1 Welcome!

In welcoming you to Education Conference, we acknowledge the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation on whose traditional land we are gathered. We acknowledge their elders, past and present as the custodians of this land. The land we are gathered on for the duration of the conference was stolen and never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land.

CONTACTS NIGHT EVENTS UNSW security Monday Night: Registration/Check-in In an emergency 9385 6666 Join us at the Roundhouse from 4pm to Everything else 9385 6000 register for the conference.Each conference accommodation attendee will need to pay a Hannah Smith (conference organiser) $50 key bond to receive their key. 0413 041 083 Tuesday Night: Conference Mixer Billy Bruffey (conference organiser) Join us at the Roundhouse from 6.30pm for 0430 780 774 a social evening. There will be a DJ, food and drink vouchers. Rose Steele (NUS President) 0405 000 680 Wednesday Night: Film Screening NUS and the NTEU will be coming together to Tom Nock (NUS General Secretary) show a special conference screening of “The 0432 216 150 Ivory Tower”- a film exploring the neoliberal- isation of university education. Join us in the Sophie Johnston (conference organiser) UNSW Hall cinema room from 6.30pm. Note 0476117373 that this is a dry event.

CHECKOUT Checkout is on Friday from 8:00AM until 1:00PM at the Columbo Theatre complex. You will need to produce your key to receive your bond. 1 Tuesday Schedule

Welcome to Country - 9.30-10.00 Introduction from NUS organisers

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Introduction to NUS by President Rose Steele 10.00-10.30 Mechanical Eng G03

Keynote address - 10.30-11.00 Amanda Tattersal

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11:00-11:15 Break Break Break Break Break Break Break

State Politics is More important than Federal Politics Winner Never takes All: Taking on Power & Winning Yarn Workshop Why you should get involved, and how you do it. Why you need friends to gain long lasting change - - - - Alison Rudman Warren Roberts 11.15-12:00 Eamon Waterford Lyndon Schneiders

Colombo Theatre B Colombo Theatre C Colombo LG01 Colombo LG02

How our organisation Autonomous Queer Tasmanian education NSW Education Cam- Student and Staff Democracy 101 works: The Constitution, Education and the The Campaign for Social Model 101 Workshop campaign workshop paign Workshop representation and Uni Methods of Election & Rules, and Regs market: The real cost Marriage Equality - - - - council How to Count Votes - - - Andrew Day Isaac Foster & Danica Hannah Smith and Heidi Chloe Smith and Ridah - - 12.00-1:00 Tom Nock and Brendan Lauren Saunders Clare Francis Cheesley La Paglia Hassan Rose Steele Jason Giancono Spackman-Williams Mechanical Eng G03 Goldstein G03 Goldstein G05 Colombo Theatre B Colombo Theatre C Colombo LG01 Colombo LG02 Goldstein G04 Colombo Theatre A

1.00-1.30 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

Media Panel - Featuring Alex McKinnon (Junkee), Susan Templeman (Communications trainer), Chris Graham (New Matilda), 1.30-2.30 Michael Koziol (Fairfax), Lucy Watson (Archer Magazine)

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Activist Plenary: Free Education Plenary: Students money to students What does it look like and how do we get there? Exploring alternative student Union revenue streams - - 2.30-4:00 Ridah Hassan and Declan Murphy Luke Chapman and Izzy Manfield

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4.00-6:30

Conference Mixer 6.30 - Late - Roundhouse

2 3 Wednesday Schedule

Acknowledgement of Country Housekeeping 9.30-10.00 Mechanical Eng G03

Keynote address - 10.00-10.30 Luke Hilikari

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Constitutional University On Campus Safety - What WA education Change: What The hidden history Meeting procedures Organising on Regional restructure I’ve learned in my time ATSI Workshop Education under occupation: campaign work- do the members of students in Central to what we do! The Campuses Decoding the elite attending a poorly lit Indigenous Tertiary Education university in Palestine and the shop want to see Australia nitty gritty of how to have - universities university in the middle of including ITAS and retention rates BDS campaign - - - your say and make it count Heidi La Paglia, Dan - a forest - - 10.30-11.15 Hannah Smith and Rose Steele and Elliot Downes and - Westbury David Shakes and - Bridget Cama Tom Gilchrist and Jack Crawford Jake Wittey Tom Nock Lia Vassiliadis Clare Swan Blythe Worthy Steph Kameric

Mechanical Eng G03 Goldstein G03 Goldstein G04 Colombo Theatre A Colombo Colombo LG01 Goldstein G05 Colombo Theatre C Colombo LG02 Theatre B

11:15-11:30 Break Break Break Break Are you cutting through? An Introduction to YARN Health promoting universities Equal Pay today a crash course in Social Media - - - - Warren Roberts Elly Howse Diane Fieldes 11.30-12.15 Courtney Sloane

Colombo Theatre A Colombo Theatre C Colombo LG01 Colombo Theature B Student control of funding SSAF Scholarships: Neoliberalism in Berkeley in the 60s: SA education campaign and spaces: Funding and Welfare Offi- The Swedish Model: Democratic This workshop is Just how acces- NUS ‘Talk About It’ Universities: Beyond Running and Organis- Student radicals workshop occupancy agreements and cer’s Meet up socialism or neoliberal success aimed at campus sible are they? survey the Fee ing a State Branch and the free speech - why we should be wary - story? presidents - - - - movement’ Hannah Smith and of them Dean - 12.15-1:00 - Sinead Colee Jess McLeod Mali Rea and Sarah Jake Wittey - Alison Taylor - D’Angelo Angelica Fernandez Rose Steele Spivak Ridah Hassan Lizzy O’shea Colombo Colombo Theatre C Goldstein G03 Mechanical Eng G03 Golstein G05 Goldstein G06 Colombo Theatre A Theatre B Colombo LG01 Goldstein G04 Colombo LG02

1.00-2:00 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

Political Panel - Featuring Rose Steele (NUS President), Sue Lines (Labor Senator for WA) 2.00-3:00 Lee Rhiannon (Greens Senator for NSW), Nat O’Brien (GetUp!), Paul Kniest (NTEU)

Mechanical Eng G03 Protest Student union structures in a post VSU environment What works and what doesn’t - - Hana Dalton and Jason Giancomo 3:00-4:00 Abena Dove and Jess Lenehan

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4:00-6:00

Movie Night: Ivory Tower 6:00-Late - University Hall Movie Theatre

4 5 Thursday Schedule

Acknowledgement of Country Housekeeping 9.30-10.00 Mechanical Eng G03

Keynote address - 10.00-10.30 Tom Swann

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Union Panel - Featuring Rita Malia (CFMEU), David McElrea (United Voice), Angus McFarland (ASU), George Simon (AMWU), Denis 10.30-11.30 Fitzgerald (Teachers’ Federation)

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Building a Diverse Education How students can exploit elec- QLD Education campaign Victorian Education Bjorn Again: Kicking out Bjorn Running an Effective Campus in a Your Rights at Home, Movement and Inclusive toral politics: Demographics The Spoon Theory workshop campaign workshop Lomborg at UWA and reviving Hostile Environment Uni, Work Campaigning and targeting our message - - - activism on campus - - - - Alison Taylor Hannah Smith and Carl Declan Murphy and - 11.30-12.15 Peter Munford Jasmine Ingram Dean Mattar and Tessa-May Tom Nock Jackson Rose Steele Lizzy O’Shea Zirnsak Colombo Theatre A Colombo LG02 Goldsteain G03 Mechanical Eng G03 Colombo Theatre B Colombo Theatre C Colombo LG01 Goldstein G04

Effective The first revolution is internal” People Power organising of Movement Militancy in the union Adding Community Organising - volunteers Action Plan movement to the tool box Ella Weisbroit - - - - AYCC Ariane 12.15-1:00 Fred Stark Danny Cain David Barrow- Psomotragos

Colombo Colombo LG01 Colombo LG02 Colombo Theatre A Theatre B Colombo Theatre C

1.00-2:00 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

NUS Office Bearer Reports 2.00-2.45 Mechanical Eng G03

Plenary on the Education Campaign - 2.45-4:00 Elly Morley and Jasmine Ingram

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6 7 Friday Schedule

Acknowledgement of Country Housekeeping 9.30-10.00 Mechanical Eng G03

Your rights as an activist - 10.00-10.30 Sydney University SRC Lawyer Mechanical Eng G03

Exclusive Documentary Preview: The Hunting Ground 10.30-11.00 Mechanical Eng G03

Higher Education Lobbying and Activism Policy and Funding. Education Councils Women and the on your campus: How Anonymous How the last ten years and Faculty Societies Federal Budget Black lives matter: the fight Problem Solution Action Managing the Management - to make an impact Marking Anti-Poverty Week of decisions will leave - - against racism in the US - University Relationships - - - you with 10 years Tom Beyer, Nellie Jess McLeod - Amy Knox and Jasmine - Amelia Veronese, Shanley Price Dean D’angelo 11.00-12:00 of debt Monatgue and Betty and Danica Hamza Ingram Brendan Spackman-Williams Brianna Colgan & - Belay Cheesley Shannon Colee Colombo Goldstein G04 Rose Steele Colombo LG02 Goldstein G03 Goldstein G05 Theatre C Colombo Theatre B Colombo LG01 Mechanical Eng G03 Colombo Theatre A

Conference Close 12.00-12.30 Mechanical Eng G03

8 9 She was a Greens MP in the NSW Upper House Sue Lines from 1999 -2010, actively pursuing reform in Sue joined the WA Branch of the Australian Speaker areas like the environment, public education, Labor Party in 1983 and began working at transport and industrial relations. Before work- United Voice (formerly LHMU) in 1987 as an ing with the Greens Lee co-founded and spent organiser. In 2000 she became the Assistant Bios five years as Director of AID/WATCH which Branch Secretary of United Voice WA and then scrutinises Australia’s overseas aid program. the National Assistant Secretary in 2007. She MEDIA PANEL Hub community newspaper group, a reporter She was co-ordinator of the NSW Coalition for has also worked as a teacher and a commu- at PolitiFact Australia, an editor at Sydney Gun Control and member of the NSW govern- nity organiser. Sue was endorsed as a Labor Alex McKinnon - Junkee University’s student newspaper Honi Soit, head ment’s Women’s Advisory Council. Lee trained Senator on May 15 2013 at a joint sitting of Alex McKinnon is the assistant editor of Jun- of the student radio group SURG FM, and host as a zoologist and botanist. As Australian the Parliament of Western Australia to fill the kee, a youth site covering everything from pop of the Fourth Estate program on 2ser. Michael Greens spokesperson for higher education Lee casual vacancy in the senate caused by the culture to politics, and a former editor of the likes newspapers, wine, Savage Garden and has worked closely with students, staff and resignation of Senator Chris Evans. Sue enjoys Star Observer, Australia’s longest-running LGBTI very little else. unions to fight the Abbott government’s attacks volunteering and is a member of multiple newspaper. On the other hand, he dropped out on our public universities and for high-quality community groups and in the past has been of an Arts degree twice, so, y’know, swings Lucy Watson public education. She is a strong believer in a member of a number of groups including; and roundabouts.” Lucy Watson is online editor of Archer maga- free education from preschool to university. including the local fire brigade, the Children’s zine, a Brag columnist, New Matilda con- Kindergarten Management Committee, Volun- Susan Templeman tributor, and a former Honi Soit editor. She is Paul Kniest, NTEU National Policy and teer Netball and T-ball coach, WA Children’s Susan Templeman is a communication trainer currently researching the relationship between Research Coordinator Week Committee and was a board member who works with everyone from companies celebrity media and queer people for her PhD. Paul Kniest has worked in the Policy and of the WA Lady Gowrie Association.Prior to listed on the stock exchange and investment Researcher Unit of the National Tertiary Educa- becoming a Senator, Sue was a Common- banks through to not for profit organisations tion Union (NTEU) Australia since 2002. As wealth Ministerial appointment to the Australian and unions. A former journalist, in the 1980s POLITICAL PANEL the director of the Unit, he is responsible for Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority Susan worked in the Canberra Press Gallery, coordinating the Union’s research and analysis (ACECQA), the Aged Care Funding Authority New York and London for commerical radio. Nat O’brien- Get Up of public policies that affect the professional (ACFA) and the NDIS Workforce and Sector On return to Sydney in the early 90s she set Natalie O’Brien is a campaigner. After gradu- interests and working conditions of university Capacity Expert Group. She remains a proud up her own media training business. Susan is ating with first class honours for her thesis on staff, including funding, performance indicators member of United Voice. former Labor candidate for the Federal seat national identity politics in Australia, Natalie for learning and research, academic freedom, of Macquarie. worked in inter-governmental coordination at institutional autonomy and intellectual property. NSW’s Department of Premier and Cabinet. Before working with the NTEU Paul was a SEMINARS Chris Graham Natalie then traveled to New York where she lecturer in economics at the University of New- Eamon Waterford Chris Graham is the editor and owner of New ran a Get-Out-The-Vote campaign in the lead castle (Australia) and prior to that he worked Eamon Waterford is the Director - Policy & Matilda, an online magazine focussed on up to the 2012 Presidential Election, before as a research economist for the Australian Advocacy for Youth Action NSW, the peak body investigative journalism and politics. Chris is turning her attention to immigration reform as government and the OECD. the former and founding editor of the National a policy associate at leading LGBT advocacy for young people and youth services in NSW. He’s a board member for the Sydney Alliance, Indigenous Times and Tracker magazine, organisation, Immigration Equality. Natalie Rose Steele, NUS National President a coalition of Trade Union, Community and and is a multiple Walkley Award and Human works as part of GetUp’s Economic Fairness Rose Steele is the President of the National Faith-Based organisations and the Council of Rights Award winning journalist. He is based Campaigns Team. Union of Students. in Sydney, but spends more than his share of Social Services NSW (NCOSS), the peak body time on the road. Lee Rhiannon-Greens The National Union of Students is the Peak for charities in NSW. He’s moved into NSW Lee is an Australian Greens Senator for NSW Representative body for students in Australia Parliament to protest housing affordability but Michael Koziol and part spokesperson for higher education. and was created in 1987.Rose is a current also sits through long meetings with bureau- Michael Koziol is a journalist at the Sydney Lee is well-known for her energetic work in the student at La Trobe University studying Gender crats on a regular basis. Morning Herald, currently working in breaking environment and social justice movement over Sexuality and Diversity as a part of an Arts news, weekend features and youth issues. four decades. Degree. Before NUS Rose was President at the He has been the editor-in-chief of the City La Trobe Student Union 10 11 Warren Roberts reforms of International student rights and won joined the AYCC as a volunteer in 2013 after Elly Howse Youth Awareness Resource Network is a Uni- increases to youth allowance for rural and attending a seminar on the Galilee Basin and Elly completed her Bachelor of Arts at the versity Student Program that create safe spaces poor students. David is proudest of his role in Abbot Point – and immediately decided that University of Sydney with First Class Honours to engage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander’s supporting the national network of progressive she needed to become a climate activist - and in Gender & Cultural Studies. She presented her and Non-Indigenous Australians to have a and labor activists and leaders who banded was the NSW State Co-Coordinator in 2014. thesis at the UNSW Kirby Institute’s confer- understanding of our Australian History. We together in January 2010 to face off a major Prior to the AYCC, Ella worked for the Australian ence entitled ‘Dangerous Consumptions’ in do this in group discussions on dialogue and threat to the National Union of Students. David Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) as November 2011. Following this she completed respect. Our Workshop will provide students is the Lead Organiser of the Sydney Alliance. Sydney Program Manager Assistant in 2013, her Masters of Public Health in 2012 at the with an introduction to our program and how it An organisation that brings diverse faiths, and in 2012, worked as a Field Organizer in University of Sydney while working for the Hon. could be established at your University. For fur- trade unions, schools and community groups Wisconsin for President Obama’s re-election Tanya Plibersek MP, former Federal Minister ther information please check out our website together to take action for the common good. campaign. Ella is passionate about social for Health.

at www.yarnaustralia.com.au David plays a leadership role within the Uniting justice and believes that solving the climate Since mid-2014 Elly has been the Senior Church bringing an organising approach to crisis is the most critical social justice issue we Project Officer for Healthy Sydney University, a Alison Rudman congregational renewal, LGBTIQ inclusion and face right now. health promotion initiative at the University of Alison Rudman is the Campaign Coordinator social justice. Sydney that looks at ways to create a sup- for the NSW Branch of the Transport Workers’ Ariane portive university environment for the health Union (TWU). Courtney Sloane Having worked on political and environmental and wellbeing of all staff and students. Elly Courtney is the National Media & Communica- campaigns since beginning university, Ariane She coordinates major organising initiatives plans to begin her PhD in 2016 researching tions Officer at the NTEU where she has been has worked in both Australia and America. in the union’s key industries, including the health promotion strategies for young adults, part of the campaign against deregulation. Beginning with NGO campaigns in Australia iconic Safe Rates campaign. Her specialty and is interested in how institutional, social Prior to this she worked as a media adviser in Ariane’s love of working with volunteers and is single-client/mutli-company organising and cultural environments reinforce and drive the former Federal Labor Government. Courtney grassroots campaigns took her over to the US campaigns that build member power across particular health behaviours and ultimately has previously worked in the not-for-profit to work for Barack Obama’s re-election cam- supply chains. determine health outcomes. sector promoting gender equality & the rights paign. She has just returned from working in Previously, she was the National Road Trans- of people with a disability. In 2011, she was the US on the mid-term campaigns in Colorado Diane Fieldes port Coordinator for the TWU. Prior to her work nominated for the Young Human Rights Medal and has since helped on both the Queensland Dr Diane Fieldes worked as an industrial with the TWU she spent a number of years for her work on addressing violence against and NSW state elections. She is currently relations lecturer at UNSW for over twenty years in the USA working with the Service Employ- women at Australian universities. Courtney writing a thesis on how technology and data is before retiring. She is an expert on the union ees International Union (Local 1) and other has worked on election campaigns at both the used in political campaigns in ALP and campaigns that finally won formal equal pay unions on comprehensive market campaigns federal and state levels, and has served on the Democrats. in the 1970s. This was the subject of her PhD, to achieve economic and social justice for several boards. She holds a degree in Interna- and she has also published about this history, janitors, food-service workers and car tional Relations from ANU. Fred Stark and the current situation of women at work manufacturing workers. Frederick is a 27yr old web developer. He and its intersection with family life, in academ- Danny Cain is also a campaigner who was born and Other recent career highlights have been work- ic journals such as Labour History and the Danny Cain is a prominent member of the raised in the bush behind the Sunshine Coast, ing with a peak union body and organising Journal of Industrial Relations. Dr Fieldes was MUA, WA branch and has played a major role Queensland. He has a strong passion to do call-centre workers during the Workchoices era. also an active member of the NTEU branch at in recruiting to the union, organising major whatever it takes to solve the climate crisis. UNSW, both as a workplace delegate, and a campaigns and taking on major multinationals He is a past State Coordinator of the Australian David Barrow member of the union’s branch committee for such as Chevron. He has recently been elected Youth Climate Coalition. Fred spent latter part of David has a decade of experience working 16 years. for social change and organisational renewal. assistant secretary of the WA branch and has 2014 in Colorado campaigning for the Demo- also recently been elected as the International crats in the mid-term elections before returning During 2004-2006 he was the President of the Lyndon Schneiders Transport Federation (ITF) youth rep for the to help on the QLD and NSW elections. Outside UTS Union Board organising “student service” Lyndon Schneiders has been National Director Asia-Pacific region.” elections he helped start the Reef campaign organisations to play an active role in oppos- of the Wilderness Society since 2010 and a with AYCC and has taken direct action at the ing Voluntary Student Unionism. As National campaigner with the organisation since 1993. President he lead the successful campaign Ella Weisbrot Maules Creek blockade. in Australia and India to secure the 2009 ella is a National Campaigner for the AYCC, working on the Reef Finance campaign. She

12 13 He has been involved in multiple campaigns and chair ofGetUp.org.au and Deputy Assistant Angus McFarland- ASU schools across NSW as a classroom teacher across the country over the past 20 years Secretary of Unions NSW. Angus McFarland is an Assistant Secretary of and in a variety of promotions positions. He

including on Cape York Peninsula and across the Australian Services Union NSW & ACT (Ser- was a foundation member of the NSW Board of She is the author of the book “Power in northern Australia, in the forests, the campaign vices) Branch. In that role his work involves Secondary Education, a member of the Curric- Coalition” (Cornell University Press & Allen across the James Price Point gas hub, protect- overseeing member-led workplace and industry ulum Corporation of Australia and a foundation & Unwin), based on her PhD that compared ing Queensland’s bushlands from landclearing campaigns in the Social and Community Ser- member of the NSW Board of Studies. coalitions across Australia, the United States and now in the campaigns to keep fossil fuels vices (SACS) Division of the union. The SACS and Canada. Denis has also been the President of the NSW in the country to prevent dangerous division represents thousands of workers in Teachers Federation, the Federal President of climate change. She is currently also teaching Australian Poli- the non-government disability and community the Australian Education Union as well as a tics at Notre Dame and Human Geography at services sector, and is one of the fastest grow- writer and speaker on educational and social the University of Sydney and working with the ing areas of union membership in Australia. issues. KEYNOTES University of Sydney on a project to enhance its In 2012 ASU members won Equal Pay for all relationship with the city and its communities. SACS workers in Australia in a historic union More recently, Denis was Director of Equity and Luke Hilikar campaign. Aboriginal Education in the NSW DEC, a posi- Luke Hilakari is Secretary of Victorian Trades Before his time at the ASU Angus was an tion he left in order to return to schools. Denis Hall.In 2014 Luke drove an unprecedented UNION PANEL advisor to Senator Doug Cameron while com- has written a book on education history and union field campaign to remove a first term pleting his combined Arts / Law degrees at the ideas, Teachers and Their Times, published Liberal Government. Rita Malia- CFMEU University of Sydney. At the University of Sydney by the University of NSW Press. He has most Rita Mallia is the President of the Construction Blending traditional union organising strategy Angus was elected to the following positions: recently taught at a number of PSP schools in Forestry Mining & Energy Union, Construction with cutting-edge campaign tech, the We Are Union Board Director (2005 – 2007), SRC Sydney’s west. He is currently working as a and General Division, NSW Divisional Branch. Union campaign was hailed as a game-chang- President (2007), Undergraduate Representa- casual teacher as well as engaging in research An official of the Union since 1996, Rita is also er in Victorian politics. tive of the University Senate (2008), and Na- and various education projects. He is a a qualified lawyer. tional President of NUS (2008). Angus’ fondest member of the Board of Studies, Teaching and Luke was previously the Industrial Campaigns Rita is also a member of the National Di- memories of his time in student activism was Educational Standards [BOSTES] and chairs officer at Trades Hall and an organiser for visional Executive for the Construction and the Stop VSU campaign from 2006 – 2008. the Board’s Senior History Consultative Com- United Voice. General Division of the CFMEU and represents mittee. He was also the foundation Director of

the CFMEU on the ACTU Executive. Rita also George Simon- AMWU the union’s Centre for Professional Learning. Tom Swann represents the CFMEU as a Trustee Director of George Simon is the Campaign Director at the He is the editor of the Journal of Professional Tom Swann is a researcher at the Australia In- United Super (Cbus) and is a director of the NSW Branch of the Australian Manufacturing Learning. stitute, a Canberra-based think tank. He works Australian Construction Industry Redundancy Workers Union (AMWU). The AMWU represents on higher education, fossil fuel divestment, Trust, NSW Dust Diseases Board, Asbestos a wide variety of workers across the manufac- public service delivery and other topics. He Diseases Research Foundation and the Schizo- turing sector. George coordinates political and has Honours in philosophy from ANU and is phrenia Research Institute. industrial campaigns at the AMWU with the completing the Master of Climate Change, and aim of mobilising members to achieve lasting has been a key organiser in the Fossil Free David McElrea- United Voice political and industrial change in their lives. ANU campaign. David McElrea is the Assistant Secretary of In 2013, George was the Field Director for the United Voice NSW. United Voice represents Amanda Tattersall Australian Council of Trade Unions’ Federal 130,000 Australian workers in a range of Amanda Tattersall is founder and Executive Election Campaign. This role saw him coordi- industries including cleaning, childcare, health Director of the Sydney Alliance, a diverse nate the largest and most sophisticated voter ID and aged care, hospitality, security and man- coalition of community organisations, unions, and union member persuasion program ever ufacturing. David joined United Voice whilst religious organisations and schools. run by the union movement in marginal seats. working in catering during his university stud- During this time, George managed 18 Field She has been a union and community organ- ies. He has worked in the labour movement in Organisers across 30 marginal seats. iser for over 15 years, having been President Australian and England for about 15 years as of the National Union of Students, co-founder a union lawyer and official. Denis Fitzgerald of Labor for Refugees, co-founding director Denis Fitzgerald has taught in a range of public

14 15 Glossary of Terms

NUS Panel funding and ultimately led to the collapse of the National Union of Students is the peak body On each day of the conference, we will host a some student organisations around Australia. representing tertiary students in Australia. It is handful of experienced activists on a particular students’ voice to the government and the uni- topic in a panel format. This will be moder- Deregulation versity sector. Office Bearers are elected each ated by some of the conference organisers. In the context of Higher Education, Deregula- year at the National Conference Attendees will be welcome to ask questions at tion means the deregulation of university fees. the end. Deregulation means universities would be free NOBs to charge whatever they like for our degrees NOB is an acronym for National Office Bearer. SSAF and many have claimed that it would ultimately This is the elected National Officers of our The Student Services and Amenities Fee was lead to an Americanisation of our education union. NOBs include President, General introduced in 2012. It is a compulsory fee system. Deregulation was introduced to the Secretary, Education Officer, Welfare Officer, collected by universities annually. The guide- Parliament in 2014 by the Federal Liberal Women’s Officer, Queer Officers, Environment lines state that institutions will be required to Government and NUS was a leader in the Officer, Disabilities Officer, Ethno-cultural Offi- have formal process of consultation with both campaign against it. It has now failed to pass cer, International Student Officer. democratically elected student representatives in the senate twice. and representatives from other major student Seminar organisations at the university about the At Ed Con, a Seminar is a workshop or pre- specific uses of the funds gained from collected sentation by a person outside of the student the SSAF. This is not always the case and NUS movement. These people have come from campaigns for stronger regulations around the diverse corners of the progressive movement SSAF. and have a wealth of knowledge from which us as student activists should utilise. VC VC stands for Vice-Chancellor. A VC is respon- Workshop sible for carrying out most of the administrative A workshop is a peer-led session aiming to duties at a university and are usually the public impart skills or knowledge to other activists. spokesperson of the university. Student unions regularly run campaigns to shift the position of Plenary VCs on certain issues. Each afternoon, there will be two sessions aimed at starting discussion around a partic- VSU ular topic related to activism and education. Voluntary student unionism (VSU), is a policy These will be moderated by two activists with under which membership of university student keen interests in these areas, who will later organisations is voluntary. Australia passed prepare a short discussion paper on student legislation enacting VSU in 2005, which came perspectives. All students are invited to partici- into force on July 1, 2006. NUS campaigned pate and anti-social behaviour will not strongly against the introduction of VSU, which be tolerated. saw a rapid decline in student organisation

16 17 UNSW and The Hunger Guide Surrounds Explained Sydney & Suburbs

The best way to keep up-to-date with all you NSW transport uses an Opal card top-up sys- COOGEE miso soup, and 3 dumplings-Wow! But make need know about UNSW and Sydney is through tem, however, tickets can be pre-purchased at Coogee Bay Hotel sure you swap the salad for the sushi, because UNSW’s own app ‘UNSWuni-verse’. This app most convenient stores around the city. A poor alternative to the Regent Hotel, which otherwise you just have salad. includes information about events, transport, is also closer to UNSW, however it does have the UNSW library, emergency points of contact, When travelling to and from the airport, beach views. Ritz Cinema help services, social guides, and more. delegates should catch the airport line train to A nice old fashioned cinema, in walking Central, followed by a 393/395 bus to UNSW Coogee to Bondi Walk distance from UNSW. Unfortunately despite from Eddy Avenue (right outside - follow For those interested in exercise it is possible to requests they will not be holding a special TRANSPORT the signs). walk along the beaches from Coogee to Bondi. viewing of the killing season for delegates. It is UNSW is situated in Kensington in the Eastern I’ll be back on campus, but horses for courses. located in “The Spot” on St Pauls Street and will Suburbs of Sydney. There is no train surface take 15 minutes to walk to from campus. directly to the campus, however, buses run to Alternatively, if traveling in a group of 3 or more BONDI Anzac Parade until 11:00pm and sporadically a taxi from the airport will likely be cheaper. An Bondi Beach Shopping Centre later. UBER will be cheaper for a group of 2 or more. The famous location of “Bondi Rescue”, Bondi Randwick shopping centre is located on Bel-

Beach is a picturesque water/sand attraction. more Rd, near High St. It contains a range of It is lined by many restaurants, bars and surf stores including cafes, Coles and Woolies and BUSES shops. The water / the surrounding air / general a small number of retail outlets. environment will however be cold. Destination Bus Number Ticket Type Price non-concession Bowling (Thanks Liberals) Bondi Junction Bowling is available in Randwick, with the This is a bigger shopping center than Rand- entrance right next to coles. There are student Central to UNSW M50 395 MyBus2 $3.80 wick. It contains many major chains and discounts, and your standard bowling DJ ma- 393 891 department stores. Best accessed via the 400 chine. There is also a bottle shop next to coles. bus leaving from gate 9 of campus. It’ll take We are unsure about the bowling alleys BYO 15 to 20 minutes to get there. policies, but better to ask forgiveness UNSW to City M50 395 MyBus2 $3.80 than permission. 393 891 RANDWICK Isabella’s UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES If you’re looking for something cheap, easy Equity Spaces UNSW to Bondi 400 MyBus1 $2.40 and very filling for breakfast, then go no further! There are 3 equity spaces predominantly used Junction Isabella’s has $7 all day breakfast, including by the SRC on campus, and can be located be- eggs benedict with snitzel hind Baxter College on Level 1. These include an autonomous womens room, an autono- TRAINS Pinocchio’s on Anzac Pde mous ethno-cultural / international room, and Destination Line Price This is located just opposite the Kingsford a shared welfare and disabilities space. All McDonalds, about 2 minutes walk from UNSW. rooms contain couches, beanbags/cushions, Central from the airport Any $18 (includes airport They specialise in a Japanese $10 Bento Box, cold and boiling water, internet, fridge, micro- station exit fee) which includes, sushi, teriyaki chicken, rice wave and toaster facilities.

18 19 Tuition Fee Deregulation Update

Prayer Spaces The Regent Hotel Just prior to the 2014/15 Federal Budget Edu- –– A structural adjustment fund of $100 million Prayer spaces are available and non-denom- Winner best pub in NSW for the last 5 years, cation Minister Chris Pyne revealed his plans to to assist universities, particularly those in inational. They can be found on level three of the rege is the standard “afters” venue for radically restructure higher education according regional areas (funded by stopping progres- the Wquarehouse, just next to the roundhouse. UNSW students. You will undoubtedly discover to neo-liberal principles with tuition fee dereg- sive income support eligibility for masters by For inquiries - (02) 9385 8939. this at the end of a night. ulation at its core. As well as fee deregulation coursework students); the original legislation introduced market rates Activist Space UNSW IGA of interest on HELP debts, set up a scholarship –– Creation of a new scholarship scheme within The activist space is located Level 2 Arc and is Our local UNSW supermarket is located on scheme entirely funded out of student tuition the Higher Education and Participation Pro- most commonly used for collective meetings lower campus, Gate 2, High St. It contains fees, extended HECS places to private providers gram for universities with high proportions of low SES students (funded by abolishing oth- and craft sessions for rally’s etc. These rooms a small range of fruit and vege, however, is and introduced tuition fees for postgraduate er equity measures in the HEPP program); also contain lounges and computers with inter- probably best used for smaller last minute research places. net access, and are open to the general student shops as it tends to be dearer than the Coles/ –– A guarantee that domestic student fees are population Monday-Friday between 8am-7pm. Woolies at Randwick. In the USA’s deregulated tuition fee system the lower than international student fees for the inflation-adjusted tuition fees at public univer- same course (a meaningless guarantee as Training rooms sities have increased by 300% since 1980. international student fees are always higher Arc contains 2 training rooms on Level 1, these New Zealand’s brief five year experiment due to ESOS compliance costs) can be used by the SRC or Arc Clubs/Societies with fee deregulation in the 1990s led to fee for meetings and organising. increases of up to 350%. Australian students In a final desperate move to get the legislation would face exorbitant fee increases at many passed Pyne agreed to split the 20% funding Whitehouse universities that would far exceed CPI increases cut into a separate bill to be voted on at a later If you’re hovering around middle campus or teaching costs, particularly at prestigious time. The message was clear, an ideological with a bit of a rumble in your tummy, then the research universities such as the Group of 8. victory on fee deregulation was more important Whitehouse is probably what you need. This is The University of WA has indicated that it will than budget savings. This was not enough to our Arc-run student cafe that facilitates anything increase its fees across the board to $16,000 sway enough of the cross-bench. The Senate from your morning caffeine hits to larger events a year if fees are deregulated. voted on the 17 March 2015 to reject the such as movie screenings. They also have revised legislation 34 – 30. This was a big a range of gluten free, dairy free, and veggie The legislation was blocked by the Senate victory for the student movement but Pyne options. last December. Minister Pyne made some vowed to continue regardless. amendments and re-introduced the legislation Roundhouse to the House of Representatives. The bill was The Roundhouse is your afternoon chill venue passed by the House of Representatives on 25 and our uni bar. There is often live music and Feb 2015: local bands playing in the outdoor courtyard of an afternoon and they have some excellent –– The most substantial amendment was options on their bar and bistro menus. dropping the market rate of interest on HELP debts.

–– A pause on HECS indexation for the primary carers of children under 5; 20 21 Student Poverty: The Facts

NUS examined the 2015/16 Federal Budget for Single students living in share house and Increased hours of work are affecting students’ signs of further changes to the twice defeat- receiving the maximum Youth Allowance, Au- educational experience, with 50.1 per cent of ed legislation. There were no changes apart study or Abstudy and rent assistance are 50% full-time undergraduates reporting that their from a strengthening of arrangements to get below the poverty line; this forces many student work adversely affects their performance at overseas graduates to repay their HELP debts. to take on excessive amounts of paid work to university. This is a rise of 10 percentage Unless there are further changes announced the detriment of their study; points over 2006 levels. One in three domestic by Pyne arising from negotiations with cross- undergraduates, and one six international un- bench Senators we should assume that the leg- In 2012, more than two-thirds of students dergraduates, reported that they regularly miss islation will be the same as HERA v.2 although reported being worried about their financial classes because of employment obligations. it is unclear whether or not the 20% funding situation. The level of concern about finances cut will be a separate bill. has risen substantially since 2006 – by about Two-thirds of full-time domestic undergraduate twelve percentage points across the board. The students had incomes of less than $20,000 a Another unknown is whether the Depart- highest overall level of concern was expressed year; including 21.0 per cent who had annual ment will withhold the budgeted 20% cut to by full-time, low SES undergraduates, of whom incomes of less than $10,000 Commonwealth Support Places funding from 76.6 per cent indicated that they were worried universities in 2016 even if the legislation is about finances. A higher percentage of employed low SES not passed. This has already occurred with the students (57.6 per cent) indicated that their efficiency dividend cuts that were announced An average of about 17 per cent of students work commitments adversely affected their by the Gillard Government, and then adopt- reported regularly going without food or other performance at university, compared with other ed by Abbott Government even though the necessities because they were unable to afford employed undergraduates (52.6 per cent). legislation has never passed by parliament. them, and there was an increase from 14.7 This threat could force a crisis of brinkmanship per cent of full-time domestic undergraduates Almost half (47.0 per cent) of all Indigenous amongst the cross-bench towards the end of in 2006 to 18.2 per cent in 2012 who were undergraduate students received ABSTUDY ben- this year. regularly going without. efits, and significant proportions of Indigenous undergraduates also received other government Somewhat fewer domestic, full-time undergrad- income support (19.2 per cent), and govern- uates were in employment in 2012 (80.6 per ment or university funded scholarship support cent) than in 2006 (85.5 per cent), yet the (29.1 per cent and 21.1 per cent). average hours worked during semester by all full- time students who were in employment Campus student organisations continue to has increased; from 14.8 to 16.0 hours for report that there are widespread problems of undergraduates; from 17.0 to 20.1 hours for student homelessness (sleeping in cars, couch postgraduate coursework students, and from surfing) and free breakfasts put on by student 8.0 to 10.5 hours for HDR candidates. Overall, organisations continue to be widely used around one quarter of employed, full-time services.Proposed government legislation will undergraduates were working over 20 hours introduce a 4 week waiting period before young per week during semester. people can receive income support payments.

22 23 Why We Support Free Education

What Happened a privilege”. Free education was seen as a that higher education system should be fully Australia briefly had a free higher education basic human right. The slogan was linked to funded by a progressive taxation system system for all domestic and international demands that free education could be fully that also addresses multi-national corporate students from 1974 – 79. Under the Whitlam funded by closing corporate tax evasion loop- taxation evasion. Many other OECD counties Government the Commonwealth took over holes. These insights are just as relevant now can see this, our challenge is to revive popular direct responsibility for funding universities as issues of massive taxation evasion of global support here for this view. from the state governments and paid for multi-nationals are being debated.

around 90% of the operating costs for higher How Much It is more than just a right. It’s the logical education institutions. . A small international The cost of restoring free education depends on and prescient thing to do to adapt to the 21st student tuition fee was introduced in 1979. The how far it is extended. If it was applied to all century challenges. .The issue of affordable HECS loans system for domestic undergradu- domestic undergraduate students at current en- lifelong learning will become central to national ates was introduced with a flat $1800 fee in rolment levels the annual cost would be around productivity debates and the needs of the future 1989. HECS fees were substantially increased $4.9 billion (Universities Australia estimate, workforce. We are currently witnessing the in 1997 and 2005. 2014). If it was applied to all Commonwealth massive disruption that new digitalisation and Supported Places (including CSP postgradu- automation technologies are having on the International Comparison ates) the cost would be around $6.2 billion. media and manufacturing workforces. Much According to the most recent OECD Educa- of the financial services industry is expect- tion At A Glance Report 2014 over half of the ed to automated by the end of next decade. reporting OECD countries have free university Futurologists are predicting that the rapid education (Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, technological-driven changes will lead to the Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, rapid obsolesence of many current occupa- Malta, Mexico, Norway, Scotland, Slovakia, tions. Today’s graduates should expect to have Slovenia, Sweden). Recently Germany and seven or eight different careers over a life-time. Chile have also switched to free public univer- The old 20th economic paradigm where a one- sity education. Several other OECD countries off bachelor degree led to a lifetime full-time such as France charge only nominal fees. career is fast disappearing (the human capital High student fees in the OECD are confined to economic models used by neo-liberal policy the five Anglo-phone countries with exten- makers comes from the 1960s). sive student loan systems and the two Asian counties, Japan and South Korea where family If today’s graduates are expected to be doing wealth has long been the primary determinant so much training and re-training over their on access to university education. lifetime then these life-long learning processes will need to be free. The idea that universities More than just a right, it’s the right can charge $100,000+ each time a worker thing to do needs to be retrain is not sustainable. The The tens of thousands of students who tertiary education system (higher education marched in the 1980s to save free educa- and VET) will shift from mass to near universal tion chanted: “free education is a right, not participation. This will only increase the logic

24 25 The USA Higher Education System

The proposed Abbot Government reforms have Tuition Fees Graduate Debt been described as an attempt to ‘Americanise’ In the USA tuition fees are fully deregulated. Graduate debt in the USA is closing in on our higher education system (that has drawn Private not for profit four year institutions have the $1.2 trillion mark. It is now the second historically from English and Scottish tradi- much higher average fees than public and biggest form of personal debt in the USA, only tions). Here are some basic facts on private for profit institutions. Despite being a exceeded by the national mortgage debt. Since the US system: fully mature market there is no sign that market 2010 graduate debt has exceeded the national competition in the USA is holding tuition fee credit card debt and loans to purchase cars. Size prices down. The Washington Monthly com- In 2012 the average bachelor graduate from There are about 17.8 million undergraduate mented in September 2011 that: “Since 1980, a not for profit institution left the college with a higher education students (and 2.9 million inflation- adjusted tuition at public universities $US29,400 debt. graduate students) enrolled at 4,600 degree has tripled; at private universities it has more granting institutions in the USA. 2870 institu- than doubled. Compared to all other goods and Income Support tions offered four year undergraduate degrees services in the American economy, including 85% of full time students at US four year (equivalent of Australia’s bachelor degree). medical care, only “cigarettes and other tobac- institutions receive financial aid in the form of 10.6 million of the undergraduates are at four co products” have seen prices rise faster than a grant, loan or scholarship or combination. year institutions. the cost of going to college.” (“Administrators In the USA there are wide array of grants and Ate My Tuition”, www.washingtonmonthly.com) scholarships available to students (from state

Degree Types agencies, endowments and private organisa- Several reasons have been advanced by US Typically US undergraduates either do a two tions) but the principle federal student grant higher education commentators for this tuition year diploma/associate degree program at a is the Pell Grant from the US Department of fee spiral: community college or a four year bachelor at Education (about $US 5,500 annually.). a university. Professional degrees (medical, –– The depressed labour market; About a third of students take out commercial dental, law, vet science, journalism, business) loans to supplement their grants even through are commonly offered at the graduate –– Higher debt limits on federal student loans; the interest rates can be over 18% school level. –– Student demand for high quality and up Who Runs Higher Education to date amenities, support services and infor- In the US the administration of higher education mation technology; is mainly done by the 50 state governments. The federal government is primarily involved in –– Reduction in public funding per student from the provisions of the needs-based PELL student the state governments; grants and a couple of merit based scholarship programs, underwriting the federal loans and –– Higher Tuition Fees Acting As A Proxy For national research funding projects. State gov- Quality (ie as rivals raise their prices high ernments also provide student aid programs to status institutions raise their prices to main- students not eligible for federal grants. tain their perceived status)

26 27 Social and Private Rates of Return on Studying at University

Private rates of return arguments are com- with the low rates of private return also have no Attempts by market economists to calculate monly used to justify tuition fee increases and fee or low fee regimes. The exceptions to this the social benefits of higher education nearly deregulation. The Education Minister, Chris are Australia, Japan, and New Zealand that always under-estimate these benefits, ie Pyne, has repeatedly used the argument that uniquely combine high fees paid by students limiting the benefits to financial benefits and on average graduates will earn over $1 million with relative low rates of private return. The a few measures that are easily quantifiable. more than students who only studied to Year Australian rates of internal private return are For example none of these models capture the 12 and that Australian university graduates on 35% below the OECD average for males and technological and productivity benefits that average earn 75 per cent more than school 32% for females. Notably in light of deregu- flow to society from the research that graduates leavers who have done no further study. When lated tuition fees the Australian rates of private will perform at universities or their future the Wran Committee introduced the first flat return are 54% lower than those in the USA for workplaces. HECS in 1988 the student private benefit was males and 47% lower for women. estimated to be 20%. The policy changes since then under discipline-differentiated HECS Social Rates of Return have shifted the average student contribution to Economists refer to social rates of return as over 40% (although the figure varies consider- external benefits of education participation that ably by discipline). are not captured by the individual. According to market theory these external social benefits Private Rates of Return provide the basis for some level of public Private rates of return are often measured as subsidy for education.

the extra income that graduates make over a One significant financial social benefit is that lifetime minus the financial costs of participat- the higher wages of graduates generates ing in education. The research that underpins higher taxation revenue for the government. the Minister’s claims about graduates incomes Over a lifetime a typical graduate will pay being 75% higher are based on the Group of around $350,000 more tax than the average 8’s policy note, Graduate Skills and National non-graduate. Graduates are also much less Productivity (based on 2011 census data) and likely to need income support after the comple- the (University of Melbourne) Grattan Institute’s tion of their degree (12% for Bachelor degree Graduate Winners (based on 2006 census holders compared to 29% for those only with data and authored by Andrew Norton). Norton year 12 qualifications). co-authored the government’s review of the demand driven system. There are a variety of non financial social

benefits although economists diaagree on Other modelling such as University of Can- what should be included and how the benefits berra’s NATSEM have put the average lifetime can be costed. Higher rates of volunteering, earning benefits of graduates over Year 12 tolerance, civic engagement and lower crime completers at a much lower level, around rates as possible benefits that are correlated to 40%. Australian graduates are also in the low higher levels of education. end of the private returns compared to most

OECD countries. Most of the OECD countries

28 29 OB Reports

30 31 The development of the new website has been NUS remains to have a close working relation- a major achievement for NUS in 2015. After ship with CAPA and the NTEU. Jeannie Rea and having a barely active website for the past I have an ongoing dialogue. I have also been few years – from the development work of the liaising with other trade unions such as United PRESIDENT ROSE STEELE 2014 team, the general secretary has put a lot Voice in preparing campaigns and submis- of work into functionality and workings of the sions in particular in working in on social website and I have worked with Tom in raising services and penalty rates research. The primary focus for 2015 has been the Administration content. You can find our new website The sector however, in opposition to the ‘Demand A Better Future’ campaign. We kicked off the year with Presidents Summit at NUS.org.au I have worked in collaboration with Han- in January, which was a great success for all governments claims they are united on fee nah Smith, Education officer to roll out the involved.The primary aim of Presidents summit Along side this, the work of Hannah Smith deregulation could not be any further from the campaign focussing in my role on media and is a knowledge sharing summit for presidents and Isaac Foster in developing a social media truth. Multiple Vice Chancellors have come communications for DABF. and a crash course in NUS’ aims and priorities policy for the NUS National Executive, we have out in opposition to deregulation and through been focussing on regular content for the NUS sector groups such as the ATN it is clear that The three key demands for nus in 2015 are for 2015.In particular it is chance for campus presidents new in their roles to workshop the facebook, instagram and twitter. there will be further discussions to move away Opposition of the deregulation of university fees from unsustainable funding. Increased funding for universities, No wait on 2015 NUS campaigns with National Office Facebook newstart and an increase in income support Bearers, engage in panels on trade unions, facebook.com/NationalUnionofStudentsAU I have met with key people in Parliament this media training and hear from speakers running Instagram year including Senator Kim Carr, Lee Rhiannon, We worked to great the success of the March campaigns.Members of National Executive @nus_australia Jenny Macklin, Bill Shorten, Cathy McGowan, National Day of Action and snap reactionary were also given board directors training and an Twitter Don Markwell (advisor to Christopher Pyne) actions in reply to the federal budget released outline of National Executive in2015. @NUS_President Most important have been the meetings with early May. Internally this year has been dominated by the cross bench senators John Madigan, Nick At the time of NUS’ first major action of the year outcomes of 2014 and a focu on changing Media and Communication Xenophon, Jaqcui Lambie, Ricky Muir, Glenn in March deregulation had already been defeat- NUS’ often inflexible financial and operating I have engaged throughout the year with Lazarus, David Leyonhlem, Dio Wang. I ed in the senate, however we have continued to structure. In 2014, the NUS team undertook NUS member organisations and with cam- will continue to meet with them as the year see the coalition government and Christopher a structural audit and created a Constitutional pus presidents through regular updates and progresses on Higher Education and Income Pyne with a strong agenda to re-introduce de- Reform Committee after working with members emails of NUS media releases, research and support in particular. regulation, cuts to the sector and make drastic submissions as well as campus visits / email through state branch forums to remain relevant I have also been working with the Office of changes to income support. or phone link ups and have spoken at many and member led. Learning and teaching for their ongoing project The federal budget in May was another blow campus events. This year the General Secretary, Tom Nock and on student leadership and input within univer- for students, unsurprisingly although being I have been working to amend this and bridge NUS have retained a reasonably high media sities, this project will be coming to a close in defeated twice the government have kept an a discussion with our members about reform. profile this year with articles in the major 2015 and I will be giving final feedback before agenda to deregulate universities fees, make With a program for development and reform papers, budget coverage on Sky news, regular the report is written. cuts to funding, and introduce a 4 week wait now being sent to our members we will both national radio, appearances on the 7:30 on income support for young people. be focussing on channelling this into relevant report, Hack and channel 9. Research As well as this during O Weeks we were able to and needed areas of change for NUS to remain Our research officer Graham Hastings has get to many campuses to roll out the Demand sustainable financially and operate effectively Lobbying and The Sector prepared a number of research papers and a Better Future Campaign. In conversations for its members. I have engaged throughout the year with other submissions most notably our submission with students and representatives we have relevant peak bodies such as AMSA, ALSA and on the second HERR bill and submission on seen that students are much more aware of the NUS has held several fee review meetings as of CISA in particular through the first peak body Social Services and Youth Unemployment issues facing them in higher education. education conference to discuss affiliations of forum organised by Hannah Smith which will I have attended the senate committee on our member unions and is on track to meet our now be a semi regular catch up on priorities education and employment to discuss our budgeted affiliation revenue. and issues facing students with opportunities submission further with CAPA. for collaboration.

32 33 Second half of the year affiliation fees to support the national union figures were carefully projected from previous Conclusion Looking towards the second half of the year in its fight against university fee deregulation. years using conservative estimates for income. The General Secretary’s department has been NUS and student activists in Australia are We have received expressions of interest from very busy in the first 6 months of this year and still facing threats around deregulation and universities that have not been involved in NUS Website and Communications it is set to get busier as the year progresses. underfunded sector, large threats to support in the past, wanting to be involved. I credit this After years of not having a website NUS now The aim of this department is to ensure that as well as continuing to advocate for the with the work NUS has been doing combating has one. A Nationbuilder website initiated by NUS is fully capable of performing the activism retention SSAF. I will be strongly focussing on fee deregulation and the exciting prospects of last year’s team was brought online this year it needs to win for students. discussions on internal reform throughout the our Quality Survey and upcoming Wellbeing and I would like to thank all the National Office remainder of the year. Survey. NUS increased social media presence Bearers who were involved in its construction. and subsequent increased presence in the The website’s purpose is to make diffusion media in general has also been a positive form of information more efficient as we upload of feedback from our members. materials, reports, and information about our EDUCATION OFFICER conferences/events. In the second half of the HANNAH SMITH Where concerns about the union have been year I will also be looking at its potential to NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY present myself and other office bearers have produce revenue. My first six months in office have been occu- TOM NOCK been able to address university student repre- pied by work on dereg and the eduation cam- sentative councils or student boards to address Rose and I are in weekly contact with campus The past 6 months have been extremely fast paign, planning education conference, rolling concerns. We have made a big point of being presidents – they have been receiving monthly paced and challenging however NUS should be out the Quality Survey and co-ordinating the receptive to member feedback and concerns National Executive reports, research briefs, and proud of what it has achieved.At our National first National Student Organisation Roundtable. at these meetings have been incorporated into campaign materials and media releases from Conference in December we heard that NUS’ our reform program. It has been really great NUS. The Education Campaign had another fantastic finances were in bad shape – the obvious traveling the universities.As mandated by Na- win with the defeat of Pyne’s legislation in cause of this being the protracted consequenc- tional Conference I have explored other revenue Presidents’ Summit the senate for a second time earlier this year. es of the change from CSU to VSU and the streams for NUS. As NUS at its core is a Union Presidents Summit was a fantastic success It was great to see numbers against the bill lack of change in NUS’ funding structure. Last of its members I am of the firm belief that our and was revenue neutral thanks to the gen- grow in the senate. We have hosted a range year NUS embarked on an ambitious reform main source of income should be affiliation erous hosting package from the University of of NDAs/actions and small campaigns to program and general re-organisation of the fees. However if we want to expand we must Sydney Union. Feedback from campus Presi- maintain the momentum around higher ed Union. My first 6 months as NUS National branch out into secondary sources of revenue dents was positive and it was a great opportu- and dereg and I am looking forward to another General Secretary have largely been taken up fantastic NDA on August 19. – in the last 6 months I have explored extra nity to get on the same page for activism in the trying to improve our practices and process- revenue though research grants, negotiating in- year to come. I have spent a great deal of time working with es and explore a range of options regarding creased interest rates for our term deposits, and UNSW on putting together Education Confer- financing outside of affiliation fees. NUS needs advertising on our website and other platforms. Constitutional Reform ence for 2015. I am proud of the diversity of to improve in all these aspects because without Into the next 6 months I am going to explore NUS National Executive re-established the presentations and evening events that aim to a strong, efficient, well-resourced Union we do the latter as a solid source of additional income Constitutional Reform Committee to work on stamp out drinking culture at NUS conferences. not have a hope of organising and influencing for NUS. Early on in the year we changed some proposals for National Executive and National I have been working with campus Presidents decision makers. NUS is the sole national of our processes to ensure we were getting all Conference to reform the National Union. Key and Education Officers to rollout the Quality student voice and it has been my job to keep debt owed to us from conferences and other areas that have been identified in our first Survey and have been incredibly impressed at that voice functional. Below I will outline my services. I am confident that NUS is on a good few meetings are reforming the affiliations the work ed officers have put into getting it out main activities in prosecution of this task and financial track leading up to the end of our and accreditations process, addressing how to students on their campuses. At the time of summarise where we are headed into the next financial year on the 30th September. Early on NUS represents oppressed groups and issues writing, we have had sufficient responses for 6 months. in the year NUS was brought up to date on all associated with autonomy, national conference the data to be considered sound, and I hope to our reporting and regulatory obligations with and other structural issues. NUS needs to adapt increase the amount of responses we collect. Affiliations & Finance the ACT Office of Regulatory Services. to a more restricted funding environment than it The report should take approximately 6 weeks At the beginning of the year NUS put out a call enjoyed 10 years ago and I hope this process to put together and will be distributed prior to for increased affiliations from its members National Conference. NUS Budget kicked off a multi year program to future-proof as these figures had been falling steadily for The NUS Budget was passed though National the union. some time. I am pleased to report that many Executive at our March meeting – the budget university unions have substantially raised their

34 35 Finally, I have been working with Council of returning signed petitions. I would encourage Much work has been completed looking at rallies, which opposed fee deregulation, cuts International Students Australia, Australian affiliate campuses to get petitions signed and previous research undertaken, trends, changes to penalty rates, Medicare, the ABC and more. Medical Students Association, Australian Law return them, as we need more signatures and relevant issues to ensure that the survey is Fighting attacks on education will be a focus Students Association and CAPA to put together before I can table the petition in the Senate. ready for launch in Semester 2. for Semester 2. a quaterly Peak Body Roundtable meeting to With the recent introduction of a bill by Social increase cohesion across the student repre- NUS Submission to Fair Work Commission The Federal Budget Services Minister Scott Morrison that will sentative space and ensure there is a united At the time of writing, in conjunction with the Unfortunately the national media coverage of introduce a 1 month waiting period for income student voice on important political issues. National President we are working on a sub- the budget covered up the many attacks that it support, and increase the age of eligibility for mission to the Fair Work Commission’s inquiry contained, including fee deregulation and cuts Newstart to 25 it is more important than ever into penalty rates and the minimum wage. to funding for education, healthcare, welfare for students to engage with this campaign and and other services. Cuts to welfare and services collect as many signatures as possible. Work on this will continue with a view to hav- disproportionately affect women, as women ing the submission completed before the due NATIONAL WELFARE OFFICER work overwhelmingly in lowerpaid­ jobs and b) Lobbying date in August. DEAN D’ANGELO undertake more of the caring work for young At the time of writing, I am in the process of children, the sick and the elderly. Women were setting up post-Budget meetings with MP’s Welfare Department Blog National Day of Action: The Budget vilified as the cuts to Paid Parental Leave were to ensure students voices are heard by our The Welfare Department has been afforded a Despite the limited response time to the budget, introduced. I wrote and distributed a budget legislators. blog on the departmental page of the new NUS the May 20th National Day of Action represent- summary for use on the campuses, which is website. I will continue to post relevant updates ed a strong and unified effort from the student also available on the NUS website. movement for the most part, in protesting c) Petition here throughout the year, regarding campaigns The response to the campaign has been very and issues in play. You can visit the blog at: against the 2015 budget measures. Talk About It disappointing. I have received far less petitions http://www.nus.org.au/welfare_blog. The ‘Talk About It’ survey aims is to gather Budget 2015 was misleadingly sold as a win returned to me than I had hoped. Many affiliate information about the experiences of wom- for young Australians. Despite the presence of campuses have not engaged with the cam- en university students in Australia. It will university fee deregulation and the introduction paign at all. A petition is a simple, straightfor- look at accommodation, safety, services, of a 4-week waiting period for income support, ward campaign method, whereby everyone and challenges that face women enrolled media coverage of the budget was disappoint- can engage and support the campaign. I have NATIONAL WOMEN’S OFFICER in tertiary education institutions. The survey ing with the overall negative impact of the requested and encouraged campus presidents JESS MCLEOD will be launched before Semester 2. I have budget undersold. to make sure copies of the petition are on stalls expanded and rewritten some of the questions during union barbeques and the like, to ensure Fee deregulation and attacks on Going forward it is important for the student and obtained advice from a trauma specialist students have the opportunity to sign the higher education movement to unite behind the NUS campaigns and sexual assault counsellor from Rape and petition. I urge all campuses to collect as many The education campaign has been a major against deregulation and cuts to income Domestic Violence Services Australia. I was signatures as possible. With limited time and priority. I produced and distributed campaign support. The only beneficiaries of disagreement given important feedback to ensure the survey resources for NOB’s, the National Union and its material, titled ‘The Liberals won’t believe it, but and dysfunction within our movement, are our questions were appropriate considering the campaigns are only successful if affiliates are women can do the maths’, as a contribution to enemies. It was fantastic to see students in serious issues being discussed. Melbourne united behind the NDA. willing to push them. the National Day of Action on March 25. This highlighted the effect of education cuts and WA Indigenous community closures Student Wellbeing Survey fee hikes on women and other disadvantaged “GRADUATES DESERVE A FAIR GO” This has been a political issue on the cam- The NUS Student Wellbeing Survey is a joint social groups, and was used on campuses NEWSTART CAMPAIGN puses, particularly after Abbott’s racist “lifestyle research project undertaken by the Welfare nationally as well as being shared by Get Up a) Campaign overview choices” comment. I have supported, promoted Department and the Disabilities Department. via social media. I visited campuses to put The Graduates Deserve A Fair Go campaign and attended actions against the closures, talk- is a campaign by the Welfare Department, up posters, hand out leaflets, and discuss the With a lack of current research undertaken by campaign with students, activists and office ed to students about the issue, and distributed launched during o-weeks, opposing the intro- NUS in the areas of student income, welfare, campaign material on the campuses. I will duction of a waiting period and eligibility age bearers. I attended cross ­campus meetings in wellbeing, cost of living, health and access, we WA, and national phone link ups. I spoke at continue to look for ways to show solidarity increase for youth income support payments. have sought to launch a survey and produce the Perth rally on March 25, and attended the with the campaign. Engagement has been low, with a small num- a subsequent report that our affiliates can use NDA on May 20. During o’week I distributed ber of affiliates responding to my emails and going forward. material for the ACTU Fight For Our Rights 36 37 Antiracism­ activism intersectionality and accessibility for Queer Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination and actions in the run up to the conference, I have attended actions and vigils against students in NUS’ Education campaign and Act Amendment including helping to author its publication and Islamophobia and racism, and in support of autonomous campaigns; The Hodgman Liberal government passed running a workshop, ‘Queering refugee rights. I have regularly attended the legislation in Tasmania’s lower house allowing Affirmative Action.’ campaign meetings of United Against Bigotry –– Communicating with state and national peak Tasmanian schools to refuse admission of and Racism WA. I have worked to promote bodies aimed towards representing LGBTIQA queer-identifying students on religious grounds. Second-Semester Plans the Rally Against Racism, which is standing students to ensure they are best placed Danica has spearheaded a campaign targeting In Semester two I will: up to the racism of ‘Reclaim Australia’ and the should NUS’ resources change; MLCs (Members of Legislative Council) with –– Be taking the Queer Department to the ‘United Patriots Front’. There will be counter­ the support of Tasmanian students. Updates Northern Territory with NUS materials, to –– Continuing to develop successful ongoing demonstrations across the country on and outcomes will be discussed at conference. help in developing a supportive relationship Queer Department campaigns, as well as July 18/19. towards our underrepresented non-affiliates rolling out campaigns supported by confer- Federal Budget & NDA Materials in Darwin, Batchelor and Alice Springs. ence in December. Bluestocking week Following passed changes to NUS’ Social (This trip was planned and priced in May to Bluestocking week is happening August 10th Media guidelines, we are taking advantage of ensure minimal costs and fair representation PROJECTS AND CAMPAIGNS to 14th. Rose and I met with Jeannie Rea and increased access of autonomous departments of each state and territory in my We All Need to Pee (Campaign) travel budget. ) Terri MacDonald from the NTEU to discuss to NUS’ social media to publish materials per- This year the Queer Department has continued and plan Bluestocking week 2015. The theme taining to queer students to a wider audience. the successful ‘We All Need to Pee’ campaign –– Observe NTEU National Council 2015 and for BSW is “Storylines”, which will focus on I will be releasing a full set of materials for started by Queer Officers Cat Rose and Hiba build networks with the union’s Queer Staff women’s narratives. This is a broad theme and NUS’ third National Day of Action, which will be Casablanca in 2013. By the time this report PAC, Q.U.T.E. (Queer Unionists in is open to different approaches. For some the available at Education Conference. is published materials should be available to Tertiary Education). focus may be on current issues such as equal collect at Conference as well as distributed to pay, or fee deregulation and higher education. Supporting Affiliate Projects & Campaigns affiliates. We have also sought to develop the –– Attend the National LGBTI Health Alli- There will be a variety of campus activities The most time-consuming (and important) part campaign further through a new online pres- ance’s Queer health conference, ‘Health in happening, such as a discussion panels, film of our responsibilities as National officebear- ence on social media. This year’s materials Difference’ and prepare a report for campus screenings, stunts, socials and meetings. ers are our support to affiliates in addressing have benefited from the input of participants in office-bearers. on-campus activities. In first semester I worked a Queer Collaboration workshop run last year on a range of campus-based campaigns, –– Continue campus visits and supporting by Queer Officers Bec Thompson. ranging from addressing negative represen- affiliates to develop policy for debate at tations of Queer, Intersex and Non-binary National Conference. HIV Awareness (Campaign) NATIONAL QUEER OFFICER’S REPORT students, addressing problematic staff policies Conference last year called for a renewed fight ISAAC FOSTER and regulations, and supporting a number –– Prioritising closer collaboration with AQSN for HIV Awareness and against discrimination of campus-based campaigns. In addressing and existing state-based queer student asso- towards individuals with HIV. A series of graph- Department Progress sensitive matters on campus I am constant- ciations to continue to discuss NUS’ support ics and posters are being developed, which will Last year’s conference set a number of chang- ly inspired by the spirit of our affiliates and networks with these associations and our be available at conference. es to union expenditure to ensure the viability queer students who have sought our support shared future directions. of its core campaigns, with a view towards for small campus campaigns. Although they Queer Students Handbook restoring full and adequate resourcing of all cannot be named, I want to thank everyone for This resource will be targeted towards queer autonomous Departments. The direction taken their input in Semester 1, and especially Dani- students and will be drafted in collaboration by National Conference this December will also ca for support and correspondence in tackling with campus affiliates, as well as NUS state set the direction queer activism will take in the some of the bigger challenges. NATIONAL QUEER OFFICER and national officebearers. It aims to address student movement in ensuing years. To ensure DANICA CHEESLEY core issues affecting LGBTIQA student living. the Queer Department is best placed to respond NOWSA Organising Committee I aim to consult and develop this resource Abbott, the budget and the ALP to whatever outcomes conference decides, this This year I have had the pleasure of supporting with queer students at Queer Collaborations. The Abbott government’s 2015 budget contin- year I have taken the following approach: the Network of Women Students Association The publication will be costed and viability of ued along from the 2014 budget which repre- (NOWSA) as a member of its Organising financing investigated closer to completion, as sented a massive attack on workers, students, –– Collaborating with NUS Education and Committee for its annual national conference. well as being released online. and all oppressed sections of society. Many autonomous Departments to build This has involved a wide range of discussions

38 39 of the measures in the budget, if passed, will This demonstration was so successful because successful in improving the accessibility for stu- July. There are approximately 50 ATSI students be disastrous for queer people. Obviously the of the hundreds of hours activists spent putting dents across the board, but there is still room for attending coming from all over the country third attempt to deregulate university fees and up posters, handing out leaflets, chalking, improvement.I have been working on the Wellbe- including WA, Victoria, NSW and SA. The cut funding to universities will disproportion- making announcements in lectures and talking ing survey with the National Welfare Officer. This conference will include workshops in lead- ately impact queer students who already face to students at university campuses. survey will ask students on welfare initiatives at ership, campaigning, fundraising and policy structural barriers to accessing, and staying in, their campuses, finance, health and counselling writing. There will also be several independent Alongside this, I have been involved in organ- higher education. services, housing and much more. The survey workshops provided by students and YARN. ising demonstrations in Melbourne around will be set to run periodically so that NUS and It is hoped that the Conference will be opened The immediate 4 week wait on Newstart, and a variety of issue relating to queer students. campus student unions are able to compare the with traditional welcome and the move to lift the Newstart eligibility age from I spoke on queer issues at the International data from year to year. smoking ceremony. 22 to 25 is also an attack that queer students Women’s Day Protest in early March, I was will feel the brunt of. Queer students can be central in organising the Melbourne protest on Communication with outside groups has also less likely to be able to access the support of International Day Against Homophobia, Bi- continued from last year, with a lot of groups be- There will be a lot of sessions around discuss- family, which many will be forced to rely on phobia and Transphobia and recently I helped ing very helpful when it has come to information ing ATSI Student issues and how to combat to survive while they are waiting to access the organise a victorious protest against Swas- for the upcoming survey and for campuses who these. These will include proposed changes pitiful welfare available to them. tika tattoo sporting neo-Nazi’s who wanted have requested it. Many NGO’s and not for profit to ITAS Funding, Indigenous student represen- Richmond Town Hall in Melbourne to remove groups are excited to work with NUS, but strug- tation on campuses, the Sisters can Speak Amongst other attacks, there is also the chang- the Rainbow Flag it flies above the building, as gling to work out what we are able to complete campaign and planning for the NDA. es to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme will well as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander together. After the survey results are released this make medications more expensive. This is a Furthermore, the ATSI Department has been Flags which it flies. may be an easier task. change that will particularly impact on trans supporting the condemnation of the forced and gender diverse people. I am also working on resources surrounding Over the past semester I have held two skype link closure of Aboriginal Communities in WA. I gender neutral bathrooms, alongside the vari- ups for state and campus disability office bearers have attended all the NDA’s in Sydney along Alongside the budget, one of the other federal ous local issues I have assisted campus queer or equivalent. I hope to continue these link ups, with many other students from around the issues impacting queer people has been the officers with throughout the semester. as they are a good way to share ideas and country attending their cities rallies. Latoya recent discussions around marriage equali- have good discussion. I have also been visiting Rule from FUSA is doing a great job in being an ty, sped up by the successful referendum in campuses both in my home state of Adelaide and advocate for this issue and is also working to Ireland. It is positive to see both the Greens and in Melbourne. I travelled Melbourne for O Week establish connections with other SA Universities the ALP moving bills to legislate for marriage and I was also very lucky to have been invited to Indigenous departments. equality: one aspect of queerphobia enshrined NATIONAL DISABILITIES OFFICER Monash Clayton for their very first in Australian law. It is important however to ALISON TAYLOR In terms of representation on campuses for Disabilities Week. recognise though the hypocrisy of the ALP Indigenous students, Hannah Armstrong from Hello everyone! I hope you have had a who are moving this bill, but not binding their As always, if you would ever like to speak to me, LTSU contacted me about her concern of the wonderful first semester and you are enjoying members to vote in favour of it. The upcoming please don’t hesitate to send me an email! I hope Indigenous Officer not having voting rights. In Education Conference. protest at the Labor Party National Conference, you enjoy the rest of the conference and response to this, I wrote a letter , which was calling for the party to bind, which I have been This semester has been about putting the dis- semester 2! taken to the meeting and passed. central in organising, will be an important part abilities department back on track. By speaking I have been contacted by several university of forcing the hand of the ALP. to as many campus and state office bearers representatives in regards to their concern for before the start of semester, I was able to see ITAS Tutoring. Indigenous students at Griffith Campaigning what they wanted from me and the department; ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER University in particular have stopped receiving A considerable portion of my time this year I was able to re-focus on what would be good OFFICER BRIDGET CAMA ITAS tutoring, with only first years being able has been devoted to education campaign, as for as many students as possible. to access the service. This is obviously just should be the priority of all NUS departments. This year the ATSI Department has namely been I sent out soft copies of some posters that both the start of what will be a common occurrence Being based in Melbourne, I have attended focused on the ATSI Student Conference. This con- myself and some state disabilities officers were in the next few months for some universities. all the demonstrations in Melbourne. The first ference was has previously been an occurrence in able to make, and I have been working hard The proposed changes, as I outlined in my NDA of the year was particularly great, with the department, however hasn’t run for a couple on ensuring that the National Days of Action article in Tharunka, is that the ITAS money hundreds showing up in the wake of deregu- of years. This year the Conference is sponsored have been accessible to as many students as will go into a larger funding pool called the lation again being voted down in the Senate. by UTS and will be held at UTS from the 22-25th they can be. The NDA’s this year have been ‘Indigenous Advancement Scheme’ and from

40 41 here universities and their centres will have to presidents and ethno-cultural/international Once I have gathered more photos and mes- work in a bidding system to access the money. First of all, we collected the evidence, we took student officers however anyone is welcome to sages I hope to utilise the campaign’s social This means that some universities that do not photos of the posters, and talked to some subscribe if interested media pages and targeted advertising to share have a strong Indigenous centre may miss out students from Deakin. DUSA wrote an English at: www.eepurl.com/beuYX9 these messages in order to encourage more all together, affecting namely rural and smaller version letter and I wrote a Chinese version, the sensitivity and the celebration – rather than campuses and further, that there may not be a letter is telling students that there is a company Multicultural Calendar misunderstanding - of diversity. set amount of money given, where previously in campus that writing assignment for students, The many diverse diaspora and community The most successful event so far was the ‘Rac- universities receive ITAS based on how many University will be highly monitor the company, groups in Australia celebrate a range of nation- ism Is… Week’ at ANU which was incredibly Indigenous students they have apply for ITAS. if some students get caught, they will get pen- al, religious and cultural days and festivals or well attended and produced a huge number of We will discuss our strategies as to how to alty, the letter will deliver the idea for students, significance which are crucial to the mainte- insightful and profound messages from a wide combat these changes at conference when the this is very serious. Based on the letter, DUSA nance of their culture and the formation of their variety of students. I’m very grateful to DaHye announcement comes in September. asked their designer to design the posters, we identity. It is important that the university envi- Kim, Vice President for Events at ANU ISD, for had three English version and three Chinese ronment is one which supports the observance putting in the huge effort it took to run such a version posters, these posters will be post at of these significant days. large campaign which attracted nearly 500 campus and Facebook pages. I will also give Therefore, one of the first projects I completed RSVP’s on Facebook. them to the Chinese social media. this year was creating an online and publically At this stage, our campaign is going well, and I’m currently liaising with several campus INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OFFICER available google calendar to assist student this will continue to next half of the year, the office bearers for me to visit their campuses in YANG LIU organisations in engaging with and support- campaign will go to other campus as well. Semester 2 to run a ‘Racism Is… Day’ and si- ing ethno-cultural students by being aware It was a great half year in NUS, I met many I had a discussion with Johnny, I will start multaneously collect data for the ethno-cultural of as many multicultural days of significance people and I learnt a lot from them. At start another campaign which I mentioned early of student experience survey and campus audit. as possible so that they can plan celebratory of the year, I didn’t do much because of my the year, the workplace right campaign. I had a If you would like to run this event you can find events, provide extra support, and be aware of family problem. At late February, I start to think plan to do this campaign and it will start from all the materials and links on the Ethno-Cultural particular sensitivities on certain days. about how to the campaign, I had meetings next semester. Department section of the NUS website, please with previous international officer Johnny, he You can find a link to the calendar on the don’t hesitate to let me know so I can help out I haven’t been to other campus, I will do so at gave me some suggestions. Ethno-Cultural Department section of the NUS however I can. second half of the year, I need to hear interna- website (www.nus.org.au/ethno_cultural), I start a campaign is called Anti-Plagiarism tional students’ issues from different states, and please don’t hesitate to email me on ethno-cul- Ethno-Cultural Student Experience Survey campaign at Deakin university. I saw the they have different issues need to be solved. [email protected] if you have anything to add The online survey will collect a range of news from NSW, a Chinese company helping Next semester, the student election will be start to the calendar. information including ethnic and linguistic di- students writing assignments for commercial at campuses, I would like to ask more interna- versity, access to income support, educational purpose, Universities including UTS, University tional students involve in to this. ‘Racism Is…’ Campaign background, course area studied, experiences of Sydney caught some students who asked for The ‘Racism Is…’ Campaign is a photo cam- of racism and discrimination both within their assignment writing, they failed the course, and paign launched at O-weeks and will continue discipline, their university and the community, some of them have been exclude by university. throughout the year. The campaign aims to awareness of university cultural services and The company did not care about the students, provide ethno-cultural students with a platform awareness of ethno-cultural representation on a they received money and walk away, and they NATIONAL ETHNO-CULTURAL OFFICER to express what racism and discrimination university level. put students in to risks. MICHAEL BEZUDENHOUT means to them from their personal experience. I have consulted heavily with a number of I heard in Melbourne, there are similar com- My intention is to utilise the campaign to E-Newsletter stakeholders and provided all subscribers of pany in some campuses, and the worst one spread awareness of experiences of racism I have been sending out e-newsletters approxi- my mailing list with an opportunity to give me is in Deakin University. I went to the Deakin and discrimination in a more personal and en- mately once a month in order to share resourc- feedback on the proposed survey to ensure that University and saw the posters in Chinese, they gaging way in order to ensure that the people es and let everyone know what I have been the right questions will be asked and that the post them at back of the toilet door! I talked to who experience racism are the ones who define up to in a less formal way than my monthly data we need with be collected. Deakin University student association (DUSA), it and lead the conversations and campaigns reports to National Executive (which you can they felt worry about this in the campus. In this to tackle it, allowing others to be informed and I have been engaging with campus Ethno-cul- find at www.nus.org.au/ethno_cultural). case, we start the Anti-Plagiarism campaign at active allies. tural representatives, collectives and clubs as Deakin. Subscribers are predominantly campus well as student organisations more generally

42 43 to utilise as many mailing lists as possible way for them to have occurred in the first place. state-branch meetings. The intention is for this Environment Campaigning Fighting for the to distribute the survey which will most likely While we can take solace in the fact that network to act as an advisory and consultation reef in the Queensland elections be at the start of Semester 2. I also intend public’s reaction was to overwhelmingly body to the National and State NUS ethno-cul- I did extensive building work for (flyering, to create and distribute poster artwork to be denounce Reclaim Australia’s counterfactual tural departments to ensure the diversity postering, Facebook advertising etc.) and also displayed on campus to promote engagement statements and intolerant ideology, these rallies inherent in the portfolio is able to be adequately was one of the speakers at the Rally Against with the survey. nevertheless can make people from diverse considered and represented. Newman. My article on why we need to fight backgrounds feel less safe and more anxious to save the Great Barrier Reef, and not just The findings of the survey will be released with when going about their daily lives. vote for Labor, was published in Red Flag and recommendations in the ‘Ethno-cultural state of Semper Floreat: https://redflag.org.au/article/ the Union’ report late this year. I have spoken to a number of people that have we-need-fight-save-great-barrier-reef said that the community’s support for the coun- NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT OFFICER Ethno-Cultural Campus Resources teractions of a number of organised groups as I also spoke at the Rally for the Reef at CARL JACKSON and Representation Audit well as individuals really helped to diminish the Nundah, which was also a very good network- Similarly, I have been carrying out an audit into negative impact of the reclaim rallies. ing opportunity. I made contact with a whole Networking the services and representation available to Unfortunately Reclaim Australia have an- bunch of climate scientists, some Greens At the beginning of the year I met up with ethno-cultural students across Australia with its nounced further rallies in July. As such, with candidates, Sea Shepherd activists, an activist outgoing National Environment Officer Damian outcomes also presented in the ‘Ethno-cultural the above feedback in mind, I will be holding from Galilee Blockade and more. Ridgewell for handover. Cheers for that Damo. state of the Union’ report. a phone linkup in early June to discuss a Galilee Basin Coal Mines My first task as National Enviro Officer was The outcome will be to create a register of what coordinated approach on how best to react to I interviewed Adrian Burragubba, spokesperson to collate all the contact details for all en- representation exists for ethno-cultural students and tackle these rallies in a way that celebrates from the Wangan and Jagalingou Traditional vironment departments/collectives/relevant within campus student organisations and multiculturalism and highlights how fringe and Owners Land Council. My subsequent article officebearers around the country, which to my university administrations, what services are unpalatable Reclaim Australia is to the Austra- was published in the Red Flag newspaper, knowledge has never been created by the Envi- available to specifically assist CALD students, lian public while limiting the exposure Reclaim available at the link below: ronment Office before. This will be an incredibly if any cultural sensitivity or diversity training so badly crave. Check the Ethno-Cultural useful resource for future officebearers. I will be https://redflag.org.au/article/wangan-and-jag- is provided to student activists and repre- Department section of the NUS website making this resource available to fellow envi- alingou-people-take-coal-giant-adani sentatives as well as university and student for updates. ronmental activists at EdCon, as I believe it will organisation staff, and the presence of any I also participated in a rally against Adani at greatly help facilitate networking and coordinat- ethno-cultural/CALD/PoC clubs or collectives Semester 2 Travel the University of Queensland. ing national campaigns in the future. on campus. I plan to do much of my traveling in Semester 2. I am currently lining up trips to run ‘Racism In terms of general networking, I have been Fossil Fuel Divestment A key focus for me will be to use the data col- Is…’ events, conduct campus audits, run the able to forge relationships with a variety of I spoke at the UQ Fossil Free divestment rally lected by this process to provide extra attention ethno-cultural student experience survey, and people and organizations so far this year, on the importance of challenging our university and support to specific campuses with room to engage with university administrations on best including scientists, trade unions, activist administrations in the divestment campaign. improve ethno-cultural student representation practice in terms of maintaining an inclusive organizations and more. Most useful to NUS is Upon request, I am also in the process of pub- and support services including helping to es- environment, encouraging the celebration of my ongoing relationship with the Greens, who lished generic divestment policies to be made tablish new ethno-cultural collectives. I hope to diversity and providing support where neces- have pledged great support for our National available on the NUS website for environment use the report to create a dialogue with student sary. I’m always open to suggestions for which Days of Action this year in the way of printing. officebearers and activists around the country. organisations and university administrations campuses are the priority to visit! on how to better cater for the varied needs of I have also made lots of media contacts, March 25 National Day of Action CALD students with a particular focus on how including with a national Triple J Hack reporter, Cross Campus Ethno-Cultural Network I coordinated last minute promotion for the to support students during times when their 4ZZZ FM in Brisbane, Channels 7, 9 and 10, I plan to launch the ‘Cross Campus Eth- March 25 National Day of Action, liased with cultural practices or days of significance may ABC TV and radio, various university media no-Cultural Network’ in Semester 2 utilising media and spoke from the platform and led the clash with academic demands. outlets, small newspapers and more. In the the contacts made during the audit. The Cross chanting at the Brisbane demonstration. The lead up to our National Days of Action this year Campus Ethno-Cultural Network will be a day was a real success - we got 150-200 stu- Reclaim Australia Rallies I was able to utilize my radio contacts to get formalised structure consisting of a Facebook dents out for what was as always a very loud While it was great to see these racist rallies last minute on-air promotion, which is useful group, a regular national phone meeting and energetic demonstration. We had a decent were generally very poorly attended, it is of and generally free advertising that our union schedule, and the capability for physical showing of solidarity from the NTEU, QTU and course upsetting that enough people think that should employ more regularly!

44 45 Queensland Council of Unions as well. Now Sticker Campaign I ran a workshop at Presidents Summit about we should prepare for demonstrations where I am launching a sticker campaign titled “Land engaging students at small and regional possible after the next Federal Budget comes Rights Not Mining Rights!” This campaign will campuses, and will be running a workshop out in May, which will no doubt contain further focus on drawing the important link between at NOWSA about the issues affecting regional attacks on students and young people. the struggle for indigenous land rights and the women. Within NUS I have been a member of fight against environmental destruction, partic- the website working committee. Protest Against Christopher Pyne ularly the massive mining land grab that is the For the remainder of the year I intend to contin- I organized, promoted and chaired a snap pro- current attempted closure of WA communities, ue to build the regional campus network, and test against Christopher Pyne when he visited and the ongoing attempted theft of Aboriginal continue to offer support to campus represen- the University of Queensland on Wednesday 11 land in Central Queensland to build the Carmi- tatives. March (he was there to talk up the supposed chael coal mine. Below is the tentative design merits of fee deregulation to an audience of for a sticker which I’ll be distributing at EdCon Young Liberals!) The event was very successful 2015. I would like to thank National ATSI with statewide reporting on Channel 7 and ABC Officer Bridget Cama for her feedback on the television news, and we very much had a fo- materials. Which are still under development. cus of using the event to promote the March 25 Any feedback is welcome! Please email me at National Day of Action. The NTEU endorsed the [email protected] event and sent a speaker along, and we also had a focus on Pyne’s proposed $150 million research funding cuts and its associated 1700 researcher jobs, with a PhD student speaking to that. So I highly endorse fellow OBs to pro- NATIONAL SMALL AND REGIONAL test the shit out of Liberal ministers whenever OFFICER ROSE GOSPER they set foot on our campuses. As Small and Regional Officer I have been Indigenous Solidarity working to connect campus representatives This has been a very important focus of my de- from regional campuses. I have established a partment so far this year. In addition to the fact Small and Regional Campus Network. Iif you that all student unions on principle should take are from an S&R campus join at www.face- a stand against racism and with indigenous book.com/groups/776944002359490/ Australians against the ongoing genocide in My primary goal as Small and Regional Officer this country, issues surrounding environmental is to establish contact with all campuses, this destruction often intersect with indigenous in the past has been patchy. Small and Region- struggle. al campuses are more often than not isolated. As a former campus president I am aware WA Community Closures that one of the most valuable resources is the So far this year I have pledged a lot of my time shared experience and knowledge of other to building the demonstrations against the WA student activists. If I have not contacted you, Community Closures, including organizing please feel free to contact me. I am offering printing of leaflets and posters with the Greens; support for regional campuses on a range of mass leafleting and postering around Brisbane, issues, including ensuring NUS materials are particularly UQ, QUT and Griffith Universities; distributed and support for student associations organized a banner painting and student experiencing difficulty. contingent to the community closures rally at the University of Queensland; attended an NTEU I have been visiting campuses where pos- and Goorie Berimpa Collective Fireside Forum sible, including UNE and UoW, as well as on the community closures and more. attending and speaking at Newcastle’s NDA. 46 47 48 49 www.nus.org.au