traditional media, and excuse to eschew all politics in the guise of their majority), then immediately began perhaps Labor has a small lead in the non-partisan objectivity, aka timidity. investing more in the personal, armed new social media. Certainly, Labor is with the technological, in the Presidential Meanwhile, the journos themselves have expending more effort online than the campaign (which they won). become little more than Parliament Coalition. Email messages from the PM to groupies and have lost almost as much ALP members, Facebook pages for senior So, it is possible, though perhaps not credibility as the politicians – and at a time ministers, Twitter streams from almost all probable, that Labor’s superiority with the when their publications and broadcasts MPs (@KRuddMP has almost 1.3 million internet and ICTs might make a difference are losing ground to new media and social followers), videos and animations on You- in the Federal election – a moot point. networking on the internet. Tube, and SMS text messages all help to And whether any such difference on maintain an online presence. But will the its own would be big enough to win is Faced with their dwindling influence online campaign make much difference, even mooter. Still, stranger things have through traditional media and the grow- come election day? happened. ing influence (albeit relatively small as yet) of the internet, the major newspapers and The answer to this question is Maybe No Pat Wright is Director of the Centre for broadcasters are migrating a version of and Maybe Yes, according to some recent Labour Research at the University of their content online. Newscorp now has publications. Adelaide. online versions of its newspapers, includ- [email protected] ing The Australian, with the lead paragraph The Web of Politics: the Internet’s impact on of its stories available free, and the rest the American Political System by Richard Davis of Brigham Young University (OUP)

page 46 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Lowering the Boom Ian Lowe Budget fails science and research

I am still recovering Both the Academy of Science and the Public vs commercial Academy of Technological Sciences and from the Australian Engineering backed Professor Chubb’s The Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) call for a national science and technology program was set up to improve the flow Government’s 2013-14 strategy to guide investment in research of ideas from the research community into Budget. It showed all the and innovation, pointing to the frag- practical applications. The approach be- mentation of spending across a range of gan with a good balance between centres vision, imagination and departments and agencies. aimed at commercial development and those with the purpose of advancing the commitment to our long- New strategy for funding public good. term future we had come As part of his pitch, Professor Chubb After John Howard was elected in 1996, observed that research funding is ‘severely the public good centres were steadily to expect from Wayne rationed’. That is not news to anyone phased out in favour of an increasing Swan. writing research grant applications, but it emphasis on helping private corporations isn’t easy to find out how much effort is to turn research into profitable activities. fruitlessly expended in pursuit of financial The new centres funded since 2007 have Rather than do something about the scan- support. gone some way to restore the balance. dalously low revenues from the mining tax I am personally involved in advising the or attack the multi-billion dollar subsidies A paper was published in Nature recently CRC for Low Carbon Living. I would like to of the fossil fuel industry, he targeted by three researchers from Queensland think that such a centre had bi-partisan higher education to pay for the extra University of Technology, documenting support; its Board is chaired by former money needed to the time wasted by Howard Government Minister Robert Hill. bring the school- Australian research- So I was startled to read comments from ing system up to I found no mention of ers competing for the man apparently lined up to head a standard. science at all in the many grants. They estimat- business advisory group if the Liberal-Na- pages of Budget analysis by ed that more than While the cuts to tional Party Coalition wins the Federal 550 person-years university budgets the commercial media. Not election. of effort went into were up in lights, one word. When I did track preparing 2012 grant Maurice Newman was quoted in The it was almost im- down the details, I didn’t find applications for the Guardian Australia as saying that the possible to dig out any good news. Australian Research renewable energy target and the carbon how the Govern- Council (ARC). Based price should be scrapped because ‘the ment had treated on average academic whole science on which it is based is the research com- salaries, they concluded nearly $70 million somewhat in tatters’. He went on to repeat munity generally was spent pursuing the elusive research the discredited furphy that Australia’s or science and technology in particular. dollars, with 80 per cent of the researchers economic competitiveness depends on The Budget papers once contained a coming away empty-handed after all their cheap energy as well as stating ‘when we specific Science and Technology State- work. Given that universities have internal look at the science it no longer supports ment, detailing the funding of the various processes which usually encourage only the global warming theory’. agencies and programs in an integrated the most capable researchers even to ap- Those are not the only strange ideas Mr way. Now the references to funding for ply for ARC support, it should be a public Newman has. The same report noted that science and innovation are deep in the scandal that the funding system fails 80 he had written an attack on wind energy, fine print of allocations to several different per cent of them. printed in a fringe right-wing journal. government departments, various agen- Professor Chubb has backed his argument Newman’s summary: windfarms are cies like CSIRO or ANSTO, or implicit in the for a new strategy with analysis conducted ‘grossly inefficient, extremely expensive, funding of universities. It is a symptom of for the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineer- socially inequitable, a danger to human that approach that I found no mention of ing and Innovation Council. Comparing health, environmentally harmful, divisive science at all in the many pages of Budget Australia with 16 selected OECD countries for communities, a blot on the landscape, analysis by the commercial media. Not on 22 measures of science and innovation, and don’t even achieve the purpose for one word. the study found Australia in the top five on which they were designed’. They seem to When I did track down the details, I didn’t only one measure, science performance of be responsible for everything but Michael find any good news. Most allocations for 15-year-old school students. Clark’s back and St Kilda’s poor form! research barely covered cost increases, Many of the countries that do better have We will be in for a very nasty time after the while some clearly went backwards. a government body that coordinates election, judging by the sorts of advice an The Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, science funding. That approach would Abbott Government would be getting. came out the week after the Budget to require research agencies and govern- call for a science and technology strategy ment departments to devote a share of Ian Lowe is Emeritus Professor of to ensure ‘we are doing research in areas their funds to priority areas. The politics of Science, Technology and Society at that are of critical importance’. That would setting those priorities would be inter- Griffith University. certainly be a good idea! esting, especially if there is a change of government in September.

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 47 The Thesis Whisperer Inger Mewburn Racism in academic hiring

Ten years ago I went out to Joe calmly ate his lunch while I struggled I encourage you to look around you for with my feelings. I asked him if he ever a moment. Academia is very white – too lunch with my friend Joe got angry and he answered yes, of course. white. I’m sure those people who sit on Then he pointed out that getting angry academic hiring committees would be who, like me, was working all the time is exhausting. I nodded – I horrified to be called racist. But there really as a casual academic. had come to the same conclusion about is no other word for the practice of hiring sexism. So we tacitly agreed to change the ‘people like us’ without even noticing it’s I barely waited to put in my lunch order subject and talked happening. Granted before debriefing him on my latest about computers for some departments, unsuccessful job interview. At the time I the rest of lunch. ‘Inger. I understand you notably in science, are a little more didn’t understand that people don’t get I went home after- being pissed off. But consider diverse, but the fact jobs in academia just because they are wards feeling deeply this. There are some women that we can point good at stuff like teaching. Connections, troubled. I was final- on permanent staff in that to them as different histories, reputations – they all matter. ly forced to face my is telling don’t you Now it’s perfectly obvious why a professor, own White Privilege architecture department. think? who had run out of soft money, would and it wasn’t pretty. There are no Asians.’ make sure his best research assistant got I had taken it for I’m far from the first hired, but at the time I blamed it all on the granted that being person to say that gender thing. a woman mattered privilege is often So I got my feminist rant on to Joe, who far more than being Asian when it mistaken as being normal: as ‘just how ate his lunch and patiently listened to me came to being discriminated against in things are’. It can take effort to notice for around 20 minutes until I had exhaust- hiring decisions. But the numbers didn’t the systems that perpetuate privilege in ed my rage. Then he said something I have lie. In fact, I just checked on the website action and there can be push back from never forgotten: for that particular department. There are colleagues if you question the way things STILL no Asians on permanent staff. There are. But, as Peggy McIntosh says, individu- ‘Inger. I understand you being pissed off. is now one person with a Greek name and al acts are not enough in the face of these But consider this. There are some women another who is Italian. problems. ‘To redesign social systems’ she on permanent staff in that architecture says, ‘we need first to acknowledge their Progress? department. There are no Asians.’ colossal unseen dimensions’. Hardly. I stopped mid chew. On any given day inequities of all kinds are being earnestly and carefully discussed Joe, I should point out, is of Asian descent. Let me tell you another story, about my in the seminars, cafes and lunch rooms of In that moment I realised I had never friend Peter, who is of African descent. academia. Articles about racism written thought consciously about the implica- Peter is a widely published scholar and by academics appear in newspapers all tions of Joe having an Asian background popular teacher. He is erudite, charming the time, but we rarely subject ourselves and me having some kind of mongrel and funny. In short, he is the perfect to the same level of scrutiny and critique. British one. Or, more precisely, if I did think colleague to have at faculty lunches. How- We need to start talking about the colossal about it I had dismissed it as irrelevant. ever, after many years, Peter is still working unseen dimensions without guilt – it’s far But suddenly I realised race did matter as a casual academic. better just to be angry. – at least, it seemed, in academic hiring Not long ago Peter told me how he was practices. on the ‘long short list’ for a permanent job. Oh, in case you were wondering: Peter didn’t make it to the short short list There were plenty of talented people of The hiring committee did a phone inter- either. Asian descent, like Joe, who studied archi- view with him because they were consid- tecture with me. Plenty of those people ering moving him to the ‘short short list’. I asked him why there was an interview for Dr Inger Mewburn does research on were casual lecturers, just like me. If the research and blogs about it at past was anything to go by, as a white that and he replied, totally matter of factly with a touch of wry humour: ‘oh, they saw www.thesiswhisperer.com woman I had much more chance of get- With thanks to my good friend Dr Tseen ting a job in that department than Joe did. my name and probably wanted to confirm that I could speak English’. Khoo, who inspired me to write this In fact, as it turned out, Joe hadn’t even piece and provided me with some great been short listed for the job I missed out I had no words. feedback to make it better. on, despite being just as qualified as me.

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page 48 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate Letter from Aotearoa/NZ Lesley Francey A living wage

New Zealanders make cils and universities, to pay at least the living wage to their own employees, and a habit of comparing to make it a condition in their contracts Living Wage Aotearoa with companies that offer services such as ourselves to you cleaning and security. Australians. We worry The campaign has named a living wage New Zealand who has the best food, the rate of NZ$18.40 an hour, calculated by researchers at the Anglican Church’s nicest weather, the most Family Centre, as ‘the income necessary to provide workers and their families with the sheep, the strongest (or basic necessities of life’. weakest) economy, the About 40 per cent of New Zealand’s 1.85 As the gap between the rich and poor grows in New Zealand and poverty increases, more and more most banal politicians, million employees, or around 740,000 other tertiary employers among the very people, earn below that rate – including Newfirst employers Zealanders to sign up todon’t the Living get paid enough to meet their needs, enjoy their lives and participate in society. and of course, our never- beginning teachers, chefs, truck drivers, Wage campaign. mechanics and carpenters, as well as tradi- ending debate about tionally low-paid groups such as cleaners, AllSome over employers the around world New Zealand,communities are uniting to address poverty and inequality through living wage caregivers and checkout operators. including the Wellington City Council, sports teams and athletes. campaigns.have committed to Thebeing livingliving wage wage em- campaign in Aotearoa New Zealand has been initiated by the Service I suspect much of the time Charles Waldegrave, who led the Family andployers. Food However, Workers so far tertiary Unioneducation Ngā Ringa Tota. It aims to connect unions, community and faith-based Centre study, says the NZ$18.40 figure is employers have been quiet on the Living Australia is unaware its based on ‘not including any luxuries at all’. organisationsWage campaign. together around a common goal of achieving a living wage as a necessary step in reducing inequality and poverty in our society. little brother is comparing ‘The whole idea is you could participate in We would like to see them commit pub- society and have enough to pay your rent licly to being living wage employers and itself so assiduously. and food and power,’ he says. Whyensure that do their we contractors need are the the same. living wage campaign? Many tertiary education employees, Employers, especially big public sector One area where we often look jealously such as library assistants, gardeners and lemployers New who Zealand are in the business has goneof from one of the most equal countries in the OECD to one of the most across the Tasman may surprise you - it’s cleaners, are on salaries and wages below giving people better employment oppor- your minimum wage rates. NZ$18.40 an hour. tunities, unequal need to move in beyondthe past seeing 20 the years minimum wage as a baseline and focus A couple of months ago the Government l Income inequality reached its highest level ever in New Zealand and median incomes dropped For instance, tutors at Victoria University of instead on what their employees actually increased the minimum wage here in New Wellington, some of whom have masters need inby order 3% to incare 2010-11 for their families. Zealand by 25 cents to NZ$13.75 an hour. degrees and are studying towards doctor- l The richest 150 people in New Zealand grew their wealth by 20% in 2010 while wages This meagre rate means two adults work- ates, have a starting pay rate of NZ$17.54 One Vice-Chancellor, Steve Maharey of ing full time on the minimum wage will an hour. Massey moved University, by has less told the than media 2% earn between NZ$800-900 a week after that he believed the living wage was a tax. Take away an average rent for a family Many of these tutors are also studying l‘worthwhile The debate’top 1% but alsoof earnerssaid that he has more wealth than the bottom 60%, or three times more than the house, especially in a big city, healthy full-time, and are no longer eligible for a was speaking combined as a former cash Cabinet and Minister assets of the poorest 50 per cent food, electricity, phone and other basic ne- student allowance. They work limited part- land not as an employer. As an employer cessities and there is little if any breathing time hours. They need a job that pays a fair he hasOne recently in contracted five, orout 230,000dozens of NZ children are estimated to be living in poverty – one in six Pakeha, room for families who face any out-of-the- wage just to live. low-paid one cleaning in four jobs. Pacific, and one in three Māori children ordinary costs. For a single income family There are some general staff, caretakers lHe and40% his colleagues of poor need children to commit, comeas from families where at least one person is in full time work it is nigh on impossible. and security staff at Victoria University employers, or self to the employed Living Wage campaign. For a tertiary education union like us you of Wellington who earn lower rates than would hope that the minimum wage rate tutors, some close to or on the minimum would be little more than academic (if wage, and many are trying to support WhatLesley Francey will is National the livingPresident/Te wage campaign do? you’ll excuse the pun). However, Victoria family on those pay rates. Tumu Whakarae, New Zealand Tertiary University of Wellington employs book- Education Union/Te Hautū Kahurangi o By comparison, Victoria University of l Call for a living wage that is based on an independently calculated rate shelvers in permanent jobs on exactly that Aotearoa www.teu.ac.nz Wellington’s Vice-Chancellor earns l rate. And other tertiary education institu- Work with local networks to build local organisation to address local needs the equivalent of NZ$250 an hour. tions here have similarly low rates for staff l Institution leaders like him have Acknowledge the many facets of a living wage including tax, transfers, and social services and contractors. a key role to play turning their insti- l Recognise the many voices in our community that are fighting for a just society for those in Tired of insubstantial and incremental tutions into living wage employers. and outside of paid work gains around the minimum wage, unions Universities are meant to be trans- and community groups around New l Make the living wage a real issue that unites communities formative, not just for students but Zealand have united in a Living Wage staff. People at universities should campaign. The campaign bases itself on be making a better life for them- the successful Living Wage campaign in How will the living wage campaign become a reality? selves and their communities. We Britain. It sidesteps government, instead would like to see universities and targeting major employers, such as coun- l Businesses commit to the principle of the living wage to support community well-being l All publicly-funded bodies lead by example ensuring their employees are paid a living wage NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • Julyl 2013All • www.nteu.org.au/advocate publicly-funded •bodies page 49 incorporate the living wage and job security into their procurement policy and partnerships with social and environmental agencies l Corporates and other ethical employers who can pay should lead the private sector by paying a living wage

The Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand Campaign says: A living wage is the income necessary to provide workers and their families with the basic necessities of life. A living wage will enable workers to live with dignity and to participate as active citizens in society. We call upon the Government, employers and society as a whole, to strive for a living wage for all households as a necessary and important step in the reduction of poverty in New Zealand.

www.livingwagenz.org.nz My Union NTEU at 20: An unlikely union

The NTEU was and remains an unlikely union. It started small, but has grown to 28,000 members: but still a minnow among ACTU affiliates. It started life as an amalgamation of two small academic unions and three modest general staff unions. It now has coverage of most classifications in higher endorse Labor. By taking this controversial What’s your NTEU story? education and limited coverage decision for the 2013 election campaign it Let us know and be part of our 20 in other parts of tertiary took a significant step to being a partisan year anniversary celebrations. electoral organisation as well as an indus- education. Most other unions www.nteu.org.au/mystory trial union. have vacated higher education. It can legitimately claim to Constituencies Policy and campaigning be the pre-eminent voice of The NTEU has some distinct constituen- employees in the sector The NTEU has always prided itself on the cies. The Union has devoted considerable quality of its research and its ability to con- resources for Indigenous members with Enterprise bargaining vert its research into campaigns. Well-pre- two full time staff at the National level, pared submissions, cogent argument and guaranteed representation at all levels of It was NTEU’s fortune that its formation in access to Ministers do not in themselves the Union, priority to Indigenous matters 1993 coincided with enterprise bargain- guarantee success. at Executive and Council meetings and ing. Its quasi-decentralised structure Indigenous employment as a mandato- meant that it adapted to the new system The Union had good access to Ministers ry claim in enterprise bargaining. The more rapidly than other unions, but it also Vanstone and Nelson, but the former Indigenous Policy Committee includes a realised that decentralised bargaining presided over large cuts to the sector. representative from each Division and the required central coordination. Nelson went some way towards restoring Chair also sits on the National Executive funding but at the price of more intrusive The bargaining coordination dated from regulation of teaching, research, indus- The Women’s Action Committee (WAC) has almost the beginning of the Union, cen- trial relations and internal governance of remained active and was influential in per- tralised finance and employment arrange- institutions. suading the Union to adopt parental leave ments came later. It managed to extract as a mandatory claim in bargaining. modest wage increases during the Labor The Union had more policy success under period and initially fared well under the Labor with legislation enhancing intellec- For general staff, provision was made in Coalition’s less friendly regime of individual tual freedom, increased research funding, Union rules to provide for separate meet- and ‘non-union’ Agreements. The coordina- changes to the ERA and enhanced access ings of academic and general staff. These tion of bargaining was assisted by lack of to higher education. This was not matched fell into disuse very early in the Union’s coordination amongst Vice-Chancellors. by appropriate funding, with the staff-stu- history and specific working parties now dent ratio increasing over time. The cuts in deal with issues of particular concern While the Government pretended to stand overall funding in 2012-13 took place with to specific constituencies. The Victorian aloof from bargaining it set conditions, via little or no reference to the NTEU. Division has been active in defending TAFE the Higher Education Workplace Relations staff in that State. On the other hand, the Requirements (HEWRRs), that rendered The campaigns against the 1996 funding Union has been less successful in recruit- Vice-Chancellors the agents of Govern- cuts made the Government aware that ing the growing number of research only ment. While some resented this, their man- the ire of sector was a risk to be borne. staff although it was able to campaign agerial prerogative was enhanced. Both the Union and the Vice-Chancellors successfully for amendments to the ERA. campaigned for many years for more The incoming Labor Government abol- realistic supplementation arrangements Superannuation ished the more anti-union provisions of against the opposition of Treasury and WorkChoices, but the fifth round of bar- Finance. As the largest union in the higher educa- gaining is the longest so far. The current tion sector the NTEU has usually held one round proceeds slowly with only three The cuts in the last two Federal Budgets position on the Unisuper Board. Agreements made, and five days of strike led to the decision in June to spend $1 action at the University of Sydney has not million supporting selected pro-higher Inter-union and international led to an Agreement in a strong Branch. education candidates and the mainte- Since its inception, NTEU has held a seat The overall experience of enterprise bar- nance of a Greens’ balance of power in on the ACTU Executive. While higher ed- gaining, however, has been positive. the Senate. NTEU never supported the ucation is not the ACTU’s highest priority, Coalition and was generally reluctant to page 50 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate My Union

the NTEU’s approach to campaigning on behalf of casual employees has been adopted by the peak body. Vale Paul Mees The NTEU has also become influential in the international higher education union The NTEU notes with sorrow organisations. General Secretary Grahame the death of long-standing McCulloch is a member of the Executive NTEU member and public Board of Education International and transport campaigner, the NTEU has done significant work with Associate Professor Paul Mees, unions in the Asia Pacific area. on 19 June. Paul was diagnosed Successes with cancer over a year ago and died aged 52. From this selective review the following conclusions can be drawn: Paul was a visionary who combined Users’ Association (PTUA); firstly as • The NTEU survived the immense pres- determination, iron-clad reason and the Secretary from 1986 to 1992, and sures on unions. the best elements of Catholic faith in then as the President until 2001. his crusade for a better public trans- • It learnt how to bargain successfully and port system. He will be sadly missed spread benefits across the sector. RMIT Branch President, Dr Mel Slee, by his friends and family. Melbourne was a personal friend and colleague • It achieved some of the highest salaries has lost one of its most important and joined the hundreds of people for university staff in the world and advocates for public transport. gathered at Our Lady Help of Chris- higher than traditional comparators tians on Wednesday 26 June for Paul’s The NTEU extends sympathy to Paul’s within Australia. funeral. family, friends and colleagues. • It contested the harder edges of mana- ‘The range of mourners from many Paul was a public intellectual with a gerial prerogative. walks of life was a testament to resolute dedication to calling govern- Paul’s many years of public advocacy. • It maintained a high level of leadership ments and university administrations People came from urban planning continuity. to account. Paul brought intellectual and public transport fields, academia, • It shifted resources to the Branches rigour to this important area of public politics, the media, the law and the policy. In a field where huge commer- while maintaining strong central control union movement to join his family cial contracts and corporate interests of resource allocation and strategies. and many friends in honouring his distort the debate, Paul never flinched passing,’ she said. • It maintained a policy relevance, in speaking truth to power. although it was shut out for much of the ‘It was a fitting tribute to Paul’s ebul- Coalition period. He paid a price for this in his profes- lient and irreverent sense of humour sional career. At the University of • It modified the ERA. that a time of sorrow also included Melbourne, he was criticised by senior laughter as his family and closest What is to be done? management for his public denunci- friends shared their fondest memo- ation of the Victorian Government’s ries of Paul. Close friend, Ian Calcutt, • To lessen the gap between the increase road-building fervour and of their read an excerpt from one of Paul’s in student numbers and declining fund- senior transport policy advisors. speeches entitled ‘From the letter ing per student. Rather than retracting or modifying of Paul to the Melburnians’; a biting his statements in the face of pressure, • Provide a greater level of job security for satire of Melbourne’s woeful public Paul stood up for the principles of non-continuing staff. transport system.’ academic freedom and challenged the • Insist on payment for work performed University to honour its own policies. Paul’s wife, Erica Cervini (who writes ‘beyond contract’. ‘The Third Degree’ higher education Paul’s first book on urban planning, A • Recruit more younger academics who blog), told how they arrived on their Very Public Solution, written whilst a may not understand the utility of collec- wedding day by tram and reported post-doctoral fellow with Patrick Troy tive strength. that neither Paul nor Erica owned a at the Australian National University, car with Erica being one-up by not • Organise research only staff. received much acclaim and gained even having a driver’s licence. • Assert that in research quality is not Paul international recognition. His determined by metrics or by journal second book, Transport for Suburbia: Tony Morton, President of the PTUA, rankings. Beyond the Automobile Age, was re- said: ‘Paul was an outstanding con- printed twice. It cemented Paul’s rep- tributor to the transport debate, not • Plan for leadership succession at all utation as an innovative thinker on least in Melbourne through his work levels of the Union. public transport and urban planning. with the PTUA. • Prepare for a more hostile government. From 1998-2008, Paul taught at the ‘Paul was one of Australia’s most The NTEU has survived twenty years of University of Melbourne but was prominent public transport advo- turbulence. It is demoted for controversial comments cates. He energised an entire genera- well placed to face made about State Government figures tion of activists to challenge the road a difficult future. and the continued privatisation of lobby and seek a better deal for trains, public transport. Paul subsequently trams and buses. He will be sorely resigned and joined RMIT, lecturing missed but leaves behind a strong John O’Brien is in statutory planning and transport community movement dedicated to a Life Member planning. Paul was also well known carrying on his legacy.’ and is writing as an outspoken advocate holding a history of the elected positions Public Transport NTEU.

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 51 My Union

Corpus Christi. Later, Deborah took up a (still going well at 86) ran a retail jewellery NTEU posting as a lecturer at the University of shop in Gawler Place for fifty years. Rick Newcastle’s School of Education, both at and his wife Deb live in Beulah Park with the Callaghan and Central Coast Campus. their two teenagers. members Deb’s connection to the Central Coast Rick attended Magill Demonstration community through education guided her School and then Kings College. He grad- into politics. Here she saw the power of uated from Law at the University of Ade- running in the Parliament, combined with her pas- laide in 1976 and did his Articles in 1977. sion for social justice, in bringing people Rick then attended Graceland University, the Federal together to create a more inclusive society. USA, graduating from the University of Toronto (Canada) in 1983 with a Masters In 2012, Deborah became the first woman in Criminology. He received his Doctor to chair the Joint Committee on Corpo- of Legal Science from the University of Election rations and Financial Services. Deb is a Canberra in 2002. member of the Speakers Panel, and serves A number of NTEU members as Assistant Speaker in the House of Rep- Rick has been with UniSA now for almost are candidates in this year’s resentatives. 30 years, except for periods of teaching in Sweden, and working for the Jesuit Refu- Federal Election. Advocate is She married Paul in 1985 and they have gee Service in Hong Kong. He is Professor proud to present them to you. three children whom they have raised on of Law and Criminal Justice in the Law the Central Coast. School at the University of South Australia. Rick has been a volunteer for the Norwood Andrew Leigh Community Legal Service, Camp Quality, Rachael Jacobs Victim Support Service, OARS, Commu- ALP member for nity Transitions, the Adelaide University Fraser ACT Greens candidate for Brisbane QLD Football Club, and his church’s Community A father of three sons, Andrew lives with Café. He is the co-pastor of this church, the his wife Gweneth in Hackett, ACT. Prior to Rachael Jacobs is the Greens candidate Community of Christ, in Adelaide. being elected in 2010 as the Federal mem- for the seat of Brisbane. She is a lecturer ber for Fraser, Andrew was a Professor of in Education at the Australian Catholic Economics at ANU, and a proud member University, and a writer and dancer. As an of the NTEU. educator and former teacher, Rachael is Jonathan Hallett passionate about early learning, school Greens candidate Andrew holds a PhD in Public Policy from and tertiary education and is proud of the Harvard, having graduated from Sydney Greens’ strong record on this issue. for Perth WA University with degrees in Law and Arts. Jonathan Hallett is an academic at Curtin He has previously worked as a lawyer (in- ‘The Greens have a plan to fund Gonski University and a tireless advocate for cluding a stint as Associate to former High while protecting university funding. We’ve public health, marginalised groups and Court Justice Michael Kirby), and as a Prin- stood proudly with the NTEU against the local environment. Driven by optimism cipal Adviser to the Australian Treasury. successive cuts and will do what we can to and building a more ecological and protect job security and grow funding for liveable Perth city, Jonathan is running for Andrew is a Fellow of the Australian Acad- the sector.’ the Greens because their policies promise emy of Social Sciences, the only parlia- the protection of our environment and our mentarian to be a fellow of one of the four A Fortitude Valley resident, Rachael is future. He would like to see us invest in national academies. In 2011, he received passionate about homelessness, immigra- building a better future for us all, ending the ‘Young Economist Award’, a prize tion, multiculturalism and the arts. Rachael inefficient subsidies to polluting indus- given every two years by the Economics is on a number of boards including Drama tries, and take advantage of our mining Society of Australia to the best Australian Australia and the Primary Arts Network. boom rather than squandering it. economist under 40. Andrew’s books She is an active member of Oxfam and a include Disconnected (2010) and Battlers strong advocate for foreign aid. The Greens are serious about making and Billionaires: The Story of Inequality in In 2012, Rachael was the Greens candidate smart choices for our future. That means Australia (2013). for Brisbane Central in the Brisbane City using and investing all our resources wise- ly. For Jonathan, this means a sustainable When not in the office, Andrew enjoys Council elections. She has recently submit- economy whilst developing exceptional spending time with Gweneth and the ted her PhD on Senior Secondary Drama public transport with light rail networks, boys, enjoying the beautiful Canberra Assessment. large scale renewable energy, integrating outdoors. dental care into Medicare, a focus on local food production and a vibrant community Rick Sarre based culture. He is also committed to Deb O’Neill ALP candidate for rejecting the cynical politics of fear and hysteria over asylum seekers shown by the ALP member for Sturt SA old parties. Robertson NSW Rick Sarre is as the Labor candidate for Standing for the Greens is Jonathan’s op- Deborah O’Neill MP was elected to the Sturt (held by Christopher Pyne). portunity to champion universal access to Federal Parliament in August 2010, and is Rick was born in Norwood and grew up high quality education, which he believes, the Member for Robertson in Rosslyn Park. His late mother Winifred is fundamental to Australia’s prosperity, For the best part of three decades Deb taught English and French at Norwood environmental sustainability, well-being was a teacher at St Edward’s College and High for fifteen years and his father Brian and social fulfilment.

page 52 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate My Union

Trish Crossin was elected to the Tribute to Senate in 1998. She has a Bachelor of Education and has taught in Melbourne, North-East Arnhem Land Senator and Darwin. Prior to entering the Senate, Trish worked as an Industrial Officer with the NTEU and the AEU. Trish Trish was made an NTEU Life Mem- ber in 2001. Crossin Trish Crossin has been a strong voice for the NT and a progressive voice in the Senate. She campaigned against NTEU Life Member Trish the abolition of bilingual education Crossin has served her and mandatory sentencing. Four final term as Senator for years ago, Trish initiated the review Northern Territory after being of the Sex Discrimination Act, which deselected in a controversial led to some major amendments, and initiated and tabled the Marriage ‘captain’s pick’ by former Prime Equality Bill in the Senate last year. Minister Julia Gillard, who declared Olympic champion In her final Senate speech, Trish Nova Peris as the candidate for thanked her ‘comrades in the trade certainly we do, but not in a vacuum union movement, especially in the NTEU, this year’s Federal election. without a plan or without a strategy. Just where I learnt so many of my skills to do because one person says it must be so this job.’ does not make it right or democratic. NTEU National President, Jeannie Rea The review of the 2010 Federal election said, ‘Trish Crossin epitomises the recommended that intervention in party Charles passionate, consistent commitment preselection by the national execu- Worringham to progressive social change that we tive should only occur as a last resort, rather than as a first resort, and only in Greens candidate should expect from unionists and feminists going into parliamentary politics. exceptional circumstances. There are for Ryan QLD She was diligent in pursuing new and many wonderful Indigenous members of A Senior Lecturer at Queensland Univer- old controversial matters particularly the party in the NT who have now been sity of Technology, Charles has studied in relation to human rights and social denied the chance to replace me. This is movement problems in Parkinson’s dis- justice. grossly unfair. It is undemocratic and it is ease, workforce health, and has developed not the Labor way.’ real-time remote monitoring for cardiac ‘We may not have thought reviewing rehabilitation, with funding from industry, the Sex Discrimination Act was going ...and regrets to be controversial as we have lived ARC and NH&MRC. He teaches movement At the end of her speech, Trish declared with it for many years, but as soon disorders, motor control, research meth- the worst day of her Senate career was the opportunity arises, we again see ods and statistics, and served as Acting the announcement of the Northern those who would deny sex and gender Head of School in 2011. Charles was on Territory intervention. the faculty at the University of Michigan equality and equity come out of the before moving with his family to Brisbane, woodwork. Trish would stare them ‘To move into people’s lives and com- and his PhD is from the University of Wis- down across the committee room, on munities in this way left me speechless consin, Madison. floor of the Senate and, I suspect at and helpless. The people that I had lived times, in her party room. We will miss and worked with were humiliated and Outside academia Charles is a lifelong her and the NTEU is very proud that shamed. They were left to wonder why distance runner, enjoys canoeing and she has never forgotten her union.’ and how it had come to this. Then, when the bush, and was the inaugural chair of we won government, they lobbied me Kenmore State High School Council. Achievements... continually to make changes faster than ‘Many more people than I imagined rec- Trish said her highlights had included we did and to recognise that support ognise that major challenges – economic, being part of the ALP gaining gov- and assistance was needed. The final environmental, and in food and energy ernment in the Northern Territory in report of the Royal Commission into systems – confront our world. As teachers, 2001 and winning the Federal election Aboriginal Deaths in Custody says ‘If researchers and citizens we could play a in 2007; meeting US President Barack there is one lesson we can learn from big part in meeting them. We can move Obama; representing the Australian history, it is that solutions imposed from rapidly to a clean energy future, rebalance Parliament overseas; visiting the the outside will only create their own our economy away from an over-reliance Antarctic; and chairing the Indonesian problems.’ Isn’t that so? Just have a look on fossil fuel exports, promote other sec- Parliamentary Friendship Group. at the last five years.’ tors such as sustainable food production Trish confronted her deselection, NTEU thanks Trish for her many years of and tourism, and, of course, research and asking ‘Do we need more women in service to the Territory and the country, higher education. Brisbane’s west has an parliament? Of course we do, but not and wishes her all the best in whatever exceptional university and residents with at the expense of each other. Do we future endeavours she embarks. a remarkable breadth of expertise and need Indigenous representation? Most knowledge. We have so much more to Sources: abc.net.au, trishcrossin.com.au offer the world than our coal and gas.’

NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate • page 53 My Union

NSW Branch and Some delegate feedback... I didn’t really know much about the delegate NTEU before coming along, but I knew delegates I wanted to start getting involved. I feel development like it’s time to start putting my money & activists where my mouth is. NTEU has made delegate New Delegate UNSW e-news development a priority for I am now less intimidated by the idea 2013. Facilitated workshops of becoming a union delegate, as I am The strength of a union depends with Branch Committees more comfortable working on a one- on more than just the size of its and delegates have begun at to-one basis or with small groups of colleagues. membership – to a large extent Monash, ANU, UTas, Adelaide it depends on how active and and UNSW. Workshops with New Delegate UNSW engaged its members are. As Melbourne, CSU, Curtin and I found it to be quite uplifting, really, it a democratic, member-driven Griffith will follow soon. strengthened my resolve to get more organisation NTEU supports involved. The workshops help Branch Committees the active involvement and New Delegate Monash and delegates understand their roles and leadership of our members at all responsibilities within the workplace and As always hearing about other peo- levels. Resourcing delegates is a the Union, and help them to become ple’s workplaces was interesting and vital part of this work. more active and effective. challenging. ... reminded me of how The workshops explore participants’ wonderfully democratic and supportive For many university staff, NTEU delegates reasons for becoming a delegate and is our union. are the first point of contact with the Un- the values and principles that underpin ion. They build the strength of the NTEU New Delegate UNSW their decision. The participants also in their local workplace by organising define what they mean by a strong I really enjoyed hearing about issues meetings, recruiting new members, and union and how to develop strong other members had experienced and encouraging other members to become delegate networks. Participants then what actions they took. ... I would love active. identify what they each need to do to to be more proactive. In the NTEU’s NSW Division, a range of new achieve this. Each Branch will have three New Delegate Monash resources for delegates has been created workshops over 6 months. to support this work—including a quar- It inspired me to keep on trying to Three bargaining training sessions terly electronic newsletter and a delegate change things-get new members. were held to assist bargaining teams in handbook. universities in NT, NSW, SA and QLD to Experienced Delegate Monash ‘We value the work of our delegates and better understand bargaining and to recognise the vital role they play in our negotiate effectively. I got a lot out of discussion about Union, which is why we want to ensure our non-industrial actions and media-relat- The first of a series of train-the-trainer delegates and activists feel trained, con- ed awareness campaigns. It made me workshops was held for NTEU staff who fident and supported in their work,’ said want to get more involved. I will try to will be training members about classifi- Genevieve Kelly, NSW Division Secretary. be more proactive in recruiting new cation issues. members. ‘Last year we created a range of resources Helena Spyrou, Education & Training New Delegate Adelaide designed to support delegates in building Officer for a better workplace. These resources are about acknowledging and respecting the work delegates do to support the NTEU, and campaign for a better future for our proach colleagues to join NTEU, organise ‘The delegate role is a useful and reward- sector.’ workplace meetings and build around ing one, but it’s not all that clear what it workplace issues. It also has information involves until you are in it! For anyone ‘Key to these resources is our quarterly about the training opportunities available considering becoming a delegate, I really electronic newsletter for delegates and ac- to our delegates. recommend it: it’s interesting (you learn tivists. We have also released a handbook heaps) and it gives you the capacity to Both publications are based on real ex- for delegates and continue to promote inform and support your colleagues, and amples from NTEU delegates and draw on training opportunities for our active to channel their feedback up to the local their stories and experiences. members.’ Branch for action.’ Emma Rush, delegate at Charles Sturt The NSW Delegates and Activists e-bulletin The NTEU NSW Delegates Handbook are University, shared her story in issue 2 of shares the personal stories and experi- available from local Branch offices. ences of NTEU delegates and activists, the newsletter as a way of encouraging provides information on what is happen- and supporting new delegates. Adam Knobel, Communications ing across the state and also seeks to build ‘I chose to share my story (‘What I do as a Officer/Organiser, NSW Division connections between campus activists. delegate’) because I thought it might be Interested NSW delegates and activists useful to members considering becoming can sign-up to receive the quarterly The NTEU NSW Delegates Handbook e-bulletin at: contains information about how to ap- delegates,’ Dr Rush said. www.nteu.org.au/nsw/delegates page 54 • NTEU ADVOCATE • vol. 20 no. 2 • July 2013 • www.nteu.org.au/advocate My Union

His last full-time position was at Green- ising skills to assist members in building New staff in peace International (Amsterdam) working their union at work. on brand/identity development and a Sharon is committed to engaging mem- NTEU offices variety of communications campaigns. He bers and potential members around issues has 20 years communications experience. they care about to ensure they have a Advocate is pleased to introduce voice in matters that continue to impact new faces in NTEU Branches on their working and personal lives by and Divisions. Sharon Bailey having a strong union on the ground. Branch Organiser Staff movements UTS Toby Cotton Linda Gale, Senior Industrial Officer in the Campaigns & Sharon has experience as a Workplace Victorian Division, takes up the position of Delegate, Organiser, National Education Acting National Industrial Organiser while Communications Officer and Lead Organiser with various Sarah Roberts is on maternity leave. Officer, Victoria unions over a 23 year career in the trade Originally from the UK, Toby has been union movement. Jenny Savage has retired as Finance Unit a consultant specialising in strategic Coordinator in the National Office, a posi- Sharon is excited to be a part of the NTEU campaign communications and brand tion she has held for the Union’s entire 20 team and is looking forward to applying development for a variety of European years. We wish her all the very best in her her union education, industrial and organ- not-for-profit organisations. retirement!

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POSITION CLASSIFICATION STEP/ ANNUAL MONTH NEXT | LEVEL LECTB, HEW4 | INCREMENT | SALARY | INCREMENT DUE IF KNOWN YOUR EMPLOYMENT GROUP  ACADEMIC STAFF  GENERAL/PROFESSIONAL STAFF I HEREBY APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP OF NTEU, ANY BRANCH AND ANY ASSOCIATED BODY‡ ESTABLISHED AT MY WORKPLACE.  TEACHING & RESEARCH  RESEARCH ONLY SIGNATURE DATE  RESEARCH ONLY OTHER:  TEACHING INTENSIVE You may resign by written notice to the Division or Branch Secretary. Where you cease to be eligible to become YOUR EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY & TERM a member, resignation shall take effect on the date the notice is received or on the day specified in your notice, whichever is later. In any other case, you must give at least two weeks notice. Members are required to pay dues and  FULL TIME  PART TIME HOURS PER WK  SESSIONAL ACADEMIC levies as set by the Union from time to time in accordance with NTEU rules. Further information on financial obligations, including a copy Office use only: Membership no. CONTINUING/ FIXED TERM  GENERAL/PROFESSIONAL STAFF CASUAL of the rules, is available from your Branch.   DATE OF EXPIRY PERMANENT CONTRACT IF YOU ARE CASUAL/SESSIONAL, COMPLETE PAYMENT OPTION 4 ONLY OPTION 4: CASUAL/SESSIONAL 1. Choose your salary range. 2. Select 6 month or 1 year membership. IF YOU ARE FULL TIME OR PART TIME, PLEASE COMPLETE EITHER PAYMENT OPTION 1, 2 OR 3 Membership fees = 1% of gross annual salary 3. Tick the appropriate box. OPTION 1: PAYROLL DEDUCTION AUTHORITY Office use only: % of salary deducted 4. Pay by cheque, money order or credit card. Salary range 6 months 12 months I hereby authorise the Institution or its duly authorised I INSERT YOUR NAME STAFF PAYROLL NO. IF KNOWN servants and agents to deduct from my salary by regular $10,000 & under: $27.50 $55 | instalments, dues and levies (as determined from time to   time by the Union), to NTEU or its authorised agents. All $10,001–$20,000:  $38.50  $77 OF YOUR ADDRESS payments on my behalf and in accordance with this authority shall be deemed to be payments by me personally. This Over $20,000:  $55  $110 authority shall remain in force until revoked by me in writ- HEREBY AUTHORISE INSTITUTION ing. I also consent to my employer supplying NTEU with updated information relating to my employment status.  PLEASE ACCEPT MY CHEQUE/MONEY ORDER OR CREDIT CARD:  MASTERCARD  VISA SIGNATURE |DATE NAME ON CARD OPTION 2: CREDIT CARD Processed on the 16th of the month or following working day I hereby authorise the Merchant to debit my Card account with the amount and at NAME ON CARD intervals specified above and in the event of any change in the charges for these goods/ CARD NUMBER services to alter the amount from the appropriate date in accordance with such change. This authority shall stand, in respect of the above specified Card and in respect of any Card CARD NO. issued to me in renewal or replacement thereof, until I notify the Merchant in writing of its — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — cancellation. Standing Authority for Recurrent Periodic Payment by Credit Card. EXPIRY $ EXPIRY |  MASTERCARD  VISA |PAYMENT:  MONTHLY  QUARTERLY  HALF-YEARLY  ANNUALLY | SIGNATURE SIGNATURE DATE | Description of goods/services: NTEU DATE Membership Dues. To: NTEU, PO Box OPTION 3: DIRECT DEBIT Processed on the 15th of the month or following working day 1323, Sth Melbourne VIC 3205 I hereby authorise the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) APCA ‡Associated bodies: NTEU (NSW); Union of Australian College Academics I INSERT YOUR NAME User ID No.062604 to arrange for funds to be debited from my/our (WA Branch) Industrial Union of Workers at Edith Cowan University & Curtin account at the financial institution identified and in accordance with the University; Curtin University Staff Association (Inc.) at Curtin University; Staff terms described in the Direct Debit Request (DDR) Service Agreement Association of Edith Cowan University (Inc.) at ECU FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Full text of DDR available at www.nteu.org.au/ddr MAIL TO: BSB |ACCOUNT NO. REGULARITY OF PAYMENT:  MONTHLY  QUARTERLY NTEU National Office BRANCH NAME & ADDRESS  HALF-YEARLY  ANNUALLY PO Box 1323, South Melbourne VIC 3205 T (03) 9254 1910 ACCOUNT NAME 5% DISCOUNT FOR ANNUAL DIRECT DEBIT F (03) 9254 1915 SIGNATURE |DATE E [email protected] WWW.ELITEEDITING.COM.AU

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The dream of every worker for a safe, satisfying, democratically Witness people’s run workplace has become a reality for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans, whose workplaces now operate under direct workers’ control. power in action Australians will have an opportunity to observe workers’ control and social justice first-hand during the Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network’s 15th solidarity brigade. Join the 2013 In the last decade, Venezuela’s Government has instituted major reforms to redistribute wealth and control to the majority of the population. Venezuela’s minimum wage has increased five-fold and Australian a new labour law has reduced working hours, and prohibited unfair dismissal and outsourcing. Venezuela now has the world’s third- solidarity longest maternity leave scheme in the world. Approximately 200,000 workers are now participating in workers’ control and a further 2 million are working in cooperatives. In the brigade to many privately owned industries taken over by employees, health and safety has improved, wages have increased, and workers’ Venezuela on satisfaction and pride in their work has dramatically increased. The AVSN brigade will visit some of these workplaces, as well as 4-13 December. communal councils, health and education services, ecological programs, community controlled media, and women’s and Indigenous organisations and projects.

For more information, email [email protected] or phone Lisa Macdonald on 0413 031 108. Is your financial future mapped out?

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