NUS National Conference 2015

POLICY BOOK Contents

1. Constitution, Regulations, Bylaws 1

2. Administration 16 3. Unionism 45 4. Education 89 5. Welfare 157 6. Womens 216 7. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy 259 8. Queer Policy 274 9. Disabilities 304 Contents

10. Ethno-Cultural 324

11. International 340

12. Small and Regional 344

13. Environment 364

14. Misc. 374 1

The following resolutions numbered CRBL 1 – 10 are proposed as 1. Constitution, Regulations and Bylaws Special Resolutions of National Conference: Amendments This notice fulfills Notice of Special Resolution requirements contained within C16.2(a) of the NUS Constitution. Copy of Notice: These resolutions are presented in the order in which they were National Union of Students Incorporated received. A.C.T. Reg. No. A 01837 Kind Regards,

NOTICE OF AMENDMENTS TO Tom Nock NUS REGULATIONS AND BY-LAWS National General Secretary National Union of Students

16th November 2015

Dear Campus Presidents, Delegates to National Conference, and NUS National Executive,

Notice is given that at the annual meeting of National Conference to be held on 7 to 11 December 2015 it is intended that the following amendments be proposed to the constitution, regulations and by-laws:

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

1.1 Amendments to the NUS Regulations and Bylaws – State (b) an officer of a state branch, or Branch Amendments 5. In R51.3, delete “.” and insert “or otherwise cease to hold office REGULATIONS in accordance with the regulations or by-laws.”

1. Delete R17.7(a) and replace with: 6. Delete R52.2 and renumber accordingly.

(a) the election at that meeting of any national officers, 7. In R54.1, delete “B61.1” and “B61.2” and replace with “B60.1” General Executive Members and state officers is void and “B60.2” respectively. and of no effect; and 8. Insert R54.2 as follows: 2. Delete R17.9(a)(ii) and replace with: 54.2 General Executive Members and state officers cease to hold (ii) the state officers; and office if they cease to be eligible to be elected.

3. Delete R49.2 and delete R49.1 and replace R49.1 with: 9. Delete the “Schedule – State Branches”, replace with the following Schedule and amend table of contents and any 49.1 The following officers must be elected at the annual references in regulations and by-laws accordingly. meeting of National Conference in the following order:

(a) national officers in the order listed in R31.1, SCHEDULE – STATE BRANCHES (b) the state officers in the order of State President followed by State Education Vice-President followed by Division 1 – Name, Object and Membership Campus Representatives, and (c) the General Executive Members. S1. Name

Under R45.1 and R45.2 the name of each state branch is 4. Delete R50(b) and replace with: “National Union of Students, [insert name of state]” (in this

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

schedule, “the state branch”). (i) co-ordinating the activities of NUS in that state, S2. Object (ii) organising state-based campaigns and activities, The object of the state branch is to carry out the objects of NUS in (iii) authorising the publication of materials for its state. the state branch on behalf of NUS, subject to National Executive, and S3 Membership

(b) to implement the policy of NUS and state policy in Under R45.5, the members of the state branch are the member that state. organisations in the state. S6. Meetings Division 2– State Executive 6.1 The State Executive must meet at least 3 times each year. S4. Membership 6.2 The State President may convene a meeting of State The members of the State Executive are: Executive.

(a) The State President (voting chair), 6.3 The State President must convene a meeting of State (b) The State Education Vice-President (voting), and Executive: (c) The Campus Representatives of the member (a) if the State Executive so resolves, or organisations (voting). (b) if requested in writing by a majority of the voting S5. Responsibilities members of the State Executive at the time. The responsibilities of the State Executive are: 6.4 The procedure at meetings of State Executive is the same as that for National Executive, with any necessary modifications. (a) to manage the state branch, including:

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

6.5 There shall be a standing invitation to all meetings of the 9.2 A person who has been a state officer for 3 years in total is state executive accorded to: not eligible to nominate again as a state officer. (a) Campus Presidents or their nominee of Member Organisations in the state 9.3 A person who has been a State President or national (b) The representative of all state-wide autonomous officer or State President and national officer for 2 networks as recognised by a majority of the State Executive years in total is not eligible to nominate as State President.

9.4 Candidates may nominate for more than state officer S7. Standing Resolutions position, but, if declared elected to 1 position, are taken to have withdrawn from the other positions. The State Executive may by an absolute majority pass standing resolutions to give effect to this schedule. S10. State President

10.1 There shall be a State President for each state branch, who Division 3– State Officers must be a student represented by a member organisation which is a member of that state branch. S8. State Officers 10.2 The State President: The officers of the state branch are: (a) is the official spokesperson of the state branch,

(a) the State President, (b) is responsible for the overall supervision of the activities of the state branch, (b) the State Education Vice-President, and (c) is responsible for liaising with NUS national officers (c) the Campus Representatives. on behalf of the state branch and reporting to the

National Executive regarding the state branch’s S9. Eligibility activities, 9.1 A person who has held a state officer position for 2 years (d) is responsible for engaging with NUS’ stakeholders in in total is not eligible to nominate again for that position. the state, and (e) is responsible for calling and chairing meetings of the

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

State Executive. 12.1 There shall be a Campus Representative (named “Campus 10.3 If there is a vacancy in the position of State President, or Representative, [insert name of member organisation]”) the State President is overseas or otherwise unable to act, the for each of the member organisations which are members of the state branch. If there is only one member organisation in a state, State Education Vice-President will act as State President. or only one member organisation in a state with delegates accredited to National Conference, there will be two Campus 10.4 A State President ceases to hold office if they cease to be Representatives for that member organisation. eligible to be elected, or otherwise in accordance with the regulations and by-laws. 12.2 The Campus Representative must be an enrolled student represented by the member organisation for which they are S11. State Education Vice-President Campus Representative.

11.1 There shall be a State Education Vice-President for each 12.3 The Campus Representative of a member organisation is state branch, who must be a student represented by a member organisation which is a member of that state branch. responsible for:

11.2 The State Education Vice-President is responsible for: (a) liaising between their member organisation and the state branch, (b) assisting with the state branch’s activities relating to (a) co-ordinating NUS campaigns in the state, including their member organisation, co-ordinating volunteers and activists, (c) acting as a point of contact in relation to their (b) supervision of the activities of the state branch member organisation, and relating to education, and (d) advocating and promoting NUS’ activities to that (c) assisting the State President in their performance of member organisation. their duties. 12.4 A Campus Representative ceases to hold office if they cease 11.3 A State Education Vice-President ceases to hold office if to be eligible to be elected, or otherwise in accordance with the they cease to be eligible to be elected, or otherwise in regulations and by-laws. accordance with the regulations and by-laws. S13. Accountability and Direction S12. Campus Representatives

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

State officers are responsible to, and may be directed by (increasing 47.2 B46 and B54 apply to the election of the Conference order of priority): Business Committee.

(a) the State President, 12. At B53, insert B53.3 and B53.4 as follows: (b) State Executive,

(c) the National President, 53.3 In the case of a ballot for the office of State President or (d) National Executive, and State Education Vice- President of a state branch, only the (e) National Conference. delegates to National Conference of member organisations

which are members of that state branch are entitled to vote. BY-LAWS

53.4 In the case of a ballot for the office of Campus 10. Delete B2.2(a) and (b), so that B2.2 reads: Representative, only the delegates to National Conference of the member organisation represented by 2.2 The Accreditation Committee may only accredit delegates that Campus Representative are entitled to vote. If there are no whose election complies with R18 and B3-B6, except as such delegates, then the office of Campus provided in B7. Representative will remain vacant.

11. Delete B47 and replace with: 13. In B73(c) delete the words “and state” and “the department’s”, and insert the words “, state education vice-presidents” after the 47.1 This Division applies to the election of: words “education officers”.

(a) National officers, 14. In B74(f) delete the words “and state” and “the department’s”. (b) State officers, and (c) General Executive Members. 15. In B75(c) delete the words “other” and “Departments” and, in B75(f), delete the words “the department’s”.

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

President or any 3 State Presidents. 16. In B76(f) delete the words “and state” and “the department’s”. B85. Copies of Material

17. In B77(i) delete the words “and state” and “the department’s”. 85.1 The National General Secretary must send to each state branch copies of all documents and other material sent to all 18. In B78(g) delete the words “and state” and “the department’s”. member organisations.

19. In B79(d) delete the words “and state” and “the department’s”. 85.2 Each State President must send the National General Secretary copies of all documents and other material sent 20. In B80(d) delete the words “and state” and “the department’s”. to all member organisations in that state.

21. Delete “Part 6 – State Branches” and insert Part 6 as follows, 22. At the end of B88.1(c) insert the words “or other state officer”. renumber accordingly and amend table of contents accordingly: 23. In B88.2, insert the words “or other state officer” after the words “State President”.

PART 6 – STATE BRANCHES 24. After B88.2 insert a new B88.3 as follows, renumber B84. Meetings of National Officers and State Presidents accordingly and amend table of contents accordingly:

84.1 Meetings of all national officers and State Presidents: 88.3 In the case of a vacancy in the office of Campus Representative, only the delegates to National Conference (a) may be held immediately after meetings of National of the member organisation represented by that Campus Executive to co-ordinate the implementation of Representative are entitled to vote. If there are no such decisions of National Executive, and delegates, then the office of Campus Representative will

remain vacant. (b) may be called at any other time by the National

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

25. Delete B88.7 and replace with: in C27, and

88.7 If a National Officer, General Executive Member or State (c) Distribute the budget to member organisations. Officer has ceased to hold office in accordance with the regulations, then that person will not be eligible to nominate for 3. Delete B89.5. that office at any ballot conducted in accordance with this by-law.

Moved: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) Moved: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) Seconded: Rose Steele (National President) Seconded: Rose Steele (National President)

1.3 Transparency for the Union: An end to closed door 1.2 Amendments to the NUS Regulations and Bylaws – Budget meetings Year Amendments Preamble BY-LAWS 1. The National Union of Students (NUS) claims to be the peak representative body for Australian undergraduate students, 1. In B89.3, delete the words “1 March” and replace with the words yet the overwhelming majority of students have little or no “1 August”. knowledge of the organisation.

2. Delete B89.4 and replace with: 2. With blocking or imposing high financial costs upon students who wish to observe NUS undertakings, the Union is deliberately 89.4 National Executive must: restricting student involvement in its affairs.

(a) Before 1 October, set the budget of NUS in Platform accordance with R28.1(a)(i), 1. The NUS recognises that all students from affiliated universities (b) Set the budget for the NUS financial year, as defined have the right to observe meetings, including the National

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

Conference, General Meetings, Annual General Meetings. Seconded: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of Melbourne Student Union) 2. The NUS recognises without active student involvement the Union would be insolvent. 1.4 Embracing openness increases trustworthiness: Access for 3. The NUS recognises that an end to closed door meetings is a Student Media positive step forward in making the NUS a more transparent and accountable Union. Preamble

Action 1. The National Union of Students (NUS) claims itself to be the peak representative body for Australian undergraduate students, yet 1. The NUS will remove all fees for student observes from affiliated the overwhelming majority of students have little or no universities to the National Conference. knowledge of the organisation.

2. The National General Secretary will make public notice of general 2. With blocking or imposing high financial costs upon media who meetings, annual general meetings, at the same time as wish to observe NUS undertakings, the Union is deliberately voting members online, via the NUS website to alert restricting student involvement. students of meetings. 3. Student Media in Australia is a powerful tool to access a wide 3. The NUS will open all general meetings, annual general meetings variety of students and the wider community. to students from affiliated universities. 4. The National Union of Students (UK) recognises that an open 4. The NUS will have the power to go into closed camera, via a vote access to student media and live-streamed proceedings of executive members, within meetings to discuss issues allows for more transparent and better attended that are deemed sensitive and not for public release. conferences with better overall outcomes for students.

Moved: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University Platform Union)

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

1. The NUS recognises the importance of free and independent Media Observes to use communication tools, such as Twitter, student media. Facebook, Periscope, photography and videography.

2. The NUS recognises that in order for students to have access to 3. The NUS will live stream (online) the National Conference via the information about the NUS, student media must be given NUS website or live steam site, advertised on the website, to open free and open access to the National Conference. the conference up to those who wish to view.

3. The NUS recognises that elected representatives of students 4. The NUS will reserve the right to charge student media from affiliated universities must be held accountable for organisations (Media Observers) for access to their actions at the National Conference accommodation, food, and transportation for the conference. 4. The NUS recognises that media tools, including Twitter, Facebook, Periscope, photography and videography should Moved: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University be able to be used on the floor of the National Conference Union) in order to communicate conference information, Seconded: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of compromising of but not limited to speeches, policy Melbourne Student Union) discussion and announcements of votes.

5. The NUS recognises that a more transparent and open 1.5 Transparency and Accountability in Subscriptions organisation is beneficial to the Union. Preamble Action 1. Each organisation affiliated to the NUS is required to pay a 1. The NUS will formally invite all student media organisations ‘subscription fee’. This fee is calculated according to the process (Media Observers) from affiliated universities to observe the outlined in C8.2. Whilst this process is intended to ensure a National Conference free of charge. uniform and fair fee across the union, lower fees are often accepted by the National Executive from certain organisations. 2. The NUS will remove restrictions from conference attendees,

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

2. The constitution and regulations only grant one exemption status organisation has been or will be reduced as a result of under R6.1. Should a resolution for a lower fee be passed by the government legislation, it may be resolution passed by an National Executive, the impact of the legislation on the absolute majority reduce the annual subscription payable by organisation’s ability to pay the required fee should be made that member organisation. Notice of the revised known. subscription fee and the case for this must be provided to all other affiliated organisations and posted on the NUS 3. If the reasons for lower fee acceptance not be covered under Website upon acceptance by the National Executive. R6.1, or should there be an increasing trend for requests for lower subscription fees, the National Executive may consider 2. The NUS, through consultation of all member organisations, shall lowering the subscription fees across the boards as to avoid conduct a review regarding the current subscription fee unnecessary procedures. rates in order to assess the potential of lowering said rates.

Platform Moved: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of Melbourne Student Union) 1. The NUS is committed to transparency of the organisation. Seconded: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University Union) 2. The NUS recognises the value of its members and seeks to express this through accountability. 1.6 The Secret Ballot: Not so secret 3. The NUS acknowledges the importance of good and fair governance, and endeavours to ensure that all Preamble organisations are treated in accordance to clear and equitable standards. 1. R48. All officers must be elected by secret ballot using optional preferential proportional representation. Action 2. R80.4. For the purpose of these regulations, a ballot does not 1. A proposed amendment to R6.1 would read as follows: “R6.1 - If cease to be a secret ballot by reason only that a voter National Executive is satisfied that the income of a member chooses: a) to show their completed ballot paper to another

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

person before casting it; or b) to allow another person to fill out the sake of transparency and accountability. and cast their ballot paper on their behalf Action 3. Common practice in National Conference elections sees ballots being swapped across factions and filled in by individuals whose 1. That the NUS will remove R80.4b, “to allow another person to fill name does not correspond with the voting right. out and cast their ballot paper on their behalf”, from the regulations. 4. Complaints have been made in the past over stolen ballots, intimidation, coercion, and deception in the election process. Moved: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of Melbourne Student Union) Platform Seconded: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University Union) 1. The NUS believes in the importance of democratic procedure.

2. The NUS condemns attempts to influence a delegate’s vote 1.7 Secret Ballot Voting through forms of intimidation, coercion, deception, and misguidance. Preamble:

3. The NUS, being committed to good governance, recognises the 1. Year after year a few individuals from major factions control and need to ensure that voting is conducted in an orderly manner, fill in ballot papers that represent the entire country's respecting the nature of the secret ballot. democratic right to elect Office Bearers within the National Union of students. 4. The NUS believes that the democratic process should see delegates fill out their own ballots. 2. It not only common but has become practise for the vast majority of individuals elected as NUS delegates to mass proxy or hand 5. The NUS likewise acknowledges the political nature of elections, their votes over to be filled out by someone else. and would support the ability, as outlined in R80.4a, for delegates to show their completed ballots to another person for

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

3. NUS delegates are elected on a platform of representation and by handing over ballots and not voting themselves as a delegate 2. Regulation 80.4 be amended to “For the purposes of these they are inadequately and improperly representing the students regulations, a secret ballot is identified as:” that have elected them. 3. Replace R80.4 (a) with “a ballot that is not transferrable and must 4. Regulation 80.4 currently outlines what is to be interpreted by only be held, completed and cast by the delegate to whom it is the term ‘secret ballot’. This policy states that ‘a ballot does not entitled.” cease to be a secret ballot’ when it is shown to others or even when it is filled out by others. 4. Replace R80.4 (b) with “if a delegate has attended less than three days of conference and is not present to pick up their votes within the first two hours of polling day a proxy can pick up the Platform: votes on their behalf, At this point, unless the delegate should enter the polling room, only the proxy may hold, complete or 1. NUS believes in democracy, NUS believes in true representation, cast the ballots,” NUS believes everyone has a voice and that each voice should be heard. 5. Create R80.4 (c) to read “ballots are not to be shown to any other individual in the polling room with exception to Returning 2. Policy that allows a few individuals from large factions to control Officer staff, nor are pictures of ballots to be taken” all of the ballots is undemocratic and unrepresentative. 6. Create R80.4 (d) to read “ballots are not to be taken out of the polling room,” 3. NUS needs to move away from factionalism and become more representative of the wide variety of students within Australia 7. Create R80.4 (e) to read “no individuals with exception to and within the National Conference. Returning Officer staff are entitled to handle any ballot of which they are not a delegate or proxy for as set out in R80 (a) & (b)” Action: 8. Create R80.4 (f) to read “polling booths should be placed at least 1. By-Law 9.2, replace “5 delegations” with “2 delegations”. one metre apart from each other in the polling room and all

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

ballots must be completed within the polling booths”, 1. The Returning Officer should be chosen well in advance to allow 9. Create R80.4 (g) to read “once a delegate or proxy has completed for candidates to nominate in advance and properly their ballots, they are to cast them immediately and leave the campaign for the election. polling room.”. 2. All delegates should have been given the opportunity to consider candidates on their merit before voting for them. Moved: Brendan Spackman-Williams (Swinburne University of Technology/National Executive Action: Seconded: Cameron Caccamo (Sydney University SRC) 1. B48.1 be replaced by “By the 15th October, National Executive should have appointed a Returning Officer and may appoint 1.8 Get to know your candidates! a Deputy Returning Officer for the National Conference.” 2. B48.2 be removed, B48.3 becomes B48.2 and B48.4 becomes Preamble: B48.3. 3. “National General Secretary” in B50.1 be replaced with 1. R48.1 states that the Returning Officer for the Conference must “Returning Officer”. be elected during the first session, this has resulted in the 4. B50.2 be replaced with “Nominations close 5 PM on the first day Returning Officer being ‘chosen’ in advance before in which the Conference takes place.” conference and the motion or election itself only resulting in 5. B53.3 be created to read “Candidates are able to submit a formality. candidate statements up to 300 words at the same time of 2. As the Returning Officer is elected during the conference, the their nomination. The Returning Officer will work with the entire electoral process including nominations, validations Business Committee to have the candidate statements of nominations as well as the polling and declaration takes available for all delegates by the COB on the second day in place within the span of a few days. which the Conference takes place.” 3. This leave very little opportunity for delegates to properly understand the candidates they are voting for and why. Moved: Brendan Spackman-Williams (Swinburne University of Technology/National Executive Platform: Seconded: Cameron Caccamo (Sydney University SRC)

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

1.9 Amendment to C8.2

C8.2 (a) delete "2004" and replace with "2016" delete "$5.00" and replace with "$2.50" C8.2 (b) delete "2004" and replace with "2016"

Moved: Jason Giancono (Curtin University) Seconded: Liam O’Neill (Curtin University)

1.10 Amendment in regards to EFTSU and EFTSL Replace all instances of "EFTSU" in the Regulations with "EFTSL"

Moved: Jason Giancono (Curtin University) Seconded: Liam O’Neill (Curtin University)

Constitution, Regulations, and Bylaws

Action 2. Administration 1. The 2015 National Conference directs the National General

Secretary to continue to take out director’s liability 2.1 Taking out Director’s liability insurance for NUS National insurance for the 2016 National Executive. Executive

Preamble Moved: Cameron Petrie (RMIT University Student Union/Victorian 1. NUS is an incorporated association under the auspices of State Branch President) the ACT Corporations Act (2001) and, consequently, the Seconded: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) board of directors – in NUS’ case, the National Executive – are responsible for the activities and direction of NUS, holding liability for seven years. 2.2 Clarifying the affiliation process to ensure maximum 2. It is common practice for incorporated associations such as affiliation revenue NUS to take out directors’ liability insurance, so as to ensure that past and present individual directors are not subject to Preamble 1. The dominant source of revenue for NUS is affiliation fees financial loss. 3. In 2015, NUS took out director’s liability insurance for the from member organisations. Without these contributions, National Executive. NUS will cease to exist. 2. Consequently, it is imperative for NUS to be able to get the maximum amount of affiliation revenue possible, so as to Platform ensure that NUS continues to be the voice of students in the 1. It is a primary aim of NUS to ensure that it is compliant with Australian Higher Education debate. the Corporations Act. 2. It is imperative for the National Executive to make decisions 3. The introduction of SSAF has seen student union budgets pertinent to the running of NUS in a participatory, informed grow but, unfortunately, revenue from affiliation fees has and responsible manner. not increased commensurate with the growing budgets from individual student unions.

Administration

4. A clear affiliation process is critical if maximum affiliation 2. The National General Secretary will ensure that all Initial revenue is to be gained by NUS, as sometimes an opaque Affiliation Invoices are sent to affiliate campuses by the 29th process can lead to worse outcomes for affiliation of February 2016, in order to start the affiliation process contributions. early to finance NUS’ operations throughout the year. 3. The National General Secretary will ensure that any Platform decrease in affiliation fees proposed to the Fee Review 1. NUS believes that increasing revenue from affiliation fees is Committee of National Executive are accompanied with essential for the maintenance of our National Union, and appropriate documentation outlining why such a decrease is that it is important for affiliate campuses pay as much as necessary. feasible to finance the continuing operation of NUS. 2. NUS, as the sole representative body for all Australian Moved: Cameron Petrie (RMIT University Student Union/Victorian students, plays a critical role in ensuring that the interests of State Branch President) students are heard at the national level. Seconded: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) 3. National Conference recognises the importance to NUS to

have affiliation fees paid as early as possible in the year, so 2.3 Keeping NUS financially stable: looking in to alternative as to offset costs throughout the year. revenue streams 4. A clear affiliation process is critical in order to receive increased affiliation revenue and to ensure that affiliation Preamble fees are paid as early as possible. 1. For NUS to be effective in delivering for its members, it must be financially strong. Action 2. A major recommendation of the audit commissioned in 1. National Conference directs the National General Secretary 2014 was that alternative revenue streams investigated by to liaise with affiliate campuses early in 2016 to ensure NUS, so as to decrease the inherent risk arising from maximum affiliation revenue. deriving most of its revenue from a single source of income.

Administration

3. The introduction of VSU highlighted the risk to the 4. NUS must insulate itself against the possible removal of the organisation that a worsened student union funding SSAF to ensure that the interests of the students of Australia environment would have. Student unions were forced to continue to be represented at a national level. diversify their operations into commercial operations,

sponsorship and profit making events in order to survive. Action

4. As it stands, NUS is exclusively funded by affiliation fees. 1. National Conference directs the National General Secretary The year-to-year nature of NUS’ finances makes it difficult and National President to investigate additional sources of to plan in advance tasks that only a national representative revenue, for discussion and approval by National Executive. body of Australian students can perform. 5. The role of NUS in the Australian higher education policy landscape is a crucial one, as NUS is the sole advocate for Moved: Cameron Petrie (RMIT University Student the rights of all students in Australia. Without a properly Union/Victorian State Branch President) funded National Union, policies pertaining to students in Seconded: Tom Nock (National General Secretary)

higher education can only be expected to worsen in the face

of almost no opposition. 2.4 Reaching out to potential affiliates

Platform Preamble 1. NUS is committed to being financially responsible, so as to 1. Like any union, NUS becomes stronger when it reaches ensure that it can continue to advocate on behalf of more students. Having more students represented by NUS, university students. and having a diversity of students represented, gives NUS 2. A strong NUS is a critical tool for student activism and is more legitimacy as the peak representative body for all requisite for effective activism on a national level. students, and better allows NUS to lobby on behalf of 3. Conference believes that NUS should be an effective and student interests. well-funded activist organisation. 2. Further to the above point, having more affiliates allows NUS to increase revenue from affiliations, in order to

Administration

finance the crucial work that our organisation plays in the 3. NUS believes that all students, through their elected higher education landscape. delegates, should have a say at NUS National Conference by 3. There is a perception, rightly or wrongly, that NUS is affiliating financially to NUS. focussed on large, urban campuses at the expense of small 4. NUS recognises that the largest franchise possible will and regional campuses. This must change, and reaching out produce the best outcomes for Australian university to potential affiliates, many of whom are in regional areas, students. is crucial if NUS is to grow as an organisation.

4. Further, a prominent reason why some campuses do not Action affiliate to NUS is because these organisations are often not 1. The National President and the National General Secretary aware of what NUS is or the benefits that it provides for will liaise with campuses who are not affiliates to NUS, or these organisations. who did not pay their affiliation fees for 2015, in order to

5. NUS should be reaching out to campuses that are not advise them of the benefits of NUS affiliation and to affiliated, and encourage them to affiliate to NUS in order to encourage them to affiliate in 2016. contribute to the benefits that all university students 2. 2016 National Office Bearers will assist campuses to affiliate receive as a result of NUS activity. to NUS and ensure that they vote at National Conference. 3. The National President and the National General Secretary Platform will endeavour to have new campuses financially affiliate, so 1. NUS believes that the expansion of NUS into campuses that that they can participate in NUS and so that NUS can enjoy are not currently affiliate is crucial for a dynamic and the benefits of greater coverage and increased affiliation growing union revenue. 2. NUS believes that the potential affiliation revenue from Moved: Cameron Petrie (RMIT University Student these campuses is also important as it finances NUS’ Union/Victorian State Branch President) continuing operations. Seconded: Tom Nock (National General Secretary)

Administration

2.5 Engaging the Average Punter 1. The National General Secretary will contact affiliates to seek to have fortnightly updates from NUS published on affiliate Preamble websites and in publications they produce 1. Since 2014 NUS has produce an e-newsletter to bridge the 2. The National General Secretary will collate and coordinate communication gap that exists between NUS, it’s affiliate these fortnightly updates to be sent out to the officers of student organizations and individual students affiliate campuses 2. In 2015 NUS finally launched the long-awaited website, which 3. Content will include general NUS news, updates and has increased the availability of information for affiliates and specifics on campaigns, NOB updates, information on individual students alike coming events, and any other content deemed appropriate 3. With 2016 being a Federal Election year, it is vital that affiliates by the National General Secretary and students are kept up to date with what NUS is doing, the 4. For student organisations without a website or printed campaigns it is running and any changes it is making in terms of publication, the National General Secretary will produce a its governance A4 broadsheet to be emailed to campuses for them to print 4. Good communication is vital to maintain the affiliate and make available at their offices organizations’ confidence in NUS and to assure them that they are getting value for the affiliation fees they pay Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 5. With that said, for students uninvolved in campus activism, Seconded: Cam Petrie (RMIT University Student Union) NUS is an unknown entity that they only hear about during student elections. It is essential that NUS seeks to engage more students, not just those from the student politics elite 2.6 NUS is not a Movie Set Platform 1. NUS seeks even closer relationships with affiliate Preamble organizations and their members 1. NUS currently does not allow filming or photography during 2. NUS recognizes the importance of effective communication its National Conference. with students

Action

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2. National Conference is the peak decision-making body for 2. In the interest of transparency, NUS will allow filming during NUS and discusses policies and tactics in order to make its Office Bearer report-backs and candidate speeches campaigns and organizing as effective as possible. Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Seconded: Tom Beyer (University of Western Australia) 3. Much of what is discussed at National Conference can be sensitive, particularly during the Women’s, Queer, Ethno- Cultural, and Disabilities policy chapters. 2.7 Wait Patiently in the Lobby – Increase NUS’ lobbying efforts Platform 1. The safety of those attending National Conference is a Preamble priority 1. Arguably the most crucial part of NUS’ role is lobbying. An 2. NUS should seek to ensure that all students feel safe to integral part of achieving the goals of NUS is lobbying discuss and debate policy openly, particularly during policy parliamentarians in the Government, Opposition, and minor chapters that involve individual lived experience parties, as well as many relevant stakeholders who may hold 3. NUS seeks to build effective campaigns to ensure positive influence in the Education Sector. outcomes for students, and recognizes that this involves tactic based discussions 2. With a federal election looming in 2016, it is important that NUS 4. NUS recognizes the value of transparency, particularly in has a clear lobbying strategy that targets the people with the ability regards to the role and actions of National Office Bearers, to effect change most effectively. and candidates for national office Platform Action 1. NUS recognises that 2016 will be an important year and an 1. NUS will continue to not allow filming or photography at its opportunity to ensure that issues pertaining to students are annual National Conference during the discussion of policy considered by politicians during the federal election or constitutional amendments, and will eject individuals from conference floor who are in breach of this

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2. NUS is committed to identifying the most effective ways it can c. specifically identifying people who may be “gatekeepers” effect change in policy, in order to achieve the best outcomes for to parliamentarians; students. d. gathering information about the interests of relevant 3. NUS acknowledges that to effect change in policy, a multi- people, and how NUS can appeal to those interests; faceted approach is required that incorporates lobbying as well as activism on the ground and engagement with sector groups. e. articulating how NUS can make the most of the above information, and how to engage with the relevant people 4. NUS recognises that forging relationships with relevant key most effectively. people is critical to influencing changes in policy. 2. The National President, along with other National Office Bearers 5. NUS believes it is crucial that all lobbying efforts include the will seek to engage representatives from individual states and voices and concerns of a broad range of students affiliate student unions across the country in the lobbying efforts of NUS by:

Action a. Developing state based strategies with each NUS State 1. The National President will formulate a lobbying strategy in Branch consultation with other National Office Bearers. This will include: b. Regularly updating affiliate student unions of the lobbying a. broadly identifying key people who may be relevant, and efforts of National Office Bearers establishing contact where appropriate. These may be inside or outside of Parliament; 3. National Office Bearers will seek the involvement and voices of students from across the country in submissions made and their b. specifically identifying any parliamentarians and federal lobbying efforts by: election candidates who may hold balance of power on a given issue; a. Asking individual student union office bearers to provide submissions on their experiences and views on any given

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issue affiliate campuses in order to strengthen the campaigns of NUS. b. Posting questionnaires on the NUS website and Facebook page to seek input from a wider range of students Platform Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 1. The National Union of Students recognises the importance Seconded: Cam Petrie (RMIT/Vic State Branch President) of being accessible to as many students as possible.

2. NUS acknowledges that in the wake of VSU, many campus organisations have collapsed and as such it is important to 2.8 NUS and Affiliate Organisation Recruitment engage with students on an individual basis about the work of NUS. Preamble: 3. NUS acknowledges the importance of additional streams of 1. Under Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU), many student revenue to the long term sustainability and campaign organisations collapsed, particularly at small and regional capacity of NUS. campuses. 4. NUS recognises individual membership at campuses may help to engage non-member organisations. 2. While the introduction of the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) has resulted in funding increases at 5. NUS believes that encouraging membership of campus level many campuses, there are still numerous campuses that do affiliate organisations is beneficial and essential to grow the not have independent student organisations or are unaware capacity of the campaigns NUS ultimately runs. of the existence of their campus student union. 6. NUS acknowledges the provisions in its rules for individual membership. 3. The National Union of Students seeks to represent all students and therefore must reach out to students at non-

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Action: Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Seconded: Cam Petrie (RMIT/Vic State Branch President) 1. The National General Secretary and National President, in conjunction with other National Office Bearers, will develop an NUS induction pack for O-Weeks including but not limited to: 2.9 Maximising the Reach and Benefit of NUS Surveys and Research i) a flyer explaining what NUS is, and strategic priorities for the year; Preamble ii) a sign-up sheet for the NUS e-Newsletter; 1. NUS conducts a significant amount of research and outputs many reports on an annual basis. iii) relevant information on key issues and NUS campaigns. 2. Since VSU, many student organisations have not had the financial 2. The National General Secretary will develop, in consultation with capacity to employ research officers. the National President and other National Office Bearers, an individual membership form and the National President and 3. The research of NUS is important to campuses and the national National General Secretary will ensure the sign-ups for the student movement as it provides an evidence base for pro-student newsletter are administered effectively in person and through the arguments. NUS website. 4. NUS has struggled to maintain relevance on some campuses, 3. The National General Secretary will seek to have the sign-up with some campuses feeling that inadequate support and details made available on affiliate organisation website, information is provided by their National Union. information counters and O-Week stalls. 5. By ensuring that all reports generated from surveys and research 4. National Office Bearers visiting campuses during O-Weeks will completed by NUS are readily available on the NUS website, actively help affiliate organisations with signing students up to their campuses will be able easily access a wealth of information and the campus unions, as well as to NUS work of the National Union will be clearly visible.

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2. The National General Secretary and National President in 6. The data collected by NUS has value not only for campaigns run conjunction with the NUS Research Department will investigate the by NUS, but for university administrations, other unions, media possibility of data-sharing with organisations, unions and outlets and other organisations, including businesses that target businesses if there is a perceived benefit to students. This will be their operations towards students done with a view towards gaining sponsorship and revenue from the surveys and research NUS conducts Platform: Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 1. NUS acknowledges the importance of collecting surveys and Seconded: Cam Petrie (RMIT/Vic State Branch President) doing research to support pro-student arguments being mounted on campuses and nationally 2.10 E-Lists for our A-Lists: Creating and Maintaining Important 2. NUS believes that research and surveys completed by NUS Contact Information Data for National Office Bearers should be readily available on the NUS website in order to maximise usefulness for affiliate campuses. Preamble 3. NUS believes that sharing data and collected research with other It is important for National Office Bearers to communicate with the organisations (unions, university administrations, media outlets and campuses they represent. Currently there is no official shared businesses) can translate into positive outcomes for students database of contact information; traditionally contact information is passed during handover or acquired individually. For National Action Office Bearers wanting to contact Campus Presidents currently,

1. The National General Secretary and National President in email addresses must be passed on by the National President. conjunction with the NUS Research Department will ensure that all surveys and reports produced by NUS in the last four years (at This system makes it difficult for National Office Bearers when minimum) are available on the NUS website in an easily accessible hostile handovers occur, and adds an unnecessary middle person format when contacting campus representatives.

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2. The NUS maintains that It is important for campus There is also some concern that National Office Bearers may use representatives to be able to contact other student campus contacts to distribute material unrelated to their role at representatives around the country to share resources; NUS. 3. The NUS believes that e-lists are an effective platform by which National Office Bearers may contact student Many student organisations use e-lists to contact their student representatives; members. These e-lists are usually managed by staff and controlled 4. The NUS also believes that e-lists have multiple benefits for by executive members of student representative bodies. They National Office Bearers, such as allowing for an easier prevent disclosure of individual emails, making it easier to guard handover, maintaining transparency, and simpler against potential abuse of the system. maintenance of contact lists.

They also have options such as requiring approval of emails sent to Actions the list from an non-approved email by an admin. This has two 1. That the NUS direct the National General Secretary to advantages: establish and maintain an e-list consisting of important 1. Campus Representatives can send an email to the list, which contacts around the country, for the use of all National can then be approved by the appropriate National Office Office Bearers; Bearer for distribution; 2. That the NUS maintains separate e-lists that are relevant to 2. National Office Bearers found to be abusing the list can be each department, to allow National Office Bearers to quickly easily taken off automatic approval. contact all of the equivalent Campus Office Bearers and Campus Presidents, as well as any other important contacts; Platform 3. That the NUS directs the National President and the 1. The NUS believes that to effectively and efficiently perform National General Secretary to allow all National Office their roles NUS Office bearers need to be able to directly Bearers to directly email both the general Campus President contact the people they represent; list and their specific departmental list;

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4. That the NUS apportions responsibility to all National Office 2. Through this lack of recognition, a large section of the student Bearers for informing the National General Secretary of any population is unaware of what their national union is doing for updated details of contacts relevant to their department; them.

5. That the NUS implores National Office Bearers to use these Platform e-lists only for the purposes of fulfilling the responsibilities attributed to their position within NUS; 1. That NUS acknowledges the benefits which promoting and 6. That the NUS allows for the National General Secretary to publicising the activities of National Office Bearers will have on the personally approve e-list distributions should any National wider student population becoming more aware of the various Office Bearer use these e-lists incorrectly, barring those campaigns run by the National Office Bearers. National Office Bearers from direct use of these lists. 2. Further, that NUS acknowledges how this will both show the wider student population the progress made by National Office Bearers

and in turn show the wider student population what steps NUS is Moved: Rosemary Gosper, National Small and Regional taking in advocating for their needs. Regular publicity of NUS Officer/University of Newcastle campaigns will likely encourage more participation by the student Seconded: Cameron Caccamo, University of Sydney SRC population in NUS run campaigns.

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2.11 Progress of National Office Bearers 1. All National Office Bearers are to publish reports on the NUS website every 4 weeks, where they are to publicise the progress of Preamble their respective campaigns.

1. NUS recognised that, while the vast majority of National Office Moved: Patrick Dollard (University of Melbourne Student Union) Bearers work considerably hard in their respective campaigns, Seconded: Dylan Lloyd (NSW State Queer Officer / Arc@UNSW) much of the work goes unrecognised by the student population.

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2.12 Publication of National Conference proceedings 1. That the General Secretary, within 28 days of the end of the National Conference, publishes the proceedings of National Preamble Conference including: 1. NUS recognises that as the peak representative body for a. Detailed minutes of National Conference. students within Australia that it has a duty to show those it b. A list of all motions discussed at National represents the proceedings of its yearly National Conference, including those which fail. Conference. c. The results of the elections of National Office 2. NUS recognises that, while it is difficult for students from Bearers, National Executive and State Office Bearers. interstate and regional areas to attend the National d. Amendments made to the NUS constitution. Conference that it needs to take steps to ensure that the 2. That the General Secretary publishes these proceedings on the proceedings of the National Conference are made available NUS website, as well as emails them out to all conference to students following the conference. attendees, member organisations and as a link in the NUS 3. While the proceedings of last years National Conference fortnightly newsletter. have been published, the minutes of conference to a non- 3. That the NUS recommends to the Presidents of its member student attendee are hard to read and follow. Therefore it is bodies that the minutes are to be made available on the website essential the minutes are written in greater detail and Facebook page of their respective student bodies.

Platform 1. That NUS acknowledges the need for all aspects of National Moved: Patrick Dollard (University of Melbourne Student Union) Conference to be conducted with accountability and Seconded: Dylan Lloyd (NSW State Queer Officer / Arc@UNSW) transparency, and that these minutes need to be available in a variety of formats to ensure it is accessible to as many 2.13 Transparency in finances at universities and student of its members as possible. unions 2. That NUS notes the impacts which publicising conference proceedings has on improving student engagement in its Preamble campaigns. 1. Universities and student unions are recipients of substantial amounts of public and student money, which is not fee-for-service Action

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but instead public money that should be applied for appropriate waivers and making all Fees Review Committee minutes purposes. public.

2. Universities often use their money to fund lavish advertising 2. That NUS National Executive develops procedures which campaigns or pay inflated salaries to administrators and are greater facilitate transparency and good governance in loathe to report these amounts to the staff and student bodies general, and increase faith in the organisation in general. who are their primary stakeholders.

3. While all universities and student unions publish their budgets, Moved: Pat Dollard (University of Melbourne Student very often this information is hard to find, presented in an Union) obfuscated way, and presented only in aggregate. Seconded: Sophie Vassallo (Monash Student Association)

Platform:

1. NUS believes that the finances of all universities and student 2.14 Why are we ashamed of our factions? unions should be transparent and accessible to all stakeholders.

Preamble Actions: 1. Each year during student elections NUS delegates are 1. That NUS reforms the affiliation process, including: elected in accordance to guidelines as outlined in the NUS a. Making online publication of affiliation fees constitution. compulsory; 2. Given the nature of student politics, and the limited b. Reducing the $5 a person affiliation target to a information which is available to average students, the more reflective level, reducing the amount of waivers majority of students are unaware that they are not electing needed and encouraging compliance and level payment individual delegates, but instead at many times members of more; student political factions, a practice which is not only c. Drafting a more concrete set of guidelines for dishonest but non-transparent.

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Seconded: Sophie Vassallo (Monash Student Association) Platform

1. That NUS stands for honest and transparent conduct in 2.15 Environment Department: First up against the wall student elections. 2. That NUS recognises that one of the unfortunate aspects of Preamble student elections is the lack of knowledge which surrounds them, and that breaking down barriers will further 1. Since the mid-noughties all NUS departments have suffered encourage participation. decreased funding as a result of VSU. While NUS finances 3. That NUS acknowledges that students, when electing NUS are arguably healthier than they were since then with SSAF delegates, have a right to know that they are the vast all departments are still operating on smaller budgets which majority of the time not electing tickets directly impacts their ability to run campaigns. representative of the tickets they are running on (if they are 2. One of these departments is the NUS Environment running on tickets) but instead are members of student Department, which has operated on one of the smallest political factions. budgets of all departments and has an unpaid Office Bearer. At present the NUS Environment department is the Action only non-full time OB which doesn’t directly represent an autonomous constituency. The position has also been led 1. That the NUS National Executive investigates ways in which to a lot of contention and tension between NUS and the the election of NUS delegates can be carried out in a more Australian Student Environment Network (ASEN). transparent manner. In particular, that they investigate the 3. Over the past few years, with minimal support from possibility of a change in the NUS regulations and NUS, the student environment movement has grown constitution that directs students, if they are running for an substantially and run a number of campaigns by groups such NUS delegate position at a campus election and are a as the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, ASEN and Fossil member of a political faction, to disclose in their policy Free Universities. Campus Environment OBs and Convenors statement the name of the faction which they are a part of. recently have had little support from the NUS Environment office, but have continued to run large and visible grassroots Moved: Patrick Dollard (University of Melbourne Student Union) campaigns which have garnered substantial media support

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and have guaranteed a number of wins, particularly in the 2. That this consultation process be far-reaching and consults FFU campaign over the past 3 years. In the eyes of a with a variety of stakeholders, including but not limited to: number environmental activists the position of NUS a. State Branch Environment OB’s Environment Office seems largely obsolete and useless b. Campus Environment OBs and campus convenors. given the financial constraints, and how it has frequently c. Campus collectives and relevant student been used as a position for factions to just deal off. environmental groups and movements. 4. In light of the current NUS financial situation it is important 3. That as part of this consultation a number of options be that NUS assesses where budget finances are distributed to investigated, including but not limited to; ensure that departments can run effective campaigns. . Abolishing the NUS Environment Office (including the state and national Office bearers)and redistributing its budget to other departments, with autonomous departments given preference. Platform a. Keeping the position of Environment Office, but reassessing its aims, relevancy and engagement with the student environment 1. That NUS commits itself to values of environmental movement. sustainability and justice, and seeks to work with b. Abolishing the position but having a policy chapter environmental activists for suitable campaigns. dedicated to environmental sustainability in a similar vein to the 2. That NUS will, regardless of the existence of an environment ‘unionism’ and ‘miscellaneous’ chapters. department, seek to work and stand in solidarity with the environment movement as it fights the biggest crisis of our Moved: Patrick Dollard (University of Melbourne Student Union) generation, climate change. Seconded: Cameron Caccamo (University of Sydney SRC)

Action 2.16 Spicy Banter, Dank Memes and Traction

1. That NUS directs the National General Secretary and the Preamble: National Environment Officer to investigate the abolition of the Environment Department, with the aim to have a 1. Banter /ˈbantə/: the playful and friendly exchange of teasing proposal for potential constitutional change presented at remarks the 2016 NUS National Conference.

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2. Memes (meem): an image, video, piece of text, etc., typically Mover: Divina Blanca (NUS NSW Ethnocultural Officer) humorous in nature, that is copied and spread rapidly by Seconder: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Internet users, often with slight variations 3. Traction (trāk'shən): the amount of likes/favourites/shares/comments a post on social media 2.17 Support your NOBs receives. 4. It has been scientifically proven by months of internet research Preamble: that high-quality spicy banter and dank memes contribute to 1. NUS has a history of remunerating some National Office the amount of traction a post on social media receives. 5. Some posts on the NUS Facebook page only gain 6 likes and Bearer (NOB) positions. minimal traction, indicating the low quality of spicy banter and 2. The 2014 Structural Audit highlighted a potential decrease dank memes. in the number of paid National Office Bearers (NOBs), and a decrease occurred at the 2014 NUS National Conference. Platform: 3. Removing financial support for some NOBs decreases the 1. NUS recognises the importance of spicy banter and dank accessibility of these positions to students, as not all memes when gaining traction on social media posts. students can afford to allocate the time and resources 2. NUS recognises the need for more high-quality spicy banter and dank memes on the NUS social media accounts and other necessary for a job without financial support. university organisations that struggle with gaining traction. 4. Although remuneration of NOBs is not consistent across all positions, the expectations of Member Organisations of the Action: ability for these Officers to enact policy passed at National 1. NUS holds workshops at every major campus in Australia to Conference and liaise with Member Organisations does not teach universities and individuals how to gain more traction on change. their social media posts teaching tips that can also be used on

their personal accounts. 2. NUS compiles a guide to creating high-quality spicy banter and Platform: dank memes to be distributed at O’Week 2016. 1. That the NUS is committed to supporting its Office Bearers, in means that are not limited to remuneration.

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2. That the NUS is committed to enacting policies passed at National Conference. Moved: Lizzy O’Shea (UWA Student Guild, Delegate) 3. That the NUS recognises that unpaid Office Bearers have Seconded: Emma Boogaerdt (UWA Student Guild, Delegate) less support and capacity to enact their policy portfolio, and do not receive the same opportunities as those with financial support. 2.18 Accountability for a stronger union

4. That the NUS recognises that not all students are in a Preamble: position where an unpaid Office Bearer position is accessible to them. • The joint principles of transparency and accountability are 5. That NUS recognises a duty to those represented by unpaid crucial to the success of any organisation. Office Bearers who are less supported to enact National • A commitment to these principles helps to foster a sense of Conference policy. trust and certainty from member organisations, and their respective constituencies. • During times when unions and unionism are under undue Action: scrutiny and criticism from the Government, conservative 1. That the National President and National General Secretary media and other interest groups, it is more important than investigate ways to better support unpaid Office Bearers ever to foster this trust by upholding the highest possible who are equally expected to enact similar position standards of transparency and accountability. descriptions to paid Office Bearers. • At some campuses, groups who oppose affiliation to the 2. That the National President and National General Secretary National Union of Students (NUS) gain traction in elections work to ensure that unpaid Office Bearers receive by appealing to perceptions of opacity or even corruption, and it is important to act decisively to counteract these comprehensive handovers from their predecessors. claims and maintain high levels of trust from student bodies. 3. That the National General Secretary assist in developing contact lists of equivalent Member Organisation Officers for all Office Bearers. Platform:

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• The NUS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the before and after any waivers or reductions are applied, will principles of transparency and accountability, recognising be published to the NUS website. that these principles are critical to maintaining trust and • The NUS General Secretary to allow member organisations certainty from member organisations and the broader to opt out of this process, in writing and within a designated student body. reasonable timeframe, provided that their reason or • The NUS recognises that it is necessary to make certain reasons for opting out be published in lieu of the affiliation information relating to finances publicly accessible in order fee amounts. to ensure these principles are met. • The NUS General Secretary to circulate, in confidence, all • The NUS acknowledges that, in particular, affiliation fees of affiliation fee amounts to member organisations, and to the member organisations remaining confidential poses a risk of National Conference, including those amounts not being diminished trust within portions of the student body, which published to the website. in turn allows for groups opposing affiliation to gain traction • The NUS General Secretary to complete these actions in during student elections. advance of the next National Conference. • The NUS resolves to, wherever possible, make such information readily available through publication to its website, and where this is not possible, through circulation Moved: Pat Dollard (UMSU) in confidence to member organisations and the National Seconded: Anthony Osborne (SSU) Conference. • The NUS acknowledges that there are some circumstances 2.29 Nation Builder training for National Office Bearers in which publication of these details may not be possible or desirable for some members, and resolves to allow these Preamble: members to opt out, providing a public reason for doing so. 1. The new NUS Website is an excellent new tool with the ability to implement CRM and being able to track how Action: many engaged students NUS has. • The NUS General Secretary to notify all member organisations that the amount of their affiliation fees, both

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2. The platform for the site is Nation Builder, a piece of Education Officer and any other National Officer Bearers software used by Unions and Political groups across the deemed appropriate on how best to use Nation Builder for globe the purposes of NUS 3. Nation Builder is relatively new software with many of its 1. This will include investigating a training session, online capabilities being new or unknown at this point tutorials and web seminars for the National Officer bearer 4. Nation Builder is an American piece of software and as team such much of the support is based in the U.S. 2. The NUS President will approach Victorian Trades Hall 5. Victorian Trades Hall Council uses Nation Builder for their Council and any other union group that uses Nation activism, this could be a great learning opportunity Builder with the aim of working together to get the best Platform: results out of Nation Builder such as sharing tips/skills, running training sessions/tutorialsand discussing how 1. Nation Builder is an excellent platform for NUS to use to those groups use Nation Builder and what features they engage students use 2. In order to get the most out of Nation Builder the National 3. The National Office Bearer team will coordinate in order to Office Bearers need more information and training maximise the amount of students engaged through the 3. Having an engage audience that NUS can access will NUS website strengthen its power as an activist organisation and its ability to organise rallies and lobby the government Moved: Sinead Colee (MSA Delegate) 4. Training in Nation Builder is worthy of financial investment Seconded: Rose Steele (NUS National President) by NUS 5. NUS is committed to getting the best out of Nation Builder

that they can

Action: 1. The NUS Gen Sec will look in acquiring training for the National President, the National Gen Sec, the National

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2.20 Goal setting and strategic planning for increasing ● NUS believes that there should be collaboration between affiliation National Office-Bearers and State Office-bearers in strategically planning and devising tactics for increasing Preamble: campus affiliation. ● Several years after the most severe ramifications of ● NUS understands that strategic long term planning is the Voluntary Student unionism, many student organisations most effective way to ensure that campuses affiliate, and in are becoming more financially viable campus-based unions turn, NUS will provide greater representation to students. and are gaining more and more financial independence, ● NUS believes that targeting student unions unaware of the thus NUS should reflect the viability of student unions benefits the national union provides should be a priority in Australia-wide. gaining greater affiliations. ● In order for NUS to increase its relevance and continue to Action: sustain its position as the peak representative body for ● That the National President and General Secretary students, it needs to represent and support a significant coordinate with their state counterparts and devise a yearly proportion of campus unions. strategy to education, inform, and persuade non-affiliate ● All student unions can hugely benefit from their affiliation campuses to accredit. to NUS. ● That the National President and General Secretary set yearly

goals for state branch presidents in accordance with these Platform:

● NUS recognises that Voluntary Student Unionism was ● Conference directs the National President and General equally devastating for its affiliates. Secretary to devise a strategic plan to target greater ● NUS states its strong support for the SSAF legislation, and affiliations. believes it has increased the quality of campus life, Moved: Sinead Colee (MSA Delegate) representation of students, and student unions. NUS views Seconded: Betty Belay (LTSU Delegate) SSAF as a positive change to student unions and that is has increased the potential for campus-based activities. 2.21 It’s not over until its Handover

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Preamble: plans, the incoming office bearer to prepare at least 1 page ● In almost every student organisation there is a high of plans and goals for the year, the incoming office bearer turnover with new Office Bearers coming in every year. As will shadow the outgoing officer bearer to learn their daily such the handover process for student unions is extra duties and be taught about any campaigns etc they have important with long running campaigns needing attention run/can be run, the outgoing office bearer will prepare a over multiple years document of at least 2 pages with information on ongoing ● NUS is no different with new Office Bearers every year the campaigns, any contacts they have made, daily importance of a good handover is key! organisational details and any other information deemed ● A good quality handover includes several meetings to relevant to their role as an office bearer. discuss plans etc., shadowing on the job, a written document by the outgoing office bearer, written work by Moved: Sinead Colee (MSA Delegate) the incoming office bearer of plans and goals and all Seconded: Rose Steele (NUS National President) administrative documents, name changes etc being done in

a timely manner 2.22 ‘B**** Better Have My Money’: A Self-Sustaining National Platform: Union

● NUS recognises that a good quality handover is key to the ongoing success of the organization Preamble: ● Every office bearer should provide a quality handover to the incoming office bearer 1. With the introduction of VSU, the number of campus Action: student organisations affiliated to NUS dramatically ● Every National Office Bearer will provide a quality handover decreased and campus affiliations form the major income to the incoming national office bearer who will be replacing stream for NUS.

them 2. The National Union of Students seeks to represent all ● The handover, which is to take place in January, will include students, especially students at rural and regional campuses at minimum: initial planning meetings to organise times and

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who themselves suffered equally under the introduction of Action: VSU – therefore NUS needs to get creative about how we make money as it is imperative that NUS can remain self- 1. That the National General Secretary looks to create a multi- sustaining if in the worst case scenario of SSAF repeal and year financial strategy during 2016, with the aim to drastically lower affiliation figures. significantly boost NUS financial capacity over the next number of years and presents that financial strategy to the 3. In 1971, the predecessor of NUS – the Australian Union of National Executive. Students (AUS) founded Student Travel AUS. In 1979 it was taking over from the Edward Keller Holding Ltd., which is 2. That the National General Secretary investigates alternative now the Diethelm Keller Group. To date STA Travel operates revenue streams for the National Union, with the aim to in over 85 countries including its own offices in 11 countries. make some cash money $$$.

4. If the Australian Union of Students could pinpoint alternative revenue streams in 1971, the National Union of Moved: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (NUS National Executive) Students can do it in 2016! Seconded: Joshua Orchard (ACT State Branch President)

Preamble: 2.23 President’s Summit 2016

1. NUS understands that long-term strategic planning is the Preamble most effective way to ensure financially sustainability, and with financial sustainability sorted, NUS will have the 5. NUS traditionally hosts President’s summit, an important capacity to provide greater representation to students. annual event that provides campus presidents and state branch presidents with valuable opportunities to network 2. NUS acknowledges that there are a range of successful with other presidents, skillshare, workshop campaigns, and strategies member organisations have pursued to increase discuss key issues in the higher education sector for the year sources of alternative revenue in light of VSU, which could ahead. be implemented by the National Union itself. 6. In a rapidly changing higher education environment, and

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with the threat of the higher education reforms, threat of focus on adequately equipping campus and state branch SSAF removal, it is vital for presidents to be adequately presidents with the knowledge relevant to and necessary equipped with the skills and knowledge to respond to new for them to perform their duties effectively for the benefit developments and challenges in the sector, and to fully of their respective student organisation of campus understand the context in which they are operating so that 7. NUS acknowledges that one of its key responsibilities it to they can deal with the major issues that they will face provide training and support to office bearers of member 7. The implementation of the Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF) organisations and state branch presidents from 2012 enabled many student organisations to expand 8. NUS recognises the complexity involved in performing the duties the student services they offer. As a result, it is important to of a campus or state branch president, and believes it is ensure the long term duration of these services, and that therefore important to address both the activism and the campus presidents are coping with increased infrastructure HR/IR or management facets of these roles and human resource demands. 9. NUS acknowledges that it is important to ensure the longevity 8. It is also important for NUS, as a national union, to retain and and self-sufficiency of student organisations through good develop strong relationships with and between campus management and the appropriate use of students money, affiliates, and to receive their feedback and input on particularly in the wake of the Student Services Amenities campaigns and the work of National Office bearers. Fee and the uncertainty that comes with an election year 9. In the context of 2016 being a Federal election year, it will be an 10. NUS believes that the input of campus and state branch opportune time for the NUS and affiliates to use events like presidents is vital in the development of national campaigns President Summit to work together to build campaigns and targets, and ensures NUS consults its affiliates and against things like fee increases and university deregulation, remains accountable and the retention and strengthening of the student services 11. NUS recognises the importance of facilitating good cross- amenities fee (SSAF). campus relationships between affiliates as well as interstate relationships and President’s summit is an important Platform opportunity to create and develop these relationships 12. NUS acknowledges that dealing with the media is an 5. The NUS is committed to holding Presidents’ Summit in January important aspect of a campus president’s role, yet many 2016. presidents have little, to no experience in this area. NUS 6. NUS believes that Presidents’ summit should be designed to believes that developing ability to engage with the media is

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vital, and that President’s summit provides the perfect iii. autonomous representation opportunity for Presidents to receive training to learn the iv. SSAF funding necessary skills v. Priorities for 2016. 4. How legislative changes and funding to student organisations Action have impacted on affiliates including: i. Services that have been lost since the introduction of VSU 5. The NUS National President and the National General Secretary ii. How the university distributed the SSAF in 2015, and coordinate a three day conference for all campus president changes made as a result and state presidents to be held at an affiliate campus in iii. How the university will be distributing the SSAF revenue January 2016. in 2016. 6. The National President and National Education Officer organise iv. Plans for expansion of services under the SSAF training, workshops, and information sessions to be held at e. Course and quality trends at their university Presidents’ Summit 2016, including but not limited to: i. Shifting of courses from undergraduate level, to graduate 1. skills for how to run targeted national and campus specific or postgraduate level campaigns including ii. Cutting of courses and degree programs (e.g. abolishing i. lobbying skills honours and language programs). iii. Student assistance 2. workshopping and further developing 2016 campaigns in relation in the classroom (e.g. increases made to class sizes, lack of to: resources). i. The Higher Education Reform and how to iv. Your university and online learning: what is your demand alternatives university's approach to incorporating online learning ii. Retaining and increasing student control over environments (e.g. flipped classrooms, lecture recordings etc). and the SSAF how will students interests be included in decisions (consultation iii. Improving student representation within etc.) universities f. How to engage with media 3. The state of student organisations in relation to: i. staffing Moved: Sinead Colee (MSA Delegate) ii. Electoral system and any recent changes (i.e. recent Seconded: Heidi La Paglia Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch develops, moves online, planned reviews) President / TUU Delegate)

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2.24 NUS Affiliation Planning Action

Preamble 1. The NUS General Secretary will send out a notice to each campus (President, General Secretary, and / or Treasurer) in early 1. Under current arrangements, the NUS relies on the funding it January / February with a timeline of financial requirements receives from affiliate organisations. Without this funding, for the year. This will include the date fee waivers are due, a NUS would be unable to financially operate. copy of the fee waiver application, date of affiliation 2. Student organisations no longer receive funding directly as they committees, the date invoices are due to be sent out, and did under the student service fee. Since VSU, student the date payment is to be made. organisations have received funding through negotiations 2. The NUS General Secretary will contact directly the President, with their university and with the assistance of the Student General Secretary and / or Treasurer of each campus to Services Amenities fee (SSAF), which was implemented in discuss with them their affiliation application and any 2011. changes that need to be made. 3. Student organisations around the country financially affiliate to 3. The NUS General Secretary will create a draft budget based on NUS to support the peak representative body for students the affiliation amounts of the 2014 year supporting its operating costs 4. Many student organisations, which wish to affiliate to the NUS, Moved: Sinead Colee (MSA Delegate) have very strict funding agreements which require all Seconded: Heidi La Paglia Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch spending to be planned, and budgeted. President / TUU Delegate)

Platform 2.25 Increasing campus affiliations and engaging regional 1. The NUS recognises that it is reliant on the affiliation fees of its universities with the NUS affiliate organisations, in order to fund its operations. 2. The NUS is committed to supporting the financial structures of its Preamble affiliate student organisations through support in financial 1. The NUS is the National advocacy and representative body for all planning of affiliation costs and processes undergraduate tertiary students in Australia, and thus has a

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very large and vital role to play to protect the welfare and the opportunity to affiliate to NUS, and vote at National conference rights of its constituents 4. The NUS recognises that it relies on engagement from affiliate 2. However, under current arrangements, the NUS relies on campus to provide the most effective form of representation for engagement and funding it from affiliate organisations. students Without its affiliates, the NUS would be unable to 5. The NUS must remain in a strong financial position and actively adequately represent students, and continue its financial work with affiliates to achieve this goal operations. 3. While many student unions have been supportive affiliates for Action many years; there are still many campuses who do not affiliate to the NUS. 1. The NUS National President and National General Secretary will 4. While students at non-affiliate campuses are still represented by reach out to campuses that are not currently affiliated to the NUS; they are not able to vote at the NUS National NUS and encourage them to do so. conference 2. NUS Office bearers will provide support and encouragement to 5. This situation is particularly common among regional campuses, student organisations to affiliate to NUS and vote at which are typically less involved with the NUS than National conference campuses in metropolitan areas. 3. NUS Office bearers will make a concerted effort to visit campus in 6. The NUS should be reaching out to all campuses to encourage regional areas which are not currently affiliated to NUS to them to engage with NUS to ensure that the NUS is encourage them to become affiliates. representing students to its greatest potential 4. The NUS National President and General Secretary will endeavour to have urban campus affiliates with the Platform financial means to increase the amount they affiliate to the union to help ensure the NUS remains strong 1. The NUS seeks to involve as many campuses as possible in 5. The NUS and General Secretary will endeavour to have new financial affiliation in order to ensure that it is representative of all campuses financially affiliate and engage with the NUS students 2. The NUS believes that the National conference should include a Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU large number of delegates from diverse backgrounds and campuses Delegate) 3. THe NUS believes that every student organisation should have Seconded: Clare Swan (NUSA Delegate)

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departments. In a situation in which NUS did not have autonomous office bearers, it is possible that active 2.26 Building Connections: Empowering Autonomous Groups networks of students who represent particular autonomous groups could provide feedback to the NUS on how to ensure Preamble they are adequately representing all students. 6. It is important that NUS remains representative of students from 1. In Australia, there are several National student networks and all backgrounds, regardless of its structure. organisations which bring together, and represent students from autonomous groups. These include the Network of Platform Women Students Australia (NOWSA), the Australian Queer Student Network (AQSN), the Australasian Network of 1. The NUS recognises that it is essential for autonomous groups of Students With Disabilities (ANSWD), Blacademy and the students to have representation, and to be provided with Council of International Students Australia (CISA). opportunities to network with other individuals who have 2. These networks exist primarily for the purpose of allowing the similar experiences students they represent have a voice on issues that 2. The NUS recognises that the decrease in resources available to its members of the group they identify with face. autonomous departments has limited its ability to provide 3. While many of these networks exist only as Facebook groups for adequate representation for autonomous groups of most of the year, they involve many students; and thus offer students opportunities for more active student involvement in 3. The NUS assets that the networking and learning opportunities autonomous issues offered by National networks of students such as NOWSA, 4. The NUS, and the networks themselves could benefit greatly AQSN, ANSWD, and CISA are invaluable, and that they from building relationships, and working together to build a should be supported by the NUS to provide these functions more cohesive National Student movement on a range of 4. The NUS recognises that building more positive relationships issues. with national networks which represent autonomous 5. Building connections with networks which represent groups of students could provide benefits to all involved autonomous groups of students across Australia may parties. provide part of the solution to the ongoing difficulty that NUS is facing in its ability to fund its autonomous Action

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the consent of the Networks, and without undermining the 1. The NUS National Women's Officer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Networks autonomy, as bodies which exist independently of Islander Officer, Queer Officer/s, International Officer, the NUS. Ethno-Cultural Officer and Disabilities Officer will build relationships between their departments and relevant Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU national student networks, through: Delegate) 1. Attending any conferences and events held by national student Seconded: Isaac Foster (NUS Queer Officer) networks which they identify with and which are relevant to their department 2. Playing an active role in the National student networks that they identify with, and that are relevant to their departments, including in their Facebook groups. 3. Making a concerted effort to involve individual students who are involved in national networks they identify with in NUS campaigns, as well as student unions. 4. Compiling an online contact list of individuals involved in student networks relevant to their department who consent to sharing their information, and who would like to be informed about NUS activities 5. Sending regular department emails to individuals signed up to their list. 2. The NUS National President and General Secretary will assist the NUS autonomous office bearers to build relationships between their departments, and relevant National student networks 3. The NUS General Secretary will investigate ways in which relationships between NUS autonomous departments and relevant national student networks can be formalised, with

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3. Unionism penalty rates are an important benefit for those who can’t choose their own hours 5. Most Australians agree that penalty rates are important 3.01 Back off Mal – Students need Penalty Rates! with an Essential Report poll in January finding 81% of Australians supporting penalty rates, 68% in opposition to Preamble: cutting them and just 18% who believed cutting them would 1. Penalty rates are an important part of working life with increase employment. higher rates of pay as recognition that the weekend and 6. All unions agree that the scrapping of penalty rates is bad public holidays are key times of rest and recuperation for for workers with many running campaigns against this workers and time that should be spent with family and 7. Malcolm Turnbull has indicated that there is a very real friends. possibility that there will be a change to the penalty rate 2. Business groups that are calling for the scrapping of penalty system with likely cuts that will hurt workers. He is already rates are doing under false pretenses with business’ under huge pressure from business lobby groups to change claiming they are failing because of the high rates of pay for the current system weekend work. On the contrary businesses in Australia, Platform: especially the hospitality industry which is the strongest 1. NUS recognises that penalty rates are an important advocate for change, are experiencing a massive boom in mechanism for providing a much needed benefit to those profits. workers who give up recreational or family time to work on

3. There is no evidence to support the case that getting rid of the weekend or public holidays penalty rates will increase employment opportunities with 2. Penalty rates are particularly important to students who are most business likely to keep the same amount of staff and forced to work throughout their degree but have many hours but at a decreased pay rate, keeping the extra profit classes during normal work hours and are forced to work on for themselves weekends when they’d otherwise be taking time off class 4. With increasing casualisation the choice to work weekends and public holidays is no longer in the hands of workers and

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3. The attack on penalty rates is business’ prioritising their 3.02 Youth Employment: Productivity Provides Opportunity already booming profits over the mental health and Preamble wellbeing of their workers and is totally uncalled for and unfair 10. Australia has an unproductive, inefficient economy. The cost of wages to business, especially small business is sky high. Action: Nowhere else was this more evident than on Grand final eve 1. NUS opposes any move to scrap penalty rates by the here in Melbourne where many businesses just simply Turnbull Liberal government or any group couldn’t afford to stay open for the Holiday that “Dodgy 2. The NUS Welfare Officer will work with unions such as Dan” unilaterally declared. United Voice on campaigns to oppose the scrapping of 11. With the youth unemployment rate quite High at 12.93%, penalty rates including distributing their materials and but slowly trending down from 13.68% we need to provide promoting their actions/petitions an incentive to small businesses, many of whom are no 3. The NUS Welfare Officer will organise an NUS contingent to doubt struggling with slow retail and hospitality sectors and any rallies against scrapping penalty rates across Australia the high cost of hiring. Young people are among the most including pre-rally working bee to create NUS banners and productive in our economy and it makes no sense to signs for students to carry at the rally maintain the costs of hiring those who are inexperienced and not yet skilled as a barrier to entry to the workforce. 4. The NUS Welfare Officer will lobby cross benchers and the government against the scrapping of penalty rates and 12. Labour force participation among our young people has commend any political group that is 100% committed to risen to just a tick over 65% meaning there are over two keeping penalty rates thirds of our youth actively looking for work if they are not already employed

Moved: Mark Pace (University of Adelaide) Platform Seconded: Sinead Colee (MSA) 1. The NUS recognises that lowering the cost of doing business for

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many small businesses across the country would mean that 2. The NUS is committed to freedom of association. C3.2b university Students will be given the opportunity they may not “[The specific object of the NUS are to work for]...freedom otherwise have been given as businesses are able to hire one or of association”. two extra casual staff they so desperately need across the 3. The NUS claims to represent the rights of students, but Christmas break. there appears to be a disparity between constitutional and Action human rights, and the current policy platform.

1. That the NUS support the youth Labour force and call on the Platform Turnbull coalition Government to pass productivity measures that will remove barriers of entry to the workforce for many young 13. That the NUS recognises the human right to freedom of people and university students including the abolition of separate association, which by default includes the right to not Saturday and Sunday penalty rates in favour of a flat weekend rate associate. and standard national public Holidays. 14. That the NUS recognises that all students are afforded Moved: Jonno Belmont (Elected Delegate, University of Canberra human rights, including the right to freedom of association. Students’ Association) Seconded: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, University of Tasmania 15. The NUS, being an association, recognises the right of Union) student bodies to associate with it.

16. That the NUS recognises it is inconsistent to maintain a 3.03 Freedom of Association policy platform that denies students the right to freedom of Preamble association, whilst promoting said right in their constitution.

1. The NUS is an association. C2. Name Act 36, 41(b) 1.1 “The 17. The NUS acknowledge that the power of the union name of the incorporated association is ‘National Union of movement lies in the collective endeavours of willing students, not in a bank account which the funds of unwilling Students Incorporated’ (In this constitution, “NUS”). students are stored.

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Action 2. Volunteering is an excellent mechanism in which students can build inter personal relationships, learn in initiatives that 7. That the NUS does not, and will not, support policy that relate to their selected field of study, and assists in building promotes any form of compulsory student unionism. community strength on campus.

8. That the NUS will therefore remove all standing policy which 3. Volunteering has the ability to cross cultural and social divides advocates for a breach of human rights and constitutional and bring students together under a common cause or values through universal or compulsory student unionism. interest.

9. That the NUS will publicly announce that it does not support the Platform coercion of students to join or pay union fees if they so choose to, through both its Facebook and Twitter feeds. It 1. The NUS is committed to promoting the interests of students in should clarify that the NUS believes in the power of the areas of health, welfare, and advancing student students being able to express and associate themselves perspectives on political and social issues in the broader freely. community.

Moved: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of 2. Through promoting and fostering volunteering opportunities, the Melbourne Student Union) NUS can increase student presence and perspective in the Seconded: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University community. The NUS can aid initiatives which will unite a Union) diverse collective of students, and help provide them with the opportunities of community, belonging, usefulness, and 3.04 Volunteering: The Power of Connection achievement. Preamble Action 1. The NUS exists in a privileged and influential sphere where it can co-ordinate union efforts bilaterally and achieve a greater access 1. The NUS will consider running a campaign that will promote range across the nation. the benefits and prevalence of volunteering opportunities.

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2. The NUS will endeavour to assist campus unions in sourcing volunteer groups from a range of interest such as, but not 3. University has traditionally been a time of broadening limited to, gardening, tutoring, community service and horizons, socialising, and political activism. VSU makes it more difficult for students to get involved and to access the interaction, mentoring, sport and cooking. transformative experiences students unions offer through

3. The NUS can also contact larger NGOs to organise programs like clubs and societies, festivals, volunteering etc. volunteering opportunities, and facilitate larger scale efforts. Platform: Moved: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of 1. The National Union of Students (NUS) supports a full return Melbourne Student Union) to USU. Seconded: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University Union) 2. NUS defends the right of student organisations to engage in political activism, and considers it a necessary method of student representation. 3.05 Ten years on – A renewed campaign for Universal Student Unionism 3. NUS supports fully funded, and democratically elected student unions, which retain full control over money Preamble: collected by university administrations. 1. 2016 marks ten years since the introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism in Australia. The Federal Government 4. NUS supports the independence of student organisations passed legislation enacting VSU in 2005, which came into from both university administration and the government. force on July 1, 2006. 5. NUS acknowledges that SSAF is not a return to USU, as it 2. VSU silent students' voices by removing universal does not guarantee political representation of all students membership of student organisations. This is incredibly and denies the independence of student organisations. detrimental to students in terms of access and engagement with their student unions.

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6. NUS opposes the removal of SSAF as a further attack on the existence of student organisations and their ability to Moved: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (NUS National Executive) political organise and represent students. Seconded: Michael Elliott (University of Sydney Student Representative Council)

Action: 1. That NUS works with student organisations across the 3.06 ‘We gotta take the power back!’ - Training student country, as well as the NUS Researcher to create a White representatives in dealing with staff and administration Paper regarding ten years since the implementation of VSU legislation. This paper should look at financial and social Preamble: ramifications of VSU on students and student unions, which student unions have particular suffered and the affect on 1. Maintenance of student control over student affairs within student engagement/democracy, amongst other key issues. student unions face many challenges – from the University to the Federal Liberal Government – but one oft-forgotten 2. That NUS distribute the White Paper to all student challenge facing student representatives is negotiating organisations, Universities, as well as State and Federal established process and entrenched power structures Parliamentarians electronically. between staff and students in student organisations.

3. That the NUS arranges physically meetings with both State 2. The nature of student representation, with representatives and Federal Education Ministers and Shadow Education often changing year-to-year can lead to an imbalance of Ministers to discuss the White Paper, as well as the current power, as well as vast knowledge gaps within student status of student unionism under SSAF in Australia with organisations. them. 3. Demonstrative of these challenges are cases like UTS, where 4. That the 2016 Education Officer facilitates a national administration staff employed by the student union have in campaign and an associated National Day of Action to mark the past refused to pay invoices for NUS affiliation fees ten years on from VSU and refocus on the need for against the wishes (and formal passage!) by a student Universal Student Unionism. council.

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2. The Student Governance 101 paper should address different 4. The range of different representatives structures (dual or compositions and representative structures of different single), the polarisation of wealth between student unions and the specific challenges they provide, as well as organisations and the different legal obligations of student providing a general basic legal overview of relevant unions (i.e. incorporated v. non-incorporated, constitutional governing legislation, for example: the Corporations Act objectives, regulations and directors’ duty statements) each (2001), Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student provide their own unique challenges. Services and Amenities) Act (2011).

Platform: 3. A member of the NUS National Officer Bearing team will prepare and present a session at Education Conference 1. NUS supports fully funded, and democratically elected 2016 addressing these challenges and providing campus student unions, which retain full control over money representatives with the knowledge to assert themselves in collected by university administrations. decision making.

2. NUS recognises the challenges faced by student organisations in asserting themselves over often older staff Moved: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (NUS National Executive) members and members of administration teams who have Seconded: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney Student been in those roles for many years. Representative Council)

Action: 3.07 National SSAF Survey 1. The NUS National Office Bearers will prepare a ‘Student Governance 101’ paper to be distributed to all newly Preamble: elected campus representatives, specifically addressing the 1. Since the introduction of the Student Services Amenities Fee challenges of negotiating relationships with Staff, General (SSAF) in 2011, various universities across Australia have Managers, CEOs of service providers etc. conducted processes with a serious lack of transparency with the distribution of the SSAF.

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2. Universities have not provided students or student 2. NUS recognises contemporary issues in SSAF allocations – organisations with information about the expenditure or especially in terms of allocations to Universities themselves allocation of the SSAF nor have they consulted with and the inordinate amount provided to Sport Organisations students extensively enough in regards to projects for SSAF at Universities, which across Australia share common issues expenditure. in terms of engaging all students, ensuring their activities are accessible to the widest amount of students 3. There has also been a major issue in terms of organisations that could barely be deemed ‘Student Organisations’ taking 3. NUS opposes the removal of SSAF as a further attack on the large cuts of campus SSAF pools, exemplifying this are existence of student organisations and their ability to campus sport organisations, as well as Universities political organise and represent students. themselves taking large cuts for maintenance, or student counselling, services that should really just be centrally Action: budgeted for by the University. 1. That NUS delegates the facilitation of a National SSAF Survey to one of the members of the 2016 team of National 4. A National SSAF Allocation Survey, identifying where Office Bearers. students want their money to go, will assist campus representatives in their negotiations with Universities. A 2. That the NUS President inform the National Executive of nationally co-ordinated survey is integral as many small and which member of the OB team will be responsible for regional campuses suffer in SSAF negotiations due to lack of conducting and providing oversight for the survey. substantial data and lack of time to survey their own students. 3. That NUS distribute the survey to campuses across Australia and share the results through the social media platforms, as Platform: well as reaching out to universities, government and student unions to inform those parties of key findings of the 1. NUS recognises that the Student Services Amenities Fee is SSAF Allocation Survey. students money and therefore should be spent in the best interests of students.

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Moved: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (NUS National Executive) 4. Unions having access to student data ensuring all students Seconded: Michael Elliott (University of Sydney Student receive updates and information about services provided by Representative Council) students unions – from clubs and societies to advocacy and legal services.

3.08 Email Addresses = Power: Negotiating Data Sharing with 5. Particularly positive cases of data negotiation include UWA Universities Student Guild, where the University of Western Australia allows the President to circulate a Guild Update each week Preamble: or the MONSU Caulfield who have just successfully 1. The ability to communicate with students is imperative to negotiated a data sharing arrangement, which will see them the successful functioning of student unions across attain email address, unit of study information etc. from Australia, however this job is made substantially more Monash University. difficult with the limited data to which student organisations have access. Platform: 1. NUS recognises that student unions having access to key 2. Nationally, student organisations have attempted to student information drastically broadens their ability to address this challenge by constructing paid membership, communicate with their major stakeholders – students! which also functions as an effective data collection strategy. These unions then use that database as their central mailing 2. NUS supports any means by which the capacity of student list to communicate weekly events etc. unions to communicate with their stakeholders is improved.

3. Universities, however, have the email addresses, unit of Action: study information, postgrad/undergrad data that to a 1. NUS should ascertain what the current status is of data student union would be absolute gold. A number of student sharing amongst Universities and student unions, through unions across Australia have had some success in the current Presidents’ Group or other means. negotiating the sharing of that data between the Union and the University. 2. That the NUS President sends out an email to Student Unions outlining the advantages of having access to more

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data and providing some tips/anecdotes of successful Platform strategies in negotiating for access to that data with their 1. The National Union of Students supports Australian University. manufacturing and the ongoing maintenance of jobs with fair pay and conditions for all Australians.

Moved: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (NUS National Executive)

Seconded: Tom Beyer (UWA Student Guild) 2. NUS decries the departure of large-scale manufacturing from Australia, and believes that all affiliates have a role to play in ensuring that there is high demand for Australian 3.09 Supporting Australian manufacturing products.

Preamble 3. In particular, NUS is abhorred at the cessation of production 1. Manufacturing is an industry that is vitally important to this of the Ford Falcon, and expresses its solidarity with those in country. It provides employment for tens of thousands of Geelong and Campbellfield who manufacture this marvel of people, and means that Australians can buy products that Victorian engineering and who will soon be jobless as a are produced locally, thereby ensuring that the workers result of government policy and imported cars. who made their products received fair pay and conditions, and that the products have travelled a far further distance than imported products, reducing CO2 emissions. Action 2. Unfortunately, due in large part to the callous actions of the 1. NUS shall direct all affiliates to, where practicable, prioritise Abbott/Turnbull government, manufacturing is dying in this the purchase of Australian products over cheaper, imported country. It doesn’t have to be this way, and we can do our products. part in ensuring that the demand for Australian goods remains high so that Australian manufacturing can continue. 2. NUS directs all affiliates with a fleet of vehicles to purchase Ford Falcons and, where this is not possible, Holden Commodores, over and above cars that are imported.

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Further, if affiliates can no longer purchase new Falcons or Commodores, NUS directs affiliates to purchase second 4. Workers rights are a core function of trade unions, and are hand Australian cars until cars are manufactured in this aligned with the values of student unions.

country once more. 5. During a potentially difficult time for trade union recruitment, it is important to assist in disseminating information about services Moved: Cameron Petrie (RMIT University Student Union/Victorian and programs that unions provide, and show the general student State Branch President) population, and young individuals, the benefit of union Seconded: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney SRC) membership and involvement.

6. Trade unions throughout Australia are seeking to increase their engagement and representation among young people, particularly 3.10 Your Rights at Work – Join Your Union university students.

Preamble Platform 1. A significant percentage of students are employed in casual and 1. NUS affirms its support for campus-based workers rights precarious employment and are unaware of their rights at work. advocates to support and advise students of their rights in the workplace 2. A core principle of NUS and its affiliates is unionism. Accordingly, there should be emphasis and promotion for greater rates of 2. NUS understands the nature of students’ employment, and the unionisation in workforces. faults in numerous industries that take advantage of students and young individuals not aware of their rights at work 3. Student unions provide numerous advocacy services in relation to student rights on campus and are recognised as a core service of 3. NUS believes it and campus-based student unions can invest many student unions. Advocacy services for workers rights are more in providing assistance to student workers and promotion of created in the community, and sometimes are integrated in student unions. advocacy services on campus, yet many lack specialist knowledge and are merely referral services.

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4. A trade union presence in student unions delineates a clear link between the promotion of workers rights and the core values of unionism at the respective student organisation 3.11 SSAF Accountability from University Administrations

Action Preamble 1. NUS directs the National Welfare Officer to liaise with campus 1. Since the introduction of the Student Services Amenities Fee Welfare Officers and provide resources and direction to help (SSAF) in 2011, various universities across Australia have conducted establish campus-based Worker’s Rights Services processes with a serious lack of transparency with the distribution of the SSAF. 2. NUS directs the National Welfare Officer to put together a guide for best practice for Workers Rights Services on campus. This 2. Universities have not provided students or student organisations should consider the constraints on small campuses, where the with information about the expenditure or allocation of the SSAF services are arguably needed. Therefore, student volunteer nor have they consulted with students in regards to projects for structures and voluntary trade union involvement should be sought SSAF expenditure. wherever possible. 3. As students are expected to pay the SSAF, University 3. NUS directs the National Welfare Officer to seek involvement administrations must conduct transparent processes in relation to from a broad range of trade unions, and to maintain diversity, as SSAF expenditure and allocation, to do otherwise constitutes a students typically work in very wide-ranging fields not limited to potential waste of students money. service and administration, hospitality, and retail.

4. NUS directs the National Welfare Officer to regularly be in Platform contact with a wide range of trade unions in sectors where student 1. NUS recognises that the Student Services Amenities Fee is employment is high, to offer support in their recruitment strategies students money and therefore should be spent in the best interests and promote these among affiliate organisations of students.

Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Seconded: Divina Blanca (University of Technology Sydney)

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2. NUS acknowledges that various University administrations are not conducting transparent processes to students when revealing 4. The National President will write to all affiliate organisations to the expenditure or the allocation of the SSAF. detail the content of this motion and stress the importance of student money being in student hands 3. NUS will endeavour to hold University administrations to account on behalf of students to ensure that information about the Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) expenditure and allocation of the SSAF remains accessible to all Seconded: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) students who pay the fee.

4. NUS believes that student organisations that allow the negotiations and eventual distribution of SSAF funds to be 3.12 Uni Sport for Students determined by their university are not acting in the best interests of students Preamble 1. The SSAF legislation provides that the Fee may be used for the Action provision of STUDENT Services and Amenities, including sport and 1. The NUS National executive will design a campaign in 2015 to recreation services. However, at some universities, including both ensure that University administrations across Australia are being the University of Sydney and the Australian National University, held accountable and remaining transparent when it comes to SSAF SSAF is being used to subsidise sports clubs that have few or even expenditure and allocation no student members.

2. In 2016 all National Office Bearers will promote the ten year 2. This means money contributed by students is being used for non- anniversary of the repeal of Universal Student Unionism and student services, including Elite Athlete Programs that do not highlight the importance of returning to USU contribute to the wellbeing of students and their overall experience whilst at university 3. The National President along with other National Office Bearers, at the request of affiliate organisations, will provide written Platform explanation of the importance of student money in student hands 1. NUS believes that student money should be used for the benefit to include in their SSAF submissions/negotiations of students.

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opportunity to place issues facing students on the national agenda. 2. NUS opposes the use of SSAF to subsidise non-student sports and recreation services. 2. There are over one million students in Australia, which is a significant figure when pushing an agenda nationally. 3. NUS congratulates the students at both ANU and the University of Sydney for running campaigns to see students involved in the 3. The current Federal Government, elected in 2013 have not acted governance of their sport organisations in the interests of students, making numerous attempts to introduce the deregulation of university fees, put waiting periods Action: on income support payments and attacked Medicare. These attacks 1. The National Union of Students shall engage with Universities, in are designed to make students and those worse off in the conjunction with the relevant campus student unions, to oppose community the fall-guys for budget savings. This Liberal University Administrations subsidising non-student sport and government has got to go! recreational services through SSAF. 4. Campaigns by unions during election campaigns can see results, 2. NUS will ensure any campaigns surrounding SSAF will involve as seen by the We Are Union campaign run by the Victorian Trades opposing the use of student money for non-student services and Hall Council, which involved a targeted seat campaign, making call on a return to Universal Student Unionism (USU) union specific issues mainstream issues during the election, door knocking, phone banks, lobbying opposition parties, rallies and Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) consistently placing their issues in the media spotlight. Seconded: Joshua Orchard (ACT State Branch President) Platform 1. NUS believes that mobilising students in a federal election year is 3.13 Vote for Students essential to place higher education policy and student welfare on the national agenda and make it an election issue Vote for Students 2. NUS acknowledges that many students involved in NUS and its Preamble campaigns are involved in political parties and will be involved in 1. 2016 will be a federal election year, which provides an important federal election campaigns

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d. Informing physical and online material for the “Vote for 3. NUS recognises that the involvement of young people in the Students” campaign based on this research, which will have its own federal election of 2016 could shape the outcome in many Facebook page; electorates e. A steady stream of engaging, relevant and useful content to be posted on the specific Facebook page made just for the campaign 4. NUS believes that running an NUS based campaign during the itself; federal election is the sort of work that a union of its size should be f. A pledge that the National Welfare Officer and National undertaking Education Officer approach politicians around Australia to sign to support university students; 5. NUS believes that ensuring candidates in the federal election of g. Scorecards will be made from this pledge for politicians and 2016 sign a pledge to “Vote for Students” is a means to bolster political parties, awarding them a grade (e.g. F for Fail in the case of support for the issues students care about, and to keep politicians the Liberals); accountable to the one million students in Australia h. Interested students from around Australia door knocking and phone banking; Action i. NUS designing T-Shirts for the purpose of the “Vote for Students” 1. National Conference directs NUS to allocate funds to the running campaign; of a federal election campaign entitled “Vote for Students” that will j. On Election Day, National Office Bearers and other volunteers will be run by the National Welfare Officer and National Education man booths encouraging voters to consider students when they Officer. vote, and to read the information provided on the scorecards;

The campaign will involve: Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) a. An enrol to vote drive at universities across Australia in conjunction with affiliate student organisations; b. Developing a list of key issues and priorities for students that will make up the “Vote for Students” pledge and campaign; 3.14 Traction is Important c. Thorough research will be conducted on these issues; Preamble

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1. It is well established that social media is both an effective, wide- 4. NUS acknowledges the underutilisation of social media as a reaching and affordable campaign method. campaign technique during campaigns undertaken in previous years. 2. In a day and age where an overwhelming majority of the students represented by NUS are regular social media users, it 5. NUS believes that a diversity of content produced and makes sense to drive a strong and visible social media element for disseminated online is essential, this involves not just the every campaign NUS runs. production of graphics.

3. The diversity of social media platforms means that an 6. NUS acknowledges that understanding the algorithms that organisation like NUS should have no trouble in disseminating its impact the reach and response to social media posts is essential to message among a large variety of networks. effective communication and the ability for NUS to gain traction.

Platform 7. NUS believes that #hashtags are the way of the future for online 1. NUS recognises the use of social media as an effective form of campaigning, and should be used at every opportunity. engaging students, in an effort to inform and educate them about issues central to campaigns, and of issues pertaining to higher 8. NUS recognises that the key to online social media is posting education that might arise during the 2016 Federal Election. regular engaging content, sporadic posts do little to garner awareness of NUS or its campaigns. 2. NUS recognises that a greater focus on informing and educating students about issues central to NUS campaigns is crucial in an Action effort to engage students, with a view to increased involvement 1. NUS National Office Bearers will make use of social media in all and traction in more traditional forms of campaign methods. campaigns, and ensure effective social media material is produced.

3. NUS recognises the prominence of social media in the lives of 2. NUS National Office Bearers will actively work to understand the everyday students, thus the need to make use of this form of algorithyms that impact the reach and response to social media campaigning on a regular basis. posts, and ensure that all social media posts are uploaded at ‘high traction’ times.

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3. NUS National Office Bearers will post effective material relevant 3. After countless protests, petitions, and lobbying, the Students to their campaigns regularly. Representative Council was reestablished with the intention of pursuing a body that resembled the organisations on other 4. NUS National Office Bearers will create and use #hashtags that campuses with a bigger budget, more autonomy, an appetite to are both relevant and increase reach for their campaigns. This pick fights with the university, and more activism with the goal includes creating a specific #hashtag for each campaign that is the to eventually reestablish an independent student union on “official” and only #hashtag used. campus.

Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Platform: Seconded: Divina Blanca (University of Technology Sydney) 1. NUS recognises the importance of student representation on campus for student welfare and student rights. 2. NUS condemns corruption within our student unions and 3.15 Congratulating Macquarie University activists and encourages fair and transparent actions by our student unionists representatives and organisations. 3. NUS condemns the amalgamation of the student representative bodies at the Macquarie University. Preamble: 1. In 2007, Victor Ma, former president of the Macquarie Action: University Student’ Council and Students at Macquarie union, 1. NUS congratulates the Macquarie University activists and caused the destruction of the Macquarie University union and unionists who worked hard through lobbying, petitioning, and Student Representative Council after $100,000 went missing protests to replace the Student Advisory Board to the Students from the student union’s accounts, pay increases were given to Representative Council and gives a standing ovation to the directors of the student union even when revenue was Macquarie University activists and unionists here today. declining, and political donations from SAM were being given to 2. NUS congratulates especially the work of students and the Liberal Party. comrades Kieren Ash, Lizzie Green, and Lachlan McGrath for the 2. The Student Representative Council was replaced with the countless hours spent to achieve this milestone. Student Advisory Board, a toothless body that was pointless and ineffective.

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3. NUS continues to support the Macquarie university activists and 1. NUS acknowledges and commends those of reasonable unionists to reestablish an independent student union on nature who supported the retainment of the Social Justice campus. Officer, whom did not feel the need to intimidate in order to

satisfactorily achieve goals. Mover: Divina Blanca (NUS NSW Ethnocultural Officer)

Seconded: Peter Zacharatos (University of Technology, Sydney) 2. NUS understands the importance of this role and will actively campaign and support social justice issues and 3.16 Congrats Adelaide Uni SRC for listening to reason campaigns that our respective office bearers are prepared to organise. Preamble 1. The Adelaide University Student Representative Council Moved: Beau Brug (University of Adelaide) decided to back down on their attempts to reduce the SRC Seconded: Michael Bezuidenhout (National Ethnocultural Officer)

size and absolve the role of Social Justice Officer.

2. It is noted despite the belief of the socialists on campus, it 3.17 Protest this! *moons Colin Barnett* was not a protest that saved the role but rather polite discussions. Preamble 3. The Adelaide University Student Representative Council 1. On 25 February 2015, the Liberal Government in Western now has retained the position. Australia introduced the Criminal Code Amendment (Prevention of Lawful Activity) Bill 2015 Platform to the 1. NUS opposes intimidation and attacks on student Legislative Council of the Western Australian Parliament. representatives by socialists that attempt to create change through fear rather than discussion. 2. If this Bill passes, it will be a criminal offence to be “physically preventing a lawful activity” and to be “possessing a thing for the 2. NUS encourages healthy debate and discussion in order to purpose of preventing a lawful activity”. The Second Reading achieve outcomes. speech shows that the Bill is intended to prevent protests where people chain themselves to vehicles or property. However, because Action

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it is so broad and such a legal shambles, it will arguably criminalise any protest that blocks a foot path, or even possessing a lock chain that could be used to ‘prevent lawful activity’ such as in the Lock Platform the Gate Alliance processes. 1. That the NUS recognizes the importance of protest, and 3. This Bill is very significant to our uniersity’s history as in 1969, acknowledges the rights that have been won and the numerous UWA’s first female Guild President, Sue Boyd, staged a sit-in on positive social changes peaceful protest has brought in Australia Stirling Highway after two students died trying to cross this road and around the world. which runs past the university. This protest led to the rapid 2. That the NUS condemns the actions of the Barnett Liberal installation of an underpass, which has helped keep students safe Government in Western Australia in introducing this Bill to our for more than 40 years. If this Bill had been law back then, Sue State Parliament. Boyd could’ve spent up to a year in prison for this heroic act. 3. NUS opposes the introduction of this Bill and will oppose any further steps which the 4. If the Bill is passed, students staging such a protest may face a Western Australian Government may take to secure the year in jail and/or a implementation of these proposed laws. $12,000 fine. Action 5. This piece of proposed legislation also effectively reverses the 1. National Conference directs the national office bearers and the onus of proof, requiring people to disprove that they intended to state office bearers in prevent lawful activity if there are circumstances that suggest they Western Australia to conduct a campaign opposing the Bill. did, undermining one of the most important principles of our legal system 2. In the event that the Bill is passed by the Western Australian Parliament and is assented to, National Conference directs the 6. This Bill is ridiculous, and hugely interferes with our fundamental National Executive to, in collaboration with other organizations and democratic freedoms. The offences are vague and will be prone to to the best of their financial ability, work towards bringing a misuse, threatening even the most peaceful protests that allow constitutional challenge to the legislation in the High Court of Western Australians the right to express themselves and fight for Australia. causes important to them.

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3. When Labor was elected in 2007, they refused to repeal VSU. Moved: Alex Hamilton (UWA) Instead they introduced cuts to education and welfare services. Seconder: Charlie Viska (UWA) After a failed attempt in 2009, they introduced the student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in 2012. This fee is charged to students in 3.18 Lets not get carried away with the lesser evil return for services provided by the university. The introduction of SSAF did lead to some student unions getting more funding and Preamble puts student unions in an overall more beneficial position than VSU, 1. The introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) by the but it still has problems. SSAF was a far cry from the return of coalition government in 2005 VSU was a calculated attack on universal student unionism and the 'win for students' that NUS student unions. It was aimed at generally undermining and proclaimed it to be. dissolving student unions but it was also particularly designed to limit the ability of student unions to engage in political 4. The key problem of SSAF is that the fee that students pay goes representation and activism. straight to the university, as opposed to under the pre-VSU system, when student money went straight to the student unions. This 2. In response to VSU NUS led significant protests in all major cities. means that SSAF funding is distributed according to the discretion This was an important campaign in both its attempt to defeat the of university management, and much of it is therefore pocketed by government’s policy and in mobilising students in defence of their the universities. There is also a specific clause in the SSAF unions. The power of the student unions to organise students in legislation which is aimed at preventing the money collected from this way was precisely the reason the Liberal party sought to attack the fee from being spent on political activity and organising. them. Unfortunately the campaign was pre-emptively run down in response to a ALP senator crossing the floor to vote for the 5. SSAF is part of an ongoing agenda of making education a user- legislation, thus allowing it to pass. Just when strong student pay system. It is not a step forward that students pay fees towards movements were needed, energy by those leading NUS was instead university infrastructure or basic student services that should be channelled into the upcoming ALP election on the misguided covered by principal student fees. assumption that the ALP were fundamentally oppositional to VSU and would reverse Howard’s policy immediately upon taking office. Platform

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1. NUS demands a full reversal of VSU and a return to universal 2. If there is an attack on SSAF by the federal government the student unionism president and national education officer will launch a campaign to 2. NUS acknowledges the serious limitations of SSAF namely that it defend it is not a step towards the regeneration of campus student unions 3. NUS acknowledges that various university administrations are Moved: Grace Hill, FUSU not conducting transparent processes to students when revealing Seconded: Jess McLeod (National Women's Officer) the expenditure or the allocation of the SSAF.

4. NUS also recognise that SSAF may be attacked in a right wing 3.19 Respecting campus autonomy and recognising where our way by the federal government, who want to further undermine funding comes from student unionism. Preamble 5. NUS will defend SSAF against plans from Liberal ministers to 1. NUS is comprised not of individual members, but affiliate scrap it. Any move to do so will be regressive and will open up organisations, whose affiliation fees are crucial for the student unions to further financial and political decline. Most continuing operation of our National Union. student unions are better off under SSAF then immediately post- 2. Consequently, this structure demands that campuses VSU. receive a certain level of autonomy and respect from the 6. NUS will not support a 'save our SSAF' campaign unless there is peak bod, and that public statements that hint at definitive evidence of it being under attack and will put its focus disapproval on the decisions of our affiliates is detrimental towards more immediate campaigns to mobilise students against to maintaining ongoing relationships with our affiliates and government attacks therefore NUS’ funding. 3. This reasoning is recognised in B68, which forbids National Action Office Bearers from participating in student organisation 1. The NUS president and office bearers will publicly advocate for a return to USU elections, in order to not negatively disrupt the relationship 2. NUS will focus on the most immediate threats to students and that NUS has with those campuses. not support a campaign around a non-existent issue

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4. In 2015, in the midst of an industrial dispute between the the exclusive right to deal with campus based issues as they RMIT branch of the NTEU and RMIT University, NUS made a see fit. Only when invited by the member organisation number of statements and social media posts indirectly should NUS comment on issues pertaining to specific condemning RUSU, an affiliate organisation, which was campuses. accuse falsely and without consultation, of acting against 5. National Conference condemns the decision of NUS to back the interests of staff. the NTEU over its affiliate that provides the organisation 5. The core aim of NUS is to represent over 1 million students with a substantial amount of funding. in Australia. On the rare occasions that staff and student Action interests do not align, NUS should support the students that 1. That National Conference expresses its disappointment in we represent by supporting the student organisations that NUS for an intervention into the affairs of the RMIT fund us. University Student Union, without consulting the campus president. Platform 2. That the 2016 National President write a letter to the 2016 1. NUS survives only as a result of continued contributions, RMIT University Student Union President stating: through the mechanism of affiliation fees, from our member a. Regret for not consulting with the RUSU President organisations. regarding the situation. 2. Member organisations, and not the NTEU, fund and support b. Apologies for statements made supporting the NTEU the continuing existence of NUS. over an affiliate. 3. It should be the first goal of NUS to be on the side of, in the c. A commitment to support RUSU’s on campus first case, students and, in the second case, student decisions in the future. organisations, before taking the side of any other actor in the higher education arena. Moved: Aman Choudhry (RMIT University Student Union) Seconded: Lijia Wang (RMIT University Student Union) 4. NUS believes that a high degree of campus autonomy exists

under the constitution for affiliate campuses, giving them

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3.20 I don’t want no scabs, a scab is a hack that gets no love 2. That the National Union of Students encourages all from me student unions to support other unions on campus in their industrial action and inform students why industrial Preamble action is occurring 1. As a fellow union and our closest ally on university campuses, student unions should always support the National Tertiary Education Union. Moved: Mali Rea (Monash Students Association) 2. Universities aim to create a division between staff and Seconded: Sophie Vassallo (Monash Student Association) students by demonising staff participating in industrial action 3. It is the right of any worker to participate in industrial 3.20 Say It Loud, Say it Clear: Scabs Are Not Welcome Here! action 4. When workers take industrial action on campus, student Preamble unions should always support them publicly and do what 1. On October 8th vocational education teachers held a 24 hours they can to assist strike at RMIT. They struck because they were receiving a pay offer 5. On the 8th of October 2015, the RMIT University Student below inflation, and the university was attempting to force the Union posted on their Facebook page that they did not teachers to take up working hours outside of their 21 hour weekly support to NTEU in their industrial action cap. The university was also excluding the NTEU and the AEU from Platform negotiations. Many teachers at RMIT earn below the award rate, 1. The National Union of Students supports workers right to while entitlements like superannuation are distributed very industrial action unevenly across the workplace. It was the first strike of RMIT 2. The National Union of Students expects all student unions vocational education teachers in decades. to support every industrial action Action 2. The response of the student union, RUSU, was disgraceful. RUSU 1. That this NUS National Conference condemns the RMIT condemned the strike as harmful to students and called for it to be University Student Union for scabbing on the NTEU strike ended and for the workers to return to the bargaining table, where in October of 2015 they had been given increasingly worse offers by management. When several students responded with outrage to

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the statement on the RUSU facebook page the union remained 1. NUS condemns RUSU for its attacks on the vocational teaching silent. staff at RMIT

3. This is scab conduct and has no place in a union. Student unions 2. NUS unequivocally stands in solidarity with all university staff have an obligation to give complete solidarity to staff when they who organise industrial action and recognises that such action is struggle for better teaching conditions. This is self-evidently what is vital for the existence of quality higher education and for the best for students, and is the most basic expectation of any decent conditions of those staff. progressive body, let alone one calling itself a union. 3. NUS commends the RMIT Socialist Alternative club for its active 4. The argument that teaching strikes have a negative effect on solidarity with the striking staff. students is a reactionary cliche used by university management. The fact that a student union would parrot this makes them little Action better than the neoliberal Tories who run our universities. A real 1. NUS calls on RUSU to submit a formal apology to the NTEU, the student union would organise solidarity action with the staff and AEU and vocational staff at RMIT for its scab conduct during their stand with them on the picket line. In this case it was only the RMIT strike. Socialist Alternative club that did so. 2. NUS calls on RUSU to issue a public statement retracting its 5. Tertiary education staff have continually given solidarity to NUS- earlier comments condemning the strike. led student campaigns, most notably the Abbott and Pyne: Hands off our education campaign in 2014. RMIT lecturer and NTEU 3. NUS calls on RUSU to issue information regarding the delegate Liam Ward has spoken at several student rallies. The staff mistreatment of vocational staff at RMIT to better inform students have publicised these rallies and organised contingents to attend. of the reasons for their struggle. RUSU's actions therefore amount not only to scabbing but to a compete betrayal of the overworked staff members who have put 4. NUS calls on RUSU to make contact with the NTEU and AEU in time aside to help us in our campaigns. order to organise solidarity with any campaigns they may currently be undertaking. Platform

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5. NUS calls on campus student unions who oppose scabbing to manager/advocacy officer will deal with the matter in an pass similar motions in their student council meetings. impartial manner and without interference. Unfortunately this does not occur on many campuses. Moved: Jack Todaro (RMIT University Student Union) Seconded: Danica Cheesly (National Queer Officer) Platform 1. NUS believes that Student Advocacy should be run by student organisations, and independent of university 3.21 Student Advocacy in Student Hands administrations. 2. NUS condemns campuses such as the University of Preamble Wollongong for stripping their student organisations of the 1. Independent, student run campus advocacy services are right to provide advocacy services. important to ensuring that students who need support receive it without interference or breaches of confidentiality Action from University administrations 1. NUS will lobby campus administrations that have stripped 2. Some campuses have stripped their student organisations advocacy services from their student organisations to from running advocacy services, having them either run by a commit to returning to student run advocacy services university representative (such as the University of 2. NUS will support student organisations who are fighting Wollongong’s advocacy service) or having an outside group their campus administrations for control of advocacy run the service. services. 3. This means that students who use advocacy services for 3. NUS will assist in student organisations negotiations support in cases against University administration, surrounding advocacy services. tutors/lecturers/subject coordinators are being dealt with by the university directly, meaning that cases can be dealt Moved: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) with in a partial manner or involve interference and/or Seconded: Michael Elliott (Elected delegate, University of Sydney breaches of confidentiality from administration. SRC) 4. Students who require advocacy services need to have security that their case will not be discussed with any other staff member of the university, and that their case 3.22 Solidarity With Student Unionists

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Preamble Greenfields agreements were expired. Many young staff were being paid $11.50 an hour. Kahlani was fired in July 2015 for 1. More than three out of five higher education students rely on a organizing her workmates to terminate their agreement. After this, wage or salary as a sole source of income. with the backing of United Voice and the commitment of her workmates, a mass media and community campaign resulted in a 2. Young higher education students (15-25) are most likely to work successful appeal of the firing in the Federal Court and the in retail and hospitality. termination of the agreement. This is to include back pay amounting to millions and is to extend to the 100 Australia wide 3. Campaigns led by young activists and unionists Kahlani Pyrah and Grill’d outlets and a pay rise 20%. Priya De against Grill’d and Crust Pizza respectively have brought to public attention the wide scale abuse of young workers conditions 7. Priya De lead a campaign at Crust Pizza in Gungahlin against and pay in the hospitality industry. similar management exploitation of workers. Most significantly, drivers who were mostly international students were paid below 4. For many international students, visa limitations such as those on award cash in hand based on how many pizzas they deliverer. working hours (20hrs a week) among other things leave them Linking pay to performance endangered the drivers safety as it vulnerable to informal work agreements to make up a subsistence them into speeding to meet targets and overworking to attain wage. This leaves them vulnerable to poor treatment by bosses, livable wages. Crust Pizza routinely refused breaks and penalty rate including overwork and precarious employment, cash in hand work, to all workers. Priya was fired for organizing her work mates to take below award wages and various forms of intimidation and abuse. a petition to the boss in opposition to the workers abhorrent treatment. The persistence of her workmates and Priya and the 5. Students underpayment and abuse in the workplace is a key support of the Transport Workers Union and United Voice has factor in student poverty. meant drivers are now paid Award wages! 6. Kahlani Pyrah led a campaign at Grill’d Camberwell against Platform managements refusal to pay penalty rates and over time as apart of the illegal ‘trainee’ staff contracts. These WorkChoices era

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1. NUS endorses the industrial campaigns in 2015 lead by Priyah De 1. NUS will publicize campaigns for young workers rights in and Kahlani Pyrah against Crust Pizza and Grill’d respectively. hospitality into the future. This involves issuing a press release, utilising social media platforms to promote NUS’ support and other 2. NUS notes that organization and activism in the workplace is a relevant campaign material (such as online petitions and key terrain on which to fight student poverty, win workers rights informational leaflets) and other appropriate promotional and give confidence to young people in standing up for their rights. avenues.

3. NUS encourages solitarily between students organizing in their 2. NUS encourages affiliated campus unions to promote the workplace and industrial unions. victories of young workers on their campuses. This can take the form of incorporating publicity into campus workers rights services, 4. NUS recognized the crucial role played by having the support of campus union bulletins and social media campaigns and all other industrial unions, United Voice in particular, in the two campaigns. appropriate means.

5. NUS encourages United Voice to use the publicity around the 3. NUS encourages all campus unions to incorporate actiitsts from two industrial cases and the increasing public support for young unions that organise young workers such as United Voice into their workers rights to organize Grill’d, Crust Pizza outlets and other Orientation Week events by providing union stalls free of charge in workplaces that employ students. order to recruit young workers.

6. NUS support endorses the struggles of young workers to Moved: Kim Collett (Griffith Student Guild) continue with an eye to incorporating a defense of penalty rates Seconded: Clare Francis (Curtain Guild) into the award agreements in addition to pay increases and legal 3.23 Solidarity with the 7/11 Workers! conditions.

Preamble:

1. It came to light in 2015 that 7/11 employees, often students Action themselves, are being exploited at unprecedented levels, with some workers earning as little as $10 an hour before

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taxation, being paid half the award-rate, or being taxed 3. NUS acknowledges the vulnerability of student and migrant double for the salary they do receive as part of an extensive workers with regards to wages and conditions and supports wage-fraud scheme within the company. these workers as they speak out about their exploitation at the hands of their employees. 2. Alongside their below-minimum wages workers are also subject to arduous conditions, often working for long Action: stretches (up to 16 hours) with insufficient breaks, and are 1. NUS will release a statement of solidarity with the 7/11 unlikely to receive penalty rates during weekend-work, workers and encourage campus councils to pass motions of night-shifts or public holidays, while assuming multiple roles support. in the understaffed stores. 2. NUS will support any campaign amongst the workers fighting for better pay and conditions and mobilise students 3. It is estimated that up to two thirds of the 7/11 workforce for said campaign. experience such pay and conditions, but risk deportation, 3. NUS will create a factsheet about the exploitation of 7/11 being turned into authorities or having their visas, drivers workers and disperse it amongst students, highlighting the licences and passports withheld for speaking out or taking a reality of wage-exploitation amongst workers, including stand against their bosses. students themselves who are often subject to poor wages Platform: and conditions. 1. NUS recognises the prevalence of exploitation amongst 7/11 Moved: Kahlani Pyrah (Monash Student Association) employees and stands against the exploitation of workers in Seconded: Jack Todaro (RMIT University Student Union) any field.

2. NUS supports the 7/11 worker’s fighting for better pay and 3.24 The SDA and Penalty Rates conditions, and stands in solidarity alongside them. Preamble

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1. The Liberal government alongside retail and hospitality bosses rates and a massive cut to Sunday rates. This substantially are attempting to drive down workers’ living standards through disadvantages tens of thousands of workers when compared to the cutting penalty rates. While most trade unions have opposed the General Retail Industry Award. In some instances, individual attacks to trade unions, the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees workers could lose thousands of dollars a year if their hours fall Association (SDA) has helped businesses cut the penalty rates of its primarily in the evening and/or weekend. members. 6. While the SDA and Coles have argued that this new EBA 2. In March 2015, the SDA signed a trade-off with Business South increases the overall wages were higher, Josh Cullinan’s research Australia to remove retail industry Saturday and night time penalty shows that the new deal undercuts the basic award. His research rates and reduce Sunday and public holiday loading which cuts the alongside the AMIEU has backed a Coles worker and unionist pay of the casual staff by between $5 and $7 per hour on Duncan Hart in his appeal with the Fair Work Commission to weekends. challenge the Commission’s original finding that the agreement left workers better off. 3. In May 2015, the SDA and Coles agreed to remove existing state- based agreements and replaced them with a single national Platform enterprise bargaining agreement, which covers approximately 1. NUS recognises the importance of penalty rates in 77,000 workers and leaves thousands of them worse off than the improving the living conditions of workers, including many award. university students.

4. This deal cut out the Australasian Meat Industry Employees 2. NUS supports penalty rates and stands with trade unions Union (AMIEU) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the members of which were hit worst by the new deal. The new which defend workers against cuts to penalty rates. agreement meant a massive cut in conditions and penalty rates for meatworkers and truck drivers and greatly assisted Coles is their 3. NUS believes that trade unions should defend workers’ pay ongoing process of phasing out meatworkers. and conditions, not conspire with the boss to cut them.

5. For the majority of the workforce represented by the SDA, the 4. NUS condemns the SDA’s deals which cut their own agreement meant the loss of all night shift and Saturday penalty members penalty rates, cut the rates of meatworkers and

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truck-drivers and created an opening for attacks to penalty rates in other industries. 3.25 Fighting Independent Trade Unions 5. NUS stands in solidarity with the Australasian Meat Industry Preamble Employees Union (AMIEU) and the Transport Workers 1. For the 2014 State Election, Victoria Trades Hall launched a Union (TWU) and supports the industrial action taken by widespread ground campaign. Trades Hall invested $1 million in the members to defend their conditions and oppose the SDA’s campaign and focused on marginal seats, getting firefighters, new EBA with Coles. nurses, teachers and paramedics to doorknock 93,000 homes and make 123,000 phone calls. The purpose of the campaign was to get 6. NUS supports legal action from unions and workers against the Liberal Party voted out of office and to replace them with a the new EBA including Duncan Hart/AMIEU appeal in the Labor state government which was successfully elected. Fair Work Commission. 2. This campaign achieved nothing for union members, especially Action those in the emergency services, whom it was meant to represent. 1. NUS will campaign to defend penalty rates. The Andrews state government has instead attacked these unions. In the words of United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall, 2. NUS will encourage students to join their trade union. Andrews has been 'trying to demonise firefighters' for campaigning for a pay rise. The Paramedics, the resolution of whose dispute was

touted by the government as a success story, ended up receiving a 3. NUS will support future actions by the AMIEU and the TWU wages deal that was exactly the same as the one they had rejected to defend their member's pay, conditions and penalty rates. from the Napthine Government one year earlier. Andrews has also stated that he will maintain the Liberals' policy of limiting wage 4. NUS will support campaigns by Coles workers organising to increases for public sector workers to 2.5% annually. Andrews also defend their penalty rates and conditions. disgracefully condemned the RTBU for taking industrial action against Yarra Trams and Metro Trains. Moved: James Vigus (Flinder University Student Union) Seconded: Grace Hill (Flinder University Student Union)

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3. In spite of this the ACTU is planning to replicate this campaign on 6. The union movement is in a dire state in Australia. Membership a national scale for the 2016 Federal election. The ACTU will spend has declined by 150,000 in the last year. If this continues the unions $32 million on the campaign, for which it will employ 25 full-time will be finished by 2026. This is a shattering development, organisers, doorknock and call through 32 marginal seats and especially considering the proud history of the Australian union launch an 'online war' of social media campaigning, in the words of movement in fighting for workers' rights, and its enormous ACTU secretary Dave Oliver. contributions to struggles against war, oppression and environmental destruction. 4. This will achieve nothing for union members. Andrews's betrayals illustrate this, as does Labor's record in opposition under Shorten, and the party's recent support for the China-Australia free 7. There is potential for this situation to be turned around. A recent trade agreement. At state and federal levels, Labor continually Essential Media poll showed that nearly two-thirds of people agree proves itself to be an abject servant of big business. The support of that unions are important, while around half agree that workers anti-union billionaire James Packer for Labor in the Victorian state would be better off if unions were stronger. In non-union elections is an example of this. Shorten's disgraceful record as AWU workplaces, polling shows a significant minority – 18 percent in a secretary speaks for itself. 2010 survey – say they would join a union if they were asked.

5. The last major union mobilisation for a federal election campaign, the 'Your rights at work' campaign in 2007, is also illuminating. Labor won the election, and subsequently retained 8. To realise this potential unions must cease to devote their much of the Liberals’ draconian industrial relations legislation. This resources to campaigning for the Labor party. The vast majority of included penalties for industrial action outside of a set bargaining the Australian working class rightly sees Bill Shorten as a useless period, the empowerment of third parties to have industrial action grub, as shown in his pathetic opinion polling as preferred Prime terminated, mandatory secret ballots for votes, and a host of other Minister. Continuing to back Labor will send unions further along measures that deprived workers of basic rights and prevented their path to irrelevancy and will achieve nothing for working class unionists from organising. Labor's FairWork legislation was referred people. to positively in the Murdoch press as 'WorkChoices-lite'.

Unionism

9. The only way for the unions to both reassert their relevance to Platform working class people and ensure the defense of the interests of their members is for them to act as independent fighting bodies 1. NUS opposes the decision of the ACTU to invest millions of that exercise their industrial power to pressure the bosses. This is dollars in a federal election campaign. always the case under capitalism. In the past fifty years, the high- point of union coverage (the late-sixties to late-seventies, where coverage rose to and remained at over 50%) coincides exactly with 2. NUS stands for class struggle unionism, and for unions investing the high-point in strike rates, peaking in 1974, when the strike rate their resources in industrial struggles to fight for the rights of their was over 600 times greater than it is today. Throughout this period members. industrial struggles inspired hundreds of thousands of workers around the country, convinced them to join their unions and led to 3. NUS affirms that class struggle is the only way for the Australian a massive rise in working class living standards. The stagnation of union movement to arrest the decline it has suffered in recent working class living standards in the past few decades, in spite of decades and to defend the interests of working class people in the prosperity of the Australian economy, is a consequence of the Australia. severe decline in such struggles. 4. NUS stands in solidarity with the United Firefighters Union in their industrial dispute with the Victorian State Government.

10. In the immediate term rebuilding this industrial strength must 5. NUS condemns Daniel Andrews for his betrayal of the be a priority of unionists everywhere. The Australian economy is firefighters, the nurses, the paramedics and the public sector entering into decline and the ruling class is looking to unleash workers who got him elected. austerity. Abbott's 2014 budget and Turnbull's plans to attack penalty rates are just small examples of this. Without strong 6. NUS condemns Daniel Andrews for his attacks on the RTBU for fighting unions with a political orientation towards class struggle organising strike action. working class people will be defenseless against this onslaught. Action

Unionism

1. NUS will publish a media release critical of the ACTU’s 4. University students are massively over-represented in these electoral strategy and pointing to the need for the union casualised and traditionally low-paying industries. movement to take up more confrontational class struggle politics to fight for its members 5. Penalty rates have been shown to contribute up to one-third of 2. NUS will make known its support for the firefighters via some workers paycheques. media releases and contact the union regarding any potential solidarity action it could organise. 6. Already two-thirds of university students’ incomes are below the 3. NUS will encourage affiliated campus unions to organise poverty line. solidarity action with any industrial disputes that should emerge within their region. 7. Therefore reductions in, or the total abolition of, Sunday penalty rates will drastically increase the epidemic of student poverty. Moved: Jess McLeod (National Women's Officer) Seconded: Clare Francis (Curtain Guild) Platform 1. NUS recognises the crucial importance of penalty rates for all workers. 3.26 Fighting Back For Penalty Rates 2. NUS acknowledges that university students will be Preamble disproportionately affected by any attacks to penalty rates. 1. There is a concerted campaign on the part of the Turnbull government and business lobbies to undermine penalty rates. 3. NUS acknowledges that student poverty is already rampant.

2. Already in 2015 the Fair Work Commission has cut Sunday 4. NUS actively supports all campaigns to defend penalty rates in all penalty rates for tens of thousands of casual workers in hospitality. industries – trade union movements, youth, student and unemployment advocacy groups, etc. 3. The campaign is now focussed on cutting Sunday penalty rates for all retail, hospitality and entertainment workers. Action 1. NUS will make known its staunch support for penalty rates in all industries, for all workers through media releases

Unionism

2. NUS will actively oppose any national partisan or bi-partisan 4. ChAFTA includes various provisions which make it easier for attempts to reduce or otherwise abolish penalty rates. businesses in both nations to lower pay and conditions for workers dramatically, in line with the conditions referred to in 3., including: 3. NUS will involve itself actively in any campaigns promoted by trade unions, or relevant groups. a) a reduction in skills testing requirements for foreign workers, which leads to a commensurate reduction in wages 4. NUS will make known its opposition to any movements made by in connected industries similar organisations to undercut or sell out their own members in b) a decrease in labour market testing demands for large- relation to penalty rates. scale projects, allowing companies to increase the use of easily exploitable labour Moved: Owen Cosgriff (Griffith Student Guild) c) a facilitation of companies in both nations to be able to sue Seconded: Carl Jackson (National Environment Officer) either government for damage to profits – similar provisions have already been used by Phillip Morris to sue the federal government. 3.27 ChAFTA – bad for workers, bad for students 5. ChAFTA has largely bi-partisan support and yet there is a Preamble campaign against it being co-ordinated by several trade unions, 1. The new China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), and particularly the CFMEU, because of the above-mentioned negative connected memorandum of understanding (MOU) is deleterious to effects on workers’ conditions. the conditions of workers in both China and Australia. 6. Already two-thirds of university students’ incomes are below the 2. ChAFTA is expected to be brought into force by the end of 2015. poverty line, and students are over-represented in low paying and casual jobs – those most affected by downward pressure on wages 3. Already it has been shown through the way in which businesses and conditions. are able to super-exploit workers on temporary work visas (ie 457 visas) and international students/workers who seek employment Platform (ie the recent 7/11 under-payment scandal)

Unionism

1. NUS acknowledges the negative effects ChAFTA will have on Seconded: Rebecca Paterson-Hollow (Curtain Guild) workers’ conditions in both nations.

2. NUS recognises that student poverty is rampant, and that 3.28 SDA go away, penalty rates are here to stay students are frequently employed in precarious jobs with poor conditions. Preamble:

1. In March this year the South Australian SDA set out a 3. NUS therefore acknowledges that ChAFTA will harm students’ living conditions. template agreement with Business SA that would allow employers to slash penalty rates for workers. 4. NUS supports the campaign to reform, or rescind, ChAFTA (as run 2. Penalty rates are absolutely crucial to casual and by the trade unions) as in the interests of workers, and students. part-time workers. The majority of working students who are occupied during the week with studies work Action on weekends, forfeiting time that could have 1. NUS will seek out and disseminate information about the impact otherwise been spent with family and friends, and of ChAFTA on student living and working conditions. 2. NUS will make known its support for trade unions’ campaigns resting. (most notably of the CFMEU) in opposition to ChAFTA through 3. This agreement would reduce penalty rates on media releases Sundays from 100 to 50 per cent loading, slash public holiday rates from 150 to 100 per cent and 3. NUS will make known its opposition to any bi-partisan support completely abolish penalty rates on Saturdays and for the implementation of ChAFTA. evenings during the week. In exchange workers will

receive only a marginally higher base wage and the 4. NUS will engage itself in campaigns against ChAFTA which particularly highlight the negative effects it will have on students in, (supposed) ability to refuse work on Sundays and and from, both nations. public holidays. 4. These benefits are significantly outweighed by the Moved: Lia Vassiliadis (University of Melbourne Student Union) effect that cuts to penalty rates would have on

Unionism

casual and part-time workers, particularly students, slash penalty rates and undermining the union who frequently need to work to support themselves movement’s ongoing campaign. through university. 9. NUS has a strong history of defending penalty rates 5. Furthermore, the actual right to refuse work for because of the importance they hold to students young workers in reality is limited because of a who overwhelmingly are in casual employment. NUS number of factors, but particularly because of the made a submission this year to the 4 Yearly Review power imbalance between these workers and their of Modern Awards stating “many of our members bosses. are dependent on penalty rates to get by… due to 6. Penalty rates help to compensate casual workers for their day time study commitments, are particularly the varying nature of their employment and absence reliant on after hours penalty rates to get by.” of entitlements that permanent workers receive, such as annual leave and sick leave. Platform: 7. Approximately one in five first-year students defer or entirely drop out of their studies. 44% of those 1. NUS supports the rights of all workers to receive students who seriously consider deferring their penalty rates for working unsociable hours and studies cite financial reasons as important or very believes all unions have a responsibility to protect important in their decision. penalty rates. 8. The SDA’s attack on penalty rates is particularly 2. NUS opposes any move by any organisation to scrap damaging as the Federal Government is looking to the right to penalty rates or undermine them. cut penalty rates and has had a concerted campaign to remove workers’ rights to receive extra pay on Action: weekends and with the SDA’s support, is only 1. NUS condemns the South Australian SDA’s strengthening the Federal Government’s case to undermining of penalty rates through their template agreement.

Unionism

2. NUS will continue to defend penalty rates and the 2. This review found that the existing commonwealth NUS Welfare Officer will run a campaign in support student income support arrangements leave non research of penalty rates in 2016. students well short of what they need to cover living and 3. The campaign will involve the NUS Welfare Officer study related expenses. It was found that an average attending and encouraging others to attend any rallies for penalty rates. student living in a share house and receiving maximum 4. The NUS Welfare Officer will liaise and collaborate Youth allowance and rent assistance is living 50% below with key unions as part of NUS’ campaign to protect the National Henderson poverty line. penalty rates, and contribute to the wider union 3. In order to make up for the gap between their movement’s ongoing campaign to defend workers’ government income and the expenses, they need to rights. cover; many students participate in part-time, casual, or Moved: Mark Pace (AUU Delegate) even full-time work alongside their studies. Seconded: Betty Belay (LTSU Delegate) 4. This requirement for students to work has created a

situation where students have become vulnerable to 3.29 Nationally Unionised Students: Condemning the being exploited by employers who pay them less than the Exploitation of Students at Work and Increasing Union legal award rate for working, and force them to work Memberships longer than the legal hours.

5. Many students work under illegal conditions, and do not Preamble declare to the taxation office that they are doing so

1. In 2015, the National Union of Students conducted a 4 because they need the income. While students are often yearly review into modern awards, and student finances aware that they are entitled to better working conditions;

Unionism

they often choose not to fight for them because they fear requirement to work increases students vulnerability to that they may lose their hours, or be otherwise being exploited. reprimanded. Students in this situation are 3. The NUS believes that all working individuals should be overrepresented in the Hospitality and Retail industries. remunerated at the award rate of pay for the hours they 6. International full-fee paying students who, under VISA work. conditions, can only work a maximum of 20 hours, are 4. The NUS supports unionism and believes that all particularly vulnerable to being exploited by employers. employed students should be members of their 7. Many students who experience exploitation at work are respective union not members of their union. 5. The NUS believes that students subject to unfair employment conditions should have the right to take Platform action alongside their union.

1. The National Union of Students (NUS) believes that the Action rate of Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy should be increased to at least the rate required for students to be 1. The NUS condemns any form of exploitation at work, and sitting on, not below, the Henderson poverty line, without strongly believes that all workplaces should abide by the undertaking paid employment. work conditions stipulated in the Fair Work Act. 2. The NUS recognises that it is problematic that University 2. The NUS Welfare Officer in collaboration with other students have to participate in paid employment in order National Office Bearers collates simplified information on to afford everyday living expenses; and notes that this what constitutes fair work conditions according to the most up to date Fair Work Act, and works with State

Unionism

Branches and student unions to disseminate this 5. The NUS Welfare Officer in collaboration with other National information to students Office bearers will work with relevant trade unions such as United 3. The NUS Welfare Officer in collaboration with other Voice, the CFMEU, and the MUA to run a campaign encouraging National Office bearers works with State Branches and students employed in relevant industries to become members, and student unions to encourage students to become will work with State Branches and students unions to roll this members of their trade union campaign out on University campuses 4. The NUS Welfare Officer in collaboration with other 6. The NUS Welfare Officer in collaboration with other National National Office Bearers coordinates a campaign against Office bearers will work with State Branches, student unions and the exploitation of students at work which includes the trade unions to provide support to students who are experience dissemination of information on: exploitation at work and to help them to report the situation to the a. The Percentage of University students in paid Fair Work Commission. employment 7. The NUS Welfare Officer will work with other National Office b. The industries and type of employment which students bearers, State Branches, Student Unions and trade unions to work in support students to take industrial action against employers and c. The percentage of university students who experience organisations who consistently exploit students. exploitation at work d. The demographics of students who experience Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU exploitation Delegate) e. The percentage of students who experience exploitation Seconded: Max Albani-Murphy (UTS) at work who are not members of their trade union

Unionism

3.30 SSAF is for me, not the VC: Supporting 100 % student 5. However, the process through which the SSAF funds are control over the SSAF collected means that Universities, and not student unions, control what they how the funds are used Preamble 6. NUS successfully lobbied for provisions in the Guidelines 1. The introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) in 2008 to the SSAF legislation that ensure student consultation had a significant impact on the ability of student unions to function on the use and distribution of the SSAF, as well as effectively. requirements for universities to publish how their SSAF is 1. The loss of student membership fees that came with VSU distributed. lead to the demise of many student organisations. 7. However, there is no set process for student consultation 2. As a result of loosing their primary source of income, within universities, and the way that universities adhere student unions around the country had to make to the guidelines has been vast and wide ranging. significant cuts to their staff, student representation and 8. Throughout 2015, NUS collected data from participating services. student organisations at Australian Universities that rates 3. Many have also become reliant on their universities for the performance of universities according to a number of survival different criteria including student consultation and 4. The introduction of the Student Services Amenities Fee student satisfaction with SSAF funding agreements. (SSAF) in 2012 allowed many student unions to rebuild and expand their services. 9. While some universities have approaches to their SSAF distribution which has been supportive of, and in collaboration with their student organisations; others

Unionism

have taken approaches which have either included their allowed student unions to rebuild many of the services student organisation to a very minimal capacity, or that are required to support students excluded them from the process entirely. 4. NUS believes that the distribution of student SSAF should 10. While the opposition parties, including the Labor and be transparent, and accountable, and believes that Greens have historically supported the Student Services independent, democratically elected student Amenities Fee (SSAF); the Liberal party has not. organisations are best placed to make decisions about 11. Under the current Liberal government, It is likely that the how SSAF is distributed Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace 5. NUS believes that 100% of SSAF revenue collected by Relations will call a review into the implementation of the universities going to their student organisations. SSAF and amend, and / or repeal the legislation. 6. NUS believes that is it crucial for students to have access to independent services and amenities and that that independent, democratically elected student Platform organisations are best placed to provide independent 1. NUS Affirms its support for Universal Unionism and advocacy and representation for students that is of high recognizes that VSU has been detrimental to student quality and responsive to the needs of students unions 7. NUS commits to providing ongoing support to both 2. NUS opposes VSU and commits to working towards a long affiliated and non affiliated student organisations and term goal of Universal Student Unionism (USU). student representatives in relation to the implementation 3. NUS recognizes that while the SSAF does not provide the to the SSAF and student control over student affairs. stability of USU; the revenue incurred through SSAF has

Unionism

8. NUS believe that in the current political climate, the SSAF information to help them to lobby their university to is necessary to provide access to essential services to follow best practice improve the university experience outside the classroom Action 9. NUS opposes the transfer of any services currently run by 1. The NUS National President, National Education Officer student organisations - including but not limited to and other NUS Office bearers provide ongoing support, commercial outlets and bars from student organisations information and assistance, including suggested models to universities or private providers. of best practice where required, renegotiating their 10. NUS support the publishing and transparent reporting of campus SSAF agreements with their respective all uses of SSAF revenue by universities universities in 2016 11. NUS believes that one of its key roles in relation to the

SSAF is to assist student representatives and student 1. The NUS National President, National Education Officer organisations to keep universities accountable on the and other NUS Office bearers provide affiliate campuses practical implementation of the SSAF with information and campaign materials including but 12. NUS acknowledge the universities and student not limited to leaflets and stickers regarding the SSAF and organisations who have followed best practice models for the need for student control of student affairs in time for the implementation of the SSAF and believes it is campus O’Weeks. This material is to help with the important to provide student organisations with support dissemination of information and to encourage student throughout the year in the form of campaigns and engagement and an overall importance of the SSAF

Unionism

throughout the year b. Requirements for stability of funding arrangements for student organizations 2. The NUS National President and National Education c. Maximum periods of time in which negotiations between Officer will use the SSAF report from 2015 to make universities and student organisations should take place recommendations to universities on how to improve their d. At least a minimum portion of SSAF universities are SSAF processes with reference to best practice examples, required to allocate to student organisations; and and will work with student organisations to negotiate for e. Requirements for universities to invite student better SSAF arrangements using the data where required organisations to submit any SSAF proposals they have regarding SSAF expenditure 1. The NUS National president lobbies the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations 5. The NUS President lobbies the opposition parties, and regarding the need for a review into the implementation Independents to support the above amendments to the legislation. of the SSAF to ensure that a review into the effectiveness 6. The NUS President also lobbies the opposition parties to include of the SSAF guidelines takes place, and that they are in their future election promises giving 100% of the revenue amended to include provisions that that include but are collected by universities to their student organisation not limited to 7. The National President lobbies for information about whether or a. Stronger requirements for universities to engage in not campus services are student run to be included on the My consultation with students that is genuine, collaborative University website through the My University Reference Group and diverse

Unionism

8. The NUS President and NUS Education Officer will create an information package for student organisations that explains the SSAF legislation and the right of student organisations to run political campaigns. The NUS President and NUS General Secretary will ensure this information package will be available for download from the NUS website.

9. The NUS President, NUS Education Officer and NUS General Secretary will ensure that all NUS campaigns comply with restrictions imposed by the SSAF legislation .

Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU Delegate) Seconded: Sinead Colee (MSA Delegate)

Unionism

Action 4. Education 1. The NUS President, Education and Welfare Officer’s lobby the federal government, including Education 4.01 Parallel Import Restrictions: A burden carried by students – Minister Senator Birmingham and trade Minister it’s time. Andrew Robb, Shadow Higher Education Minister Kim

Preamble: Carr and Shadow Trade Minister Penny Wong to abolish 1. A 2009 Productivity Commission review found that the PIRs inflationary pressures produced by Parallel Import 2. NUS will launch a national campaign, to begin during O- Restrictions (PIRs) are the chief cause of high textbook Weeks, against PIRs and raise awareness amongst the prices student population as to their adverse effects 2. PIRs restrict the importation of foreign printed books in order to protect local printers from competition Moved: Josh Orchard (ACT State Branch President) 3. The Productivity Commission recommends that PIRs be Second: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) abolished to introduce competition into the market and drive down the price for students 4.02 Parallel Important Restrictions: Cut the Costs of Textbooks Now Platform 1. NUS believes that PIRs are an unnecessary financial Preamble burden on students, many of whom have no choice to 1. In 2009 the productivity commission found that the high price of buy new edition textbooks due to minor changes every textbooks in Australia is mostly due to the inflationary pressures of year Parallel Import Restrictions (PIRs). 2. NUS notes that the Productivity Commission found no evidence that PIRs protected local content or copyright 2. PIRs ban the import of same edition textbooks printed overseas and should be abolished largely to shelter local printers. A lack of competition allows publishers and printers to name their price.

Education

3. This is bad for students. The productivity commission 4.03 Jobs aren’t internships; calling out dodgy compulsory recommended that PIRs be abolished, this would introduce internships at Universities. competition into the textbook printing market, and drive the prices down substantially. Preamble:

Platform 1. Universities such as the University of Technology, Sydney have 1. NUS believes PIRs are an unnecessary financial burden on begun looking into the possibility of having compulsory internships students, many of whom have no choice but to buy new edition as part of the course content. textbooks to succeed in courses they have already paid for. 2. While this may sound like it may help students gain industry 2. Evidence for the benefits of PIRs is weak. PIRs exist mostly for experience, there have been numerous suggestions that a student’s redundant copyright and protection purposes but are now used by job outside of their course could count as an internship. The job publishers as a price gouging mechanism. could have no relevance to the student’s course; and yet can be assessed. As this would contribute to a student’s degree, they 3. Parallel Import Restrictions should be scrapped entirely. would be charged HECs. If this were to be enacted, it would disadvantage students from low-SES areas that have high Action rates of unemployment. 1.The National Education Officer and National Welfare Officer will lobby the Federal Government to abolish PIRs. 3. It is wholly reasonable to assume that this is an attempt at making more money for universities, with more students paying 2. NUS will encourage awareness of PIRs adverse effects on more money to complete subjects that don’t even involve students university staff.

3. The National Education Officer and National Welfare Officer will Platform launch a campaign aimed at the removal of PIRs in 2016 1. The National Union of Students condemns moves by universities Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) to count work outside of their course as an internship. Seconded: Peter Zacharatos (University of Technology Sydney)

Education

2. The National Union of Students recognises that internships are a 1. University course content can often be out-dated, incorrect core part of helping students gain industry experience. or ambiguous. This is done at the expense of students; who are provided poor information. At universities like the University of 3. That the National Union of Students supports internships that Technology Sydney, students are provided with subject outlines are relevant to a student’s degree and encourages universities to that have been in use for several years and students as a result are help students find jobs. NUS condemns any university that thinks failing due to this. that work done by students to support themselves is a revenue raiser. 2. If students are paying large sums of money to attend university, course content needs to be up to date and correct to provide them Action: with the best possible quality of education.

1. That the Education Officer will contact Universities that attempt Platform: to pursue this and notify them of the union’s stance on this issue. 1. That the National Union of Students recognises that all students 2. That the Education Officer, in addition with relevant NUS Office should be provided with the most relevant and correct information bearers, will work to ensure that NUS campaigns against possible if they are to have the highest possible quality of compulsory internships and towards degrees that include relevant education. content. 2. That the National Union of Students condemns any universities Moved: Max Murphy (University of Technology, Sydney Student’s who don’t prioritise having up to date course content. Association) Seconded: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania University Union) Action: 1. That the National Union of Students will liaison with education officers around Australia and encourage audits of university course 4.04 Audit Course Material content.

Preamble: Moved: Max Murphy (Univeristy of Technology Sydney Student’s Association)

Education

Seconded: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania University Union) 4. Although restructures are a serious attack by universities on the quality of education, they are merely symptomatic of the $2.3 4.05 No to restructures, yes to funding billion cut in funding to tertiary education by the Federal Government. Preamble: Platform: 1. Across Australia, various universities have begun to implement changes to their academic year that involve shortening 1. That the National Union of Students condemns moves to teaching periods, condensing course loads and having an increased restructure university courses in an attempt to overcome funding focus fast-tracking degrees. cuts

2. Universities such as the University of Technology Sydney, Deakin 2. That NUS condemns the Federal Governments cuts to Higher University and the University of New England are examples of this. Education and recognises that restructures are a symptom of this. UTS for example has moved to a Balanced Semester model that sees 15 week courses condensed into 11 weeks and the summer 3. That NUS recognises that the only way to prevent restructures session extended to the time of a full semester with the university and the attack on our quality of education is for significantly more refusing to rule out any plans to make the summer session funding for Tertiary Education in Australia. compulsory. This is being done to overcome the shortfall in funding, as students are paying the same amount of money for less Action: education and it can allow more students to pas through the university quicker (http://bit.ly/1YhUZjw). At many universities, 1. That the National Union of Students will have as the core of its restructures are having an adverse affect on staff as 2016 campaign, fighting against university restructures and for well (http://bit.ly/1LproeR). more funding for tertiary education

3. While these issues have been dealt with on a campus level, there 2. That the NUS Education Officer will liaise with student unions, has been so far limited action on a national level, despite this being the NTEU and other campus groups to create a holistic campaign an issue across the country. that will address this issue at a National level

Education

higher quality of education Moved: Max Murphy (University of Technology Sydney Students’ Association) 3. That the casualisation of staff Seconded: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania University Union) Action:

4.06 The amount of casual staff in Tertiary Education is, indeed, 1. That the National Union of Students actively supports any too damn high. campaigns run by the NTEU focused on casualisation or any other attacks against the rights of workers in Tertiary Education Preamble: 2. That the NUS Education officer will create campaigns and actions 1. The rate of casualisation in tertiary education has been on the that focus on casualisation and having accessible staff. rise. 22% of all staff employed at Universities around Australia are employed on a causal basis; with some campuses such as the Moved: Max Murphy (University of Technology Sydney Students’ university of Technology Sydney having over casual staff account Association) for 2 out of 3 employees (http://bit.ly/1kJxfGK). Seconded: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania University Union)

2. Casualisation has an immense impact on the quality of education. Having members of staff who are accessible outside of 4.07 Students deserve a place at the table: Advocating for hours is important as it allows students to query members of staff student representation on University Councils

Platform: Preamble

1. That the National Union of Students recognises that all people in 1. University Councils and Boards are often the place where the the Tertiary Education industry should have the opportunity to be most crucial decisions institutional decisions are made in relation to employed in secure work. a range of matters which affect students, including university infrastructure, finances and academic matters. 2. That NUS recognises that having accessible staff contributes to a 2. In order to ensure that the effect that these decisions have on

Education

students are considered; it is vital that undergraduate and 2. The NUS believes that Education is a social good and that postgraduate representatives are included on the committees. University should be free for all students 3. It has become all too commonplace in recent years for student 3. The NUS believes that Universities should be focussing on how representative places to be removed from University Councils and they can best provide high quality Education and support Boards around Australi services to students at a minimal cost to the individuals 4. At the 2015 Universities Australia conference, several Vice- 4. The NUS acknowledges that the best way to ensure that students Chancellors stated that students and staff should not hold places on interest remain at the centre of decision making is to ensure University council’s due to the “Conflict of interest” they they hold. that students have a place at the table 5. This view is held by many Vice-Chancellors and University 5. The NUS believes that all University Councils, executive boards executives around Australia, who have either removed students and committees should include at least one independent, from their Councils, or are hostile to the student representatives democratically elected undergraduate and postgraduate whom with they share the table student representative. 6. The increased hostility to student representation on University 6. The NUS condemns the removal of student representatives from Council’s is reflective of the Neo - Liberalism of Higher Education any University Councils, committees and boards. and the increasing tendency of universities to focus on achieving 7. The NUS believes that all student representatives should feel maximum revenue, rather than maximum student learning welcome and supported to participate in discussions 7. The perceived “conflict of interest” that is held by staff and regarding decision making within the university student representatives is associated with the fact that these representatives often prioritise the effect that decisions have on Action the experiences of staff and students and academic outcomes over maximising revenue 1. The NUS President and NUS Education Officer create best practice guidelines for student representation within Platform universities which include: 1. Having at least one independent, democratically elected 1. The National Union of Students (NUS) believes that the primary undergraduate and postgraduate student representative on responsibility of Universities is to educate individuals, and every University Council, Board and Committee. conduct research, and that this should be the focus of 2. Providing comprehensive director training to all student University Councils representatives on councils, boards and committees

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3. Having clear and easy to follow processes for student State governments to amend relevant legislations to require that all representatives to participate in, and contribute to the University Councils include at least one independent, agenda of University Councils, boards and committees democratically elected undergraduate and postgraduate student through written submissions, and verbal contributions. representative on every University Council, Board and Committee. 4. Providing support to student representatives to contribute to roundtable and discussions and decision making in the form of offering invitations to speak, and showing respect and Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU due consideration for the independent views of student Delegate) representatives Seconded: Hannah Smith (Education Officer) 5. The NUS President and the Education Officer collect data on the state of student representation on University Councils, executive boards and committees based on the above criteria; and collate a 4.08 Condemning Deregulation and Building a Better Future for report on how each university ranks. Higher Education (Building on the 2014 and 2015 6. The NUS President will send this report out to Universities and campaign) make recommendations for how to improve their ranking and adhere to best practice. Preamble 7. The NUS President and NUS Education Officer will work with independent, democratically elected student organisations to 1. In the 2014 and 2015 Federal Budgets, the Liberal Government negotiate a best practice arrangement for student representation put forward a Higher Education Reform BIll which promised to with their university. drastically alter the state of Higher Education in Australia 8. The NUS condemns the removal of student representatives from 1. The proposed Bill included a range of changes promising to University Councils, further Neo-Liberalise Higher Education in Australia, 9. The NUS President and NUS Education Officer will provide including: ongoing support to student President’s and other student 3. The full deregulation of University fees through the removal of representatives who are members of University Council’s, the cap on student contributions for commonwealth supported committees and boards. places. This would result in Universities being able to charge 10. The NUS President and NUS Education Officer will work with students whatever they want State Branches and campus Presidents to lobby Universities and 1. A reduction in the commonwealth contribution per student place

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of 20% which would result in a need for increased student Turnbull, the new Education Minister, Simon Birmingham, contributions to maintain funding levels. promised to postpone the Higher Education Reform BIll, pending 2. Attacks on TEQSA, under the guise of “Restructure,” which would consultation with relevant stakeholders lead to less accountability mechanisms in relation to quality 15. However, to date, Birmingham and Turnbull have not made any of education contact with the NUS or other Higher Education Unions, and have 3. A reduction in University funding indexation, which will, once failed to respond to several requests for consultation. again, lead to a need for increased student contributions to 16. Despite promises for change, the Higher Education Reform Bill fill the gap left by a loss in funding remains a core Liberal policy; with the government still planning to 4. A reduction in the repayment threshold of HELP style loan overhaul the Education system to increase the revenue gained by schemes by 10%, meaning low income graduates are forced Universities at the expense of students. to repay debt more quickly, and with less resources to do so. Platform 5. A loan fee attached to HELP style loan schemes 6. An introduction of University fees for Postgraduate Research 4. The National Union of students believes that education is a right students and not a privilege; and that all individuals should be able to 7. A narrowing of the eligibility criteria of relocation scholarships access education, regardless of their economic standing. 8. A reduction in the Higher Education Participation and 5. The NUS reaffirms its commitment, to work towards achieving Partnerships funding by $51 million per year over the next free tertiary education. four years 6. The NUS vehemently opposes the Liberals HIgher Education 12. These proposed changes have been met massive community Reform Bill and any measure which promises decrease opposition to the package and some commitments from the access to tertiary education. Federal opposition and crossbench senators to oppose the 7. The NUS opposes any moves to cut university funding, legislation deregulate fees, or privatise student debt. 13. Thanks to the hard work of advocates and peak body organisations like the NUS, the NTEU and CAPA; the Liberal Action government has failed to pass the Higher Education reform bill through senate. 1. The NUS National President and NUS National Education Officer 14. When the new government was sworn in under Malcolm will continue to work with affiliates, Education peak bodies and

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activists to coordinate a national campaign in opposition to the students, and gain community support for changes that proposed Higher Education package. would increase support for students in the lead up to the 2. The campaign will target the Federal Liberal government, as well 2016 Federal election as the opposition government and crossbenchers. It will also target 4. The NUS President and NUS Education Officer will organise a university administrators. range of resources to lobby Federal ministers, and to assist Campus 3. The campaign will have three key aspects. affiliates and activists to lobby their local representatives. These a. To force the Liberal government to drop the Higher will include: Education Reform BIll, and their drive to deregulate a.Information sheets on how the Higher Education Universities. Reform will detriment students b. To lobby the Liberal, Labor, Greens and Independents b. A comprehensive NUS research paper on why investing to promise a Higher Education package that includes more funding into HIgher Education would benefit measures which will provide a better future for students, students, Universities and the Australian community such as: c. A guide on how activists can best approach political i. An increase in funding to Public funding for representatives and Universities, including template commonwealth supported student places to a minimum letters, and points for meetings of at least the OECD average 5. The NUS President and NUS Education Officer will work with ii. Scholarships which encourage disadvantaged cohorts affiliates and activists to build a grassroots, on the ground of students to participate in Higher Education, including campaign to target university administrations and seek out low socioeconomic students, aboriginal and torres strait commitments from them to: islander students, LGBTIQA students, and student with a. not increase fees disabilities b. publicly oppose University deregulation iii. Requirements for Universities to use a minimum c. become advocates for increases to federal Higher percentage of federal funding for Teaching and Learning Education funding, and more Federal support for students, purposes especially in the lead up to the federal election. iv. Funding packages for the development of universities d. The campaign targeting both Universities and political in regional areas representatives will include: c. To raise public awareness around how the Liberal 6. The NUS Tradition of large centralised demonstrations and government's Higher Education Reform would hurt National Days of Action

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7. Grassroots, community organising and diverse, creative action in afford it could go to University. order to ensure genuine buy in from affiliates and campus 3. While all students would be affected by the implementation of activists, and to continue to build a powerful movement such reforms, the position of students in disadvantaged around the issue cohorts place them in a particularly vulnerable position. 8. lobbying tactics targeting state representatives 4. If the Liberals Higher Education reform is passed by Senate, low 9. The NUS National President and National Education Officer will socioeconomic students, Aboriginal and Torres Strait continue to have a strong working relationship with other Islander students, LGBTIQA students, women students, Education Peak bodies including the NTEU and CAPA. Ethno-cultural students and students with disabilities will be particularly disadvantaged. Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU 5. Individuals from these cohorts are already at higher risk of Delegate) experiencing barriers to participating in, and succeeding at Seconded:Max Albani-Murphy (UTS) university. These include: 1. Financial difficulties 4.09 Intersectionality in the Higher Education campaign 2. Physical and Psychological health issues 3. Housing stress Preamble and 4. social isolation 1. The Liberal government's Higher Education Reform Bill which was 6. If the cost of participating in Higher Education is increased, the put forward in 2014, and again in 2015 posed changes disadvantages experienced by these groups will be magnified; and which promised to drastically alter the provision of Higher individuals who face intersections of disadvantage are likely to be Education in Australia. pushed out of the system altogether 2. Changes which were proposed as part of the reform, such as the deregulation of university fees, and a 20% decrease in Platform funding for Commonwealth supported places would have, in lead to drastic increases in the cost of attending university 1. The National Union of students believes that education is a right in the short term, and the long term, would have furthered and not a privilege; and that all individuals should be able to the Neoliberalisation of Higher Education and the creation access education, regardless of their economic standing. of a two tiered system, in which only individuals who can 2. The NUS reaffirms its commitment, to work towards achieving

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free tertiary education. bearers to do so. 3. The NUS vehemently opposes the Liberals HIgher Education 3. The NUS National President and NUS Education Officer will work Reform Bill and any measure which promises decrease with the autonomous National Officers, including the access to tertiary education. Women’s Officer, the Queer Officer/s, the Disabilities 4. The NUS recognises that the Higher Education Reform, and other Officer, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officer, the measures aimed at further neoliberalising the Higher Ethno-Cultural Officer and the International Officer, to Education system would have a significant effect on the ensure that the NUS Education campaign is inclusive of the ability of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to needs and interests of the groups they represent. This participate in education, and that these effects would be should include, but not be limited to, the National Day of disastrous for those who face intersections of disadvantage Action, which have a history of not being as accessible to 5. The NUS believes that the campaign against the Liberal students from disadvantaged groups as other aspects of Government's Higher Education reforms should be NUS campaigns. intersectional, and that information on how the reforms will affect students should references the the effect that they Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU would have on specific cohorts Delegate) Seconded: Sarah Xia (UMSU Delegate) Action

1. The NUS National Executive will ensure that the Education 4.10 Invest In Students - It's Everyone’s Future campaign is intersectional, and will provide advice, and feedback to the National Office bearers on how to do so Preamble where relevant. 1. Since the 1990s, there have been continuous funding cuts to 2. The NUS National President and NUS Education Officer will make universities. a concerted effort to include references to how the the 2. This has resulted in public funding by enrollments in Australia Higher Education Reforms will affect disadvantaged cohorts falling significantly below the OECD average. of students in any research papers and information 3. In order to make up for the lost funds, Universities have been packages developed for the purpose of the Education cutting faculty, and teaching and learning budgets and have campaign, and will work with the NUS autonomous office increased student contributions

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4. This has resulted in decreases in academic support for students and has increased the likelihood of students withdrawing 1. The NUS will campaign for an increase in government funding for from university. Higher Education to at least the OECD average as a 5. The increased cost of attending has also increased the potential percentage of GDP, and will demand that the funding be for low socioeconomic students to be excluded from used to subsidise student fees. university. 2. In order to achieve this, the NUS will lobby all political parties, independent senators and Higher Education bodies, such as Platform Universities Australia to support funding increases to the sector. 1. The National Union of Students (NUS) is committed to ensuring 3. The NUS will work with the National Tertiary Education Union that University is accessible to all students, and that (NTEU), The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations students are well supported while studying (CAPA), and other peak body organisations to fight for a 2. The NUS recognizes that this requires adequate funding for the Better Future for Higher Education. provision of learning and teaching and student support. 3. The NUS strongly believes that the cost of the provision of tertiary education should not come from student Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU contributions. Delegate) 4. The NUS emphasizes that individuals who are tertiary educated Seconded: Dean Mattar (UTS Delegate) provide skills which are necessary to the functioning of the economy, and pay higher taxes than non-educated individuals, which provide a significant amount of benefit to 4.11 A Tutorial is a Tutorial! the community. 5. The NUS strongly believes that the Federal government should Preamble invest more funding into higher education, to provide increased support for students, and to boost the economic 2. The purpose of having tutorials at Universities is to provide well-being of the country. students with the support that they can get from a tutor or lecturer in a small group, that is not possible to get from a Action large class/ lecture

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3. However, the support gained through tutorials has decreased provide students with adequate one-to-one support over the last decade as student to staff ratios have 3. The NUS opposes changing the name of Tutorials to ‘Workshops’ increased. or ‘Seminars,’ and increasing the number of maximum 4. At many Universities, the number of students in a tutorial has students in classes doubled, or even tripled in size from an average of 10, to 20 4. The NUS condemns Federal cuts to Higher Education funding, or 30. and adjacent cuts to faculty and staff budgets within 5. In the 2015 Quality Survey, 38.5% of University students reported Universities; and notes that budget cuts have a negative that their tutorial rooms were overcrowded, and 47.8% of impact on students learning environments students reported that their tutorials typically had more than 20 students. Action 6. Many Universities have justified this by changing the title of a ‘Tutorial’ to a ‘Workshop’ or a ‘Seminar,’ or running tutorial 1. The NUS asserts that Universities, faculties and staff should be discussions through online portals. Some have removed provided with adequate resources to provide support small Tutorials altogether, group support to students in all course units. 7. A large reason behind this trend has been cuts to University 2. The NUS asserts that “A Tutorial is a Tutorial” and that changing funding that is by the Federal government, resulting in the name of a class does not justify decreasing the support University administrations cutting faculty and staff budgets available to University students in the course. 8. These cuts, and the subsequent increases to the size of classes 3. The NUS National Education Officer will use the results from the has a significant impact on students ability to learn and NUS Quality to provide information to Universities on how succeed at University well they rank nationally in relation to a number of measures including: Platform 1. The size of tutorials they run for students and 1. The NUS believes that running tutorials at Universities is essential 1. The support they provide to students through tutorials Vs. online to provide students with the support they need to learn and discussions succeed at University 2. The NUS believes student to staff ratios in Tutorials should 1 staff 4. The NUS Education Officer will develop a standard ‘Tutorial Size member to a maximum of 10-15 students, in order to Policy’ including maximum staff to student ratios that should be in

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a Tutorial. more valuable than face-to-face content delivery (such as 5. The NUS National Education Officer will work with Universities lectures). campus student representatives to amend their ‘Tutorial Policy’ or 5. The digital age makes it easier than ever to deliver content other relevant policy to include these suggestions, or to implement to students outside the classroom and allows students to a ‘Tutorial Size’ policy where one does not exist. 6. The NUS learn this content at their own pace and at times that suit. Education Officer and other National Officer bearers will work with 6. Flip Classroom has the capacity to see more resources student unions and student representatives to run campaigns devoted towards interactive face-to-face learning over against University cuts to faculties and staff; and Federal cuts to content delivery. Higher Education. 7. Supporting better prioritising of teaching and learning resources and funding is in no way mutually exclusive to Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU also supporting greater resourcing and funding of teaching Delegate) and learning, or higher education in general. Seconded: Dean Mattar (UTS Delegate) 8. Universities have the capacity to use Flip Classroom philosophy to justify cuts to jobs and teaching quality. 9. This should not scare student unions away from Flip 4.12 There’s no need to flip out over Flip Classroom Classroom philosophies, but does reinforce the need to be vigilant in making sure that any moves towards Flip Preamble: Classroom lead to better prioritising of funding, not 1. Flip Classroom teaching is a style of blended learning that cutting funding. challenges the current norm of teaching and learning at 10. Flip Classroom teaching offers much in the effort to most universities around Australia. improve teaching and learning at universities. 2. In its most basic form, Flip Classroom involves the bulk of content delivery to be given prior to class, allowing face- Platform: to-face learning to be more productive. 1. The National Union of Students recognises that Flip 3. Currently a significant amount of resources are put into Classroom teaching has the capacity to improve the basic content delivery in university courses. quality of teaching and learning in universities. 4. The bulk of pedagogical research makes it clear that interactive face-to-face learning (such as tutorials) is far

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2. The National Union of Students recognises that Flip Seconded: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Classroom teaching has the capacity to give greater flexibility to students in their learning. 4.13 Winning the public debate on Higher Ed funding 3. The National Union of Students supports approaches to teaching and learning that increase the resources devoted Preamble: to interactive face-to-face learning. 4. The National Union of Students recognises that a 1. The Australian Higher Education sector is currently malicious university administration could use Flip underfunded, leading to tensions between the important Classroom philosophies to justify cuts to staff or teaching aims of providing quality teaching and learning for and learning resources. coursework students, and producing high quality research. 5. The National Union of Students encourages any member organisation whose members have the potential to 2. The sector relies heavily on funding attributed to benefit from Flip Classroom teaching to work coursework studies, when allocated by the Government, to constructively with their university to ensure students cross-subsidise research. benefit from any such shift in pedagogy and resourcing. 3. The cross-subsidisation of research using coursework 6. The National Union of Students encourages member funding is a significant factor in sub-standard teaching and organisations to be vigilant but not paranoid in defending learning services provided by many Universities, particularly their members during potential discussions around research and world rankings focused institutions. 4. Through successful campaigns by NUS and the broader implementing Flip Classroom teaching practices with student union movement, the Australian public have university administrations. overwhelmingly rejected increased student contributions to address the current funding shortfalls. Action: 5. Having defeated fee-deregulation on multiple occasions, a 1. That conference directs all 2016 NUS office bearers provide proactive campaign for greater Government funding of the as much reasonable support as possible to member sector is the next logical step for the student union organisations in any shifts towards Flip Classroom Teaching. movement.

6. There exist tensions in the broader community around the Moved: Tom Beyer (University of Western Australia) extent to which the Government funds and prioritises the

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Higher Education Sector. Stereotypes such as tradies being 3. The National Union of Students believes that the Australian forced to pay for undergrads to study, whilst inaccurate, Federal Government should increase funding to the Higher have previously inhibited progressive Governments from Education sector so it can meet both the goals of providing increasing funding to a greater extent. quality teaching and learning for coursework students, and 7. If a portion of the funding attributed to coursework studies producing high quality research. when allocated by the Government was siloed for this purpose, it would: Action: a) Increase the amount of coursework funding that is 1. NUS’s Office Bearers shall begin a discussion with policy actually spent on teaching and learning within makers around the benefits of the above shift in funding many, if not all, universities. structures. b) Put the onus on the Government and more broadly, taxpayers, to adequately fund research Moved: Tom Beyer (UWA Student Guild) separately. Seconded: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) c) Allow any debate around increasing overall funding to be focused on funding research, and thus be more likely to have the support of the 4.14 Memes to an end community at large. Preamble: Platform: 1. The current policy of NUS dictates that “In a day and age 1. The National Union of Students recognises the importance where an overwhelming majority of the students of Universities providing quality teaching and learning for represented by the National Union are regular social media coursework students as well as producing high quality users, it makes sense to drive a strong and visible social research. 2. The National Union of Students supports a cap on the extent media element for every campaign that NUS runs.” to which Government funding allocated towards 2. A meme is “an idea, behaviour, or style that spreads from coursework studies can be used to cross-subsidise other person to person within a culture.” Memes are widely used areas of Universities, particularly research. and distributed on social media as a means of sharing cultural practices, jokes and ideas.

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3. Memes can be used effectively as a campaign technique, as a way of engaging more people in an idea. If a meme is “dank” or humorous enough, it can be widely shared on 4.15 Conserving the progress—Keep our universities offline.

social media and reach thousands of people. Preamble: Platform: 1. Why do students go to university? There is a multitude of 1. NUS acknowledges that it’s social media presence has been reasons to go, and one being is to make friends. 2. There are many ways a student can make friends- like being lacklustre in the past, and that it could be improved active on campus, or joining some clubs. However, perhaps significantly by using more modern techniques to achieve the easiest way to make friends is to chat to people before, traction. during and after class. 2. NUS understands the cultural relevance and importance of 3. This is only one of the many reasons why it is essential to memes. stop universities going online. Students are seeing more of 3. NUS recognises that memes are an undervalued their lectures, seminars and tutorials being moved online campaigning technique, and that the use of memes has the and less of intrapersonal learning. 4. If this trend continues there will be no point for universities capacity to build awareness of the issues it campaigns on. to even have campuses. Action: 1. NUS encourages the use of dank memes when promoting all Platform: 1. NUS recognises that online education is worthwhile to campaigns and actions run or endorsed by NUS. students, and that it should continue to develop. However,

2. NUS will acquaint Office Bearers with correct use of such not at the expense of our intrapersonal learning. memes when they are being created to promote campaigns 2. NUS condemns any university’s choice to move subjects and actions endorsed by NUS. online and encourages them to create a class that amalgamates online and in-class learning. Moved: Michael Elliott (University of Sydney) 3. NUS encourages the government to give Universities more Seconded: Divina Blanca (UTS) funding so they can increase the amount of in-class learning for students.

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3. The 2015 NDA protest was effective in that it was large, and Action: was heard across many different industries. It was also 1. NUS will write to the Universities expressing their stance on effective in that it confirmed NUS’ stance on deregulation. keeping in-class learning alive. 2. NUS will also write to the Minister for Education 4. Although techniques like lobbying work effectively, NUS encouraging them to look into more funding for in-class realises that protesting is in the interest of some students learning. and will continue to promote peaceful protests on the 3. NUS will publicly state its stance on keeping intrapersonal National Days of Action. learning at the forefront of university. Platform: Moved: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) 1. NU stands for the opportunities in which education can Seconded: Nathan Croft (La Trobe Student Union) bring to one’s life and promotes the welfare and support to disadvantaged students across the country.

4.16 Peaceful protesting- sounds lame, but it works! 2. NU condemns the idea of fee deregulation and will continue to fight to protect students and their future. Preamble: 1. The National Day of Action (NDA) is a day where students can lobby/protest to tell the Government about what 3. NUS realises that NDA’s can get out-of hand, but will concerns them. This day is a pinnacle day in the NUS continue to encourage peaceful rather than aggressive calendar and with proper care will continue to grow and protesting by holding people accountable for their actions. flourish. 4. NUS acknowledges the significance of the history of the National Days of Actions and sees the strategy as a 2. The NDA’s last campaign against deregulation clearly successful one to go carry on with the future of NUS. worked, as there is now no deregulation. Action:

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1. The National Education Officer and Education Officers of 2. Ted Talks is a global community, welcoming people from universities will continue to run NDA’s for the good of every discipline and culture who seek a deeper students in Australia. understanding of the world. 3. Ted Talks believes passionately in the power of ideas to 2. The NUS will encourage peaceful protests by reinforcing this change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world. policy that stipulates that if any office-bearer within a University or the NUS is arrested during any of the NDAs, Preamble: they will be subject to the scrutiny of the NUS Executive and 1. NUS supports the continuation of Ted Talks and as a result, forced to publicly express an apology that justifies their will support the continuation of learning. actions and behaviour. 2. NUS supports this new wave of learning. 3. NUS condones Ted Talks coming to Australia. 3. NUS will continue to run NDAs with both a protest/lobby approach to express students concerns about new policies Action: or budgets that they may introduce. 1. NUS will write to Ted Talks inviting them to come to Melbourne to do a talk for the NUS and anyone willing to Moved: Nathan Croft (La Trobe Student Union) attend. Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) 2. NUS will ask the Education Officers of Universities to compile a list of subjects that students would like to hear a Ted Talks on. 4.17 Let’s hear what Ted has to say 3. It will then be up to the discretion of the NUS to decide subjects that the Ted Talks will be on. Platform: 4. Essentially, NUS will try to organise a local TEDx Event. 1. Ted Talks is revolutionising the way we learn. From talking about topics like feminism, to telling us “How to get (a new) Moved: Nathan Croft (La Trobe Student Union) hip”, Ted is there to educate, explore and expand our Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) minds.

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4.18 Introducing . . . Net Con—The networking conference: obtained from a mixture of tertiary education and connections. Preamble: 1. We realize that Education Conference and National 3. NUS realises that it is in their duty and in the students Conference is a great ways to bring students from across best interest to help supply these connections that will the country together to speak and debate relevant and go onto get students a job. important issues of being a tertiary student in Australia. 2. However, we are not always going to be students Action: forever. The fact of full time employment after 1. NUS will hold a day-long conference titled ‘Networking university may seem scary and challenging in a world Conference’ (Net Con) where students are invited to listen where just having a degree is simply not enough. to industry and union professionals talk about different 3. 30% of graduates will be jobless, which equates to topics devised by the NUS executive and Education Officers 65000 students. The significant of tertiary study and the from around Australia. added advantage of accessibility in being able to attend and study at university is increasing rapidly each year. 2. Net Con will also provide a Q&A session where students can 4. Now more than ever is the ability of network with question professionals on their own personal topics. employers, associates and industry professionals through avenues of study, leadership and extra- 3. NUS will provide a means of contact to the professionals so curricular activities is more vital than before. students can contact them personally, helping connect them to the industry. Platform: 1. NUS realises that conferences work, and that these 4. NUS will work with the Education Officers of different conferences should continue to grow with the increase Universities to promote the introduction of Net Con. in students. Moved: Nathan Croft (La Trobe Student Union) 2. NUS recognises that majority of students go to Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) University to get their degree, which will go on to get them a job. More often than not, these jobs are

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4.19 HECS is Best 5. The introduction of HECS is also a recognition that free tertiary education is not feasible in today’s climate. With Preamble triple the percentage of students leaving high school 1. Since 1989, the Higher Education Contribution Scheme has obtaining a university qualification than when free tertiary been the method by which students have paid for their education was introduced, this funding model is not education. financially sustainable and imposes a cost burden upon 2. This system was introduced as a result of the massive those who do not go to university. increase in demand for university places caused by the 6. In Scotland, where the Scottish National Party scrapped the policies of the Hawke/Keating Government, who oversaw a model based on the HECS system and implemented free threefold increase in the number of students completing tertiary education, disastrous effects were seen. 80,000 high school and, consequently, a threefold increase in university places were cut from the Scottish Education demand for university places. system to pay for the increased cost to the Scottish 3. The HECS system is fantastic because it strikes a balance Government of free education, meaning that students who almost unknown in the higher education funding models of had received a better high school education were the ones most countries. It’s good for students because it demands who got in to university, owing to higher admission scores no upfront commitment of funds, but is good for society resulting from increased demand. A civil servant in the since a portion of a student’s university fees will be fed back Scottish Education Department said that “Free tuition in in to the education budget, eliminating the need for higher Scotland is the perfect middle-class, feel-good policy. It's taxes. superficially universal, but in fact it benefits the better-off 4. HECS, at its core, is a recognition that students who attend most, and is funded by pushing the poorest students further university earn more than their counterparts who do not, and further into debt.The Scottish system for financing full- and that university students should make a contribution to time students in higher education does not have the the cost of their education if they receive an above average egalitarian, progressive effects commonly claimed for it.” wage as a result of their tertiary education. Platform

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1. NUS believes that the current system of higher education attacks from those who advocate for free education and for funding, HECS, is the best way to finance ever increasing those who advocate for fee deregulation. numbers of students choosing to pursue a tertiary 2. NUS shall promote its position on HECS through its regular education. advertising channels. 2. NUS believes that the accessibility of education to all 3. NUS will continue to campaign against the deregulation of students is more important than financing the university university fees and interest on HECS. educations of the rich, who will make up a higher Moved: Cameron Petrie (RMIT University Student Union/Victorian percentage of university students if free education is State Branch President) introduced. Seconded: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney SRC) 3. NUS condemns the Scottish National Party for their disgraceful attitude towards higher education, and for locking many poor Scottish students out of a tertiary 4.20 What is a National Day of Action? More like Student Day of education. Action am I right? 4. NUS calls on the Federal Government to continue to invest Preamble more money into the higher education system, not for the 1. At present when NUS calls a national protest on behalf of provision of free education, but to further improve students it is referred to as the “National Day of Action” or NDA for accessibility and course quality. short. 5. NUS opposes the deregulation of university fees. 6. NUS opposes the privatisation of HECS. 2. All marketing produced for the action refers to it as an NDA, but still requires explanation around it being specifically a protest of Action students

1. The National Education Officer will run a campaign focussed Platform on promoting to students the benefits of the current HECS 1. NUS at all times seeks to have its protests and actions be as system, and how important it is to protect this system from effective as possible

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3. The vice-chancellor cries poor over spending and the need 2. NUS recognizes that the effectiveness of an individual protest for cuts at the same time receives a significant pay increase, comes down to its marketing in the lead up to the event which is close to one million dollars whilst he presides over

one of the G8 universities. 3. NUS believes clarity and brevity in marketing its protests is essential Platform 1. NUS condemns universities that have/are currently Action cutting staff and programs. 1. In 2016 NUS will rebrand all protests and actions to be referred to as a “Student Day of Action” or SDA for short 2. NUS stands in solidarity with universities such as University of Adelaide and University of Melbourne that Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) are being attacked by both the Liberal Federal Seconded: Divina Blanca (University of Technology Sydney) Government and the ruthless university administration. 3. NUS supports reasonable campaigns by staff and students against these heinous cuts. 4.21 Oppose staff and course cuts to all universities including Adelaide Uni Action 1. NUS endorses reasonable campaigns by staff and Preamble students against these heinous cuts. Support may take 1. The University of Adelaide is reducing staff members across the form of materials, campaign support and public its three campuses, scrapping educational programs of support through media releases. value and implementing costly restructures that are 2. NUS will lobby universities that carry out these unnecessary. damaging cuts. 2. The Bebbington Administration has supported the former 3. NUS will defend students that are suffering as a result of Education Ministers calls to deregulate universities which these cuts. are leading to a strategy of cuts to programs, staff and education quality. Moved: Beau Brug (University of Adelaide)

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Seconded: Joshua Boughey (National Executive) Platform 1. NUS believes it is the right of every university student to access textbooks for their courses at an affordable cost. 4.22 Textbooks on HECS 2. NUS supports the ability for students to access textbooks Preamble through the HECS repayment loan. 1. The HEC system as it currently stands does a significant deal for helping students afford the large costs that are associated with Action Higher Education, namely tuition fees. However, students are still 1. The National Education Officer will write to the Minister for burdened with the upfront costs of textbooks which can cost up to Education detailing this motion, and will include Textbooks on HECS $500 per semester. as part of their campaigning efforts in 2016

2. While students can access second hand copies, for courses with Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) online learning or that have simply changed the textbook, a new Seconded: Justine Amin (University of Sydney) edition of the course material is required.

3. For students from low socio-economic backgrounds this represents a significant burden for them to undertake in order to 4.23 Simple Extensions achieve positive outcomes during the course of their university education. Preamble 1. At present, many universities around the country provide their 4. By allowing students to access the HECS scheme for textbooks, students the ability to apply for “simple extensions” on students will be able to not only afford textbooks, but be free of assessments and assignments, with no evidence to justify the stress in the short-term, as they will pay back the associated costs application when they are earning a significant income. 2. These simple extensions are used by students for a variety of reasons, and are an integral part of ensuring students can complete their university work if spot-fire situations pop up, such as having a

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medical condition that does not require medical attention. Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Seconded: Michael Elliott (University of Sydney) 3. Currently the University of Sydney is considering removing simple extensions, leaving only special consideration in place as a fall back for students who need extra time on their university work due to personal circumstances. 4.24 NUS for Quality Campaigning

Platform Preamble 1. NUS recognizes that simple extensions are an essential fall back 1. The quality of education has the potential to severely deteriorate for many students who study, work, or who have situations arise if the Federal Liberal Government is re-elected in 2016 that do not require medical attention 2. The current government has already noted their intention to not 2. NUS believes that simple extensions should be available to all look into the higher education sector until after the Federal students, regardless of their degree or year of study Election, which is a veiled attempt to avoid higher education being an election issue Action 1. The National Education Officer and National Welfare Officer will 3. Tertiary funding is a crucial indicator and contributor towards the write to the University of Sydney administration to detail the level of quality in the education system. Greater funding is the most contents of this motion, and any other university that seeks to effective way to lead to greater quality. remove simple extensions 4. The base level of funding for education needs to desperately 2. The National Education Officer and National Welfare Officer will increase – not be cut. work with campus representatives at universities to build campaigns around simple extensions to have them implemented if 5. Around Australia, funding cuts have destroyed numerous they do not currently exist and will actively assist campus institutions, and the futures of many young people. representatives in their lobbying efforts at their universities

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1. NUS values and strongly supports quality education through campaigning over another. quality funding programs. Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 2. NUS rejects and disapproves of any reductions and cuts in the Seconded: Divina Blanca (University of Technology Sydney) higher education sector – particularly relating to direct funding that will affect staff wages and conditions, class sizes, course offerings. 4.25 Solidarity with TAFE Students 3. NUS recognises that both demonstrations and lobbying play an important part in highlighting to the community and relevant Preamble stakeholders what issues the sector has. 1. TAFE provides training and qualifications to a diverse range of students from around Australia. More Australians attend TAFE than Action university. 1. The National Education Officer and National Welfare Officer will engage in meaningful demonstrations to highlight why higher 2. TAFE provides accessible training to students from a range of education and student welfare should both be election issues and ages, employment histories, socio-economic and linguistic to send a strong message to the community that the higher backgrounds, as well as well as a significant number of students education sector needs to be supported. from indigenous communities and students with a disability.

2. The National Education Officer and National Welfare Officer will 3. TAFE is often a stepping-stone for many high school graduates liaise appropriately with campuses to figure out campus-based into university, and is therefore a crucial part of education and issues to use as examples in the campaign in 2016. training for many.

3. Periodic rallies and demonstrations should be continued, to 4. Government funding for TAFE across Australia is consistently ensure visibility and recognition of the issues within the sector and called into question, with many TAFE institutions being forced to the National Education Officer will organise these accordingly. shut down as a result.

4. The National Education Officer and National Welfare Officer will 5. Over the last year the Government has demonstrated a clear actively lobby key-stakeholders, and not prioritise one method of support for more private providers, over TAFE institutions, with

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Government funding being diverted into for-profit providers 2. NUS endorses the Stop TAFE Cuts! Campaign organised by the through a voucher system. Many of these providers do not provide Australian Education Union and will continue to invite training in areas of skill shortages, their fees are unaffordable and representatives to speak at rallies and protests in 2016. the quality of their courses cannot be guaranteed due to inadequate regulatory systems. Funding is not going where it is 3. The National Education Officer and State Branches will monitor needed most and collaborate on actions against changes to TAFE funding, course cuts and campus closures. Platform 1. NUS believes that it is the organisation best placed to defend the 4. The National Education Officer and State Branches will rights of vocational students at TAFE, with many of its affiliates investigate the possibility of organising students from and to TAFE offering TAFE courses. campuses to defend their education.

2. NUS acknowledges the crucial role TAFE plays in providing Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) accessible training and qualifications to millions of Australians. Seconded: Taylor Ficarra (University of Technology Sydney)

3. NUS condemns the vocational voucher system, and believes the privatisation of vocational training threatens the accessibility and quality of training available to students. 4.26 Study Support out of Class and the Impact of Strike Action

4. NUS condemns cuts to TAFE funding and courses, and the closure Preamble of campuses. 1. For many students, a designated two or three hours of contact per subject per week is insufficient to foster a productive learning Action environment. 1. NUS will continue to develop a strategic relationship with Australian Education Union TAFE division, focusing on ways to 2. The concept of students paying upwards of at least $750 per support the Stop TAFE Cuts! Campaign in 2016. semester for as little as two hours per week is farcical, particularly when students are seeking to achieve a level of higher education.

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3. Strikes can and do effect the amount and quality of content taught, especially if replacement classes are not called or if online 3. The National Welfare Officer will work with the NTEU to promote content is not provided. extended learning opportunities, and to assist campus Welfare Officers in running a campaign to have out-of-class study 4. Students have been assessed on content not taught in class as a opportunities established in universities result of staff strikes. This has occurred at both RMIT and the University of Sydney 4. The National Welfare Officer will also write to the NTEU to detail the contents of this motion, extend solidarity to staff seeking better Platform working conditions, and to push that when staff strike students 1. NUS supports the academic endeavours of all students should either not be assessed on content missed or are provided nationwide, and seeks to provide an opportunity for these students with the content online to achieve what they seek to achieve during their studies. Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 2. NUS recognises the large portion of students who feel under- Seconded: Divina Blanca (University of Technology Sydney) supported by current academic teaching hours, and has the desire to assist those students seeking to better themselves. 4.27 Online Lectures 3. NUS supports the right for staff to strike and demand better working conditions, as staff working conditions are student learning Preamble conditions. 1. Though face-to-face learning is considered to be the best form of education, pressures in modern society, such as employment, Action family commitments or health issues, often mean that students do 1. The National Welfare Officer will work with campus-level not have the ability to physically attend every university class. Welfare Officers to establish peer-assisted study sessions (PASS) for every course throughout every campus. 2. Many students make up for these classes by viewing them online or downloading them for a more suitable time. However, some 2. The National Welfare Officer will promote the idea and increased students are not provided this essential service. availability of out-of-class learning opportunities in 2016.

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Platform 1. NUS recognises that the university environment is constantly 4.28 Textbooks in the Library evolving and educational methods need to keep up with these changes. Preamble 1. Many university subjects require mandatory textbooks to be able 2. NUS does not, however, support online learning being a reason to learn the course-content, particularly in science, business and to cut teaching staff and face to face interaction with students. law-based degrees.

3. NUS also recognises both the concerns around intellectual 2. For many students, the cost of textbooks is an unfortunate property rights that might be hampering the availability of online barrier to obtaining the essential course material they need to excel content from individual lecturers, and the extra time associated in their students with uploading content. Platform 4. Online learning should only complement and not replace face-to- 1. NUS believes that all students should have access to essential face teaching and learning. content associated with their students

Action 2. NUS acknowledges that the costs associated with obtaining 1. The National Education Officer will meet with campus presidents textbooks, readers and other course essentials are a barrier for to make a list of which universities offer all of their lectures online, many students per faculty and subject if possible. 3. NUS recognises that many universities currently provide 2. The National Education Officer, using the list created, will assist textbooks and readers in their libraries, but often very few copies campus Presidents in lobbying their universities to have all lectures are made available and slides uploaded online. Action Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 1. The National Education Officer will work with affiliate campus Seconded: Michael Elliott (University of Sydney) representatives to lobby for essential course materials like textbooks or readers to be made available in their campus libraries

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beacon where employment is being increased and courses are Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) being expanded. Seconded: Peter Zacharatos (University of Technology Sydney) 4. The UTSSA launched an incredibly dishonest campaign this year, 4.29 Triple Semesters? Triple Your Success! claiming that this Balanced Semester model is a move towards ‘Trimesters’. There has been no evidence of this claim, instead it Preamble: appears that students are being introduced to a flexible timetable 1. This year saw UTS implement a policy known as ‘Balanced and that the University is looking out for the interests of staff and Semesters’. Vice Chancellor Attila Brungs, a man who has students alike. considerable experience in both the public and private sector, envisioned a policy to make UTS a competitive and efficient campus Platform for students, staff and academics alike, the system is known as Balanced Semesters. 1. The National Union Students recognizes the positive potential that these Balanced Semester changes will have on student life. 2. What this program does is that it expands the optional summer school program into an optional full semester. Currently summer Action school across the country has very limited to offer, at campuses such as Sydney University, it’s not even payable on HECS. The 1. NUS endorses the Balanced Semester model at UTS will write to balanced Semester models allows students to remain full time and Attilia Brungs congratulating him on his vision for university study subjects across the year, or choose when they have their students. study break, whether it be winter, autumn or summer. It can also allow students to get their degree faster or repeat subjects they 2. NUS will lobby the Education Minister for wider application of have failed quicker. these changes across the country.

Moved: Peter Zacharatos (UTS Students Association) 3. The added flexibility means UTS is hiring an extra 2000 staff to Seconded: Divina Blanca (UTS Students Association) accommodate these changes. In an age where Universities are making dramatic cuts to staff, academics and courses, UTS is a

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4.30 Hicks dibt brew 4. That the NUS recognizes that New Zealand has for many years given far greater support to its residents who students and are Preamble Australian citizens, and that New Zealand students in Australia have 1. Currently New Zealand students do not receive any HECS-HELP gone too long without being treated fairly. assistance, and are made to pay all of their fees upfront at the start of the semester. Action: 2. The Turnbull government has proposed to give New Zealanders 1. That the NUS condemns the inequity of treatment between who entered the country as dependent children over ten years ago Australian students in New Zealand and New Zealand students in access to HECS-HELP loans Australia. 3. Through the SLS (student loan scheme) in New Zealand, 2. That the NUS demands that the Turnbull government gives New Australians have long had access to a scheme to defer the cost of Zealand students living in Australia access to the equal (or better) their tuition fees, as well as other course-related and living costs, entitlements as they would receive as Australians studying in New provided they are studying full time and commence while under Zealand. the age of 55. 4. Only 2600 New Zealanders will be able to access HECS-HELP as a Moved: Alex Hamilton (UWA Student Guild) result of these changes, despite there being 650,000 New Zealand Seconded: Liam O’Neill (Curtin Student Guild) citizens living in Australia. 4.31 SEN8 M8S - Student representation on University Platform: Governing Councils 1. That the NUS recognizes that so many New Zealand students are being priced out of an education by being unable to access HECS- Preamble: HELP assistance, despite many having lived in the country for many years and in families paying their fair share of taxes. 1. In 2012, the Education Legislation Amendment Governance 2. That the NUS acknowledges that the changes by the Turnbull Bill 2012 was proposed and passed, amending the eight Act government do not adequately address this issue. that establish VIctorian Universities and abolishing student 3. That the NUS recognizes that so many students will still be and staff representatives on Victorian University Councils. ineligible for this assistance, with the ten year residency This has since been reversed. requirement.

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2. Changes in Victoria removed mandating of Senate positions for staff and students, and implied that they could be Platform: appointed if they had the “necessary skills”. 1. That NUS supports staff and student positions on University 3. In December 2015, the Universities Amendment Bill is set to Governing Councils/Senates. be tabled in WA State Parliament and it is known that this 2. That NUS believes that staff and student positions should be Bill will remove the need for student and staff elected, not appointed. representatives to be elected, with suggestions that they 3. That NUS believes that an appointment process for staff and will be appointed. student representatives on University governing bodies is 4. Universities are public entities and any moves to move away undemocratic, and will result in decreased accountability from a stakeholder/representative Board to a smaller, self- and the silencing of any genuine staff and student voice at appointed corporate board reduce the student, staff and this level. general community input, feedback and direction into the organisation. Removal of elections creates a less Action: accountable and transparent body. 1. That NUS condemns any moves by University management, 5. “Skills based” appointments are an issue where staff and University governing bodies, State or Federal Government student representatives wanting to be able to sit on to reduce the number of staff and student representatives Governing Councils will police their own behaviour and on governing councils conduct if they are to have any hope of being selected, or 2. That NUS condemns any moves by University management, University Councils will appoint those who fit within their University governing bodies, State or Federal Government self-established direction. This could see increased to change these positions from elections to appointments. external/corporate sway over student 3. That the National President and National Education Officer representatives/leaders and staff, and/or the appointment will run a campaign on student representation in University of students who do not necessarily speak for a majority of structures and governing bodies. students.

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4. That the National President and National Education Officer get more workplace experience, or as a requirement for will provide support for campus organisations who do not their degree. These may be paid or unpaid. currently have genuine and embedded student 4. Many Universities or Accreditation Bodies mandate that representation in their University structures. students complete a number of weeks of 5. That the WA State President will assist Student Guilds in the internships/vacation work before they are able to graduate coordination of the respective campaigns in opposition to or practice professionally. Due to a shortage of jobs, this has the proposed changes. left many students trapped at University; having completed all their study but unable to find the requisite work to Moved: Lizzy O’Shea from UWA, Delegate graduate. Seconded: Jason Giancono, Curtin, Delegate 5. Unpaid internships entrench disadvantage as students from low-SES backgrounds, or who have other family or personal commitments, don’t have the privilege of working without 4.32 DON’T LET INTERNSHIPS BECOME INTERNSHITS: Support pay. for students undertaking paid and unpaid internships

Policy Preamble 1. That the NUS supports the rights of all students to complete 1. Work experience has become an essential part of many their studies and recognises that many students have students’ University studies, whether by choice or because commitments or experiences, outside of their studies, which it is mandated by their course. inhibit their ability to carry out unpaid work. 2. Vacation work can be an experience which is helpful for 2. That the NUS recognises that there is currently a job many students in extending the knowledge they learn in the shortage and Universities mandating that students carry out classroom, but shouldn’t come at the expense of a student’s a number of weeks of work has increased the number of economic or mental wellbeing. students taking up unpaid internships, in desperation to 3. There are a number of reasons why students might take on graduate. internships and vacation work; either as part of a unit, to

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3. That the NUS opposes unpaid internships in Australia, and 5. Support campuses in assisting students to find work so they the push by Universities to include them as components in are able to finish their degree and gain valuable workplace more University courses, without adequate academic experience. recognition or sufficient flexibility. 4. NUS recognises the work that other national student Moved: Emma Boogaerdt, UWA Delagate organisations, like SONA, have done in opposing the current Seconded: Jake Wittey, Curtin Delegate, WA State Branch President system of internships.

Action 4.33 Fuck HECS! Free Education is best The 2016 the NUS Education Officer and Welfare Officer will:

1. Work with other student organisations, like SONA, ALSA, Preamble AMSA, to run a campaign about unpaid internships to 1. On 1 January, 1974 the Whitlam ALP Government abolished inform students of the issues surrounding them. all tertiary fees. This would remain in place for the 2. Collaborate with Unions to incorporate this into a broader following 14 years, enabling thousands of students including campaign about student rights at work, particularly focusing those from marginalised backgrounds who had previously on international students. been able to attend university the opportunity to study. 2. Free tertiary education was abolished in 1989 under the 3. Support campuses in finding alternative arrangements in neoliberal Hawke ALP Government, who installed the cases where students must complete internships/vacation current Higher Education Contribution Scheme work to graduate, to ensure that students aren’t prevented (HECS). Although this system has been cited by some as from obtaining their degree because of the poor job market. being “fair and equitable” (see EDUC 4.1, “HECS is best,” 4. Lobby the Federal Government to tighten controls on NUS Policy handbook, 2014) the system is in no way fair or unpaid internships and make clearer the process for making accessible. Many students following the completion of their complaints or reporting mistreatment. studies face a large HECS debt, usually in excess of $18,000 for a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. Further, despite

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the Liberal Government announcing its plans to stall fee media releases, on posters and flyers and importantly as an deregulation the threat of increases to HECS fees remains. objective for its campaign. 3. Article 13 of the UN International Covernant on Economic, 3. All National and State OBs will fight for Free Education. Social and Cultural Rights states that Higher Education “shall be made equally accessible to all …[by the] introduction of Moved: Patrick Dollard (University of Melbourne Student Union) free education” Seconded: Dylan Lloyd (NSW State Queer Officer / Arc@UNSW) (http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CESC R.aspx). 4. Countries who currently have free tertiary education include 4.34 Removing Compulsory Tutorial Attendance Denmark, Sweden, Poland,Slovenia and Mexico. Preamble 1. As part of many University courses tutorials have an Platform attendance “hurdle”, requiring students having to attend a 1. That NUS reaffirms its support for free universal education. certain number of tutorials (normally around 70%) in order 2. NUS opposes the current HECS/HELP system which is in no to pass their class. way “fair and equitable”. 2. While this is done to encourage students to attend, this can 3. NUS notes than Education is a right for all students, not just also make it difficult for students to pass these for those who can afford it. subjects. Tutorial hurdles are particularly detrimental for 4. NUS demands for the Australian Government to abolish those who live a considerable distance from their tertiary current tertiary education fees and replace it with free institution, students who need to work considerable hours education, which will allow more students the opportunity in order to be able to study and students with a disability. to study. 3. For students who fail these subjects there are left with not only an increased HECS debt from their failure to complete Action the subject, but also in needing to enrol in other subjects to 1. That as part of its 2016 education campaign NUS will be able to complete their course. campaign or Free Tertiary education. 2. That the National President and Education Officer will ensure that our support for Free Education is noted in Platform

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1. NUS recognises that compulsory tutorial attendance is network, grow, initiate and expand campaigns and detrimental and a prohibitive barrier for students to be able skillshare. to pass courses. 2. Student conferences provide valuable training and 2. NUS supports removing tutorial attendance “hurdles” for all education around issues important to students, especially students. those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. 3. Historically, the same conferences have clashed repeatedly, Action making it extremely difficult and inequitable for students 1. That the NUS Education Officer, in collaboration with other who are involved with multiple activist movements to have relevant national OBs, will lobby University administrations to abolish compulsory tutorial attendance hurdles. As part their voices heard across these different movements and to of this campaign, the National Education Officer will consult grow in areas important to them. with student unions and faculties to develop strategies in which to target Universities who are unwilling to change Platform: their tutorial requirements. 1. NUS celebrates and encourages the existence of student conferences and reaffirms its commitment to supporting Moved: Patrick Dollard (University of Melbourne Student Union) those conferences that aren’t organised directly by NUS Second: Cameron Caccamo (University of Sydney SRC) itself. 2. NUS believes that students who come from multiple areas of disadvantage and/or who are involved in a diversity of 4.35 Equitable Student Conference Rotation activist movements should be able to grow and have their voices heard in these movements. Preamble: 1. Student conferences such as Education Conference (EdCon), Queer Collaborations (QC), National Organisation of Women Action: 1. NUS directs the National Education Officer to liaise with the Students Conference (NOWSA), Aboriginal and Torres Strait organisers of QC, NOWSA, ATSISC and SOS as soon as Islander Student Conference (ATSISC) and Students of possible following their election each year, in order to Sustainability (SOS) provide avenues for student activists to

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develop a productive working relationship between 2. Currently Vocational Education students don’t have a conference organisers. national representative body - and in some cases a state 2. NUS directs the National Executive to devise a rotating body to represent their interests and voice. system of conference clashes, so that EdCon is unable to 3. Recently, there has been a lot of funding cuts to hit clash with more than half of either QC, NOWSA, ATSISC or Vocational Education institutes which has adversely SOS in two successive years. affected the education quality at those institutes due to loss of staff and in some cases, closure of campuses. 3. NUS directs the National Executive to collaborate with 4. As each state has different policies, it is important that this student conference organisers to devise equitable ticketing difference is reflected in NUS actions. As such State and/or transport arrangements for students intending on Education Officers should be taking the main lead in giving participating in multiple student conferences in one year, Vocational Education students a voice. especially where they are clashing. Platform

1. That the NUS recognises that Vocational Education students Moved: Dylan Lloyd (NSW State Queer Officer / Arc@UNSW). are post-secondary/tertiary students; Seconded: Hannah Smith (National Education Officer).

2. That the NUS affirms that Vocational Education students need representation;

4.36 Vocational Education representation at NUS 3. That the NUS seeks to include Vocational Education students, which will give NUS a stronger voice Preamble: 1. There is a number of dual sector Universities in Australia Action

with Student Associations and Unions that also represent 13. That the NUS directs State Education Officers to engage TAFE students such as RMIT, Swinburne, and Victoria Vocational Education students and Vocational Education University. As the National Union of Students, it is only fair representatives through an advisory committee.

and appropriate that NUS also represent tertiary students 14. That the NUS directs State Education Officers to advocate who are not studying undergraduate degrees. on VE issues to relevant bodies.

Moved: Anthony Osborne (Swinburne University of Technology)

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Seconded: Hannah Smith (National Education Officer) smaller direct action and the media attention it garnered was helpful in building the larger mobilisation.

4.37 Snap Actions Combating The Liberals 22. This protest was in the tradition of the smaller stunts and actions that occurred across Australia during the “Abbott & Preamble Pyne: hands off our education” campaign in 2014. These 18. As former federal Education Minister, Christopher Pyne was were often in response to Liberal ministers, including Pyne, the key proponent of the higher education policy put attempting to have their right-wing, anti-student views forward by the Liberal party, including the deregulation of heard on campuses. These demonstrations, being well- university fees and cuts to higher education funding. attended and overwhelmingly positively received by 19. On 5 August 2015, Pyne came to Melbourne to launch his students and the general public, helped galvanise attention book, A Letter to My Children. The book launch was picketed and support for the campaign. and students attempted to disrupt the event. 23. This action, in addition to other protests, made sure that the 20. Extensive building work was done in the short lead up, and government’s higher education policy remained a key point posters, leaflet drops, lecture announcements and petitions of opposition to the 2015 budget and the Liberal were used to advertise the demonstration. This led to a government more generally. turnout of approximately 150 students, and the 24. It is likely that in 2016 the Turnbull government will demonstration received widespread media coverage, reintroduce cuts to funding and further attacks on students, including all major Australian newspapers and television so activists should be prepared to continue organising these channels, as well as international coverage. snap demonstrations against Liberal ministers. 21. The demonstration was held in the lead up to the third

National Day of Action for the year, on 19 August 2015. This Platform 10. NUS unequivocally opposes attacks on student rights.

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11. NUS recognises that it is likely the Turnbull government will b) NUS should utilise opportunities to distribute again try introduce attacks on students. information about the protests, including media advertising, social media endorsements, posters and 12. NUS supports the initiatives of students organising smaller leaflets. direct actions or stunts against Liberal ministers. c) NUS should encourage campus unions to provide this type of assistance. 13. NUS recognises that these snap actions are an effective way of cohering opposition to the Liberal government among Moved: Lia Vassiliadis (University of Melbourne Student Union) the student body and general public. Seconded: Viktoria Ivanova (Swinburne Student Union)

14. NUS also recognises that snap actions are part of promoting larger rallies that involve large numbers of students and others in a broader campaign.

Action 2. That NUS should remain alert to possibilities to initiate further protest action against Liberal ministers and other individuals carrying out attacks on student rights. This includes liaising with staff on campuses through the NTEU and encouraging them to join the protests.

3. That NUS should endorse these snap actions when they occur, and offer the following support:

a) NUS should assist local student activists to organise protests.

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4.38 Solidarity With The South African Student Movement Platform Preamble 1. NUS stands in solidarity with South African students fighting the neoliberalism and inequality of their education system. 1. On 14 October 2015 students at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa protested against fee hikes of 10.5% 2. NUS opposes the neo-liberalisation of higher education internationally, and stands firmly against the use of students and 2. This fee hike is a continuation of the blight of neoliberal their universities to make profit. measures being implemented in South Africa. The increased fees would be detrimental to financially vulnerable students and would 3. NUS extends this solidarity to the struggles of students disproportionately affect black students in the wake of apartheid, worldwide, as well as to staff and teachers who support these further segregating the skilled workforce. campaigns.

3. Protests spread to universities across South Africa, with students 4. NUS supports the engagement of trade unions in solidarity with taking up the slogan #FeesMustFall. Students championed students. affordable and accessible education, taking their protests to the streets and forcing their way into parliament in line with their 5. NUS recognises the political lessons that have come out of the challenge to the societal basis of their oppression. students successful struggle to combat attacks on higher education.

4. Students also took up the demands of university staff and Action teachers, receiving support from some who protested alongside 1. NUS will publicly extend solidarity to the South African students them. The National Union of Metalworkers also extended its and to all international student struggles, advertising and endorsing support. the materials of these campaigns using the NUS website and social media pages. 5. The African National Congress has been forced to concede to a 2. NUS will continue to champion the cause of free and equitable freeze of all university fee rises for 2016, symbolising a success in education, opposing the increasing neo-liberalisation of the the ongoing campaign of South African students to achieve a more Australian higher education system. equitable education system.

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3. NUS will actively support the efforts of university staff and average tuition fee paid by State subsidised students was teachers to protect work conditions and wages. $4,857 compared to $14,144 for full fee paying students. 5. According the National Centre for Vocational Education Moved: Rebecca Paterson-Hollow (Curtain Guild) Research (NCVER), between 2008 and 2012 private RTOs Seconded: Carl Jackson (National Environment Officer) increased their market share of enrolments from 10% to almost 40%. 6. Between 2008 and 2012 recurrent government VET 4.39 Private RTOs: not worth the paper they're written on expenditure in Victoria grew by 79.6% the vast bulk of this additional expenditure in Victoria went to non-TAFE Preamble providers, who accounted for almost 80% of the $863 1. In 2008 the Brumby Labor Government introduced the million increase in expenditure between 2008 and 2012. ‘Securing Jobs for Your Future’ policy bringing in a 7. Since VET-FEE-HELP has been extended to private RTO’s student-demand driven system whereby public funding fees for qualifications have risen as private RTOs are using was fully contestable between public TAFES and private the no upfront payment nature of VET-FEE-HELP to Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) for the delivery artificially inflate the cost of VET. of VET. 8. In Victoria, subject to limited exceptions students are only 2. According to the VET-FEE HELP Statistical Report in eligible students are only are eligible to commence a Victoria the number of students receiving assistance maximum of two subsidised courses at the same. under this program increased from 19,300 to 203,000 qualification level, this restriction applies whether or not between 2009 and 2014. you complete the courses 3. In the same period the total cost of VET-FEE-HELP 9. Only 1 in 5 students assisted by VET-FEE-HELP complete assistance increased from $26m to $1,757m. Between their course. 2011 and 2014 93% of the $1,552m increase went for full 10. Private RTOs often prey upon disadvantaged people by fee paying courses as opposed to State subsidised offering them inducements such as no upfront fees and courses. promises of a job encouraging them to enrol into 4. Average tuition fees paid increased from $4,814 in 2011 qualifications. to $12,308 in 2014, a rise of almost 300%. In 2014 the 11. The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) released the findings of its audit into the compliance with VET FEE-

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HELP. The audit found that only one in three (7 out of 21) 4. NUS will collaborate with the NTEU and AEU in order to providers audited were fully compliant with the create a successful campaign. regulations. Moved: Sophie Vassallo (Monash Student Association) Platform Seconded: Mali Rea (Monash Student Association) 1. NUS opposes the privatisation and deregulation of vocational tertiary education as it has lead private RTO delivering inferior and often substandard training and 4.40 qualifications; profit driven unethical behaviour by private How do you rate your experience at the degree factory? RTOs and fee escalation. 2. NUS calls on relevant state governments, including the Preamble Victorian and New South Wales governments to cease 1. All Australian universities have some form of Student providing VET-FEE-HELP for courses provided by private Evaluation of Courses and Teaching RTOs. 2. Most of these surveys are not statistically valid 3. NUS calls on relevant state governments, including the 3. Universities use course and/or teaching evaluations as a Victorian and New South Wales governments to regulate proxy for individual performance indicators fees for vocational tertiary education. 4. This has been driven to a large extent by government policy initiatives and heightened as a result of changes in Action management’s attitudes to quality assessment. 1. NUS will publically oppose the privatisation and 5. Student perception surveys evaluate students’ deregulation of vocational tertiary education. satisfaction with their learning experience, not their 2. NUS will campaign against existing, and any further learning outcomes measures to, privatise and deregulate vocational tertiary 6. Student perception surveys negatively impact teaching education. quality because teaching staff are concerned about 3. NUS Education and relevant State Education officers will results that they are forced to make their units easier and create materials to support the campaign. ultimately of little benefit to the student while those that

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do not do so are reviewed poorly and have their 6. The National Union of Students stands with the National livelihoods threatened Tertiary Education Union against student evaluations 7. Women teachers are more likely to receive lower scores being used as a punitive measure for staff and negative comments 7. The National Union of Students aims to delegitimise 8. Students often write sexist or racist comments about staff student evaluation surveys as they are an attack on members, which often make it past the screening test and workers are still considered negative comments 9. Performance review processes are being intersected with Action student evaluation mechanisms, which are frequently 1. That the NUS Education officer creates and distributes used by managements to disadvantage staff, isolate materials informing students of the issues of student individuals and unreasonably influence industrial evaluations and encourages a boycott of student processes, up to and including dismissal evaluations Platform 2. That the National Union of Students calls on Universities 1. The National Union of Students acknowledges that to no longer use student evaluation as a punitive measure feedback to teachers is important in improving courses for staff and to remove abusive, sexist and racist 2. The National Union of Students advocates for challenging comments. teaching pedagogy and content 3. The National Union of Students believes that survey Moved: Mali Rea (Monash Student Association) results should not be used as a mechanism for the Seconded: Sophie Vassallo (Monash Student Association) performance management of individual staff, nor should student evaluation be used to initiate any action under unsatisfactory performance provisions of workplace agreements. 4. The National Union of Students acknowledges the disproportionate effect on women and people of colour teaching staff in student evaluations 5. In general, the National Union of Students opposes any unfair measures against workers in universities

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4.41 Victory for Students: The Campaign Against Fee Dereg a. The May protest directed at Christopher Pyne on the ABC’s Q&A program led by Sydney activists, which was Preamble voted “the most memorable Q&A milestone moment of 2014” in a poll by The Age and widely supported 1. The 2014 ‘Abbot and Pyne: Hands off our Education’ campaign b. The demonstrations against Liberal ministers whenever was a highly visible, inclusive and influential campaign that was they spoke on campuses, including the PM Tony Abbott based around mobilisations of students in demonstrations himself being forced off of Adelaide University by students nationally. There are a series of factors to draw out regarding the in August and again at Melbourne University in September success of this campaign. c. The occupation of Liberal Ministerial offices in August, during which a $3000 bottle of wine was intercepted by 2. Actively engaging students in the campaign and making NUS students relevant to them. Empowering students to oppose fee deregulation and the budget more broadly was successful, mobilising 5000 5. The focus of these actions was to highlight that the targeted students in Melbourne and 2000 in Sydney in the May National Day persons are responsible for fee deregulation and are the enemies of Action. The National Days of Action were the backbone of the of students, whilst simultaneously being vehicles in the building campaign and key to its success. work for the National Days of Action. Therefore not only did they highlight the counter-posed interests of the students versus the 3. The effect of the campaign in changing public opinion on fee Government and university administrations, they were a call to deregulation. It went from being one of the least opposed action for students who wanted to be involved in the campaign measures (at 43% of survey respondents against it when the budget themselves. was announced) to one of the most opposed measures, second only to the attacks on Medicare. 6. These tactics draw a clear line of demarcation between our allies and enemies in fighting fee deregulation, revealing to participants 4. Maintaining momentum between rallies and ensuring the in and observers of the campaign the damaging effect of the policy campaign remained in the media and public consciousness through on students and how the Vice Chancellors of Universities stand to a series of actions, including: gain. In May 2014, Ian Young, the chair of the Group of Eight (Go8), spoke on behalf of the Go8, saying it, “commends the Government for progressive structural reform of higher education in its first

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budget”. This is despite fee deregulation having a and marginalised students, but were part of attacks on welfare disproportionately negative impact on working class students’ more broadly. Two-thirds of university students already live below ability to access education and on other marginalised groups, the poverty line and work on average 16 hours a week, and linking especially women. Such comments stem from the increase in the fight against fee deregulation to fighting attacks on welfare and profits at the expense of students, as outlined in a leaked report the 2014 budget more broadly was a key element in mobilising prepared by the Pilbara Group, detailing confidential modelling students. showing that universities stood to gain approximately $200 million per year from fee deregulation. 9. The success of the National Days of Action impressed organisations such as GetUp and the Australian Council of Trade 7. This demarcation is undermined by efforts to lobby politicians Unions. This is significant as prior to mid-2014, GetUp had not and Vice Chancellors in such a way that encourages allusions in agreed to endorse NUS events. This shows the links that can be them. It undermines efforts to force politicians off the campuses formed when NUS demonstrates that it can be a successful political only to turn around and invite them to NUS events. An example of organisation. this is the invitation of Belinda Robinson, CEO of Universities 10. The campaign was supported by and created strong ties with Australia, who was a guest of honour at the NUS presidents’ the NTEU, especially in recognising the aligned interests of students summit in 2014 despite penning an open letter to Senators to push and staff in fighting course and funding cuts, and the sacking and for fee deregulation. Demands on the university administrations casualization of staff. and the Government are only effective in the context of a campaign capable of exerting political pressure on these bodies. Letters from 11. This campaign galvanised enough support and created enough student officials are not worth more than the $200 million per year political pressure to defeat fee deregulation in the Senate, even the Universities stood to gain, nor do they engage students from going so far as to force Labor to vote down $435 million worth of outside the NUS officialdom. This is anathema to the elements of cuts to higher education that Labor itself had introduced. the campaign that made it so successful. 12. This is a marked difference to other unsuccessful campaigns run 8. The linking of fee deregulation with other attacks on students in recent NUS history, notably the 2005 campaign against Voluntary and young people in the budget, particularly concerning welfare for Student Unionism (VSU). The focus on the need to defend services students and young adults. These attacks on welfare not only undermined the real danger of VSU, that of undermining the served to increase the impact of fee deregulation on working class union’s funding and political independence from the university

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administration. Further, during this campaign a disproportionate 2. NUS recognises that the interests of politicians and university focus was put on lobbying senators such as Barnaby Joyce and administrations are counter-posed to those of students and staff, Steven Fielding. The campaign was pitched as needing to appeal to and that to breed allusions in authority figures serves only to sow these figures to implement change on behalf of students. This confusion and undermine protest campaigns. served to demobilise students and led to VSU being a reality today. 3. NUS acknowledges that the ‘Abbott and Pyne: Hands off our 13. The National Days of Action were preceded by weeks of intense Education’ campaign of 2014 was a success, both in defeating fee building work. Large mobilisations must be built through deregulation and increasing the visibility and relevance of NUS to engagement with students, including stalls, leafleting, posters, the student body. lecture announcements and social media. These are crucial to building serious mobilisations, and take considerable time, effort 4. NUS recognises that need for an increase in student welfare, and and resources. This is in sharp contrast to the 2015 campaign, in commits to mobilising against attacks on welfare and to demand which materials were not provided until the last minute and the greater provisions for students. building work was therefore undermined. 5. NUS recognises that the attacks on education are not over, and is 14. Even without fee deregulation being on the immediate agenda, prepared to take action again by mobilising students in the likely the overall trend over the last four decades indicates that the event of further attacks on higher education. privatisation of higher education and attacks on student welfare are far from over, and NUS must be prepared to take a renewed Action stand, building on the lessons on the success of the 2014 campaign. 1. NUS will responds to any renewed attacks, on students and higher education with a campaign centred on mobilising students. Platform 1. NUS orients towards engaging students in campaigns, 2. This should include Liaising with the campus Education Action recognising that the strength of the members is the core of the Groups (EAGs), especially concerning mobilisations against course union’s ability to be a politically successful organisation, especially cuts or restructuring by vice chancellors on campuses around the on the back of the National Days of Action. country.

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3. In orienting towards mobilising students, NUS will commit resources into the building work, including stalls on campuses in the weeks leading up to demonstrations, providing materials to campuses, including banners, posters, leaflets, as well as utilising existing NUS resources such as the NUS website and social media.

4. NUS will commit to preparing statements for media release during the campaign.

5. Continuing to foster cooperation between NUS and the NTEU and other unions in the building work and in demonstrations.

6. Contacting GetUp to build demonstrations, and to continue to build on the rapport built in the 2014 campaign.

Moved: Eleanor Morley (University of Sydney Union) Seconded: Emma Norton (University of Western Australia Student Guild)

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4.42 Vice Chancellors: Who They Are And What We Think About deregulated) and to encourage further investment from industry, Them thus making the University more profitable.

Preamble 4. During Margaret Gardner’s tenure as Vice Chancellor of RMIT the 1. Education has increasingly become a commodity in Australian university became the second most casualised in Australia; half of society. The education policy of the Liberal government, centred on the teaching is now done by casual staff who are denied the job fee deregulation and reduced government funding places students security and benefits of full-time staff. Under Margaret Gardner’s as customers to be profited from, and makes Vice Chancellors direction class sizes grew between 30 and 40 percent, directly accomplices in the mass exploitation of students and staff. affecting the quality of teaching and leaving both students and staff worse off. For this she was rewarded with the top job at Monash 2. The majority of Vice Chancellors have held prestigious positions University, allowing her to enter the Go8. in business, finance and commerce as leaders of major corporations, informing their approach on how to run Universities. 5. Vice Chancellors continue to exploit international students by To them, Universities are seen in terms of profit margins, KPI’s and forcing them to pay upfront full fees as a key source of revenue returns on investment. All of this is achieved through slashing raising. In 2014, RMIT’s financial report exposed that International degrees in faculties that do not provide lucrative results for students generated $225,139,000 in profits for the university. industry, and through undermining staff wages and conditions. 6. The increasing ties of universities to the corporate world lead by 3. Michael Spence, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney, in Vice Chancellors showcase how programs are now being shaped to 2014 took home a salary package of $1.3m, up $120, 000 from the fit the financial world. RMIT’s corporate relationship with British previous year. In 2015 he has proposed a University-wide Aerospace shows how the funding BAE gives to RMIT’s Engineering restructure in line with the “Melbourne model”, suggesting a program is fully profitable by developing new technologies for decrease from 122 to just 20 degrees to be offered for military use and selling them to governments like Israel. undergraduate students. While attempting to slash the undergraduate degrees Michael Spence has spent exorbitant Platform amounts of money funding research facilities, such as the $385m 1. NUS condemn Vice Chancellors in their push to a “for profit” Charles Perkins Research and Education Hub, in order to make it Education system, and views Vice Chancellors as key leaders of the more appealing for postgraduate students (for whom fees are attacks on students and staff.

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3. NUS will prepare fact sheets outlining the various positions of 2. NUS recognizes the role Vice chancellors play in the corporatized Vice Chancellors towards the Liberal government’s current and university sector, and the vested interest they have in restructing future education policy. the Australian higher education system. 4. NUS will publicise Vice Chancellors yearly salaries and bonuses 3. NUS acknowledges the incentives for universities to compete through a fact sheet and social media platforms. over students as “capturing market share”, where students are viewed as economic inputs to be profited from. Moved: Daniel Taylor (Monash University Gippsland Student Union) 4. NUS stands against universities acting as degree factories and Seconded: Eleanor Morley (University of Sydney Union) affirms it’s commitment to seeing universities run in the interests of students and staff.

5. NUS condemns the Go8 Vice Chancellors in particular for publicly advocating in favour of fee deregulation.

Action 1. NUS calls for student-staff solidarity in the fight against fee deregulation and any future attacks that will corporatize education, and recognised that Vice Chancellors are not a collaborative partner in this fight.

2. NUS will collaborate with campus EAG’s in any future or current campaigns against their Vice Chancellor attacks on education, for example the current campaign against Michael Spence and the restructure at the University of Sydney.

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4.43 Oppose the Restructure at Sydney Uni! being subject to “spill and fill” redundancies, meaning they are sacked and then offered their own jobs back with worse Preamble: pay and conditions - a practice which not only makes the The University of Sydney is undergoing a “restructure” akin livelihoods of staff uncertain, but acts as a form of to the neoliberal attacks inflicted upon Melbourne disciplining a workforce - there may not be a place for you in University. This model, introduced to the University by the new structure if you have said or done something the management in 2008 saw the staff budget cut by 12%, with management aren't happy with. This also forces staff to 220 jobs lost in 2009, and a further 540 in 2014. 90% of staff compete with one another in an attempt to undermine at Melbourne University reported that their workloads had solidarity actions against management. increased, and half said they work more than 9 extra unpaid hours per week. This was despite the fact that the arts It has been suggested that 122 undergraduate degrees will faculty was $800,000 in surplus. Meanwhile, the University be replaced with 20 generic degrees, with law, engineering spent over $27m on marketing. and many other vocational courses offered only at a deregulated postgraduate level. This is Vice Chancellor Many departments, mostly arts, were merged. 96 undergrad Michael Spence’s attempt to push though fee deregulation degrees were cut to 6, with medicine, law, engineering, and in some form after the education campaign of the last few many more career-specific degrees removed from years successfully defeated it at a federal level, at least for undergrad entirely, in order to move them into now. postgraduate studies, the fees for which are deregulated. A Melbourne University students can be expected to pay If restructures such as this continue to occur at the Go8 $257,400 to study medicine, after spending $18,000 - universities, a two-tiered education system with one set of $33,000 on a generic undergraduate degree. institutions for the wealthy will be further entrenched.

The restructure at The University of Sydney is strikingly similar to what occurred at Melbourne University. Staff are Platform

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3. NUS recognises that these “restructures” are part of a wider 11. The NUS Education Officer will endeavour to find out if project of neoliberalism, to establish a two-tiered structure similar restructures are being proposed elsewhere, and help in which the rich attend ‘elite’ G08 universities while poor campus activists organise to campaign against them. and working class students must choose between poorly Moved: Eleanor Morley (University of Sydney Union) funded vocational colleges such as TAFE (where fees are Seconded: Viktoria Ivanova (Swinburne Student Union) also increasing), suffering decades of debt or forgoing tertiary education entirely.

4. NUS recognises that Michael Spence’s attempts to portray 4.44 #Yay #Pyne #Is #Gone these restructures as a challenge to the “old white male” culture of university academia is a pathetic attempt at giving Preamble progressive cover to the sacking and exploitation of staff 1. The Federal Government attacks on universities in and students. relation to fee deregulation have momentarily stopped. 2. This is the result of a highly effective NUS campaign combined with support across the sector. Action: 3. However, the fight is not over and NUS must continue 9. NUS will support and encourage any campaign against the this powerful campaign to preserve affordable restructure at The University of Sydney by distributing education for those most in need. material, including rallies, occupations, and staff and student strikes. Platform 1. NUS acknowledges the hard work of all involved in the 10. The NUS condemns collaboration with Michael Spence and campaign to stop fee deregulation. the university management in campaigns, and rejects its 2. NUS supports the decision of the Federal Liberal propaganda. Government to remove former Education Minister Christopher Pyne after a dismal performance in clearly

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failing to assisting students and universities to deliver better educational outcomes for students. 3. NUS notes with concern that the new Minister for Education may on the Coalitions command resume the attacks. 4. NUS continues therefore to oppose university fee deregulation. 5. NUS continues to oppose the privatisation of HECS. 6. NUS would appreciate the Federal Government to investigate the opportunity to add the costs of textbooks to HECS to reduce the financial burden of students. 7. NUS supports HECS/HELP as the most effective, efficient and equitable form of university funding.

Action: 1. The NUS Education officer both on a national and state level will continue the 2015 defence of a regulated HECS/HELP funding model campaign. 2. NUS will continue the fight to defeat university fee deregulation. 3. NUS National Office Bearers will continue to support HECS/HELP as the most effective form of university funding.

Moved: Beau Brug (University of Adelaide) Seconded: Michael Bezuidehout (National Entho-Cultural Officer)

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4.45 The Education Campaign: Part 2 deregulation. The template has been set for how students can fight attacks on higher education and student welfare. Preamble 1. In October 2015 federal education minister Simon Birmingham 4. The success of the campaign relied on the dedicated work of announced the Coalition Government plans to reintroduce higher activists across the country, who spent countless hours leafleting education legislation to Parliament by mid-2016. Birmingham said students, making announcements in lectures, putting up posters on he wishes to retain some elements of Christopher Pyne’s campus and in the city. Understanding that it takes time to legislation, including a “watered-down version of fee deregulation”, convince the student body of the importance in taking protest an overhaul of government funding and HECS, and the uncapping of action against the government is crucial in the fight for an equitable sub-degree and pathway programs. education system.

2. These comments make it clear the Liberal party is committed to 5. It is also becoming apparent that in lieu of fee deregulation being undertaking a restructure of Australia’s higher education sector to passed at a national level, Vice Chancellors are attempting to entrench a two-tiered model and further shift the cost of education oversee the restructuring of their universities via other methods. away from the government and onto students. These policies will The impending cuts to undergraduate courses and staff at the make accessing higher education even more difficult for working University of Sydney will likely be just the beginning of campus- class students, and will burden many with a lifetime of debt. level attacks being rolled out at campuses across the country. NUS must be ready to fight not only federal legislation, but any attempt 3. NUS has already defeated the neoliberal restructuring of higher to increase the cost of education and introduce a US-style model. education, with the focus being the deregulation of university fees, twice as a result of the successful “Abbott & Pyne: Hands Off Our Platform Education” campaign. The campaign included numerous 1. NUS stands unequivocally for free education; free education is mobilisations of thousands of students in street demonstrations, the only way tertiary qualifications remain accessible to students stunts such as the disruption of Q&A and rally at Liberal Party from all financial backgrounds. headquarters, and a series of actions chasing prominent Liberal politicians off campuses. The campaign garnered a high degree of 2. NUS recognises that the removal of Christopher Pyne from the public support and regular media coverage, encouraging other education ministry does not mean that the Liberal party is no organisations such as GetUp! to assist with the fight against fee longer committed to some form of fee deregulation. Simon

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Birmingham has indicated that he wishes to finish the job left incomplete by his predecessor. 4. While this campaign should be lead by the national education officer, it should also be a priority of all other national and state 3. NUS condemns the disgraceful role Vice Chancellors have played office bearers, and they should endeavour to produce material as allies of the Liberal government in their attempts to further the specific to their department (e.g. how fee deregulation will neoliberal restructuring of higher education. disproportionately affect women, queer students).

4. NUS recognises the critical importance of protest politics in 5. The campaign in 2016 will include: already having defeated fee deregulation twice. a. A focus on cross-campus street marches and demonstrations. 5. NUS congratulates and commits to work with student activists b. A focus on the Vice Chancellors, particularly on campuses who continue to fight for an equitable education system. where they are proposing cuts to staff and/or courses. This will mean: 6. NUS commits to continuing the campaign against the Liberal i. Organising protests against them, occupations of government and their attacks on higher education and student their offices etc. at a campus level. welfare. ii. Publishing material outlining their position on federal policy, their salaries and bonuses, and any Action proposed campus cuts. 1. The National Education Officer will continue to lead a protest- iii. The National Education Officer communicating based campaign against the Liberal government. with campus EAG’s to help organise and produce materials against their Vice Chancellor. 2. The National Education Officer will produce a fact sheet outlining c. Colour posters, leaflets and graphics to be ready and Simon Birmingham’s current stance towards higher education distributed to campuses in time for enrolment weeks and policy. orientation activities. d. Publicity for campaign on the NUS website, facebook 3. The National Education Officer will also campaign against funding page and at all forums and events. cuts, restructures, and other attacks by the Government and the e. Paid facebook advertising Vice Chancellors.

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f. Media releases to announce any actions, and in response 9. The National Education Officer will also work with other National to any further comments by Simon Birmingham or other Office Bearers to aide them in developing department-specific Liberal ministers regarding higher education and student material. welfare. g. Opportunities for activists across the country to discuss 10. The National Education Officer and the National President will the campaign, such as phone link ups and social media ensure that the Education Conference which takes place in July is organising, but primarily at the 2016 Education Conference. primarily focused around the campaign, and will attempt to make h. The National Education Officer communicating with the conference as accessible as possible for all students. campus EAG’s and state networks to discuss the campaign. i. Drawing the links between campus-specific campaigns and Moved: Eleanor Morley (University of Sydney Union) federal policy. Seconded: Jess McLeod (National Women's Officer) j. Working with other organisations such as the NTEU and GetUp!

4.46 6. The National Education Officer will organise the first National Private RTOs: not worth the paper they're written on Day of Action for the year for April 13th in semester one, and will have materials available early in the New Year. Preamble 1. In 2008 the Brumby Labor Government introduced the 7. The National Education Officer will be on the lookout for ‘Securing Jobs for Your Future’ policy bringing in a opportunities to protest against Liberal ministers or any other student-demand driven system whereby public funding relevant targets, and will monitor the events calendars of senior was fully contestable between public TAFES and private Government Ministers so opportunities are not missed. Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) for the delivery of VET. 8. The National Education Officer will work with the National 2. According to the VET-FEE HELP Statistical Report in Welfare Officer to incorporate attacks on student welfare, such as Victoria the number of students receiving assistance the changes to NewStart, into the campaign. under this program increased from 19,300 to 203,000 between 2009 and 2014.

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3. In the same period the total cost of VET-FEE-HELP 9. Only 1 in 5 students assisted by VET-FEE-HELP complete assistance increased from $26m to $1,757m. Between their course. 2011 and 2014 93% of the $1,552m increase went for full 10. Private RTOs often prey upon disadvantaged people by fee paying courses as opposed to State subsidised offering them inducements such as no upfront fees and courses. promises of a job encouraging them to enrol into 4. Average tuition fees paid increased from $4,814 in 2011 qualifications. to $12,308 in 2014, a rise of almost 300%. In 2014 the 11. The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) released average tuition fee paid by State subsidised students was the findings of its audit into the compliance with VET FEE- $4,857 compared to $14,144 for full fee paying students. HELP. The audit found that only one in three (7 out of 21) 5. According the National Centre for Vocational Education providers audited were fully compliant with the Research (NCVER), between 2008 and 2012 private RTOs regulations. increased their market share of enrolments from 10% to almost 40%. 6. Between 2008 and 2012 recurrent government VET Platform expenditure in Victoria grew by 79.6% the vast bulk of this 1. NUS opposes the privatisation and deregulation of additional expenditure in Victoria went to non-TAFE vocational tertiary education as it has lead private RTO providers, who accounted for almost 80% of the $863 delivering inferior and often substandard training and million increase in expenditure between 2008 and 2012. qualifications; profit driven unethical behaviour by private 7. Since VET-FEE-HELP has been extended to private RTO’s RTOs and fee escalation. fees for qualifications have risen as private RTOs are using 2. NUS calls on relevant state governments, including the the no upfront payment nature of VET-FEE-HELP to Victorian and New South Wales governments to cease artificially inflate the cost of VET. providing VET-FEE-HELP for courses provided by private 8. In Victoria, subject to limited exceptions students are only RTOs. eligible students are only are eligible to commence a 3. NUS calls on relevant state governments, including the maximum of two subsidised courses at the same. Victorian and New South Wales governments to regulate qualification level, this restriction applies whether or not fees for vocational tertiary education. you complete the courses

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Action that would cost students $100,000’s and leave them with a lifetime of debt. They will cut billions of dollars out of higher 1. NUS will publically oppose the privatisation and deregulation of education, cut the startup scholarship, gut youth allowance vocational tertiary education. and welfare payments and research funding for universities. 2. Malcolm Turnbull’s liberal government also want to charge 2. NUS will campaign against existing, and any further measures to, more for Medicare, increase the GST and introduce more privatise and deregulate vocational tertiary education. cuts to government services that will disproportionately 3. NUS Education and relevant State Education officers will create affect students and young people materials to support the campaign. 3. It's clear this government has got to go and it has to be students out on the streets telling people about why this 4. NUS will collaborate with the NTEU and AEU in order to create a government is bad for higher education and this country successful campaign. 4. Since the WorkChoices campaign, Your rights at work, by

the ACTU, unions have shown how they can achieve better

outcomes for workers by being involved in elections and Moved: Sophie Vassallo (Monash Student Association) running election campaigns Seconded: Mali Rea (Monash Student Association) 5. Peak Union bodies in NSW, Victoria and Queensland have all

involved themselves in state elections and been successful

in helping define the issues of those elections 4.47 UniChoices: We Are NUS - Federal Election campaign 6. The We Are Union campaign by Victorian Trades Hall Council, which involved a targeted seat campaign, was Preamble: extremely successful in getting the outcomes they set by 1. The federal government elected in 2013 has proven to be changing the terms of the debate and making union issues one of the most dangerous for students in recent history some of the main issues of the election, such as nurse patio with their many attempts to introduce deregulation of fees

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ratios, important legislation for firefighters and paramedics Action: pay. 1. NUS will run a targeted seat campaign with the goal of 7. The Trades Hall campaign was successful in achieving its removing the current federal liberal government and getting goals by target seat door knocks and phone banks, working wins on key policy issues that affect students with the media, lobbying opposition parties and organising 2. To achieve this the campaign will involve door knocks and rallies around important key issues phone banks with volunteers and NUS Office Bearers, 8. Already we've seen how NUS can push important issues like petitions, posters/billboards, rallies around the issues, an deregulation onto the national stage and into the media NUS scorecard for the different political parties, lobbying spotlight, helping defeat the legislation several times and working with the media 3. The NUS President and NUS Education Officer, in Platform: consultation with other nation office bearers, will choose 1. Engaging in the democratic process and elections is one the top 5 issues affecting students this coming election effective way of combating attacks on students and young which will include deregulation of fees people 4. These top 5 issues will become the key issues on which NUS 2. NUS has the opportunity to help set the terms of the debate campaigns. and the key issues of the election by engaging in a targeted 5. NUS will research these issues and provide key statistics on seat campaign why these issues are of concern to students 3. The current federal government is bad for students with its 6. The NUS President will make sure that these statistics are goals of introducing deregulation, cutting student supports, compiled into a policy document to be distributed to all increasing the GST and cost of Medicare, and massive cuts affiliated campus. This will include a script for discussing all to higher education. They have to go. these issues with voters particularly students and those with 4. The targeted seat campaign, as seen in the We Are Union children who are/will be students campaign, is an effective model for Union election campaigning

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7. These top 5 issues will also be used to create posters 16. Volunteers will collect emails of voters and photos with including pictures of students on them, to be distributed to voters they door knock holding signs saying what issues they affiliated campus’ think is important and how they will support students by 8. These top 5 issues will also be the basis for rallies to be held putting the Liberals last around some of these issues 17. The National Gen Sec will collate these each email with the 9. NUS President and NUS Education officer, in consultation appropriate photo. with the other national office bearers, will choose 3 target 18. The National Gen Sec will ensure that in the final 2 weeks seats as the focus of the NUS election campaign. leading up to the election the photos will be emailed back to 10. These seats will be marginal seats held by government MPs the person to remind them of the pledge they made and with universities in them. 19. Just after the election is called NUS shall run an enrol to 11. The seats will be chosen with consideration for other union vote drive at the universities in the target seats and make campaigns happening around the country. up a kit/resources for enrolment drives to be sent to 12. These target seats will be where the door knocking and affiliates across the country phone banks will be directed with students talking directly 20. The National President and National Education Officer will to voters in the area and getting them to pledge to”Put the create, in consultation with the other national office liberals last” or similar bearers, a voter scorecard of the major political parties on 13. Each seat will have at least 3 major door knocks and 3 major the chosen top 5 issues and award them a grade (ie phone banks for every target seat Liberal/National Party - F) with a breakdown of their key 14. For these door knocks and phone banks NUS will investigate policy positions on the back with the intention of implementing the Obama field 21. These are to sent out for all affiliates, distributed online and campaign model with volunteer/NOB field organisers and used on Election Day at booths in the target seats volunteer phone bank and door knock captains 22. NUS will create a tshirt with the slogan and name of the 15. Phone banks for target seats can be held in any state or city campaign to be worn by volunteers

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23. On Election Day NUS volunteers with tshirts will man booths 1. The Student Services and Amenities Fee is a key reform in target seats encouraging voters to put the liberals last for regional students that provides extremely important and handing out the score card services for students at regional universities 24. The NUS President will approach Queensland Unions, 2. The National Party, who is supposed to represent the Unions NSW, Victorian Trades Hall Council, Australian regional peoples of Australia, which makes up 40% of our Council for Trade Unions and any other relevant bodies population, have only very weakly opposed any changes to about learning about how they ran their campaigns and SAFF and have refused to come out strongly in favour of the what NUS could implement from those campaigns policy 25. 5. Without SSAF regional students will be left high and dry ● -target seats in electorates with universities. Focus on SA 6. When the government was attempting to deregulate the where the education and immediate past education universities of Australia once against the National Party ministers seat it failed to represent regional students, those that would be - top 5 issues hit hardest by the deregulation of universities - voters card 7. Already young people from regional areas are half as likely

to attend universities as those from metropolitan areas and Moved: Sinead Colee (MSA Delegate) Seconded: Rose Steele (NUS National President) with the introduction of huge fees that number would likely dwindle further 8. When discussion of scrapping the relocation scholarship was 4.48 Kick them where it hurts – Where are the Nationals on brought up, an important financial aid for students moving higher education? from regional areas for university/study, again the Nationals

were silent Preamble: 9. The National Party has become nothing but a cog in the Liberal Party machine and no longer truly represent the regional people they claim to

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10. Independent Members of Parliament such as Cathy 4. The National Small and Regional Officer, in conjunction with McGowen in Victoria provide much better support and the National President, National Gen Sec and National defense of regional people and students and should be Education Officer, will run a campaign called “Don’t cut looked to in the future regional students out of higher education” (or similar) 11. As we come into an election year the voters in regional aimed at the National Party and Liberal party and their seats should be made aware that the National party is not attacks on regional students since coming to government committed to regional education or students 5. The campaign will be consistent with any national election campaign run by NUS Platform: 6. The campaign will be a targeted seat campaign with the 5. The National Party has not defended regional students from Small and Regional Officer liaising with the National the attacks by the Abbott/Turnbull government over the last President on choosing 2 or more key marginal National few years seats to focus on 6. The National Party does not represent the interests of 7. The campaign will include posters outlining the way in regional people or students which the Nationals have failed regional students and 7. National Party seats should be targeted in a campaign to voters, particularly aimed at the parents of prospective make voters in those seats realise that the Nationals no students to be put up at universities and across regional longer represent their interests towns, centres etc. 8. Strong advocates for regional education in parliament will 8. The campaign will include a petition, including collecting aid the campaign against deregulation, cuts to regional their name, phone number and email address to be taken universities, cuts to the relocation scholarship and attacks door to door in regional town/centres/etc petitioning the on SSAF Federal member of that seat to stand up for regional 9. A campaign against the Nationals should be incorporated students into a national campaign during an election year Action:

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9. This petition will be used to create a call list that can then software, and other products that are available more be used to call for volunteers and persuasion calls from cheaply overseas and providing consumers with access to volunteers substantially cheaper products. 10. The NUS may endorse an independent candidate who does 3. The Productivity commission recommended that PIRs be represent the interests of regional students and help out on abolished, and that this would introduce competition into their campaign the textbook printing market, and drive prices down 11. NUS Small and Regional Officer will liaise with any other substantially. unions or union groups working on regional campaigns in order to aid them or learn from them Platform 12. NUS will work to get into local papers in regional areas with 1. PIRs on books benefit mainly large multinational publishers to stories about how the Nationals are not standing up for the disadvantage of Australian consumers and students regional students 2. PIRs on books substantially contribute to the overall financial Moved: Sinead Colee (MSA Delegate) costs of Higher Education, and by effect having a Seconded: Betty Belay (LTSU Delegate) substantially unequal effect on those from lower income backgrounds, remote and regional communities, women. 4.49 How Much !?: The Repeal of Parallel Import Restrictions (PIR) Preamble 3. The repeal of PIRs would move to strengthen the free flow of communications as well as academic development in 1. Parallel Import Restrictions (PIR) largely refers to the ban on the Australia. import of same edition textbooks printed overseas largely to shelter local printers. A lack of competition in this space Action allows publishers and printers to name their price. 2. The NUS National Education Officer will lobby the 2. Restrictions on other parallel imports have largely been removed Commonwealth Government to abolish PIRs on books, in Australia allowing the importation of identical media, supported by other executive officers where needed.

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4. The NUS will launch a campaign to pursue the removal of PIRs on Platform books, including promoting the campaign to students as well as the wider community. 1. The NUS recognises the endemic problem of lack of industry and business involvement within our university system Moved: Alexander Crawford (Elected Delegate, University of New South Wales) 2. The NUS calls on universities, businesses and industry to work Seconded: Dimitry Palmer (Elected Delegate, University of Sydney together to establish these relationships Union) 3. The NUS recognises that industry and universities have a key need to work in partnership to advance knowledge through 4.50 Australia’s Future: Greater Interaction between Industry research and development in order to enhance industry and Higher Education capacity for innovation

Preamble 4. The NUS recognises that staff and students within universities need to be encouraged in their efforts to engage with 1. Australia has consistently ranked last or second last in industry, and there needs to be an increased acceptance collaboration between researchers and business in OECD and rewarding of such efforts. countries Action 2. Universities around the world work with businesses and industry to collaborate on research programmes, as well as 1. The National Education Officer will always move to establish links programmes designed to help undergraduates receive work and relationships between Industry and Higher Education post university when given the opportunity

3. Business and universities need to expand the range of ways they 2. The National Education Officer will work with universities and engage with each other to enhance capacity for growth and business leaders need to seek new strategic partnerships development at regional, state, and national levels. and forms of involvement

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Moved: Joey Crawford (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University conditions in which new ideas can be generated, nurtured Union) and freely exchanged. Seconded: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University Union) 4. The NUS recognises that University is a place in which ideas, thoughts and stances are challenged and that students 4.51 Only the Dishonest Fear Freedom of Speech: Supporting should be encouraged to stand for what they believe in Academic Freedom Action Preamble 1. The National Education Officer will always fight for free speech 1. Academic freedom is the freedom to teach and do research in on campus, including the rights of academic freedom. The any area without constraint, to discover and promulgate National President, and General Secretary will also assist in new ideas no matter how controversial. this effort.

2. Like other accepted freedoms, academic freedom requires 2. The NUS will always support the academic freedom of students, individuals, authorities, and governments not only to allow academics and will fight for their rights if threatened. scholars to work without restraint but also to prevent any interference with this freedom. Moved: Liam Staltari (Elected Delegate, University of Western Australia Student Guild) Platform Seconded: Joey Crawford (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University Union) 1. The National Union of Students (NUS) recognises that free speech is a fundamental human right. 4.52 Education Empowers: Equitable access to Higher Education 2. The NUS recognises that free speech on campus is important to for all al. Preamble 3. The NUS acknowledges that academic freedom provides

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1. Students have many external inhibitors in accessing quality Education Officer, and Campus Presidents to attain which education services. These factors can include both social universities offer online and remote learning options for and employment obligations. This can impede on the ability students. for students to physically attend classes. 2. The National Education Officer will use those resources to assist 2. Inability to attend university physically predominantly affects in a campaign to lobby universities to have lectures, students from disadvantaged backgrounds including but not tutorials, workshop, to be available online. limited to; students from low-SES backgrounds, regional students, women. 3. The NUS calls on universities to embrace modern technology by expanding online learning. 3. Many students prefer to view their classes, tutorials, lectures, workshops by viewing them online through a learning Moved: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University portal. Union) Seconded: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of Platform Melbourne Student Union)

1. The National Union of Students (NUS) recognises that the university environment is constantly evolving and that 4.53 Supporting Associate Degrees educational systems of learning need to keep up with these changes. Preamble

2. The NUS recognises that all students should have access to all 1. The structure that Higher Education in Australia currently has universities classes online including access to lecture, needs to change if we want to prosper into the future. tutorial, and workshop materials. 2. Universities in Australia need to expand offerings by introducing Action and expanding a range of new degree options would would offer an alternative level of qualification to students that is 1. The National Welfare Officer will work with the National quicker to complete, more affordable, and potentially

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offered in more flexible ways (including as weekend and 1. The NUS Education Officer will undertake a report into Associate after hours teaching). Degrees, and post information on the challenges, obstacles and actions needed to further implement Associate Degrees 3. New programs should be designed to provide clear pathways and into the Higher Education sector. articulation opportunities from TAFE, College, High School, and non-education based backgrounds (workplace, 2. The National Education Officer will lobby for the increase in the unemployment) so students can easily build on their skills, number of Associate Degree spaces Universities can offer. training and education. The National President, General Secretary and all other officer barriers will also assist in this effort. Platform Moved: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University 1. The NUS recognises the need for associate degrees in the Union) Australian Higher Education sector Seconded: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of Melbourne Student Union) 2. The NUS recognises the importance of expanding offerings of new degree options 4.54 Collecting HECS-HELP From Overseas Graduates Preamble 3. The NUS recognises that Associate Degrees can help many Australian’s in a pathway to a Bachelors and Postgraduate 1. Graduates who move overseas have previously not been degrees/education required to pay back their HECS- HELP loan, an unfair loophole within the system. 4. The NUS understands that not all students have the ability to complete a Bachelors degree 2. The Turnbull Government has announced a policy that will require overseas graduates, who reach the standard income 5. The NUS recognises that Associate Degrees can help increase the requirement, to pay back their HECS-HELP loan. education deficit in regional, and low-SES communities. Platform Action

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1. That the NUS supports the Turnbull Government’s decision to recorded. Whilst in some cases there are legitimate reasons require overseas graduates to pay back their HECS-HELP loans. for this, such as copyright, in most cases the lack of lecture recordings results from lax university policy or outdated Action recording systems. 1. That the NUS post a Facebook status, and a tweet, welcoming the 3. Lecture recordings are crucial for students, as they allow policy change. students to listen to lectures over and over to study for exams, or miss class but not be behind on their studies if

2. That the NUS National President sends a letter to the Prime they are sick or have work commitments. Minister and Education Minister endorsing the policy. 4. Whilst there are concerns that the increased recording of Moved: Jonno Belmont (Elected Delegate, University of Canberra lectures will lead to a decrease in course quality and time Students’ Association) with professors, the accessibility benefits of lecture Seconded: Alexander Crawford (Elected Delegate, University of recordings far outweigh these concerns. New South Wales) Platform 1. NUS believes that lecture recordings are crucial for 4.55 Lecture recordings students, as it allows them to watch lectures again, or to not miss out on course material if they cannot attend class. Preamble 2. NUS believes that lecture recordings should be universal, 1. In 1877, the recording of sound was made possible by the and based on an opt-out model rather than an opt-in model, gramophone. This meant that people who were not present so that the administrative burden associated with lecture to hear a presentation, speech or music performance were recordings leads to more lectures being recorded rather able to listen to it later, thus ushering in a new era of that a select few. convenience and learning. 3. NUS stresses that any lecture recordings must be 2. Fast forward to today and, despite vast increases in accompanied by safeguards that prevent these recordings recording technology, many university lectures are still not from being used to justify cuts to courses.

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Action 1. The National Education Officer will encourage affiliate organisations to run campaigns on the topic of lecture recordings at individual campuses. 2. National Conference recommends to affiliates the opt-out model as the best proposal in order to lobby universities to change their policies surrounding lecture recordings.

Moved: Cameron Petrie (RMIT University Student Union/Victorian State Branch President) Seconded: Abena Dove (RMIT University Student Union)

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5. Welfare Action: 1. The National Welfare Officer will coordinate at least one day of 5.01 Welfare Day of Action – Engage the Community on Welfare action during 2016 dedicated to welfare issues in conjunction with Issues unions through Australia, particularly the ACTU and the SDA.

Preamble Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 1. The last few years have seen NUS run a lot of NDAs focused Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) solely on changes to Higher Education, specifically related to the deregulation of fees. 5.02 Toll Free Income Support 2. Whilst a major change that will impact students, there are many more issues facing students other than increases to fees. Preamble 1. The Auditor-General’s report into Centrelink call times 3. Young people are impacted by a range of issues that can impact found the following statistics: their ability to undertake higher education, including inadequate a. Average waiting times blew out dramatically from income support, cuts to healthcare and youth wages. just over three minutes and five seconds in 2010-11 to nearly 17 minutes in 2013-14 Platform b. About 13.7 million calls did not even make it to the 1. NUS recognizes that rallies, protests and actions are essential for point of being put on hold after they were blocked increasing the visibility of a campaign and its overall effectiveness or received a “busy signal” in impacting community opinion. c. Another 13 million calls that mangaged to get into the system were “abandoned” after the callers tired 2. NUS believes that rallies, protests and actions are student of waiting wellbeing, welfare and employment are potential ways for NUS to d. Australians spent 143 years waiting in vain to speak engage people outside of student politics, including non-students to Centrelink in 2013-14 before hanging up, the who are also impacted by changes to income support, health care auditor’s calculated in their report on the agency’s and youth wages. telephone service.

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e. The auditors blamed a dwindling number of public 1. Youth unemployment in Australia has hit its highest level servants answering telephones. since 1998. According to the ABS, as of February 2015, 2. According to the Department of Human Services website 14.2% of 15-24 year olds in Australia are actively, and only a select few divisions of Centrelink have 1800 free calls. unsuccessfully, looking for work and one in five Australians The rest have 13 numbers that are charged as a standard between 15-19 are unemployed. call. 2. Social commentators have argued that the causes of this 3. Calls made for those on either Youth Allowance or Newstart “unemployment crisis” are varied, but that the casualization Allowance are both charged at standard call costs, which of the workforce, reduction in VET training courses, the varies depending on phone provider. perceived expense of higher education, and the lack of institutional support for young people have all played a Platform: substantial role. 1. NUS finds these wait times to be outrageous 3. Youth unemployment contributes to many social 2. NUS believes that all Centrelink call services should be on a phenomena, including, but not limited to, youth homeless. 1800 number to ensure the call is free 4. Many university students who live away from their parents or guardians seek employment to make ends meet, and are Action: either unable to find work that fits around their studies, or 1. The National Welfare Officer will write to the Minister for face exploitation at the hands of their employer. Human Services to propose free calls for all Centrelink divisions and incorporate this issue into any campaign Platform: regarding income support payments run in 2016 1. NUS supports the right of every Australian to have access to safe, secure and well-paid employment. Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 2. NUS supports increased investment in higher education and Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) social welfare services to combat unemployment. 3. NUS supports the right of unemployed university students and graduates to have access to income support payments 5.03 Youth Unemployment – It’s Not Laziness! whilst studying, looking for employment, or during periods of unemployment. Preamble:

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Action: but most importantly low income earners, like university 1. The National Welfare Officer will campaign for further students. investment into the higher education sector, social welfare, and 4. With more disposable income in the hands of low paid social services to aid unemployed students. workers, economic activity will also increase, leading to growth and job creation. 2. NUS will work with relevant unions to push for this further investment into education and training as a means to combat youth Platform: unemployment 1. NUS supports the prompt raising of the Tax free threshold to $25,000 Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) Action: 1. The National Welfare Officer will write to the Minister for Finance outlining NUS’ position on the tax-free threshold 5.04 Raising of the Tax Free Threshold and will seek to include this in any campaign run around student/youth employment Preamble 1. In 2012 the Gillard Government more than tripled the tax Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) free threshold to $18,200. This was in response to the Henry Seconded: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) Tax Review commissioned by the Rudd Government in 2008, which recommended that the tax free threshold be 5.05 Protect Our Penalty Rates – Students Need the Money raised to $25,000. 2. The rationale behind going the rest of the way and Preamble continuing to increase the tax free threshold is the many 1. NUS recognizes that penalty rates are fair pay and compensation benefits it can bring, particularly to university students who for those who work at unsociable times – particularly for students often work to support themselves as they complete their that have classes between 8am – 6pm on weekdays. degrees. 3. A higher income tax free threshold incentives people to 2. Penalty rates help low paid students continue with their studies work, while increasing take home income for all workers,

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and support themselves financially if they do not live with their 1. The National Welfare Officer will run a campaign focused on parents. “Students at Work” to promote the importance of penalty rates for university students, this campaign will also reference working Platform conditions and rates of unemployment 1. NUS condemns the Productivity Commission draft recommendations that seek to divide workers into whose time 2. The National Union of Students will take an active role in any outside of work is valuable and worthy of penalty rates, and those debate about the future of penalty rates in our industrial relations it is not. system.

2. NUS believes that cutting the take home pay of low paid students 3. The National Welfare Officer will engage with the ACTU, relevant is bad both for the individual, but also for economic activity and the trade unions and youth advocacy groups to campaign against any community at large. change to penalty rates and highlight the damaging effect that any such change would have on students. Furthermore, the National 3. NUS recognises the importance of penalty rates to some of the Welfare Officer will provide information packs to campus lowest paid, most vulnerable workers in the national economy in Presidents and Welfare Officers (or the equivalent) to facilitate making ends meet. advocacy on this issue.

4. NUS notes that students will be among the most affected by any 4. The National Welfare Officer will lobby the Federal Minister for change to penalty rates. Workplace Relations, the Shadow Minister for Workplace Relations and any other relevant member of Federal Parliament against any 5. NUS opposes any Federal Government move to abolish, alter or further changes to the current penalty rates regime. reduce penalty rates.

6. NUS supports efforts of youth advocacy groups and trade unions Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) opposing any such move Seconded: Michael Elliott (University of Sydney)

Action 5.06 100% Pay at 18

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employees with equal experience, solely on the basis of age, is a Preamble form of discrimination. 1. At age 18 an individual can vote, join the Australian Defense Force, drink, get married, take out loans (both with financial Action institutions and in the form of HECS), yet they are paid less for 1. The National Welfare Officer will work with the SDA to promote doing the same job as a 21 year old because of Junior Pay Rates. their campaign and include Junior Pay Rates as part of their lobbying and campaign efforts 2. Junior Pay Rates discriminate against younger employees and undermine the principle of “equal pay for equal work” a central Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) element of the Australian Industrial Relations system. Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer)

3. Currently, Junior rates are a part of many contemporary industrial awards, resulting in an 18 year old legally being paid 70% 5.07 The Ill-Fated Student Cook Book – Let’s Make it Happen! of the adult rate, 19 year olds 80% of the adult rate. Preamble 4. Due to the successful case brought by the Shop, Distributive, and 1. For the last several years there have been repeated policies Allied Employee Association to Fair Work Australia, from July 1 this tabled to National Conference for the production of a student cook year all 20 year olds working under the General Retail Industry book to help students make cheap and nutritious meals Award must be paid the full adult wage. 2. Despite the policy being put forwards, this has not come to 5. Employers justify this inequality by suggesting that Junior Pay fruition. Rates incentivize businesses to hire inexperienced young people (often university students) who otherwise would not find work. 3. Students are often faced with the choice between paying rent, purchasing textbooks and buying food. This is often exacerbated by Platform the fact that in order to eat healthy and nutritious food, students 1. NUS affirms its support for equal pay at 18. are forced to purchase instant noodles, takeaway or meat-boxes.

2. NUS believes that any award that differentiates between Platform

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1. NUS believes that all students should have access to healthy and students around Australia. nutritious food that does not break the bank Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 2. NUS recognizes that focusing on nutrition is difficult for most, Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) and increasingly difficult for students.

3. NUS believes that part of the struggle in producing a student 5.08 Student Welfare is Important – Fund Campaigns cookbook has been caused by the intersection of time and lack of Appropriately knowledge around nutrition. Premable 4. NUS acknowledges that to produce a student cook book we need 1. In the current NUS budget the Welfare Department has been to engage with students and experts in the area of nutrition, allocated $5000 to run campaigns around student welfare. healthy eating and cooking on the cheap. 2. This is in direct comparison to the Education Department, which Action is allocated $10,000 for campaigns around Education. 1. The National Welfare Officer will actually make the student cook book happen! 3. Student welfare is important, and arguably an area that the majority of students, regardless of their involvement in NUS, can 2. The National Welfare Officer will consult with students around get around. A restrictive budget means that running substantial the country on recipes that they use for healthy, cheap and campaigns is difficult, and the Welfare Department is basically nutritious meals. restricted to running only one campaign per year.

3. The National Welfare Officer will get in contact with experts in Platform the field of cooking on the cheap, including food bloggers and 1. NUS recognizes that student welfare is an important area for cooks. students to be campaigning on, especially in an election year.

4. The National Welfare Officer will seek to have the student 2. NUS acknowledges that student welfare is a very broad area to cookbook sponsored in order to make it a legitimate source for campaign around, and a limited budget limits the overall capacity

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of the Welfare Department to be active when it comes to the running student welfare based events and campaigns this year, and wellbeing and welfare of students. has produced publications around drug and alcohol use

3. NUS believes that an active Welfare Department should be Platform running at least two campaigns per year 1. NUS recognises that there is more to student activism than just the impact of education cuts Action 1. National conference calls on the National Executive of 2016 to 2. NUS acknowledges that there needs to be an increased focus on approve at least $10,000 of the NUS budget to be allocated to the student welfare Welfare Department 3. NUS believes that Welfare Action Groups are a fantastic way to Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) build campaigns and events around issues like youth Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) unemployment, changes to income support payments, health and general student wellbeing

Action 5.09 Welfare Action Groups 1. The National Welfare Officer will work with state branch presidents to establish state-wide Welfare Action Groups in 2016 Preamble 1. At universities across Australia there are currently Education 2. The National Welfare Officer will provide guidance and Action Groups/Networks that help to build and run campaigns assistance for individual university campuses to run campaigns alongside NUS around student welfare and to establish campus based Welfare Action Groups in 2016 2. Many universities also have Welfare Action Groups, which seek to work on campaigns for the benefit of student health and 3. The National Welfare Officer will attend or call in to as many wellbeing. meetings of these groups as possible

3. The University of Sydney established a group dedicated to

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Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) vulnerable workers in the national economy. Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) 3. The National Union of Students recognises that students are some of the most vulnerable workers in the national economy, 5.10 Students’ Rights at Work particularly due to a lack of experience in the workforce, a lack of Union representation and the insecure nature of much student Preamble employment. 1. Students are too often unaware of their rights at work, particularly in insecure employment like retail and hospitality. A Action lack of awareness fosters situations where students may have no 1. The National Welfare Officer will conduct a national campaign idea that they have certain entitlements at work and that there are called ‘Know Your Rights at Work’. The campaign will involve the mechanisms by which they can challenge unfair developments in use of press releases (in conjunction with the National President), the workplace. handbooks, flyers and all other material that the Welfare Officer requires. 2. Moreover, international students are particularly at risk of being taken advantage of by unscrupulous employers. 3. Furthermore, 2. The campaign will focus on the National Employment Standards the rate of Union membership in 15-25 year olds has been steadily under the Fair Work Act 2009, minimum/award wages and dispute declining for the last 30 years down to an average of about 15% in resolution. the late 2000s. Students are essentially unsure as how they might join their relevant trade union and the benefits that being a 3. The National Welfare Officer shall visit campuses across the member bestows upon them. country to draw attention to the issue of students’ rights at work

Platform 4. As a Union itself, NUS shall incorporate within any students’ 1. The National Union of Students shall work to ensure that ‘Rights at Work’ campaign, directions as to how students can join students across the country are aware of their basic rights at work. their relevant trade union.

2. The National Union of Students recognises the vital role that 5. The National Welfare Officer will engage with the ACTU and trade unions play in defending the rights, pay and conditions of

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relevant trade unions to garner their support for the campaign Platform efforts of NUS 1. NUS acknowledges that placements have the potential to cause significant hardship for students. Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) 2. NUS recognises that this issue disproportionately affects low SES students and reaffirms its commitment to equality of access to higher education. 5.11 Support for Students on Placement 3. NUS believes that the federal government and university Preamble administrations have a responsibility to support students 1. Students enrolled in vocational degrees at Australian Universities completing placements for their vocational degree. must complete one or more unpaid placements within their industry. These placements can extend for several months and Action often require students to work full time and/or non-standard 1. The National Welfare Officer, in consultation with all relevant hours. At present, most if not all of these placements, can be national officer bearers and campus student organisations, will assigned without adequately considering a student’s personal and conduct research to identify the problems faced by students on financial circumstances. placements.

2. These placements can cause significant financial hardship for 2. NUS will create a national campaign to highlight and tackle the students as they are forced to forego paid work for the duration of problems facing students on placements and seek to draw media the placement. It can also cause significant hardship for students attention to these problems. who have responsibility for caring for others (including children and aged or disabled family members). 3. NUS, in consultation with state branches and campus student organisations, will work with universities to encourage flexible 3. The hardship associated with placements disproportionately placement schemes that are negotiated with the student. affects low SES students acting as a barrier that discourages and prevents these students from completing a vocational degree. 4. NUS will campaign for universities to establish and/or increase grants for students to assist with the completion of placements.

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regional campuses. 5. NUS will campaign for the federal government to provide grants for students to assist with the completion of placements and 3. The National Union of Students believes that it is unacceptable additional grants for students who are caregivers to assist with the that some University medical facilities are not open every weekday. costs of outsourcing this care during placements. 4. The National Union of Students should lobby individual Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Universities with particularly poor medical facilities. Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) Action 1. The National Welfare Officer shall lobby individual Universities, 5.12 On-Campus Medical Services in conjunction with the relevant Student Union, whose provision of medical services is particularly poor to improve their services, Preamble particularly in terms of opening hours. 1. Some Australian University campuses have medical facilities that do not open every weekday. Students at those universities cannot 2. The National Welfare Officer will work with universities to find pick and choose on what day they will be sick and they expect that methods of improving the provision of medical services on if they fall ill at university that they will be able to seek medical help campuses on campus. Of particular concern is the fact that some of these Universities have large on campus residential student populations. Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Seconded: Justine Amin (University of Sydney) Platform 1. The National Union of Students believes that on-campus medical facilities are an integral part of University infrastructure and 5.13 Affordable Housing student welfare. Preamble 2. The National Union of Students particularly notes the importance 1. Affordable housing is commonly referred to as housing that of on-campus medical facilities where there is a high proportion of absorbs no more than 30% of a low income. For a student only students living in on-campus accommodation and at small and receiving Youth Allowance and Rent Assistance for income, that

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definition translates to around $80 a week. housing. NUS recognises that such housing places a huge financial burden on students and is not accessible to students from 2. Australia faces a severe shortage of affordable housing, lowincome backgrounds. particularly in metropolitan areas, which means many students from low SES backgrounds struggle to find affordable housing when Action relocating for university. 1. The NUS Welfare Officer will collaborate with campus representatives to develop a survey that studies the affordability 3. Many campuses are seeing the arrival of for-profit self-catered and quality of housing available on campuses around Australia. The housing on their campuses. Many of these providers charge survey will focus on which campuses provide the most affordable exuberant residential fees and do not afford students full tenancy and best quality accommodation. status. At UNSW Village for instance, the cheapest room is $252 per week, or 94% of your income if solely reliant on Youth Allowance 2. The NUS Welfare Officer will use the results from the survey to and Rent Assistance. create an affordable housing campaign, highlighting the best and worst practices found in the survey. 4. There is a need for universities to provide non-profit housing to students, and there are examples of these models working 3. The NUS Welfare Officer will assist campus representatives in amazingly well. For instance, STUCCO at Sydney University is a creating campus based campaigns to specifically target their cooperative housing building in the increasingly unaffordable university’s practices around affordable housing. suburb of Newtown. It houses 38 people, and each student pays just $73 a week in rent. Students share duties and meet regularly, Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) creating a strong community feel amongst residents. Seconded: Justine Amin (University of Sydney)

Platform 1. NUS calls for the development of non-profit and cooperative 5.14 Lowering the Centrelink Age housing on university campuses, citing the enormous financial and social benefits this kind of housing provides to students Preamble 1. The current age of Independence as set by the government, in 2. NUS opposes the development of unaffordable for-profit campus order to receive centrelink payments is 22.

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2. Until the age of 22 a person is judged on the basis of their Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) parents income. This restricts both independents, and relies on Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) parents to offer constant support.

3. Many students are unable to work enough hours to support 5.15 “Welfare Day” at Education Conference themselves, but are similarly not financially supported by their parents, or guardians. This leaves a whole in the system in which Preamble young people are severely struggling financially. Whether this be 1. Currently NUS runs an annual Education Conference to discuss going without meals, or putting up with living conditions that are the education campaign and issues facing the higher education neither safe or comfortable. sector

Platform 2. Education Conference is an opportunity for students around the 1. NUS acknowledges that most students are not financially country to run workshops on a range of issues supported to the age of 22, and therefore many need financial support from the government to effectively complete their degree, Platform and maintain suitable living standards. 1. NUS recognises that there are more issues impacting students than just the quality and funding of the higher education sector 2. The voting age, and drinking is 18, and therefore there needs to be revision in the age of independence. 2. NUS acknowledges that running more than one large scale conference would be costly and a burden on both National Office Action Bearers and students wishing to attend 1. NUS will lobby the Government to lower the centrelink age to 20. This will provide a stepping-stone in dealing with the low living Action standard of so many students, and young people. 1. As part of Education Conference in 2016, the National Welfare Officer will organise an entire day dedicated to issues concerning 2. The NUS office bearers will look into organising a campaign on student welfare and the campaigns the Welfare Department is lowering the centrelink age. running

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Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Seconded: Dean D;Angelo (National Welfare Officer) Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer)

5.17 Smoking on Campuses 5.16 National Welfare FB Groups Preamble Preamble 1. Campuses across Australia have instituted smoking bans to limit 1. Facebook groups are amazing and an easy way of increasing the impact of passive smoking on non-smoking students, staff and effective communication between people visitors, and to begin a shift in culture against smoking in general

Platform 2. These smoking bans are often put in place with designated 1. NUS believes that mobilising students in 2016 will be essential to smoking areas; these areas are often placed in poorly lit and unsafe ensure success in its campaigns areas of university campuses. For example, at the University of Sydney the two smoking areas are have inadequate lighting, and Action one is in a car park 1. The National Welfare Officer at the conclusion of National Conference will create a “National Welfare Officer” Facebook Platform group, and begin contacting affiliate organisations to have their 1. NUS supports universities that choose to implement smoking Welfare Officers added to the group bans on their campuses

2. The National Welfare Officer at the conclusion of National 2. NUS acknowledges that smoking is an individual choice Conference will also create a “National Welfare Action Network” Facebook group to engage students interest specifically in the 3. NUS believes that adequate lighting and infrastructure in campaigns of the Welfare Department smoking areas is essential in ensuring the safety of students who do want to chug a dart

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1. NUS will work with affiliate organisations with smoking bans to 2. NUS acknowledges that many students are faced with becoming run a campaign to ensure safe and accessible smoking areas on independent as a result of being kicked out of home, which means their campuses that asking their parents or guardians to sign documentation for proof of their independence Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Seconded: Justine Amin (University of Sydney) 3. NUS understands that the current system does not understand the complexities of individual experience, particularly for LGBTIQA+ students 5.18 Centrelink Independence Documents Action Preamble 1. The National Welfare Officer will campaign for changes in policy 1. At present, the age of independence to access Centrelink around the age of independence, and in regards to independence payments like Youth Allowance is 22. For many students this means caused by extenuating circumstances many students forgo rent, food or course essentials as they are not provided income support when they begin their studies. Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Seconded: Divina Blanca (University of Technology Sydney) 2. For many students, they become independent upon enrolling in university. 5.19 Flexibility for Course-load Requirements and Centrelink 3. For some students, they become independent as a result of circumstances that mean being in contact with their parents or Preamble guardians is impossible 1. Currently, for a university student to be in receipt of an income support payment like Youth Allowance, a student must be enrolled Platform full-time 1. NUS believes that all students that move out of home to study should be deemed independent and be entitled to receive income 2. During the course of a semester is a student on income support support drops down to part-time, for whatever reason, their payment is immediately cancelled

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Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 3. Due to the stress associated with studying, many students drop Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare) subjects to cope, especially when other aspects of their life get in the way. Funnily enough, rent and the general cost of living still remain if your course load changes 5.20 How Do You Do Income Support?

4. For students living with anxiety, depression, forced to work to Preamble support themselves or facing any number of extenuating 1. Students across Australia are on income support payments like circumstances, the decision between dropping subjects and losing Youth Allowance and Newstart Allowance as means to support income support or failing subjects and keeping their income their living arrangements while they study support payments is an unfortunate reality 2. Many students have different experiences with Centrelink, some Platform positive, most negative 1. NUS believes that the mental health and wellbeing of students is of paramount importance 3. Understanding how students engage with Centrelink and use their Youth Allowance or Newstart Allowance is an essential way to 2. NUS recognises that students should not be forced to fail or better the delivery of income support absent fail subjects to keep their income support payments, if they are faced with circumstances that require them to change their 4. In 2015 NUS put out the Wellbeing Survey to gather information study commitments mid-semester around student income, employment, support payments, mental health, and many other crucial areas surrounding student welfare Action 1. The National Welfare officer will campaign around the issue of Platform study requirements and income support in 2016 1. NUS believes that data is important

2. The National Welfare Officer will write to the Minister for Social 2. NUS believes that understanding the lived experiences of Services detailing the contents of this motion students on income support payments could help build effective campaigns and improve lobbying tactics

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it increasingly difficult to move students into more permanent Action accommodation because the rental costs are so high and the 1. The National Welfare Officer will continue the Wellbeing Survey vacancy rate is so low. conducted in 2015 and use the data collected to inform campaigning efforts in 2016 4. Homelessness impacts mental health, and reduces the capacity for students to find appropriate employment and complete their Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) studies, further entrenching their poverty. Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) Platform 1. NUS condemns the high rate of homelessness amongst university 5.21 Student Homelessness students and acknowledges that student homelessness is a serious and under-recognised issue in society. Preamble 1. Young people account for a high percentage of homeless people. 2. NUS demands an increase in the amount of Youth Allowance, ABS Census data shows that in 2011 there were 15,325 homeless Austudy, Newstart Allowance and ABSTUDY to above the Australians aged between 19 and 24. While no comprehensive Henderson Poverty Line; an increase in Rent Assistance; and a study of homeless university students has been conducted recently, decrease in the age of eligibility for these payments the problem is widespread. Action 2. A 2008 study by the University of Melbourne found that 1. In 2016, NUS will campaign against student poverty, demanding university students were struggling to find affordable an increase in the size and accessibility of Youth Allowance, accommodation close to their campuses. More than 400 students Newstart Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY and Rent Assistance involved in this survey said that they had to sleep on couches of payments which would see a real reduction in the number of friends and relatives and that the pressures of increasing rent, food homeless university students and petrol costs meant that they were taking on more part-time work and had less time for study. 2. NUS will continue to raise awareness about the rates of homelessness amongst university students 3. Emergency university accommodation is under pressure, finding

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3. NUS will lobby for an increase in the amount of resources properly financially support themselves can lead to a wide range of allocated to university emergency housing as a stop-gap measure social issues such as mental health issues, youth homelessness etc. to deal with current levels of student homelessness Platform Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 1. NUS acknowledges that many students are not financially Seconded: Cam Petrie (RMIT) supported by their parents or guardians before they become “independent” at 22, especially those living out of home

5.22 Youth Allowance – Equity of Access and Measurement of 2. NUS acknowledges that using age as a measurement of Independence independence for those under the financial independence threshold ($18,200) consistently disadvantages those under 22 who Preamble are living out of home, or live in difficult circumstances 1. The current age of independence to receive Youth Allowance payments is 22. Until the age of 22, people are assessed on the 3. NUS advocates for a revision of not only the age of basis of their parent’s income, regardless of whether or not they independence, but the criteria that independence is measure by are living with their parents, or out of home and a consideration of the residential status (whether a student lives with their parent/s or guardian/s) should also be included in 2. Many students under the age of 22 are completely financially that criteria unsupported by their parents and are also unable to work enough hours to adequately financially support themselves. This means a Action person living at home not paying rent or bills over the age of 22 is 1. The National Welfare Officer will lobby relevant Ministers and eligible for government assistance, but a student under the age of Shadow Ministers about lowering the age of independence to 18 22 living out of home and fully financially supporting themselves could be considered ineligible 2. The National Welfare Officer will lobby to change the criteria of independence to include residential status as an indicator of 3. Students aged under 22, who are living out of home and are independence vulnerable or in need of support are often left unable to access Youth Allowance payments. The inability of young people to 3. The National Welfare Officer will run a campaign on the

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accessibility of youth allowance, lowering the age of independence, and taking residential status into consideration as criteria 5. Students are often exploited due to their status as a student. Workplaces devalue students’ knowledge, experience and time by Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) refusing to offer a stipend or remuneration for labour Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) 6. Many students fall into the trap of working for organisations that offer cash in hand or payment under the minimum wage. 5.23 Unpaid Internships Universities who support unpaid internships send a message to employers that it is acceptable to exploit university students Preamble 1. Students at many Australian universities are expected to Platform complete unpaid internships, either as part of their degree or to 1. NUS opposes compulsory unpaid internships as part of degrees, gain work experience whilst studying courses and subjects

2. Many courses involve workplace-integrated learning that 2. NUS supports paid internships, placements and work experience supports students gaining integral links within industries through as a part of degrees and as a way to gain experience in a field or work experience. This type of learning highlights a move to hands- industry on learning 3. NUS believes that each individual persons labour should be 3. Many universities have policies that restrict students from being valued in all workplaces and be properly compensated paid for undertaking work experience in the form of a placement or internship. It is claimed that students are undertaking hands on 4. NUS supports students who need to work to afford to study and learning and therefore should not be paid for their labour condemn universities that make students undertake workplace internships that are unpaid, furthering the cost burdens involved 4. Compulsory unpaid internships devalue the labour of students with study and future workers. Through compulsory unpaid labour, universities entrench the idea that work done through internships Action and placements is not valued work 1. The National Welfare Officer, in conjunction with the National

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Education Officer and all relevant National Office Bearers, will work to value their labour. Through providing knowledge, resources and with campus student organisations to inform the student support NUS will educate unknowing students of the dangers of population about the issues surrounding unpaid internships exploitative labour

2. The National Welfare Officer will run a campaign called “Unpaid 7. The National Welfare Officer will work in conjunction with Internships – Undervaluing Student’s Futures” Interns Australia, the NTEU, ACTU and other interested parties to combat unpaid internships nationally 3. The National Welfare Officer and campus Welfare Officers will produce an audit of universities and course that offer internships, Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) highlighting which courses prevent students from being paid. This Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) will be distributed to affiliate campus student organisations combined with information on unpaid internships and why it is important to pay students to undertake work experience 5.24 Mental Health Awareness

4. The campaign will promote the importance of students being Preamble paid fairly. The campaign will highlight that students are often 1. The prevalence of mental health issues among universities exploited by employees, are paid under minimum wage or cash in students is continuing to rise, with incidences of depression and hand. The campaign will call on universities to implement policies anxiety being the quickest to increase. This increase has left that promote paid internships, placements and work experience students who need help without the adequate support they need, as there is a struggle to keep up with the number of cases 5. The campaign will call on universities to implement policies that instruct participating workplaces to pay students a stipend or 2. Current social stigma is inhibiting the ability of students to be remuneration for their labour. Universities will control the standard open about their struggles and to seek the help and advice they for work placements and will only support businesses and need organisations that offer to pay participating students for their labour Platform 1. NUS recognises that the mental health of students is of 6. The campaign will empower students to reject unpaid work and paramount concern

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2. NUS believes mental health care and services need to be Platform promoted and made more readily available to university students 1. NUS has a responsibility to help students in times of stress caused by university exams and assessment periods

Action 2. NUS believes one of the best ways to minimise the effects of 1. NUS will promote on-campus counselling services and petition exam/assessment induced stress on students is through informing for greater investment in mental health services nationwide them about simple techniques they can use to relax or de-stress

Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 3. NUS believes adequate services on university campuses must be Seconded: Michael Elliott (University of Sydney) made available to students, such as counselling or even art therapy

Action 5.25 Stress 1. NUS is to encourage affiliated campus organisations to run campaigns and events aimed at minimising distress caused to Preamble students by exams and assessment periods 1. Stress is a well-documented phenomenon for students during exam periods and throughout the course of their studies 2. The National Welfare Officer is to work in conjunction with the National Disabilities Officer to create a booklet aimed at assisting 2. According to studies, the following statistics apply during exam affiliated campus organisations in running campaigns and events periods: around awareness of mental health a. 13% of students experience suicidal thoughts during exam periods 3. NUS calls on universities to promote and provide more adequate b. 80% of students reported higher stress levels during exam counselling services on campus periods c. 54% of students identified exams as a cause of distress 4. NUS will work with affiliate organisations and state branches to establish NUS run art therapy sessions during exam and assessment 3. Stress is avoidable and can be managed periods

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Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney SRC) 2. NUS recognises that homelessness is a serious problem for Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) students

3. NUS acknowledges that there is a need for emergency housing 5.26 Emergency Housing and believes students should be provided immediate access to emergency accommodation should the need arise Preamble 1. Students face homelessness due to a range of circumstances 4. NUS recognises that those needing emergency housing are often including, family and relationship breakdowns, financial trouble, in financial trouble or fleeing from untenable situations, and violence and abuse, housing crisises etc. therefore need this service to be free of charge or have a minimal fee 2. 25% of those who are homeless in Australia are between the ages of 12-24 Action 1. The National Welfare Officer will assist affiliate organisation 3. Students who become homeless are more likely to drop out of Welfare Officers to campaign for emergency housing university than those who do not face homelessness Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 4. Many university students will face temporary homelessness at Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) some point during their studies

5. Homelessness has a large and often long-lasting, negative impact 5.27 We all like to Party! on a student’s life that can affect future study, employment, health and wellbeing Preamble 1. Many universities have historically had problems with events Platform getting out of hand and people reporting incidents of drink spiking 1. NUS believes all students have a right to affordable and or assault accessible accommodation

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2. It is important that all students should feel able to attend reporting procedures in place but students do not know about university events without fearing they will be unsafe during the them event Action 3. As our student population becomes more diverse, it is essential 1. The National Welfare Officer will investigate how many to look at the safety of people at events universities have grievance procedures in place for university and university affiliated activities where incidents arises Platform 1. NUS recognises that universities and campus organisations have 2. The National Welfare Officer will also investigate how many a duty of care to students in providing a safe and harassment free student unions have grievance procedures for when incidents arise environment 3. The National Welfare Officer will investigate how many students 2. NUS believes every student has the right to enjoy the full range are aware of these procedures and how often they are used of activities provided to students on their campus in safety 4. The National Welfare Officer will put together a safe events 3. NUS believes that students who engage in alcohol and drug use guide that recommends the best practice for safe, inclusive and should be made aware of the dangers associated with this, where accessible events. This guide will include information on drug and to seek help and be able to do this safely alcohol use

4. NUS believes every student should have the ability to report Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) incidents and have their universities act to make sure an incident Seconded: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) does not happen again, and restitution is made

5. NUS believes that students have a right to complain about events 5.28 No to Cashless Welfare Cards! that have taken place on campus, and that such complaints be treated with respect and confidentially Preamble 1. The Federal Government plans to trial a cashless welfare cards to 6. NUS recognises that often universities have grievance or stop income support payments being used for the purchases of

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alcohol and gambling. Action 2. This idea was first raised in an Indigenous employment review, 1. The National Welfare Officer will seek further information on the provided by Andrew Forrest to the Government in 2014. Government’s proposal to be made available to students on income support payments 3. More than 20,000 Australians already have their welfare payments controlled, with at least 50 per cent quarantined for 2. The National Welfare Officer will put out a survey regarding the essentials and administered through the Basics Card. The Basics Welfare Card to gain input from students about their experiences Card can only be used at approved retailers, while the new welfare on income support and their views on the Government’s policy card will be used through regular EFTPOS transactions. Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Platform Seconded: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) 1. NUS is concerned about the Federal Government’s intent to provide income support recipients with a cashless card to access 5.29 No Student should have to Work for the Dole their payments Preamble 2. NUS believes that prohibiting the purchase of alcohol on 1. Many students across Australia are enrolled in undergraduate university students could have potential side effects on their social degrees that are not considered under the policies and guidelines lives and does not go to the root of the concern around alcohol to be in receipt of Youth Allowance, this includes some Honours abuse courses

3. NUS acknowledges that any student who wants to buy a beer will 2. Students who are on income support payments like Newstart just make arrangements with friends to purchase goods in Allowance are therefore required to meet a minimum activity exchange for them spotting them for drinks requirement of 25 hours per week to avoid being on the Work for the Dole Scheme. This however still requires students to actively 4. NUS believes that policies surrounding alcohol and substance seek out employment, with a minimum requirement of job abuse, as well as gambling are important, but is concerned about application per month. It also requires students to be linked with a such a poorly thought out policy “job provider” and to undergo “job seeking” appointments on a

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weekly basis their studies without the added burden of “work for the dole” schemes and minimum job seeking requirements 3. Work for the Dole places job seekers in activities when they cannot meet the 25 hours per week activity requirement, which Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) even a part-time student is capable of doing given the study Seconded: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) expectations set down for their study load

4 Students on job seeker payments are expected to undergo the 5.30 Mental Health Awareness “work for the dole” phase every six months in order to keep receiving their income support Preamble 1. There continues to be a large proportion of students who experience mental health concerns which may be directly Platform related to their experiences at university and often involves 1. NUS believes that students should not be placed under the “work depression and anxiety for the dole” phase if their study requirements equal to 25 hours per week 2. Students often feel that the support services that are available to them are limited and that they should not 2. NUS believes that students should not be forced to apply for a address their mental health concerns minimum number of jobs per fortnight if they are meeting an 3. Mental health issues may intersect with some other activity requirement ingrained cultural attitudes which is why awareness campaigns often fail to target these specific concerns that 3. NUS acknowledges that the “work for the dole” scheme is particularly affect international students designed to help job seekers gain meaningful employment, but is concerned that this is not a reality Platform 1. The National Union of Students recognises that more needs Action to be done in order to ensure that awareness of mental 1. The National Welfare Officer will campaign to have student exceptions for those on Newstart Allowance so they can undertake health services on campus is available

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2. The National Union of Students understands that campaigns Preamble which are focused at specific groups such as international 1. Sleep and rest is incredibly helpful to the learning students can be very helpful in reducing the stigma around capabilities of students and can ensure that they function mental illness well in class 2. Many students often arrive to university particularly tired Action and without sufficient sleep after long periods on public 1. The National Union of Students will identify campuses which transport require more mental health support and resources and then 3. There are often places on campuses which can be used as a lobby those campuses individually in collaboration with resting place for students in order to restore energy to them their Welfare Officers in order to ensure that student needs throughout the day, however these are often not publicised are met in an effective way 2. The National Union of Students will conduct a nationwide awareness campaign on mental health and directly liaise Platform with the autonomous Office-Bearers within each campus to 1. The National Union of Students recognises the importance identify whether there are specific campaigns that can be of sleep to students and the value of places on campuses in run which can directly benefit students within their portfolio which students can take a break and rest 3. The National Union of Students will commit to work out Action ways to increase counselling services within each individual 1. The National Union of Students will consult with campus campus Office-Bearers to identify and promote ways in which Moved: Michael Murdocca (University of New South Wales SRC; students can rest or take a power nap while on campus National Executive Member) 2. The National Union of Students will seek to convey the Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) importance of sleep and healthy habits to students because it is directly correlated with their wellbeing 5.31 More Places to Rest on Campuses

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Moved: Michael Murdocca (University of New South Wales SRC; 2. The National Union of Students will consult with campus National Executive Member) Welfare Officers in order to work out ways to improve Seconded: Jordan Daly (University of New South Wales SRC) services for students who experience financial concerns that

are targeted at the individual needs of their university 5.32 Advice on Student Financial Issues

3. The National Union of Students will work out ways to Preamble ensure that adequate support is provided to students from 1. Students deserve to know that they can consult particular a student union with a low budget, such as through the people who are usually within their student union that can distribution of resources where direct assistance from provide them advice on particular matters such as how to particular people within the union is not available construct tax returns, how to budget and help with Moved: Michael Murdocca (University of New South Wales SRC; Centrelink National Executive Member) 2. Many students are unaware of the services that are Seconded: Jordan Daly (University of New South Wales SRC) available at their university to help them with financial issues and thus often undergo stress 5.33 Rad Sex and Consent Week Platform 1. The National Union of Students recognises the value of Preamble: support services to students who are undergoing financial 1. There is a lack of comprehensive sexual knowledge within the stress Australian society, caused by the inadequate PDHPE syllabus and absence of holistic educational programs in Australian Action schools. 1. The National Union of Students will identify resources that 2. According to the 2014 National Survey of Australian Secondary could be distributed to campuses in order to improve the Students and Sexual Health, 50% of young people expressed sources in which students can access particular information significant dissatisfaction with the sexual education they received during school years. on who to contact with regards to particular issues

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3. Our current secondary education system is a heteronormative Action: sexual education that excludes those who identify as queer or 1. The National Welfare officer liaises with National Queer officer outside of the gender norms. and National Women’s officer to encourage universities to hold 4. Some areas which are only partly covered, or not covered at all, their own Radical Sex and Consent week, and to give their include: alternate menstrual devices, domestic and sexual support to universities who already host their own. abuse information, sexual empowerment education, unrealistic 2. The National Welfare, Queer, and Women’s officer will expectations of women and men, and LGBTI+ sexual health. encourage intercampus Radical Sex and Consent weeks where 5. Young people are entering universities with a complete lack of possible to share resources, ensure large turnout, and sexual knowledge. encourage collaborative thinking on campus. 6. Currently, several universities including University of 3. The National Welfare, Queer, and Women’s officer will compile Melbourne, University of Sydney, and the University of a handover document after the event to help the incoming Technology, Sydney, hold their own Radical Sex and Consent officers host another Radical Sex and Consent week the year Week aimed to fill the gaps left by the inadequate sexual after. education programs in our secondary schools. Mover: Divina Blanca (NUS NSW Ethnocultural Officer) Platform: Seconder: Justine Armin (University of Sydney) 1. NUS recognises the complete inadequate sexual education taught in Australian schools and recognises that universities must fill the gaps left by the inadequate sexual education 5.34 Penalty Rates programs in our secondary schools. 2. NUS recognises the need for a more comprehensive and Preamble intersectional knowledge of sexual education in our secondary 1. Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has flagged a move to a schools. “more flexible workplace”, cutting penalty rates in the process. 3. NUS recognises the importance of Radical Sex and Consent 2. In WA, under the Court government, cuts were made to penalty Week, or some other form of sexual knowledge program, to rates, but a dramatic reduction in unemployment rates, nor a properly educate university students in regards to sexual dramatic increase in employment rates did not occur. education. 3. This is a major reason behind why WA women face the worst gender pay gap in the nation.

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4. In 2014, the Fair Work Commission cut the Sunday penalty rates Preamble: from 50 to 25 percent for lower skilled restaurant workers, more 1. The National Union of Students, as the peak than half of whom are casual, more than half of whom are women, representative body for undergraduate students, has a and roughly a third are students. duty and obligation to advance the interests of students both within and outside of campuses. Platform 2. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 61 1. That the NUS recognizes penalty rates form an essential part of percent of tertiary students’ primary source of income is many workers’ take home pay. wage labour. 2. That the NUS acknowledges that cuts to penalty rates will 3. Students from a lower socio-economic background are disproportionately impact women and students. 3. That the NUS condemns any attempt to cut penalty rates; a far more dependent on the wages they earn during their move that is unfair and anti-worker. studies, as few receive income support from parents and 4. That the NUS recognizes cuts to penalty rates are yet another other guardians. example of the Liberal government heeding to every desire of big 4. ABSTUDY and Youth Allowance payments fall far below businesses, at a financial cost to ordinary Australians. the minimum wage, amounting to no more than $12 000 per year – necessitating additional employment for Action those receiving these allowances. 1. The NUS conducts a campaign national against cuts to penalty 5. Of recent, there has been many instances in the media rates, working with unions conducting campaigns that are totally about the exploitation of students and young people in against penalty rate cuts in the process. the workplace, further exacerbating emotional and

financial hardships endured by students.

Moved: Alex Hamilton (UWA Student Guild) Platform: Seconded: Charlie Viska (UWA Student Guild) 1. The National Union of Students acknowledges the importance of trade unionism in ensuring the best outcomes for students in the workplace. 5.35 Welfare - Students’ Rights at Work

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2. The National Union of Students condemns the Preamble exploitation and abuse of workers, student or otherwise. 1. A kebab, not to be confused with a souvlaki, is a meal or a 3. The National Union of Students supports the efforts of snack comprising of sliced meat or falafel and salad served the trade union movement – in particular United Voice in pita bread, often with a sauce or spread such as and the SDA, to unionise student workers. hummus.

4. The National Union of Students commits to supporting 2. On 21 November 2015 a petition appeared on Change.org calling for the conversion of NSW State MP Jamie Parker’s campaigns to assist students in learning of their rights in Office into a Kebab shop (https://www.change.org/p/the- the workplace. australian-greens-replace-jamie-parker-s-office-with-a- Action: kebab-shop). 1. The National Welfare department will implement an 3. Although having a kebab shop located at Parker’s Glebe informational campaign to educate students on their Point Road office, due to the large student population there, rights at work. there is arguably a greater need to have a kebab shop 2. The National Welfare department will seek to engage located closer to the University of Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney, who collectively serve 91,863 relevant trade unions throughout the duration of the students. Thus, it is more appropriate to have a Kebab shop campaign. located the current office of Tanya Plibersek, located on 3. The State Branches of the National Union of Students Broadway. This location, not only within walking distance of will assist the National Welfare department in both USyd and UTS as well as student housing nearby, is implementing this campaign. positioned near a bus stop on a popular public transport route. Moved: Jake Wittey (WA State Branch President)

Seconded: Tom Beyer (UWA Delegate) Platform

1. That NUS acknowledges and supports the growing

popularity of the Kebab.

2. That NUS notes the importance of having cheap,nutritious 5.36 Convert Tanya Plibersek’s Office into a Kebab Shop and tasty food located near tertiary institutions.

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3. That NUS acknowledges the prime location of Tanya Pliberseks office as well as the offices large size which is a Preamble perfect size for a kebab shop. 1. Financial hardship is one of the primary reasons students drop out of university. Action 2. Students from low socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds and 1. That NUS directs the National Welfare Officer to campaign from outer suburbia are underrepresented in tertiary education, for the conversion of Tanya Plibersek’s office into a student and are more likely to drop out of university than their privately run Kebab shop, with the process including: schooled, inner-city counterparts. a. Collaborating with the Member for Sydney over the 3. Unfamiliar social and cultural expectations, and a lack of relocation of her office, including assisting in the outreach programs within institutions, act as exclusionary barriers move and investigating suggested locations across to low SES student retention. the electorate for the office. b. Working on a business model that will allow for the Platform business to be student run, open 7-days a week, 365 1. NUS champions equity and social inclusion, and believes that days a year (or 366 in a leap year). Further, that the students should be given every opportunity to succeed in tertiary business be established to comply with NSW Food education, regardless of their postcode. Licensing laws. 2. NUS recognises that while student union funding initiatives such 2. That the National Welfare Officer will ensure that all as financial hardship grants are of benefit, there is a need for workers are paid the minimum wage, including penalty greater social inclusion and outreach in order to address retention rates on Sundays and public holidays. rates in those of low SES background. 3. That all Kebabs are sold for no more than $7 each, and 3. NUS condemns the silence across Australian student union includes a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. equity bodies with regard to these vulnerable students.

Moved: Patrick Dollard (University of Melbourne Student Union) Action Seconded: Cameron Caccamo (University of Sydney SRC) 1. The National Welfare Officer, in conjunction with relevant National Office Bearers, state branches, and campus student unions, will lead a campaign promoting low SES student retention 5.37 Low SES Student Supports and inclusion initiatives.

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2. The National Welfare Officer will liaise with relevant Office and bullying still remain - to an extent institutionalised - Bearers of campus student unions to create support initiatives for particularly in University halls of residence run by religious low SES students. organisations. 3. The National Welfare Officer will encourage campus student 4. As these issues are not made publically known to students unions to incorporate a permanent role addressing low SES student prior to their application and admission into University halls issues into their respective equity departments. of residence students are often unaware of these cultures which exist. Moved: Georgia Tree (Curtin Student Guild) 5. In some University halls of residence run by religious Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) organisations, this culture of sexism and homophobia can be contributed largely in part to the administrations of the University halls of residence, where those holding the 5.38 Welcoming and Safe University Halls of Residents majority of senior positions within the administrations are males (and at times males belonging to religious orders). Preamble 6. For students who are suffering personal issues, many halls 1. Although housing only a small section of the university of residence offer chaplaincy services. However, as in a population, University halls of residence provide thousands number of religious run University halls of residence the of students with accommodation throughout the academic guidance counsellor or chaplain is male, at times a member year. For many students who attend halls of residents offer of a religious order, some students don’t feel safe to discuss them with important support networks on both an issues perpetuating to bullying or discrimination with them. academic and social level. 7. As a result of this, students from these groups are 2. Despite these benefits, living in University halls of residence increasingly likely to not participate in the full range of can prove for some students to be a discriminatory activities these University halls of residence has to offer, as environment, with issues of sexism, homophobia and well as develop mental health issues. bullying (or “hazing”) of those in their earlier years still prevalent. Platform 3. Although the administrations of many University halls of 1. NUS recognises that within University halls of residence residence have made efforts to make their places more cultures of sexism, homophobia and bullying still exist, inclusive and tolerant, these issues of sexism, homophobia

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despite the efforts of the administrations of these halls of a. If the University hall of residence is run by a residents. religious organisation, their stance on Wom*n’s and 2. NUS believes that all students have a human right to feel LGBTIQ issues. safe at their place of residence. b. A rating given to each University hall of residence 3. NUS recognises that while it is difficult for any student to based on a number of factors to be determined by know what the culture within University halls of residence the relevant National and State Office Bearers. until they live in there, it is important to publicise to prospective residents any discriminatory disadvantages of 2. NUS directs the National Welfare Officer to administer an online living on campus. survey available to all students who are living or have lived in 4. NUS recognises that in order for all University halls of University halls of residence, asking students questions in relation residents to be truly inclusive places of people of all to sexism, homophobia, religious intolerance, racism, ableism, backgrounds that students need to be supplied with classism and other forms of oppression. The results of the survey information about services which are available to them both are to be published to the relevant student union, the NUS website within the University and in the nearby area which can be of and to all University halls of residence within Australia, which will assistance to their mental wellbeing. allow each respective University hall of residence to look into 5. For all students to feel safe within University halls of administrative changes to allow them to create a more inclusive, residence NUS believes that guidance counsellors must be welcoming and tolerant place for students to live in. Further, the made freely available for all students to use, including ones NUS encourages campus unions to advertise the survey around who are free of religious affiliation and able to answer the their campus. needs of students from marginalised backgrounds. 3. NUS encourages campus welfare officers to provide all University halls of residence connected to their university with: Action a. Information pamphlets relating to issues of mental 1. NUS directs the National Welfare Office Bearer, in health, as well as pamphlets relating to issues of conjunction with State Welfare Office Bearers, National and discrimination. State Office Bearers from each autonomous departments b. Contact details for all students to be able to get in and relevant campus officers to create a booklet available to contact with relevant on campus office bearers. prospective residents of University halls of residence c. Phone numbers and contact details for on and off outlining: campus counselling services, including counsellors

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and psychologists who are able to address the above 3. Housing issues not only serve as a driving factor of drop- issues. outs, drops in academic standing, academic suspensions and 4. NUS encourages campus welfare officers to meet with the mental health issues, but also as a barrier to begin study. residential administrations and student leadership groups to discuss various issues of mental health/social implications of such discrimination, as well as ways in which campus officers and Platform: University halls of residence can work together to create more 1. NUS believes everyone deserves to have a home. inclusive University halls of residence. Further, NUS encourages 2. NUS affirms that every university campus, local government religious University halls of residence to employ guidance and/or student union should publicly offer crisis counsellors who are able to offer students of all backgrounds sound accommodation for its students who are in need, as well as advice without a religious bias or coming from a religious further resources to support them. institution.

Moved: Patrick Dollard (University of Melbourne Student Union) Action: Seconded: Dylan Lloyd (NSW State Queer Officer / Arc@UNSW) 1. NUS directs the National Welfare Officer to campaign strongly for publicly-offered crisis accommodation for 5.39 Crisis Accommodation students at all university campuses and local government areas. Premable: 2. NUS directs the National Welfare Officer to proactively 1. Students are especially vulnerable to issues of provide resources for campus welfare officers, student homelessness, housing stress and crisis living situations; this unions and state executives to support localised campaigns vulnerability is disproportionately exacerbated by for crisis accommodation in their respective areas. disadvantaged students. 3. NUS directs the National Welfare Officer to liaise with the 2. Most educational institutions, student unions and local National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Queer, governments have little to no crisis accommodation options Women’s, Students with Disabilities, International Students, for students in need. Small & Regional and Ethnocultural Officers to ensure students from disadvantaged backgrounds are being

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included in the direction of the campaign for crisis Action: accommodation. 1. NUS directs the National Welfare Officer to organise a strong campaign against the introduction of Income

Management Cards by the Australian Government. Moved: Dylan Lloyd (NSW State Queer Officer / Arc@UNSW). 2. NUS directs the National Welfare Officer to liaise with the Seconded: Patrick Dollard (University of Melbourne Student Union). National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Queer, Women’s, Students with Disabilities, Ethnocultural, Small & 5.40 Managing (aka disintegrating) Income Management Cards Regional and International Students Officers as well as National and State Executives to ensure the voices of Premable: disadvantaged groups are allowed to direct the campaign. 1. The Australian Government’s foray into income 3. NUS directs the National Executive to organise National management will adversely affect students, especially those Days of Action against the introduction of Income from disadvantaged backgrounds. Management Cards, and to organise and/or support co- 2. Student welfare has been relentlessly attacked by the ordinated blocs for disadvantaged students to make known current Government. how the proposed system will disproportionately impact 3. Student unions should be pre-emptively fighting attempts to them. introduce further harmful measures.

Moved: Dylan Lloyd (NSW State Queer Officer / Arc@UNSW). Platform: Seconded: Sophie Vassallo (Monash Students’ Association). 1. NUS opposes attempts to control the income of society’s most disadvantaged. 2. NUS takes a strong stance against the attacks on student 5.41 Mental Health First Aid welfare perpetuated by the Australian Government and

resolutely opposes further attacks on students. Preamble

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1. About 20% of people in Australia will experience a mental 6. Mental Health First Aid is currently being provided free of illness during their life. Suicide is currently the leading cause charge to all students and staff at the University of Western of death for young people in Australia. Australia. The course is very popular, with multiple sessions 2. Many people experiencing a mental illness do not know it or being run each semester. do not seek help. This is a result of poor education in the 7. Mental Health First Aid is also available free of charge at community about mental health and mental illness and well other universities in Western Australia, such as Curtin and as stigma surrounding mental illness and seeking treatment Murdoch, however only for staff members. While this for mental illness. Further, most suicides are preventable training is no doubt useful for staff members, it is unlikely to but most people do not know how to recognise the warning benefit students because students will usually approach signs or how to help someone at risk. friends for support rather than staff members. 3. Mental Health First Aid is one of the most effective ways of Platform educating persons about mental health and thereby 1. NUS recognises that Mental Health First Aid should be as reducing stigma. It is a nationally recognised course which accessible as traditional first aid courses. teaches people how to recognise the symptoms of all 2. NUS recognises that, because many young people common mental illnesses, how to support a friend, family experience mental illness and young people are particularly member or colleague experiencing a mental illness, how to at risk of suicide, students need to have access to Mental encourage someone to seek help and how to intervene in Health First Aid free of charge or at a subsidised cost. crises situations such as suicide attempts. 3. NUS believes in the importance of having students, 4. Mental Health First Aid is expensive to take privately. As particularly campus leaders, trained in mental health to such, most people who have access to the Course are ensure that students suffering from mental illness are employees of large companies. considered in campaigns and events, and have support 5. Given how common mental illness are, Mental Health First from student unions. Aid should be as accessible as regular First Aid courses.

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Action 5.42 PSB Approval and subsidisation of medications for mental 1. NUS directs the Welfare Officer and the Disability Officer to illnesses

conduct a campaign regarding the importance of access to Preamble Mental Health First Aid. This campaign can be targeted at 1. About 20% of people in Australia will experience a mental individual universities and at relevant governments to illness during their life. The World Health Organisation has provide funding for Mental Health First Aid. The above predicted that by 2030 mental illness will be the leading office bearers should work closely with relevant State office cause of disease and burden in our communities. bearers in order to engage individual universities. 2. People suffering from a mental illness can live happy and 2. NUS directs the Welfare Officer and the Disability Officer to successful lives, whether the illness be chronic or transient. conduct a campaign addressing the importance of mental Access to quality mental health care and services is key to health education and encouraging students to educate this. themselves from authoritative sources such as Headspace 3. However, it can be difficult and expensive to access or Beyondblue in the absence of availability of Mental treatment for mental illness. This is a barrier which Health First Aid. particularly affects students experiencing a mental illness 3. NUS will make Mental Health First Aid training compulsory because students usually do not have a high income, may be for the Welfare Officer and the Disability Officer, and will relying primarily on welfare payments, and are unable to investigate the viability of providing the same training to all work full time due to studying. Further, students who suffer National Office Bearers. from a mental illness will also tend to be those students who are less able to work many hours while studying. Moved: Emma Boogaerdt (UWA Delegate)

Seconded: Charlie Viska (UWA Delegate) 4. Medication is expensive because many medications prescribed for the treatment of mental illnesses are not approved under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). An example is Lamotrigine. Lamotrigine is commonly

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prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder because it similarly as vital to students suffering bipolar, epilepsy, or has minimal side effects. For this reason it is often preferred equivalent conditions. to lithium. Lamotrigine is PBS approved for the treatment of 2. NUS will use this campaign to raise awareness about epilepsy but not bipolar disorder. For this reason, persons medicated conditions that many students are experiencing, taking Lamotrigine for bipolar disorder need to pay in the to reduce stigma and encourage campuses to provide more vicinity of $200 per month for the medication. support for these students. 3. NUS directs the National Welfare Officer and the National Platform Disabilities Officer lobby relevant Federal Ministers, Shadow 1. NUS believes that students suffering from a mental illness Ministers and members of parliament about PBS approval need to be supported so that they have equal opportunity in for Lamotrigine and any other relevant medications. completing their university studies. Moved: Emma Boogaerdt (UWA Delegate) 2. NUS acknowledges that the cost of medication can be a Seconded: Charlie Viska (UWA Delegate) barrier for students accessing the treatment and health care which they need. 5.43 The Proposed Attacks On Newstart 3. NUS recognises its role in campaigning and lobbying for the welfare of all students. Preamble

1. The government’s attempts to change the age at which people Action receive Newstart, from 22 to 25, represents a serious attack on student standards of living. It will leave those affected worse off by 1. NUS directs the National Welfare Officer and the National up to $62.90 a fortnight, or $1635 a year. Disabilities Officer to work closely with all State Welfare and Disabilities Officers to conduct a National campaign on PBS approval for Lamotrigine, and any other medication which is

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2. This will force some students to remain dependent on their Action parents for an additional 3 years, or to spend even more hours working while studying, both of which will disproportionately 1. The welfare officer will condemn the move by the Government impact the living standards and studying capacity of students from to push under-25’s onto Youth Allowance, and publicly call for an working-class backgrounds. increase to the currently pitiful levels of support provided by both Youth Allowance and Newstart. 3. Students who depend on Centrelink benefits will find themselves sinking even further into poverty. 2. The welfare officer will organise a national campaign, combining publicity materials and activism, against the proposed changes. Platform Moved: Clare Francis (Curtain Guild) 1. NUS recognises that the move to reduce payments to students Seconded: Daniel Taylor (Monash University Gippsland Student by forcing them onto Youth Allowance represents an attack on their Union) standards of living.

2. NUS acknowledges that this move represents a broader campaign by the government to both reduce people’s access to 5.44 Work For The Dole Should Be Scrapped welfare as well as reducing the payments they are eligible for. Preamble 3. NUS recognises that most students are not financially supported until they are 22, let alone 25, and that by cutting their payments 1. Work for the Dole is an Australian federal government program the government is leaving some of the most vulnerable students, that forces those on welfare to work 6 months out of the year in those who are dependent on government assistance, high and dry. order to fulfil their “mutual obligation requirements” and continue receiving welfare payments. Welfare recipients have to complete 4. NUS recognises that recent history has proven that NUS-led 25 hours of Work for the Dole a week if aged under 30, while activist campaigns can prevent harmful government policies from applying for 40 jobs a month, in exchange for a “wage” of $10.31 an being implemented. hour.

2. Originally established by the Liberals in 1998, the Work for the Dole program has slowly expanded under both Liberal and Labor

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federal governments. Last year the Liberals announced the largest government agencies while making the experience of expansion to the scheme yet with Work for the Dole becoming unemployment so shameful and horrific that the unemployed are mandatory for all welfare recipients under 50. forced into taking work no matter how poor the conditions.

3. While the scheme currently only allows not-for-profit 2. NUS reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of the organisations and government agencies to partake, ex-Prime unemployed to receive government welfare without conditions. Minister Tony Abbott told the Australian Chamber of Commerce Welfare is a right, not a privilege. and Industry that changes in Work for the Dole would allow businesses to “try [employees] before you buy,” indicating 3. NUS calls for an end to the Work for the Dole program and other potential future expansion into the private sector. measures restricting full and unconditional access to welfare, not just for students and young people, but for all the unemployed. 4. The official unemployment rate for 15-24 year olds is, at 14 percent, the highest since 1998. This means that the Work for the 4. NUS denounces not-for-profit organisations, such as the Dole program disproportionately affects young people and Salvation Army, that are currently involved in the Work for the Dole students. program. Participation in the program gives these organizations free labour at the expense of the unemployed, and sustains 5. Research conducted by University of Melbourne economists Jeff avenues by which the program can be expanded to private Borland and Yi-Ping Tseng in 2004 found that those who enterprise. participated in work for the dole were actually less likely to find a job than those who didn’t. No evidence whatsoever has been provided by the government that Work for the Dole programs gives Action participants training or has resulted in participants being hired. 1. The Welfare Officer will publically endorse and support any and all campaigns against Work for the Dole and other heinous attacks Platform on the rights of the unemployed, as well as:

1. NUS denounces the Work for the Dole program as a vicious attack on the unemployed, particularly students and young people, meant to provide free labour for not-for-profit organisations and

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a. Actively encourage students to attend rallies and other 3. This policy’s goal is to see in the long-term the entire welfare public events against Work for the Dole using the National sector functioning on a cashless welfare system and is yet another and State apparatus of the union. way for the government to control recipients of welfare.

4. Students will be greatly impacted by this as their welfare spending will be greatly restricted, and with it, their freedom to b. Encourage Student Unions and Guilds to take a firm stance determine how they live their lives. against Work or the Dole as well as actively encourage their own members to attend protests and support campaigns against Work for the Dole. Platform Moved: Daniel Taylor (Monash University Gippsland Student Union) 1. NUS condemns Welfare Quarantining and the introduction of the Seconded: Kim collett (Griffith Student Guild) Basics Card. 2. NUS recognises the racist genesis of this policy in the Northern 5.45 Cashless Welfare: Just Another Attack on Poor People Territory Intervention, and stands firmly against this institutionalised racism. Preamble 3. NUS recognises the dangerous intent of the government to 1. Cashless welfare is a bipartisan policy that will see government broaden this policy to all welfare receivers, and promises to fight control over recipient’s welfare spending including restricting what against all attacks of this kind to any section of society. Students welfare is spent on and where. The new scheme will result in only are in the government's sights for this policy. Touch one, touch all. 20 percent of welfare payments being cash. 4. NUS opposes all policies of the government which reduce the 2. The policy was first introduced through the BasicsCard during the autonomy of those receiving welfare entitlements. Liberal then Labor-run Northern Territory Emergency Intervention, taking advantage of racism in order to trial punitive welfare reforms on Indigenous peoples. Action

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1. Conference directs the Welfare Officer to publicly announce 3. Student poverty is detrimental to students’ ability to study and opposition to the major parties' support for the expansion of has many adverse effects on health, mental health and wellbeing. Welfare Quarantining in the form of the Basics Card, and to call on the government to immediately withdraw the trials for its extension. Platform

2. Conference directs the Welfare Officer to publicly promote 1. NUS reaffirms its commitment to fighting student poverty and awareness of, and opposition to, Welfare Quarantining and how it acknowledges it as one of the greatest difficulties university will affect students. students face today.

3. Conference directs the Welfare Officer to organise a national 2. The provision of services which directly support students from campaign of publicity and activism against on Welfare low socio-economic backgrounds should be actively commended Quarantining. and materially supported by all student unions.

Moved: Carl Jackson (National Environment Officer) 3. NUS must also campaign against the causes of extreme student Seconded: Jess McLeod (National Women's Officer) poverty, including the lack of government funding to vital areas such as education, welfare, healthcare and other public services.

5.46 Fighting student poverty

Preamble Action

1. According to a Universities Australia study, in 2013 two thirds of 1. The Welfare Officer, in conjunction with other NUS offices, will students were living below the poverty line. run campaigns to raise awareness around the issue of student 2. Students who rely on Youth Allowance receive only $29 a day. poverty and against any measures by Vice-Chancellors and State This amount has not increased in the last two decades, despite the and National governments which will further the economic plight of fact that the cost for basic necessities and access to medical care students. have risen by between 4% and 8% in this same period, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

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2. The Welfare Officer will run grassroots campaigns that address 3. Moreover, international students are particularly at government attacks, and call for greater funding to student risk of being taken advantage of by unscrupulous welfare. employers. 3. The Welfare Officer will encourage campus Welfare Officers and 4. The same can be said for students with regard to coordinate a nationwide campaign to call for greater access to tenancy and university structures. welfare that lifts students out of poverty and allows for them to 5. Furthermore, the rate of Union membership in 15-25 have a better quality of life. year olds has been steadil declining for the last 30 Moved: Danica Cheesly (National Queer Officer) years down to an average of about 15% in the late Seconded: Viktoria Ivanova (Swinburne Student Union) 2000s. Students are essentially unsure as how they might join their relevant trade union and the benefits that being a member bestows upon them. 5.47 Your Rights at Home, University and Work Platform: Preamble: 1. The National Union of Students shall work to ensure 1. Students are often more likely to be unaware of that students across the country are aware of their their rights, particularly in the areas of employment, basic rights at home, uni and work. tenancy and university policy structures. 2. The National Union of Students recognises the vital 2. Too often students are unaware of their rights at role that trade unions play in defending the rights, work, particularly in insecure employment like retail pay and conditions of vulnerable workers in the and hospitality. A lack of awareness fosters national economy. situations where students may have no idea that 3. The National Union of Students recognises that they have certain entitlements at work and that students are some of the most vulnerable workers in there are mechanisms by which they can challenge the national economy, particularly due to a lack of unfair developments in the workplace. experience in the workforce, a lack of Union

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representation and the insecure nature of much 4. In addition to this a substantial online media student employment. campaign targeting the three main issues, attacks to 4. The National Union of Students recognises the workplace rights, student tenancy issues (with a opportunity to involve and inform students of their focus on international students) and attacks on rights during their time at university. higher education shall be run to coincide with the Action: grassroots campaign. 1. The National Welfare Officer in conjunction with the National Education Officer will conduct a national Moved: Sinead Colee (MSA) campaign called ‘Know your rights at home, uni and Seconded: Betty Belay (La Trobe Student Union) work’. The focus of the campaign will be to inform 5.48 Student Housing: On-campus accommodation & students of their rights in relation to the three areas affordability outlined in the name, with the aim of increasing student participation in workplace trade unionism as Preamble well as further knowledge of rights as tenants and 1. Housing availability and affordability is becoming university students. more and more unattainable for many students in 2. The National Welfare Officer will engage with the Australia. Rising house prices, lack of space for inner ACTU and relevant trade unions (particularly those in city and suburban campuses and increasing interest student-heavy sectors like hospitality and retail) to rates have created the perfect storm for students. garner their support for the campaign. 2. Many students are struggling to pay rent or 3. The National office bearers will work to create accommodation costs with low incomes and other materials to support student organisations in costs associated with studying (eg. textbooks, running the campaign. These materials will include placement costs, etc). but are not limited to handbooks, flyers and other 3. Most universities have limited housing for students informational materials. due to a variety of reasons, but some universities

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have gone into private public partnerships with escaping fragile domestic situations. This includes private companies to create housing for students in emergency housing. order to make a profit. 5. All student representatives and student 4. There is a wide variety of students who study at a organisations should be involved in discussions of university who come from a multitude of housing on their campuses with their university. backgrounds in Australia and thus there should be a similar variety of housing types to assist them. Action: 1. NUS will campaign for greater investment in low- Platform: cost housing provided by universities and 1. NUS recognises that it is a reality for many students, governments in 2016. both international and domestic, that they are 2. The NUS President and NUS Welfare officer will unable to live at home. lobby the government for a change in Rent 2. NUS also recognises that many students are Assistance eligibility so that students who are financially independent of their family, and thus ineligible for Youth Allowance and other forms of require suitably low-cost accommodation. Centrelink benefits can be eligible for Rent 3. NUS rejects the approach taken by most universities Assistance from the government, based on need. to student accommodation, which aims to creates 3. The NUS Education Officer and Welfare Officer will profit out of students’ need for housing. All students direct a campaign of housing affordability targeted studying at an Australian university should be able to towards universities and governments in conjunction receive assistance in finding suitable with campus presidents and state branch presidents. accommodation. 4. The National Education Officer, Welfare Officer and 4. All universities should have a percentage of their State Branch Presidents will assist campus activists housing set aside for students from low to develop and run campaigns to be run on-campus socioeconomic status backgrounds, Indigenous which target demands, strategies and messaging backgrounds, refugee students and students

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adequate to the unique circumstances of each year old girls. Upwards of 40% of youth between the ages of university. 16-24 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in 5. The National President and National International their life (current as of 2012). In 2012, it was currently estimated that 13% of youth live with an adult who is a Students’ Officer will work collaboratively to raise classified binge drinker. awareness about the unique safety concerns related to international student accommodation. 16. These statistics would point towards a considerable amount 6. The National President will lobby the federal of youth (16-24) currently in the higher education system government and relevant parties to review the who have or are experiencing a mental disorder, Residential Tenancy Act and the terms of reference psychological distress, and threats to their physical integrity. of NRAS as they relate to students’ and student Platform housing. 25. The NUS works for the interests of students in the areas of Moved: Sinead Colee (MSA Delegate) health and welfare. Seconded: Mark Pace (AUU Delegate) 26. The NUS recognises an increasing trend mental health issues. 5.49 Fragility: The increasing state of mental health 27. The NUS recognises an increasing trend (or reported Preamble prevalence) of youth being exposed to unstable and unsafe family environments. 15. In the 12 year period of 1997-2009, the amount of children in out-of-home-care has doubled, more than 20% of 28. The NUS is committed to striving for equal opportunities children were diagnosed with a mental disorder, and a when it comes to education. further 24% had experienced moderate to severe psychological distress. Between the period of 1996-2006, a Action 66% increase in hospitalisation for 12-14 year olds due to self-harm was documented, and a 90% increase for 15-17

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15. The NUS will promote awareness on mental health and 43% of the homeless population are women, children and youth safety trends. youth under the age of 25. 2. Most young people that face homelessness rely on welfare 16. The NUS will foster relationships between welfare and other forms of financial assistance. With a youth departments and officers to organise a national campaign that exposes the current statistics, and provides easy and allowance which is under the poverty line, students and confidential access to counselling services on each campus. youth facing homelessness and housing insecurity seek little comfort with a poor welfare entitlement. Other reports 17. The NUS will continue to endorse initiatives such ‘R U suggest that 60%+ of students are living under the poverty OK?’day. line. 3. Those that live within the realms of poverty are more likely 18. The NUS will encourage mentoring initiatives and support to suffer mental health issues, perform dismally in their groups on university campuses. studies and their capacity to achieve either through finding Moved: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of employment or academics suffer significantly. Melbourne Student Union) 4. Therefore attacks by the Federal Liberal Government and Seconded: Dimitry Palmer (Elected Delegate, University of Sydney others on education and welfare, are damaging and need to Union) be stopped. These attacks then make it harder for students, especially those of low socio-economic backgrounds.

5.50 Student Welfare has to be #1 Platform 1. NUS condemns the high rate of youth homelessness, mental Preamble health issues and increasing levels of student poverty. 1. Student Homelessness is a significant and ever-pressing 2. NUS recognises that students require more support to issue that threatens the welfare of university students. The overcome these issues both from a university perspective, Australian Bureau of Statistics states that approximately legislative and welfare/financial perspectives.

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3. NUS demands affordable university education, an increase 1. Concession fares are an important way in which students are in sensible financial welfare payments such as Youth able to access important resources at lower costs, particularly in Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY to the effect that the the realm of public transport.

increase would be able to pull the students suffering from 2. While Queensland has recently removed the Tertiary Transport the graves of the poverty cycle. Concession Card (TTCC) program, concession fares remain difficult 4. NUS calls on university administration and governments to or needlessly complex to access across Australia. reduce the costs of government and on campus housing, the establishment of better and more affordable public 3. University-provided student cards are often not accepted as a transport networks with specific concern for students. proof of student status. For example, in Victoria students are required to obtain the Victorian Public Transport Student Action Concession Card at an additional cost in order to access concession 1. NUS will actively campaign against cuts to higher education fares on the Victorian public transport system. and other causes or factors attributing to student poverty and homelessness. 4. The National Union of Students recognises that this can have negative effects on the ability of students to access concession 2. NUS will run education campaigns about the significance fares. Access to travel is particularly intertwined with an individual’s prevalence of student homelessness. access to education, employment and resources and should 3. NUS will endorse and provide support for these campaigns therefore be a right and not a privilege. to be run by the education and welfare officers. Policy Moved: Beau Brug (University of Adelaide) 1. The National Union of Students (NUS) applauds efforts to Seconded: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney SRC) reduce prices for students through concession fares, particularly in public transport. 2. The NUS believes that university-provided student cards are 5.51 Student Cards Are Concession Cards an adequate proof of student status and should be the only card required to prove student status and access concession Preamble fares. The NUS therefore opposes any measures that

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increase the difficulty and complexity of accessing 1. In 2015, the National Union of Students (NUS) conducted a student/concession fares, such as additional concession 4 yearly review into modern awards cards. 2. This review found that the existing commonwealth student 3. The NUS believes that all students should be able to access income support arrangements leave non research students public transport to and from university for little to no cost. well short of what they need to cover living and study The NUS is strongly opposed to fare increases in public related expenses. transport, and condemns significant fare rises. 3. According to this review, a student living in a share house 4. The NUS acknowledges that access to travel is highly and receiving maximum Youth allowance and rent connected to an individual’s access to education, assistance is living 50% below the National Henderson employment and resources, and can have an impact on poverty line. student wellbeing and quality of life. 4. This situation is inevitably, even worse for many students, who receive less than the maximum rate of Youth Action Allowance because the support they receive is measured 1. The NUS will write to state governments reaffirming our according to their parents income. commitment to accessible and cheaper public transport. 5. While individuals are viewed as Independent from the age 2. The NUS will advocate for the recognition of university of 22, students under 22 are viewed by centrelink as student cards as the only proof of concession, and the dependent on their parents, regardless of whether or not abolishment of additional concession cards. they are living with them 6. Youth allowance, Abstudy and Austudy payments are Mover: Sarah Xia (University of Melbourne) ceased to students who go overseas for 4 or more weeks. Seconder: Millicent Austin-Andrews (University of Melbourne) 7. In order to make up for the limited, or non-existent support received by the government, students often participate in part-time, casual, or even full-time work alongside their 5.52 Increase Government Support: Stop forcing Full-time studies. University Students to live in Poverty 8. The need to work often has a negative impact on students ability to study. Several studies have found that students Preamble who work long hours have poorer academic outcomes.

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Policy 2. The NUS National Welfare Officer in collaboration with other 1. The NUS recognises that the requirement for University National Office Bearers, and State Branches lobbies the Federal students in Australia to participate in paid employment has government to: a negative impact on their ability to perform academically a. Base the rate of Youth Allowance, Abstudy and Austudy 2. The NUS believes that full-time study means full-time study, received by Full-time Australian students on their personal and that full-time University students should not have to situation, and not their parents income, if they are under the age of work long hours alongside their degree. Independence. 3. The NUS believes that all full-time University students b. Include Full-time International students (Full-fee paying should receive commonwealth support, and supports basing overseas students) in the eligibility for receiving Youth Allowance, income support on students personal circumstances, not Austudy or Abstudy, if they plan to reside in Australia for at least a their age or the level of their parents income. year. 4. The NUS strongly believes that the existing commonwealth student income support arrangements are not enough, and Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU) should be increased to at least the rate required for the Seconded: Jack Harrison (FUSA) average student to be sitting on the Henderson poverty line, after rent. 5.53 Medicare: A Public Right not a Private Good.

Platform Preamble 1. The NUS National Welfare Officer in collaboration with 1. In the 2014 and 2015 Federal Budgets, the Liberal other National Office Bearers and State Branches, lobbies Government announced an attack on Medicare, which the Federal Government to: would have inevitably led to a gradual increase in the cost of a. Increase the rate of Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy health care in Australia. The Liberal government's plans for to at least the rate which is required for the average student to be Medicare included: sitting on, not below, the Henderson poverty line a. The introduction of a $7 medicare co-payment for visits to b. Remove the provision which ceases payments to students the GP who go overseas for 4 or more weeks, if the student is still studying b. A freeze on the rebate paid to doctors for medical costs c. Decrease the age of independence from 22 to 18 c. A number of reviews into the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), with underlying aims to reduce the number of medical items

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covered under the scheme and to sell the MBS to private private Platform providers. 2. While the Liberal government has since scrapped the plan to 1. The NUS believes in Universal free healthcare for all introduce a $7 co-payment in response to an overwhelming individuals opposition from the sector, and from the community; the freeze on 2. The NUS supports the provision of public health care and the rebate paid to doctors has had the same effect of increasing the the current Medicare system in Australia, and opposes any cost of going to the GP, by forcing many doctors to abandon bulk moves by the government to sell health or medical services billing in order to make up for lost funds. to private providers 3. The current review into the “safety” of items covered under the 3. The NUS vehemently opposes the Liberal government's MBS inherently aims to reduce the number of items covered by attack on Medicare, and its underlying aim to increase the public medicare, and increase medical costs to individuals. This cost of healthcare to individuals situation would be further exacerbated if the MBS was taken over 4. The NUS recognises that any increases to the cost of by private providers, which are inherently interested with healthcare in Australia would have a significant impact on increasing revenue the economic, social and physical well being of tertiary 4. While increasing the cost of healthcare would have a negative students effect on the entire population; students would be disproportionately affected. Action 5. In 2013, the Universities Australia report on student finances found that more than two thirds of University students experienced 1. The NUS supports rallies and community organising against financial struggles. For students who are required to pay for moves to privatise medicare, and / or increase the cost of ongoing or one off health expenses, this situation is inevitably healthcare in Australia worse 2. The NUS President and NUS Welfare Officer will lobby the 6. When the cost of going to the doctor, or paying for medical federal government to: procedures or medications is increased, some students forgo using a. scrap their plan to sell medicare to private providers health services altogether b. to increase the cost of health care by removing the number 7. If Medicare was privatised, it is likely that tertiary students would of items covered under the MBS be further impoverished, and experience increases in poor health 2. The NUS Welfare Officer will work with other National NUS Office bearers, state branches and campus affiliates to run a

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campaign against the Liberal Government's attacks on medicare. 2. NUS believe that the absence of full civil and political equality The campaign will include: remains a significant barrier to young people to voice their opinion a. Resources distributed to campuses with information on how in public debate. the privatisation of medicare, and the decrease of items covered 3. NUS calls for federal, state and territory governments to pass the under the MBS would be detrimental for students laws that will give people aged 16 and over the right to vote. b. Petitions demanding that the Liberal government scrap their 4. The denial of younger Australians is a key barrier to civil and attack on Medicare in Australia. political engagement and NUS calls for greater interaction with young Australians. Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU Delegate) Action Seconded: Chloe Rachel Anderson Smith (University of Sydney/ 1. The NUS welfare officers will collaborate with on campus welfare NSW State Branch president) officers to create awareness and involvement in the lower the age campaign. 5.54 How low can you go? Lowering the voting age to 16 2. The national office bearer will work to engage campuses, high schools, community groups and workplaces up with local Preamble campaigns. 1. Young people have been denied the civil and political recognition 3. The NUS will have a public face and stance on this issue through of voting rights in this country. engagement with campus’, social media, press and demonstrations 2. Young people are often ignored, neglected or forgotten in at rallies. debate and policy. By including young people we can hope for a more holistic political system. Mover: Max Murphy (UTSSA) 3. This year the Labor government announced that it supports Seconder: Chloe Rachel Anderson Smith (University of Sydney SRC) lowering the age to vote to 16. 5.55 Free legal service for students Platform 1. NUS affirm its commitment to the campaign for lowering the Premable voting age to 16. 1. Young people at universities are often in precious or casual work, and when in need can’t afford legal services.

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2. Student organizations have an obligation to serving the welfare for students and being a service provider. Mover: Hannah Smith (National Education Officer) 3. These organizations should have a free legal service for students Seconder: Chloe Rachel Anderson Smith (University of Sydney so that young people are able to access the information and SRC) representation they need. 4. This is due to the issues they might find themselves in at work, as 5.56 Free Legal Services a housing tenant or in their studies at university. Preamble Platform 1. Legal advice can be extremely expensive to obtain. Students, in 1. The NUS commits itself to advocate for students on campus to have particular, are vulnerable to the high costs of legal services, which free legal services in their student organizations. can prevent them from accessing often vital information about 2. The NUS believes that not having this free legal service means that their legal rights and responsibilities. students are disadvantages and not able to fully represent themselves, address their needs or be supported in a crisis. 2. In affiliate organisations and tertiary institutions where free legal 3. The NUS calls on universities and student unions to provide free advice is offered, there are numerous examples where high legal services. demand has caused the service to be temporarily unavailable. This 4. The NUS calls that the caseworkers are paid fairly and appropriately demonstrates two key factors that should be recognised and trained. advocated by the National Union of Students: firstly, that there is demand from students for a free legal services; secondly, that in Action many cases existing services should be expanded for greater 1. The NUS welfare officers will collaborate with on campus welfare student access. officers to make sure the universities and student unions move on free legal services. 3. The National Union of Students should advocate for free and 2. The national office bearer will work to engage campuses that don’t accessible legal advice to all students through programs and already have legal services, and once this is done will push for a services run by universities, tertiary institutions and/or student free legal service. organisations. This will allow students to access expert guidance in 3. The NUS will have a public face and stance on this issue through times of need, and to alleviate the associated costs where possible. engagement with campus’, social media and student leaders.

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Platform Seconder: Akira Boardman (University of Melbourne) 1. The National Union of Students (NUS) supports the provision of free legal services to students. 5.57 Affordable Childcare for Students 2. The NUS recognises that legal services can be prohibitively expensive for students, and that measures should be taken Preamble: to reduce or remove costs of accessing legal advice. 3. The NUS supports efforts to obtain university and 1. Students with children are often a forgotten demographic in governmental funding for free legal services. the childcare debate, even when that debate is occurring 4. The NUS further acknowledges that student demand for within University administration. Yet it is common for free legal services is high, and that existing services are students with children to either leave their studies after often inadequate in meeting such demand. having a child or even never begin them at all. 5. The NUS acknowledges that access to legal services and information can assist students in understanding their rights 2. There are major barriers to study for young parents with and responsibilities, and is an important factor in student childcare costs being identified one of the greatest. welfare. 3. On average childcare costs $100/$150 per day, with the Action Government only providing a 50% rebate for costs up to 1. The NUS Welfare Officer will continuously encourage and $7,500. Currently there is no additional subsidy or rebate support affiliate organisations in creating, maintaining and for students with children. Based on the assumption that expanding a free legal services for students, including full year at University runs for a minimum of 26 weeks, full assisting affiliate organisations. time students are forced to fork out at least $9,250 (after 2. The NUS will work in conjunction with affiliate organisations the Government rebate) per year to cover 130 days of to advocate for universities and tertiary institutions to fund childcare. free legal services for students. The NUS will also work to obtain governmental funding for free legal services where 4. According to a report conducted by Universities Australia, possible. 61.3% of full time undergraduate students earn below $20,000 per annum, an amount of which half would go to Mover: Sarah Xia (University of Melbourne) paying for childcare to enable apparent to attend university.

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Platform: Moved: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (NUS National Executive) Seconded: Stephanie Kameric (Griffith SRC) 1. NUS supports the right for everyone to receive a higher education and being a parent should not restrict this. 5.58 Mental Health Care Plans

2. NUS believes that subsidized childcare on all campuses is a Preamble vital component of an inclusive and accessible tertiary education system 1. Currently in Australia, 1 in 5 people experience a mental illness of some kind. Mental illness diagnoses are increasing in severity and Action: frequency nationally with many people struggling to receive appropriate treatment due to the high cost of registered 1. NUS lobby for greater childcare subsidies for students with psychologists, clinical psychiatrists, GPs, OTs and eligible social children to make education more accessible and not push workers current students away from completing their studies. 2. Patients who are eligible can access a Mental Health Care Plan 2. NUS will write to the Universities Australia, both the which grants them 6 free visits to a Psychologist with an additional Minister, and Shadow Minister for Social Services, and 4 on a second referral if needed. This brings the maximum number Minister and Shadow Minister for Education about of free visits to 10 over a calendar year. While this is a good start increasing childcare subsidies for students undertaking a and a lot of patients are able to stop attending regular sessions, university degree, or vocational education course. there are still many people who require further and more frequent treatment. This is a large issue for families who have children that 3. NUS will work with student organisations to run a national are suffering from things like depression, eating disorders or other campaign raising awareness of the unique challenges facing mental health issues which require hospitalisation and can take a students with children, with the aim of getting Universities long time to treat. to prioritise student parents in the enrolment policies of University or Union controlled childcare. 3. Patients who come from low income families struggle to pay for further mental health treatment. This often means that illnesses go

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untreated leading to relapses, and an increase in severity in some 4. NUS Welfare and Disability Officers will lobby MPs and Senators cases. When this is paired with financial stress of mental health about this issue in order to ensure a support base for reform in the treatment, mental health issues are more likely to arise which puts Federal Parliament. more stress on our Mental Health System. Mover: Sean Lamonby (Flinders University Student Association) Platform Seconded: Michael Bezuidenhout (National Ethnocultural Officer)

1. NUS supports an increase in the total number of visits available 5.59 Better mental health awareness and support on campus. to those on Mental Health Care Plans. Preamble 3. NUS supports the creation of a Family Mental Health Care 1. The prevalence of mental health issues in students has risen Plan which provides support for the families of mental considerably in recent years, with incidences of depression and health patients which allows for free sessions as a family. social anxiety being the most problematic issues. By age 21, just over half of young people will have experienced a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Action 2. This has left the students who need help without the support 1. NUS will campaign for an increase in the number of free visits to they need, as the mental healthcare system becomes more and mental health and related specialists under the MHCP. more overwhelmed and outdated. Social stigma further inhibits the ability of students to open up about their struggle and seek the 2. NUS will campaign for further support for families who have a assistance they need. relative suffering from mental health issues. 3. Many universities have not responded well to the increasing prevalence of mental health problems, and do not provide the right 3. NUS calls on the appropriate Federal Minister, Shadow Minister academic and social support systems that students suffering from and Spokespeople to commit to increasing Mental Health Funding mental illness need. going into the 2016 Federal Election Platform 1. NUS recognises that the mental health of students is of paramount concern.

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2. NUS proposes that mental health care be promoted and made more readily accessible to Australian students. 3. NUS condemns universities which have not made efforts to provide free student support services and appropriate academic support for students suffering from mental illness.

Action 1. NUS will encourage free on-campus counselling services, and petition for a greater presence of on-campus counselling. 2. NUS will research the policy of Australian universities in relation to academic support for students suffering from mental illness, and lobby for improvement of these services if it is deemed to not be appropriate.

Moved: Michael Elliott (University of Sydney SRC) Seconded: Divina Blanca (University of Sydney SRC)

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5.60 Unpaid internships are wrong. 2. NUS recognises that the fight is not over and is worsening with a local South Australian Law Firm Adlawgroup Preamble launching a new plan asking law graduates to pay $22,000 1. Work experience unfortunately has become a normal for a job which is now being investigated by the Fair Work requirement for access to many professions as a university Ombudsman. graduate. Therefore in order to increase their employment 3. NUS recognises the exploitative nature of unpaid chances in the highly competitive graduate job market or internships and other unethical schemes such as for university credit, students are tempted to undertake Adlawgroup who intend to take advantage of an oversupply unpaid internships of significant time, energy and value to of graduates, who are desperate for work. the public and private organisations. 4. NUS condemns businesses, organisations and universities 2. Organisations and companies are recognising the that attempt to circumvent the national minimum wage desperation of university students to secure a future and as through offering or integrating unpaid internships into their a result are offering contrary to the Fair Work Act, unpaid business. internships which seduce the students to work without pay and other entitlements. Action 3. The provision of unpaid internships additionally unfairly 1. The National Welfare Officer in collaboration with the state compounds the disadvantage of students of low-socio Welfare officers will commit to delivering an education economic backgrounds who often cannot to afford to live campaign liaising with student bodies and relevant trade without payment for their hard work. unions to increase awareness about this issue. 2. The NOW will lobby the Federal and State ministers Platform responsible for employment for stricter controls for unpaid 1. NUS recognises the hard work of those that have fought and internships. delivered educational campaigns around this issue to their universities including University of Adelaide. Moved: Beau Brug (University of Adelaide) Seconded: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney SRC)

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5.61 Smoking – it’s time to butt out 1. The National Union of Students affirms its dismay of smoking being the leading course of preventable death, Preamble: and its high prevalence among students and young people.

1. Tobacco will be the cause of death in half of its users. Of 2. The National Union of Students notes the above average the more than one billion smokers in the world alive today rates of tobacco consumption at Union events and affirms 500 million with be killed by tobacco. There is no safe level the need to lead by example to prevent the harms of active or passive tobacco consumption [1]. associated with tobacco use.

2. The literature shows that those who engage in “social 3. The National Union of Students notes the insidious nature smoking” have increased risk of being unable to deviate of smoking presenting itself as a coping mechanism to from their consumption and have adverse health students in times of anxiety and stress, and condemns outcomes that parallel those who smoke daily [2]. tobacco manufacturers for unethically perpetuating systemic disadvantage in the pursuit of shareholder 3. The vast majority of young people aged 18-25 who begin wealth. using tobacco have trouble breaking from addiction, with those suffering anxiety and depression least likely to be 4. The National Union of Students does not believe in able to quit [3]. demonizing those who chose to smoke but rejects the normalization of smoking and endorses continuous 4. “Roll your own” tobacco is especially harmful to the education regarding the benefits of cessation. student population as a result of low price creating demand and accessibility while simultaneous additional Action: receiving chemical preparation and treatment that further increases the risk of lung cancer and tar inhalation [4]. 1. The National Union of Students shall ensure all NUS events and workplaces are smoke free, with adequate and safe Platform: facilities provided for those who chose to smoke. These facilities shall contain prominent information regarding the

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positive benefits of tobacco cessation and pathways to 4. Darrall, K. and J. Figgins, Roll-your-own smoke yields: quitting. theoretical and practical aspects. Tobacco Control, 1998. 7(2): p. 168-175. 2. The National Union of Students shall lobby member

organizations and campuses to implement policies to limit the harmful effects of tobacco on students and staff.

3. The National Welfare Officer shall coordinate a national anti-smoking campaign to be actioned during university O- Weeks in 2016 focusing both on smoking-cessation.

4. Letters are to be sent to major cigarette manufacturers communicating the unions position including: 1. British American Tobacco Australia Limited 2. Philip Morris (Australia) Limited 3. Imperial Tobacco Australia Limited

Moved: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) Seconded: Hannah Smith (National Education Officer)

References 1. Tobacco Fact Sheet. 2015, World Health Organisation. 2. Schane, R.E., P.M. Ling, and S.A. Glantz, Health Effects of Light and Intermittent Smoking: A Review. Circulation, 2010. 121(13): p. 1518-1522. 3. Patton, G.C., et al., Teen smokers reach their mid twenties. J Adolesc Health, 2006. 39(2): p. 214-20.

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2. The National Women’s Department will implement a 6. Womens network for women to share their work and make connections with women in similar fields 6.01 Supporting Women’s work 3. The National Women’s Department will work nationally with campus and state women officers to implement Preamble: platform for women student’s and alumni’s work to be 1. By 2011, 57% of higher education students aged 15-64 years published and exhibited. were women 2. However, in the workplace, men still outnumber women in Moved: Georgia Watkins (University of New South Wales leadership positions Delegate) 3. When women’s work is published and accessible it makes Seconded: Emma Boogaerdt (University of Western Australia them more employable Delegate)

Platform: 1. NUS supports the creation publication and exhibition of 6.02 NUS Condemns The Liberals Attacks on Women women student’s work 2. NUS acknowledges that universities can do more to Preamble celebrate the work of women 1) The Liberal Party seeks to undermine the rights of the working 3. NUS Women’s Department wants to ensure that all women class at every opportunity. The 2014 and 2015 budgets produced by have the potential to be employed and to gain leadership the Liberal party were filled with attacks to welfare, medical positions in their work services and education. These measures have a disproportionate effect on the lives of poor and working class women, reinforcing Action: structural oppression. 1. The National Women’s Officer will run a national campaign to celebrate the works of women students from all fields of study 2) Although women in Australia make up around 50% of the workforce, they are far more likely to be employed on a casual or

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part-time basis, in lower-paying industries. The gender pay gap is Platform currently the highest it has been in two decades. 1) NUS acknowledges that the sexism of the Liberal Party is deeper than the actions of individual members and condemns the whole Party for sexism. 3) Inadequate maternity leave, affordable childcare facilities, 2) NUS opposes the anti-working class budgets put forward in the contraception, the rising cost of healthcare, education, food, basic Liberal Party's 2014 and 2015 budgets. services, the inaccessibility of welfare and so on is a lived reality for a lot of women in Australia. 3) NUS rejects Malcolm Turnbull's attempt to pitch himself as a more women-friendly Prime Minister as transparent and obviously 4) The new Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, has pitched himself false. as a progressive alternative to the notoriously misogynistic Tony Abbott. He has announced that he intends to form a cabinet with Action 50% women and in September 2015 announced that the Liberal 1) NUS will help to initiate campaigns in opposition the Liberal government was setting aside $100 million dollars to combat Party's budget, to defend the rights of the working class and domestic violence. thereby women.

5) As Malcolm Turnbull has given his full political endorsement to 2) NUS will support campaigns for the decriminalisation of the anti-working class budget the Liberal Party has proposed, abortion, paid parental leave, affordable childcare and other issues including pushing through $739 million dollars of cuts to public explicitly concerned with the lives of women whenever they arise health, it is clear that this concern for women is phoney and on campuses and the workplace. hypocritical. Moved: Eleanor Morley (University of Sydney Union) Seconded: Kim Collett (Griffith Student Guild) 6) The Liberal Party is an inherently anti-working class body and constantly attacks the living standards of ordinary people, thereby worsening the oppression of women at every outlet.

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6.03 Women In Detention Centres threatens up to two years imprisonment for medical staff and social workers who report or speak out against sexual Preamble abuse which occurs in immigration detention centres. By 1. The mandatory detention of refugees has a horrific effect on taking these steps, the Australian government has now the women forcibly detained in onshore and offshore legally sanctioned sexual abuse. centres. 6. The mistreatment of refugee women is exemplified by the 2. Mandatory detention as a form of deterrence seeks to case of Abyan, a 23 year old Somali refugee who became dissuade refugee arrival by necessarily subjecting refugees pregnant after being raped in detention on Nauru. The to conditions worse than those they are fleeing in countries grossly inadequate medical facilities on Nauru meant that such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. In November 2015, the Abyan needed to be brought to Australia to procure an United Nations human rights review saw over 100 countries abortion. Her requests were initially ignored until her condemn Australia’s inhumane treatment of refugees. lawyers went public with her story and the government was forced to bring her to Australia. When she arrived, she was 3. Women in detention have been deprived of their freedom not provided with proper medical care, interpretation of movement, access to education, access to healthcare and services or counselling. She was then sent back to Nauru are subjected to conditions which have seen detention without treatment when her lawyers attempted an centres described as ‘factories of mental illness.’ injunction to keep her in the country for medical care. Abyan was only subsequently brought back to Australia for 4. Mandatory detention has also exposed women to horrific treatment after immense public pressure. sexual abuse. In April, the Moss Review exposed almost 70 reported cases of sexual abuse in the Nauru detention 7. The case of Abyan and of all refugee women exposes the centre. The review found instances of rape, sexual assault, hollow rhetoric of Turnbull’s concern for women’s rights and the sexual exploitation of female refugees in exchange and demonstrates the necessity for solidarity and student for access to basic amenities such as showers. union action in championing the rights of refugee women.

5. This year the Liberal government, with the support of the Platform Labor party, has introduced the Border Force Act which

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1. NUS condemns the mandatory detention of refugees which for campus women’s officers and collectives to help promote and deprives women of basic human rights, freedom of movement and attend such demonstrations. subjects them to physical, mental and sexual abuse. 3. NUS and the National Women’s Officer will join the campaign 2. NUS condemns the bi-partisan support that exists in Australia for against the Border Force Act and will issue a press release the policy of mandatory detention. condemning the Act.

3. NUS condemns the introduction of the Border Force Act and 4. Upon the adoption of this policy, NUS conference floor will pose stands in solidarity with healthcare workers, social workers and for a solidarity photograph entitled “Students against the border teachers who have protested against the Act. force act” to be published on the NUS Facebook page and to be included with the aforementioned press release. 4. NUS unequivocally supports the right of refugee women to control their own bodies and their right to access safe, legal and Moved: Eleanor Morley (University of Sydney Union) free abortion on demand. NUS also supports a woman’s right to Seconded: Emma Norton (University of Western Australia Student access medical care and counselling. Guild)

5. NUS supports the freedom for all refugees detained by the Australian government. NUS supports their resettlement in 6.04 Stand With Muslim Women Against Racist Violence Australia and access to necessary support services. Preamble

Action 1. Muslim women have been subjected to violence and abuse 1. NUS will endorse campaigns and protests against mandatory as a result of the escalating Islamophobia being driven by detention as part of its principled support for women’s rights. the Australian government and the mainstream media.

2. The National Women’s Officer will promote protests against 2. Muslim families have had their homes raided for what mandatory detention as part of NUS’ principled opposition to all amounts to little more than thoughtcrimes, often with forms of sexual abuse. The National Women’s Officer will organise resulting arrestees being released due to a lack of evidence.

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Nonetheless, these raids are then reported hysterically in of having their houses burned down. One woman reported the media as reflective of the threat posed by Muslims having hot coffee thrown at her face while another reported without any presumption of innocence until proven guilty. a racist driver attempting to run her over. Another The implementation of new anti-terror laws which target commented how Muslim women are afraid to leave their people travelling to countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq and homes due to such violence. Syria link people from Middle Eastern backgrounds with ‘violent extremism.’ Deradicalisation programs for schools 5. Campuses are not immune from racism in broader society. and calls to detain children as young as 14 for 28 days The dangers that Muslim women face in broader society without charge presents Muslim youth as dangerous. The impact upon their their ability to attend university free from government has also launched inquiries into whether Halal violence and harassment. food certification funds terrorism. Media reporting of incidents such as the Lindt Cafe hostage situation and the Platform shooting of Curtis Chen emphasise the role of the 1. The National Union of Students condemns racist violence against perpetrator’s religion and the role of their religious Muslim women and stands against racism and Islamophobia. community in a manner that simply does not occur when violence is carried out by non-Muslims. 2. NUS supports the right to religious freedom and for the right of women to practice their religion freely without fear of violence or 3. The rise of Islamophobic groups such as the neo-Nazi led abuse. Reclaim Australia are a product of this climate, where racist fringe groups are given confidence and legitimacy by the 3. NUS stands strongly against racist groups who demonise Muslim racist actions of our government and media. This is the women such as Reclaim Australia. These groups seek to further climate in which Muslims, and particularly Muslim women, cohere and give confidence to anti-Muslim racists. are targeted with abuse and violence. Action 4. The Islamophobia Register Australia has documented 1. NUS will endorse campaigns and protests against Islamophobia reports of Muslim women being verbally abused, physically as part of combatting the racism which sees Muslim women abused assaulted and attackers attempting to rip their headscarves and assaulted. off their heads. Some Muslim women have received threats

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2. The National Women’s Officer will promote protests against prison population. Indigenous women are about 20 times Reclaim Australia and other proponents of Islamophobia as part of more likely to be jailed than non-indigenous women. NUS’ principled opposition to violence against Muslim women. The National Women’s Officer will organise for campus women’s 3. This situation reflects the systematic oppression of officers and collectives to help promote and attend such indigenous peoples in Australia, beginning with invasion and demonstrations. continuing to this day. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have lessened access to employment, education and 3. NUS and the National Women’s Officer will issue a press release housing. According to The Medical Journal of Australia, condemning attacks on Muslim women. “there is increasing evidence that many people in prison are there as a direct consequence of the shortfall in appropriate Moved: Lia Vassiliadis (University of Melbourne Student Union) community-based health and social services, most notably Seconded: Kahlani Pyrah (Monash Student Association) in the areas of housing, mental health and well-being, substance use, disability and family violence.”

6.05 Indigenous women and incarceration 4. The cuts by successive federal and state governments to education, healthcare and welfare disproportionately affect Preamble indigenous people, and have further eroded the living 1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are hugely standards of indigenous people in Australia. This is on top of overrepresented in rates of imprisonment, and every year cuts to services specifically aimed at indigenous peoples. the statistics get worse, particularly for women. Between The result of this is an ever increasing rate of incarceration. 2000 and 2010 the imprisonment rates for non-Aboriginal The skyrocketing rates of incarceration for indigenous men increased by 3.6%, and for non-Aboriginal women by women show how they have been disproportionately 22.4%. In the same time, the imprisonment rates for impacted by these cuts. Aboriginal men increased by 35.2%, and for Aboriginal women by a shocking 58.6%. 5. On top of this inequality, there is a systematic over-policing of Aboriginal peoples. Aboriginal people are 15 times more 2. While indigenous women make up 2 per cent of the nation’s likely to be charged for swearing or offensive behaviour female population, they now account for 30% of the female than the rest of the community. Many indigenous women

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are being jailed for minor offences, such as driving 3. NUS condemns the systematic over-policing of indigenous infringements and public drinking. women, and calls for an end to these practices. 4. NUS acknowledges that government attacks on healthcare, 6. This has been a long identified problem. Back in 1991, the education, welfare and other social services contribute to the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody found appalling statistics on indigenous women in incarceration. NUS that too many Aboriginal people are in custody too often. stands opposed to any such attacks by current or future The commission made recommendations that police should governments. ''arrest people only when no other way exists for dealing with a problem'' and that ''imprisonment should be utilised Actions only as a sanction of last resort.'' These recommendations 1. NUS will support campaigns aimed at challenging the have not been followed. In fact, the rates of arrest and oppression of indigenous women and the ongoing crisis of mass imprisonment have become worse. Since 1989, the incarceration. imprisonment rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has increased 12 times faster than the rate for non- 2. NUS will incorporate demands that relate to the specific Aboriginal people. oppression of indigenous women into broader campaigns against cuts to healthcare, education, welfare and other social 7. In the face of this oppression, indigenous people have never services. stopped resisting. Protests by indigenous peoples and supporters have continued this year in response to the Moved: Viktoria Ivanova (Swinburne Student Union) ongoing epidemic of indigenous deaths in custody. Seconded: Jess McLeod (National Women's Officer)

Platform 1. NUS stands in proud opposition to racism against indigenous 6.06 Talk About It survey peoples, the particular form this racism takes against indigenous women, and all other forms of oppression and Preamble discrimination. 1. The oppression of women means that there can be numerous 2. NUS condemns the increasing over-representation of barriers and disadvantages facing women university students, indigenous women in prison populations. including poverty, lack of childcare, workplace issues, sexual

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harassment, sexual assault, lack of services, inadequate income 3. NUS recognises the importance of having up-to-date information allowance, sexist stereotypes and more. on the experiences of women university students, to enable NUS to represent and stand up for women's students rights. 2. The Talk About It survey was launched in 2010, and was run for the second time in 2015. While addressing important questions Action around sexual harassment and assault, the questions have been 1. The National Women's officer will continue the Talk About It expanded this year to gather data on background, socioeconomic survey. status and other stressors on women students. 2. The National Women's officer will obtain advice and feedback 3. Caring and support of family, partners and friends are from women's health, welfare and advocacy organisations and disproportionately carried out by women. For many female other relevant bodies to ensure there is continual improvement of students the weight of meeting these expectations can be onerous the Talk About It survey. and significantly impact the health and wellbeing of women, their academic performance, and their ability to participate as equals in 3. The National Women's officer will produce a handover report to campus life. assist with running the Talk About It survey in future.

4. NUS will investigate other methods of obtaining data, other than Platform Survey Monkey. 1. NUS recognises that social, political and economic questions all impact on women's health, safety and their participation at Moved: Jess McLeod (National Women's Officer) university. Seconded: Kim Collett (Griffith Student Guild)

2. NUS recognises that there can be an intersection of financial stress or poverty, lack of childcare, workplace issues, sexual 6.07 Women and Higher Ed! harassment, sexual assault, lack of services, inadequate income allowance, sexist stereotypes and other serious disadvantages that Preamble weigh upon women students.

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1. In 2015 the gender pay gap is sitting at 18.8% - the highest since records began - with women earning more than $3000 less than Platform their male counterparts in the first year after graduating. 1. NUS believes in equal pay for equal work - there is never a situation where it is acceptable for men to be paid less than 2. Overall, women earn on average $13 000 less per year than men, women. and when child caring responsibilities are taken into account, women will earn $1.4 million less than men over a lifetime. 2. NUS acknowledges that the current economic inequality between genders is a barrier to women accessing higher education. 3. This is in part due to the systematic undervaluing and The deregulation of university fees will only make this problem underpaying of industries dominated by women such as nursing, worse. teaching and the service sector, as well as women's prevalence in part time and casual work. 3. NUS opposes all barriers to women accessing education.

4. This is exacerbated by the fact women are more likely to take 4. NUS recognises that not all women are allies in the fight for time out of employment to raise children. women's equal access to education - the current Minister for Women Michaelia Cash, an ardent supporter of fee deregulation 5. Unlike many argue, women's unequal economic position is due and austerity measures like cuts to paid parental leave, is one to structural oppression - not poor choices. example.

6. The Liberals still have fee deregulation, and other attacks on 5. NUS recognises that any attacks that make it more difficult to higher education, in their sights even if they have been shelved for access higher education will negatively affect women. the time being. Fee deregulation will disproportionately impact women - deregulated fees will constitute an even bigger portion of Action women's meagre incomes, pricing women out of education. 1. NUS will continue to fight against all structural barriers to women accessing higher education. 7. Other austerity measures pushed by the Liberal Government - 2. The National Women’s Officer will continue to campaign such as cuts to paid parental leave, health care, and welfare will against the gender pay gap, and will look to work with unions in only make the situation for women worse.

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this fight such as the Australian Services Union which has campaigned strongly for years on this question. 3. In NSW Fred Nile is attempting to re-introduce Zoe’s Law to 3. The NUS women’s officer will involve herself in building for all recognise foetal “personhood” after 20-weeks. The legal demonstrations around the questions of equal pay. implications of this bill will severely undermine a woman’s 4. The NUS women’s officer will prepare a report for Education right to choose as well as impact the availability and safety Conference that outlines the pay disparity between men and of the procedure. women across different industries in Australia and what the unions responses are. 4. In Victoria MP Rachel Carlen-Jenkins has introduced the Infant Viability Bill into parliament that seeks to re- Moved: Jess McLeod (National Women's Officer) criminalise abortions after 20-weeks. Seconded: Rebecca Paterson-Hollow (Curtain Guild) In Victoria accessing late-term abortions, even though they are legal, is still incredibly difficult. The matter is taken to a “termination review panel” to be approved, which can be a 6.08 Abortion and the right to choose / Zoe’s law 2.0 lengthy process. This is often a traumatic experience, as highlighted by a recent example of a suicidal Melbourne Preamble woman seeking a late-term abortion at the Royal 1. In all states except Victoria and the Australian Capital Melbourne Hospital. The aforementioned issues are a Territory, laws regarding abortion still sit within the criminal serious and pressing threat to a woman’s right to choose, code. Abortion is the only medical procedure to sit in the and as such further entrench her position as an unequal criminal code. In many places there is access to abortion, member of society. but there still remains a significant risk of prosecution for both the women obtaining the abortion as well as those Platform who assist them in doing so. 1. NUS believes that abortion should be safe, free, legal and accessible to all women. 2. This discrepancy makes navigation access to an abortion incredibly difficult. 2. NUS believes that abortion should be decriminalised in Additionally, the procedure is often incredibly expensive for every state and territory in Australia to ensure that women women to access, even in states where it is decriminalised.

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have the ability to access them as they would any other harassments happening on campuses across Australia, and medical procedure. that the vast majority of women didn’t feel unsafe at night nor felt comfortable reporting instances of harassment and 3. NUS supports the work of organisations that fight for law assault. reforms in this area.

3. The Talk About It survey ran in 2012/2013 received Actions insufficient data and that data wasn’t able to be released to 1. That the National Women’s Officer actively engages with campuses participating in the survey and wasn’t utilised in and supports campaigns that support a woman’s right to any campaigns. choose. 4. The NUS ran Talk About It again in the latter half of 2015 at campuses across Australia. 2. That the National Women’s Officer sources informative

documents on abortion rights across the country and facilitates the circulation of these documents to students. Platform 1. NUS recognises the high economic, emotional, mental, and Moved: Lia Vassiliadis (University of Melbourne Student Union) physical costs of experiencing violence. Seconded: Jess McLeod (National Women's Officer) 2. NUS believes that part of the role of the Women’s Officer is to advocate for the safety of women students, and support 6.09 Don’t Just Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk: utilising data from campus representatives in carrying out that role as well. Talk About It 3. NUS support women’s right to live without fear of violence and carry out their day-to-day lives without having to make Preamble alterations because of a potential or perceived risk of

1. The National Union of Students has an important role to violence. play in representing women’s issues on university 4. NUS believes that many processes in place at universities campuses, including assault and harassment. are not sufficient in dealing with issues of assault and

2. The first Talk About It survey was run in 2010/2011 and harassment, and that there are many social and structural found that there were an alarming number of assaults and

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reasons why women are unlikely to formally report 6. Work with each campus Women’s Officer to review each incidences. university’s policy on assault and harassment and publish a public report reviewing each policy, and using the Blueprint Action to provide some specific organisations. The 2016 NUS Women’s Officer will: 7. Collaborate with state and national women’s organisations 1. Collate a report to summarise the findings of the most and relevant advocacy groups on the above actions. recent Talk About It survey, using the information gathered in the 2011 Safe Universities Blueprint as a starting point, in Moved: Emma Boogaerdt, UWA Delagate collaboration with the 2015 Women’s Officer and NUS Seconded: Heidi Le Paglia, UTas Delegate, Tasmania State Branch Research Officer. President 2. Continue to liaise with Universities Australia on developing a strategy to implement the report recommendations at 6.10 Thursdays in black universities. 3. Run a national campaign on safety and violence against Preamble 1. The Thursdays in Black campaign protests began in women using the survey data, to highlight the prevalence of the 1970s and its roots lie in groups such as Mothers the issue, promote support services, and spread ideas for of the Disappeared in Argentina. These women strategies students can use in their own lives to prevent began wearing black sashes in honour of their assault, and deal with it if it does occur. friends and family members who were disappearing, 4. Connect with the NTEU on this campaign to provide a united being raped, and abused. staff and student front to ending assault and harassment on 2. In the 1980s, Thursdays in Black became an campus. international human rights campaign that encourage 5. Provide campaign materials and support to campus everyone to wear black on Thursday as a way saying Women’s Officers in using the data to run campaigns and no to violence against and the rape of women. It is reform policies and structures at their own universities. an outward sign of mourning and of standing in

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solidarity with women who have died at the hands of 6.11 Growing Support: Helping our Mums their partners and signifies a desire to make a Preamble difference in our world. 3. Thursdays in Black encourages everyone, men and 17. Falling pregnant and delivering a child during university women, to wear black every Thursday. This can be a should not be considered a roadblock to obtaining a degree campaign T-shirt, other black clothing as a sign of and excelling in the process. their support

4. NUS has been involved in the Thursdays in Black 18. Women should be empowered to achieve regardless of how many children they do, will, or intend to have. campaign in the past Platform 19. The realities of having or raising children whilst a student 1. NUS supports the Thursdays in Black campaign may be quite difficult, but should not in any way serve as a against gender violence deterrent or remain unchallenged. 2. NUS condemns all violence against women Action Platform 1. The NUS Womens Officer will raise awareness of 29. The NUS will work for the interests of all students in the Thursdays in Black campaign and will encourage areas of health and welfare. people to wear black on Thursdays 2. The NUS Womens Officer will hold an event around 30. The NUS supports women, and recognises that pregnancy Thursday in Black and childbirth is often perceived as incompatible with the 3. The NUS Womens Officer will run a campaign university ‘experience’. around all forms of sexual & gender based violence

against women 31. The NUS is committed to equal opportunities for all students.

Moved: Sinead Colee (MSA Delegate) Action Seconded: Betty Belay (LTSU Delegate)

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19. The NUS will dedicate one day a year to publicly highlighting Platform the difficulties, but also the accomplishments, of mothers who obtain degrees. 1. The NUS is committed to supporting parents on campus

20. The NUS will work with Women’s departments across the 2. The NUS is committed to working for quality services for all nation to develop or obtain relevant material on having students. children during university. Action 21. The NUS, in conjunction with the relevant departments, office bearers and committees, will aim to destigmatise the 1. That the NUS will work with campus unions to co-ordinate a occurrences of pregnancy, and aim to foster supportive national movement seeking more economical, flexible, and parents groups on campus. available childcare facilities.

Moved: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of 2. That the NUS will work with campuses to institute Melbourne Student Union) comprehensive and easily accessed information on available child Seconded: Erin Hagerty (Elected Delegate, University of Canberra care options. Students’ Association) Moved: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of 6.12 Baby pls don’t cry Melbourne Student Union) Seconded: Erin Hagerty (Elected Delegate, University of Canberra Preamble Students’ Association)

1. Parents who are primary carers of their children often find themselves in a difficult situation when trying to physically 6.13 The Network of Women Students Australia (NOWSA): attend university. More than just a Conference

2. Day/child care on campus is often scarce, expensive, and hard to Preamble work around a university timetable. 1. NOWSA, the Network of Women Students Australia (NOWSA

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aims to provide peak body representation for women student 32. The National Union of Students (NUS) asserts that women’s organisations in Australia. experiences of their gender fundamentally intersects with 3. NOWSA is known for the annual conference which has been other elements of their identities, such as sexuality, running every year since 1987. genderqueer or transgender identity, socioeconomic status, 4. NOWSAs annual National Conference exists to provide ethno-cultural identity, Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait knowledge, skills and training opportunities around issues Islander Identity and disability. facing women in society and in women’s activism. 33. The NUS believes that student activism should be inclusive 5. The annual NOWSA conference is incredibly valuable to women of all women. students. However, running a National Conference is not 34. The NUS recognises the importance of supporting NOWSA the only purpose of the National Network of Women as Students Australia (NOWSA) 35. The NUS recognises the importance of supporting the 6. The National Union of Students has historically provided support Network of Women Students Australia (NOWSA), and the to the organisers and attendees of the annual NOWSA opportunities it provides for women students to network, conference through its Office bearers and outlets to support learn about and engage with National and local women’s attendance and encourage access to the conference issues and campaigns 7. With the consent of the Network, the NUS could provide 36. The NUS provides support to the NOWSA to run their continued support for the Network, and encourage the annual National conference for women students students involved to participate in campaigns and initiatives run by the National Union of Students Action 8. As the peak body for women students in Australia, the NOWSA provides a key opportunity for the NUS to consult with 22. The National Union of Students National Women’s Officer, women students, and for women students to contribute to and other National Office bearers who identify as women initiatives run by the NUS. maintain an ongoing dialogue with the Network of Women 9. Both the NUS and NOWSA could benefit greatly from an ongoing Students Australia (NOWSA), through the NOWSA Facebook partnership group, and other means of communication 23. The NUS National Women’s Officer and other relevant Platform National Office bearers who identify as women will endeavour to attend the NOWSA conference.

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24. The NUS National Women’s Officer provides support to the for NOWSA attendance NOWSA organising committee to organise and run the 14. Liaising women campus women’s officers and other annual NOWSA conference including: relevant individuals and attending campuses to assist with 5. Organising workshops for the NOWSA conference, and fundraising activities aimed at raising enough funds to send encouraging campus women’s officers to attend and run a students to NOWSA workshop 15. Assisting women’s officers and other students to seek 6. Assisting with organising affordable accommodation for funding support from their student organisation and / or attendees, and making contact with relevant student university through a range of means such as writing organisations and office bearers in the state in which template letters and application forms which can be used to NOWSA is being held to encourage them to offer ask for funding and making phone calls to student accommodation free for financially disadvantaged organisations Presidents and General Secretaries to individuals. encourage them to provide funding to their women’s 7. Other organising activities as required by the committee department for the purpose of sending students to NOWSA 5. The NUS National Women’s Officer runs at least one workshop at NOWSA such as an introduction to an NUS Women’s Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / campaign Tasmania University Union Delegate) 6. The NUS will advertise the annual NOWSA conference on their Seconded: Jocelyn Dracakis (UNSW Delegate) website and social media with links to the relevant pages for the conference 7. The NUS National Women’s Officer works with the NOWSA 6.14 Strong Unions Need Autonomous Women’s Officers organising committee to help publicize the conference and attempt to mobilise support and attendance. Preamble 8. The NUS National Women’s Officer attempts assist women 10. As long as women have been participating in universities; students who are financially disadvantaged and / or who they have faced a range of issues specific to their gender. come from small and regional campuses or universities 11. These have typically included: harassment, violence and which have under resourced women’s departments to general sexism by male peers; as well as gender attend the annual NOWSA conference by: discrimination by teaching staff in class activities and in 13. Developing a guide with tips and ideas for how to fundraise marking

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12. In order for student unions to adequately address the issues representatives in university student unions, and assist in that face women at Universities; it is vital that women advocating for autonomous women’s officers to be students have autonomous representation on SRC’s and introduced where they do not exist student councils; and that women’s departments have 4. The NUS National Women’s Officer and other National Office adequate resourcing to provide support for women bearers works with State Branches, student unions and students universities to ensure that women’s departments are well 13. While most student unions now have women’s officers and resourced; and that women students are advocated for. women’s departments; there are still student organisations 5. The NUS Women’s Officer advocates for the continuation of the around the country which do not SSAF and Lobbies student unions and universities to provide 14. Since the introduction of VSU, many women’s departments ongoing SSAF funding to women’s departments. have also been stripped of funding; and subsequently 6. The NUS Women’s Officer works with state branches and campus struggled to adequately support women students on their affiliates to lobby for student unions to implement campuses affirmative action policies on their boards and councils to 15. Many student unions boards, executives and councils are ensure that women and gender diverse individuals are also still dominated by men, despite increases in women’s adequately represented participation in leadership roles in the last few decades Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU Platform Delegate) 12. In order to adequately represent the issues that face Seconded: Millicent Austin-Andrews (UMSU Delegate) women students; the National Union of Students (NUS) believes that all campus student unions should have autonomous women’s officers on their student 6.15 Abolishing the Tampon Tax representative councils (SRCs), and well resourced women’s departments which provide support for women students on Preamble their campus. 8. Since 2000, the Australian Government has taxed every menstruating Australian 10% every time we get our period. Action 9. It is estimated that our periods earn the government a $25 3. The National Union of students (NUS) supports women million each year!

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10. The government doesn't consider the tampons and pads 7. The NUS Women's Officer will work with state branches and that individuals who menstruate are forced to buy every campus affiliates to continue the campaign against the tax few weeks 'necessary' enough to be GST-free. on menstrual products, which emphasises the negative 11. Yet consumer goods such as condoms, lubricants, sunscreen effect it has on students and nicotine patches are all tax-free because they are 8. The NUS women's officer will encourage student organisations to classed as important health goods. Yet the reproductive provide free menstrual products for students on their health and hygiene of 10 million Australians is not. campuses, and / or provide information to students on 12. The tax on menstrual products has a particularly negative where they can access other free resources financial impact on students who already suffer from financial disadvantage Moved : Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU 13. In 2015, a student from the University of Sydney Delegate) coordinated a campaign to convince the government to Seconded : Hannah Smith (NUS Education Officer) scrap the tax

Platform 6.16 Support Gender Studies: Prepare our students to address Gender Inequality In Australia 7. The NUS believes that all individuals should have access to free and / or affordable sanitary products which are necessary Preamble for them to look after their health 1. Over the last last few years, Universities around Australia have 8. The NUS condemns the tax on menstrual products and believes been slashing funding to the Arts and Humanities, and have that it should be abolished significantly reduced the units available to students in a range of 9. The NUS recognises that the tax on menstrual products has a areas such as Political Science, English, History, Philosophy and negative financial impact on students Gender Studies. 2. While the cuts have affected many majors, the Gender Studies Action major has seen notable reductions. 6. The NUS Women's officer will work with state branches and 3. At many Universities, it is now no longer possible to complete a campus affiliates to lobby state and federal MPs to abolish major in Gender Studies, and those Universities which still offer the tax on menstrual products Gender Studies units have for the most part, rolled them into other

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majors such as History, Sociology or English. 3. The NUS condemns Universities de-prioritizing Arts majors for 4. Over the last few years we have seen the Gender Studies major funding, resources and attending as a way of balancing their books. cut at a number of universities, including the University of Western 4.The NUS supports the inclusion of students on Academic boards Australia, the University of Queensland and La Trobe University. and committees at Universities, and believes that all course cuts 5. These changes have often been premised on the idea that should be made with student consultation. degrees in Arts, like Gender Studies, are not as “useful” as 5.The NUS stands in solidarity with campaigns run by student “practical” degrees like Medicine and Law, that have a clear career unions and the NTEU against these cuts. path. 6. This view however, completely undermines the fact that the Action information and skills gained through the Gender Studies major can 1. The NUS National Women’s Officer and NUS National Education be directly applied to real world issues like workplace gender Officer will work with students on university campuses to fight any discrimination and the sexual harassment of women. proposed cuts to Gender Studies on campuses 7. Over the last few years, gender inequality has been increasing 2. The NUS National Women’s Officer and NUS National Education according to a range of measures. Among other things, the gender Officer will work with students on university campuses to pay gap between women and men has widened, domestic violence encourage Universities to increase funding for Gender Studies or rates have increased and the political representation of women has equivalent courses. decreased. 3.The NUS National Women’s Officer and NUS National Education 8. By cutting resources from the Gender Studies majors, Officer will work with students on university campuses where the Universities are also removing the ability of our future workforce to Gender Studies major has already been cut to lobby for it to be effectively address Gender Inequality in Australia. brought back, and for gender studies to be included in units across all majors and disciplines. Platform 1.The National Union of Students (NUS) believes that all Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU Universities should provide students with the opportunity to Delegate) complete a Gender Studies major. Seconded: Emma Boogaerdt (UWA Delegate) 2. The NUS condemns cuts to the Arts and Humanities and strongly opposes the continual reduction of Gender Studies units at Australian Universities 6.17 Women in Universities: Up the Ranks

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forefront of the fight against gender inequality Preamble 7. The NUS recognises that the gender inequality that exists in 7. Despite the fact that the participation of women, and gender universities contributes to systemic gender inequality in diverse individuals in Universities has increased significantly society over the last few decades, a range of areas such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are still Action dominated by men. 2. The NUS will include in its resources for the purpose of the 8. While women and gender diverse individuals make up over 50% Higher Education campaign, information about the of students; participation is concentrated in areas which are importance of increasing funding to universities to support most inclusive of subject matter that is considered women's participation in areas where they are ‘feminine.’ The Arts, Humanities , Education and Health underrepresented Science Faculties are key examples. 3. The NUS Women’s Officer will run a campaign in collaboration 9. The jobs that individuals who graduate with degrees in these with state branches and student unions around improving areas are usually underpaid, and often remunerated women’s participation in areas where they are significantly less than jobs recieved by individuals with underrepresented in universities, including but not limited degrees in STEM. to Science, Technology Engineering and Maths, and 10. Furthermore, women and gender diverse individuals are improving women’s representation on boards and significantly underrepresented on University boards and committees and in management positions. The NUS management roles, and in research in most areas. Women’s Officer will also campaign for increases to the 11. These trends both contributes to and reinforces the gender remuneration of occupations in which women are pay gap in the workforce in Australia - which is currently at overrepresented. The campaign will include: over 18%, and is gradually increasing. 9. Lobbying universities, the federal government and the opposition parties to provide support for women students to study and Platform do research in areas where they are currently 5. The NUS fundamentally believes that all individuals are equal, underrepresented through: and condemns gender inequality in all forms i. scholarships 6. The NUS believes that Universities, as the primary hubs of ii. the provision of funding specifically for increasing the research and innovation in Australia, should be at the participation of women and gender diverse students

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iii. HECS waived places for women students who want to study in 5. Despite the fact that the participation of women is over 50%, in areas where they are currently underrepresented. Universities there has been little information around b. Working with state branches and student unions to campaign for women’s sexual and menstrual health. increases to women’s representation on boards, committees and in 6. A sexually active women should be having a pap smear every two management positions through the implementation of a range of years or every 1 year if there is any abnormal activity. initiatives such as: 7. Furthermore, this raises great health concerns for these students i. Flexible work arrangements that don’t use the health services put in place. ii. Leadership training opportunities for women 8. This contributes the the shame perceived around periods and STI iii. Affirmative Action policies checks which further impacts women and gender diverse c. Working with trade unions to lobby the Federal government, students. opposition parties and relevant industries to campaign for for 9. The expensive nature of these basic procedures are also a increases to the remuneration of occupations in which women are contributing factor to the lack of education. overrepresented. This includes jobs such as: i. Care-giving, social work and related fields Platform ii. Nursing and other Health and medicine related occupations 6. The NUS fundamentally believes that all women and gender iii. Teaching, early childhood education, and other roles in the diverse individuals should have access to free health Education field services. 7. The NUS believes that Universities,should contribute to ensuring Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU that all students are educated in sexual and menstrual Delegate ) health. Seconded: Aislinn Stein-Magee (UNSW Delegate)

Action 6.18 Periods More Than Just a Bloody Word 4. The NUS National Women’s Officer and NUS National Education Officer will work with students on university campuses to Preamble run campaigns on sexual and menstrual health. 4. Education surrounding women’s health has always been 5. The NUS National Women’s Officer and NUS National Education stigmatised as a “woman’s issue”. Officer will work with students on university campuses to

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encourage Universities to increase funding for women’s individuals with young children; in particular those on low incomes. health clinics. 3. As a cohort which is already at significant risk of experiencing 6. The NUS will ensure all women's safe spaces provide free poverty in Australia; University students would be among the worst sanitary items and educational materials on pap smears. affected. 4. According to the Universities Australia 2013 report into student Moved: Aislinn Stein-Magee (UNSW Delegate) finances, two thirds of students are living on or below the Seconded: Hannah Smith (NUS Education Officer) Henderson poverty line. This is largely because the income support provided to students is not enough to cover the everyday costs associated with living and studying. 6.19 Support students with dependents - stop the Liberals cuts 5. For students who have to also cover the costs of dependent to the Family Tax Benefit! children, the likelihood of experiencing financial difficulties is higher. This situation is even further exacerbated for individuals Preamble who are part of another cohort which is at risk of financial struggles 1. In October 2015, the Turnbull Liberal government announced such as single parents, unpartnered elderly, or women and gender that it would be making cuts to the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) diverse individuals. Parts A and B which would have a drastic effect on students 6. While the cuts to the Family Tax Benefit noted in a and b would with dependent children; in particular on those that are not come into effect until a child turns 13; this completely women. The changes include: overlooks the fact that children are usually still completely 6. Cutting off the payments provided through the FTB Part B to dependent on their parents at this age. In Australia, young people couples with dependent children when their child turns 13, cannot even legally work until they are 14 years old and 9 months; instead of 16 and are still considered unarage until they turn 18. 7. Reducing the payment rate provided through the FTB Part B to 7. If the Family Tax Benefit cuts are implemented, adults with single parent families, and grandparents with dependents dependent children will have to make up for the lost income in between the ages of 13 and 16 from more than $3000 per other ways; which increases their likelihood of experiencing year per child to $1000 financial struggles. and 8. The cuts will also mean that students with dependent children 4. Phasing out the Family Tax Benefit Part A and B supplements. will experience increased risk of experiencing impoverishment and 2. These changes would have a detrimental impact on all / or withdrawing from study for financial reasons. Single women,

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and gender diverse individuals with dependent children are increases to government income support for low income particularly vulnerable. students.

Platform Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU 6. The NUS believes that the government support provided to full- Delegate) time students with dependent children is not enough to Seconded: Hannah Smith (NUS Education Officer) cover the cost of living and studying 7. The NUS recognises that financial difficulties that face students 6.20 A More Intersectional Bluestockings Week with dependent children often result in the student having to cut down, or stop studying in order to work to receive a Preamble higher income 4. The NUS, the NTEU and campus Student Unions have been 8. The NUS recognises that the cuts that the Liberal government is running events and campaigns during bluestockings week in planning to make to the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) A and B August celebrating the participation and achievements of would have a detrimental impact on students with women in education for several years. dependent children if implemented, and that they may 5. These events have generally focussed on the historic barriers that force single parents out of education. prevented women from participating in education, and how these have been “overcome” Action 6. However, Bluestockings Week events and campaigns have often 6. The NUS opposes the Liberal government's planned cuts to the not paid due recognition to the fact that there are still many Family Tax Benefits A and B, any other cuts to income barriers to women’s participation in tertiary education. support in Australia. 7. While the participation of women in universities has increased 7. The NUS Welfare Officer and Women’s Officer will, in dramatically in recent decades; women are still collaboration with state branches and university campuses, underrepresented in many areas, including Science, lobby the opposition parties and independents to oppose Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), in research, the legislation amendments, and will lobby the Liberal and in management positions. government to drop the reform. 8. Furthermore, women who face intersections of disadvantage, 8. The NUS Welfare and Women’s Officers will, in collaboration still face significant barriers to even entering tertiary with state branches and university campuses, campaign for education.

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9. Due to the economic, cultural and social disadvantages they face, intersections of disadvantage women who are part of minority groups including aboriginal and torres strait islander women, LGBTIQA women, ethno- Action cultural women, women from rural and regional areas, and 1. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with other NUS office women with disabilities still have relatively low participation bearers, state branches and student unions to coordinate rates in tertiary education, and are at higher risk of facing events and campaigns for bluestockings week in August struggles which impact on their studies 2. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with the NTEU and with 10. In order for Bluestockings Week to be inclusive of all other women identifying NUS Office bearers to collate women, its name and the way it is run should recognise that information to be distributed to state branches and campus women still face many barriers to particiapting in tertiary affiliates about bluestockings week and the achievements education that women have made in education, as well as the barriers that still prevent women from participating in succeeding. Platform This will include information about the participation rates 9. NUS recognises the importance of being involved in and barriers that face minority groups, including aboriginal Bluestockings Week and running events during and around and torres strait islander women, LGBTIQA women, ethno- the week in August at University campuses and in the cultural women, women from rural and regional areas, and community women with disabilities. 10. The NUS recognises the importance of celebrating women’s 3. The NUS Women’s Officer will coordinate campaigns and events achievements in Higher Education. for bluestockings week that celebrate the achievements 11. The NUS recognises that, although women’s participation in women have made in tertiary education and recognise the tertiary education has increased dramatically over the last barriers that still need to be addressed. few decades, there are still many barriers which prevent 4. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with other NUS Office women from participating and making achievements in the bearers, state branches and student unions to campaign for Higher Education sector. improved access to tertiary education for minority groups of 12. The NUS believes that events and campaigns run for the women purpose of bluestockings week should pay recognition to 5. The NUS Women’s Officer will investigate ways that the NUS the struggles that women still face today, and have some women’s department, NUS state branches, student unions focus on improving access for women who face women’s departments and women’s collectives can be

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more inclusive of minority groups of women harassment and assault on campus, such as counselling and advocacy services, and student unions women’s Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU departments Delegate) 5. One way which these services could be funded is through the Seconded: Betty Belay (LTSU Delegate) Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF) which is usually allocated by universities annually. 6.21 Protect Women’s Safety at University. Support the SSAF! Platform Preamble 1. The NUS believes that all students have the right to feel safe at 1. In 2015, the National Union of Students ran the bi-yearly ‘Talk university About It’ Survey which aims to collect quantitative and 2. The NUS condemns all acts of sexual assault, and rape against qualitative data of women’s experiences at university. The university students and supports the individuals who are survey looked at a range of areas including accommodation, victims of these acts safety, services, sexual assault, harassment and economic 3. The NUS believes that Universities should be taking a proactive difficulties experienced by women and non-binary approach to preventing and dealing with incidents of individuals. violence, assault and harassment at univeristy, and 2. The responses to the survey showed that a significant number of condemns any attempt by universities to cover up or ignore women experience violence, harassment and / or assault at reports of these matters university by another individual. The reason for the high 4. The NUS asserts that services which help to prevent and deal prevalence of these incidents is due to a range of factors, with the high prevalence of sexual assault, harassment and including an entrenched culture of misogyny on campus, violence at university should always be adequately funded, and a lack of policies and services at universities which and condemns any cuts made to these services by adequately address the problem. universities. 3. Many universities do not have the services in place to deal with 5. The NUS supports allocating SSAF funds for services which help these incidents when they occur, and/ or choose to turn a to prevent and deal with the high prevalence of sexual blind eye to incidents that are reported. assault, harassment and violence at university 4. In response to budget cuts, some universities have defunded services which help to prevent, and to deal with incidents of Action

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1. The NUS Women’s Officer will distribute information gained and support services both within universities and in the through the ‘Talk About It’ survey to universities and to community. campus affiliates on the prevalence of violence, assault and harassment against women on their campus Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU 2. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with campus affiliates to Delegate) encourage their universities to implement policies and Seconded:Dean Mattar (UTS Delegate) services to deal with violence, assault and harassment against women on their campus. 6.22 Screening ‘The Hunting Ground’ 3. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with campus affiliates to negotiate and / or lobby their respective universities to Preamble allocate SSAF funding for services which help to prevent, 1. In 2015, a documentary called ‘The Hunting Ground’ was and to deal with incidents of harassment and assault on released about the high prevalence of sexual assault and campus, such as counselling and advocacy services, and rape at universities, and in particular, in on campus student student unions women’s departments accomodation. 4. The NUS Women’s Officer will lobby for the maintenance of the 2. While the documentary is based in the United States, the issues it SSAF funding on a federal and state level raises also pertain to Australia. The responses gained from 5. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with state branches and the NUS ‘Talk About It’ survey in 2015 showed that a campus affiliates to campaign against any cuts that are significant number of women experience violence, made to services at universities which help to prevent, and harassment and / or assault by another individual at all to deal with incidents of harassment and assault on campus Australian Universities. 6. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with state branches and 3. The ‘ACTION TOOLKIT’ available on the Hunting Ground website campus affiliates to raise awareness of the prevalence of provides a useful guide for how individuals, and violence, assault and harassment against women at administrations at Universities can deal with incidents of universities sexual assault and rape on campus. 7. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with state branches and campus affiliates to raise awareness of affordable services Platform which help to address the outcomes of violence, 1. The NUS believes that all students have the right to feel safe at harassment and / or assault at university such as counselling university

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2. The NUS condemns all acts of sexual assault, and rape against 1. Making the decision to have an abortion is one that is very university students and supports the individuals who are private in nature, and usually for a range of personal victims of these acts reasons. 3. The NUS believes that Universities should be taking a proactive 2. However, the privacy of individuals who make this decision is approach to preventing and dealing with incidents of often not respected. Many women and other individuals violence, assault and harassment at univeristy, and with reproductive health organs experience violence and condemns any attempt by universities to cover up or ignore harassment by pro-life protesters when they enter abortion reports of these matters clinics 3. In 2013, Tasmania was the first state to address this issue when it Action implemented exclusion zones into the Reproductive Health 1. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with the Hunting Ground (Access to Terminations) Act 2013 Documentary team, as well as state branches and campus 4. Since 2013, some other states have done the same. In 2015, the affiliates to raise awareness of the high prevalence of sexual ACT and Victorian Parliaments both approved the assault and rape at universities implementation of exclusion zones around abortion clinics 1. running screenings of ‘The Hunting Ground’ on university to protect the safety of individuals. campuses and in local communities 5. The proposal is also currently being considered in NSW, along 2. distributing The Hunting Ground ‘Action Toolkit’ and other with the legalisation of Abortions, and will possibly be information on the high prevalence of sexual assault and followed by other states. rape at university Platform Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU 1. The NUS believes that all individuals should have the right to Delegate) choose whether or not to have an abortion and be Seconded: Hannah Smith (NUS Education Officer) respected for their choice 2. The NUS condemns pro-life activists and any acts of protest 6.23 Support Women’s Right to Choose. Safety Zones around all outside abortion clinics, as well as any attempts to enact Abortion clinics. violence, or harassment against individuals who choose to have an abortion or to support pro-choice. Preamble 3. The NUS believes that all individuals who choose to have an

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abortion should have access to safe, affordable, and legal which would have drastically altered the state of universities procedures. including: a.deregulating student fees Action b.decreasing in the amount of funding provided to 1. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with other NUS office universities by 20% bearers, state branches and campus affiliates to lobby state and governments, opposition parties and independent senators c. Reducing the maximum income which graduates can earn to: before they have to start paying off their HECS debt 1. support the legalisation of abortion in states and territories 1. If these changes were implanted , they would have inevitably led where they are currently not legal to universities increasing student contributions, and making 2. implement exclusion zones around abortion clinics university less inaccessible for low income groups of 2. The NUS Women’s Officer will lobby the federal government to individuals. Women, along with other equity groups, would include Abortions and associated procedures under the Medicare be drastically affected. Benefits Schedule (MBS) and to bulk-bill or provide a full medicare 2. In Australia, women earn 18% less than men on average, and are rebate for university students who have an abortion. more likely to be economically responsible for familial 3. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with other NUS office expenses associated with children, health costs, and elderly bearers, state branches and campus affiliates to organise protests dependents. Due to this situation, women are inevitably less against any moves to criminalise abortion. likely than men to be able to afford increases to the cost of education. Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU 3. While the current system allows students to put their University Delegate) fees on HECS; individuals who earn over the $55 000 per Seconded:Hannah Smith (NUS Education Officer) annum (p.a) threshold are expected to pay upfront. Women earning $55 000 p.a. who have other costs to prioritise 6.24 Deregulation: a sure way to price women out of education associated with families, housing or health conditions would struggle to have funds left for education. If the Liberals Preamble Higher Education reform bill is implemented, individuals In 2014 the Federal Liberal Government announced a Higher would be required to pay upfront for a tertiary education Education reform legislation which included a range of changes that costs a lot more when they earn as little as $50 000 p.a.

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This would be virtually impossible for many women. education 4. Women who are able to place their university fees on HECS are 4. NUS recognises that women would be significantly disadvantaged also disadvantaged. Due to a range of factors such as the by any increases to the cost of Higher education, and that fact that women earn less than men on average and are this would have a negative effect on women and their more likely to take time out of the workforce for family dependents reasons, women already take longer than men to pay off their HECS debt under the current system. Reports have Action shown that if the Liberals Higher Education reform bill is 1. The NUS Women’s Officer, in collaboration with state branches implemented, women would be paying off their HECS debt and campus affiliate, will run a campaign around the effects for 30% on average longer than men. For women that even that deregulation and increased to the cost of Higher have the option of entering Higher Education, these Education would have on women. statistics would likely be off putting. 2. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with the NUSl President an 5. If the Liberal government's Higher Education reforms are NUS Education Officer will lobby the Federal NUS Women’s implemented, the participation rates of women in Higher Officer will work with the NUSl President an NUS Education Education will inevitably go down, and less women will have Officer to lobby to the opposition parties and independents the opportunity to gain skills to increase their income and to increase support for women students in Higher Education support themselves, as well as their families and children. 3. The NUS Women’s Officer will work with the NUS President and This will not only reinforce and increase the gender pay gap, NUS Education Officer to develop material for the Higher but also decrease the likelihood of children who have sole- Education campaign focussed on the effect that the Higher parents or carers that are women entering education Education reform bill would have on women, and why support for women in Higher Education should be increased Platform 1. NUS believes that all individuals should have the opportunity to Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU participate in education Delegate) 2. NUS reaffirms its support for free education, as the only truly Seconded: Hannah Smith (NUS Education Officer) equitable system 3. NUS condemns the Liberal’s Higher Education reform bill and any other measure to deregulate fees and increase the cost of

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6.25 Supporting Women in (Student) Politics like Affirmative Action, to a large extent many student organisations are still dominated by men – or the highest Preamble leadership positions are continually occupied by men. 1. There are more women represented in Australian Politics now than ever before yet entrenched discrimination against 2. NUS acknowledges the way by which gender plays into women is still prevalent in the media and the parliament perceptions, dynamics and characterisations within both and much of that discrimination and sexism finds parallels politics and student politics and condemns engrained sexist within the realm of student politics. culture in both these spheres.

2. Women are not always provided with the same skills due to 3. Further, NUS acknowledges that sexism is increased and the existence of ‘boys clubs’ (think of the morning smoko or aggravated towards marginalised groups including queer afternoon beers sesh) where men pass on skills to other women, trans women, and women of colour amongst men, leaving women less skilled and less equipped to others. advance within student organisations. 4. NUS acknowledges the need to have direct action in training 3. Women also receive bias and at times very unfair treatment women involved in student politics, regarding governance, within student media and by their peers when they choose activism etc. and the vital need for senior women within to pursue student politics, campaign on their campuses or student organisations to pass on skills to younger women. successfully attain student leadership positions. Action 4. It must be recognised that the aforementioned treatment of women-identifying students by their peers and student 1. NUS directs the National Women’s Officer to work with media is intrinsically connected to their gender. Campus Women’s Officers to run political training programs, as well as, networking events with prominent Platform female politicians (think Sue Lines in WA, Sarah Hanson- Young in SA, Michelle Rowland in NSW… the list goes on!) to 1. NUS acknowledges that whilst the representation of women speak to women on university campuses and encourage in student organisations has increased thanks to strategies

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them to continue to be engaged in politics, whether in a 1. NUS supports the removal of the GST from sanitary staffing or representative role. products. 2. NUS condemns the governments failure to act to address this matter. Moved: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (NUS National Executive) 3. NUS recognises this cost effects solely female identifying Seconded: Justine Amin (University of Sydney Students people, thus contributes to the financial stress that Representative Council) disproportionately affects female identifying people.

6.26 Removing the GST from Sanitary Products Action:

Preamble: 1. NUS calls for the government to remove to GST on sanitary 1. Sanitary products such as tampons, pads, liners and ancillary items. products attract the 10% goods and services tax (GST) 2. The NUS Women’s Department will encourage university because they are deemed “non-essential, luxury items”. Women’s Departments to provide sanitary products to 2. Menstruation is primarily experienced by female identifying female identifying students free of charge. people, thus the notion that sanitary products incur the GST while condoms do not, is arguably sexist. Moved: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) 3. Research indicated that two-thirds of Australian university Seconed: Abena Dove (RMIT University Student Union) students are living below the poverty line and financial stress is on the rise. It is evident that this extra cost is detrimental to many female-identifying university students 6.27 Exclusion Zones To Prevent Protesters Around Abortion who are already struggling. Clinics 4. In May, then Treasurer, Joe Hockey promised to raise this tax issue with state treasurers, saying he believed sanitary Preamble: products were essential items. Six months later, no progress 1. For the past 16 years anti-abortion protestors have held has been made. weekly protests outside prominent abortion clinics nationwide. Platform:

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2. Consequently, women have been unable to access these abortion services without being subject to harassment and Moved: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) intimidation. Seconed: Abena Dove (RMIT University Student Union) 3. Women have reported feeling distressed, ashamed, stigmatised and anxious as a result of having to navigate their way through protestors to the clinic. 6.28 Maybe it’s Maybelline

Platform: Preamble

1. NUS supports a woman’s legal right to medical privacy and 1. There is an increasing pressure, especially in social media, for to make choices about their own health without women to create images of themselves that are conforming to interference or harassment. societal norms, whether that is an image of perceived perfection or other trends. This pressure is especially present for women of 2. NUS recognises that a privacy zone is a necessity to protect university age. all women from the judgment and harassment of these 2. This pressure has been expressed through social media protesters. movements, such as “no make-up selfies”, which in some respects

Action: vilify women who feel more comfortable wearing make-up. 1. NUS will actively support all student organisations engaged 3. This pressure was also exemplified through the experience of in campaigning and protesting against anti-abortion eighteen year old Essena O’Neill, who spent significant periods of protestors. time taking images of herself for social media. She later expressed that these images were just a fake impression of her life and social

2. NUS will assist in lobbying the government to create a 150 media made her feel insecure, especially about her body. She also metre protest exclusion zone around buildings containing expressed that these images of seeming perfection create relevant facilities for the duration of the opening hours of the facility. The ban will also prevent the filming or insecurity in young women by creating almost unattainable beauty photographing people going in or out of the clinic. standards.

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4. The manner in which women choose to express themselves, such 3. The NUS Women’s Officer will use this campaign to explain to the as whether they choose to wear make-up or not, is an autonomous student population that we as society should not place pressure on decision made by individuals, and it is unfair to cast judgements on women to conform their appearance to what is perceived to be individuals for their decisions. “beautiful”. 5. The NUS Women’s department, as well as campus Women’s departments, are prominent in their use of social media for various Mover: Abena Dove (RMIT University) campaigns and therefore have the capacity to communicate with Seconder: Stephanie Kameric (Griffith University) students via this medium.

Platform 6.29 Gender Pay Gap Cupcake Campaign 1. NUS is supportive of all students, regardless of their appearance. 2. NUS acknowledges that the pressure of appearance is especially Preamble felt by the female student population. 1. The most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics figures 3. NUS acknowledges that there is a need to create campaigns that indicate that full‑time male workers earn an average of reinforce inclusiveness and positive body image for women, and $1587.40 per week, whereas women earn $298.10 less on also advertise the acceptance of women to make their own average. In other words, the observed gender pay gap in decision in the way they express their appearance this country presently stands at 18.8 per cent. 2. Women's departments across the country have run various Action campaigns to highlight this disparity both this is and in 1. The NUS Women’s Officer will run an image based campaign that previous years, this year the RMIT Women’s department ran supports women of all appearances a stall where they sold cupcakes to men for $1 and to 2. The NUS Women’s Officer will aid this campaign by advertising women for 80c in order to highlight this gender pay gap and the need for acceptance of women to express their appearances in raise awareness. the manner in which they feel most comfortable.

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3. It would be excellent and the campaign would be more 2. The National Union of Students Womens Department will effective if it were run nationally through the NUS Women's produce and send out sign boards for this campaign Department. detailing the selling of ‘Gender Pay Gap Cupcakes’ to men 4. Effective strategy would be for NUS to produce A1 sign for $1 and to Women for 80c to raise awareness of the boards for selling these cupcakes and send them out to gender pay gap, by O-weeks to enable individual campus women's departments across the country to run this departments to run this campaign across the country. campaign for orientation weeks stalls, in order to enable women's departments with smaller budgets to run this Mover: Abena Dove (RMIT University) important campaign without the cost of the sign boards and Seconder: Stephanie Kameric (Griffith University) the inexpensiveness of cupcakes. This campaign would be an excellent and low cost initiative for the National Women's Officer/Department to undertake. W6.30 Women In Higher Education Week

Platform Preamble

1. NUS recognise the current gender pay gap in Australia, and 1. Bluestockings week has been held and implemented by the commits to running campaigns to address and raise Women’s and Education departments for an extended period of awareness of this disparity. time. 2. Bluestockings is a term relating to upper-class women in the Action 1700’s, who were privileged as a result of colonialism. 3. Many women currently within universities are unable to relate to 1. The National Union of Students Womens Department will this movement, due to the lack of knowledge on women of this run a ‘Gender Pay Gap Cupcake’ campaign targeting and period. This is especially relevant to, and created grievances from, raising awareness of the current australian gender pay gap.

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women of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, 2. NUS commits to running Women in Higher Education week in the Indigenous women and women from a low SES background. place of Blue Stockings week in order to give this campaign broad 4. Despite the efforts of previous NUS Women’s Officers to educate appeal to the average student and the increase the effectiveness women on the meaning of the term “bluestockings”, through the and reach of this important campaign and to ensure the campaign ‘Whose bluestockings are they campaign’, a large proportion of remains accessible and non-exclusionary. students are still unsure of the definition of bluestockings and consequently are disillusioned from participating in Bluestockings Mover: Abena Dove (RMIT University) week and its campaigns. Seconder: Stephanie Kameric (Griffith University)

Platform 6.31 ‘It’s My Choice’ Campaign 1. NUS is committed to ensuring that their campaigns are inclusive of all students and will work inter-departmentally to ensure that Preamble students are not disenfranchised from the campaigns. 1. Women are likely to face oppression based on choices they 2. NUS is committed to ensuring that knowledge on gender make and how they choose to act, particularly women who face inequality is available to all students in a format that they can more than one axis of oppression. understand and identify with. 2. Women who face more than one axis of oppression are often more constrained in their choices, as they are often judged more Action harshly for breaking rules or expectations than women who face only one axis of oppression. 1. That the NUS Women’s Department continues to commit to 3. Choices women have to make may stem from small decisions, running a campaign for a week that recognises and acknowledges such as what to wear, or whether to drink, or may stem from larger the work of the Bluestockings and retains the message and essence decisions, such as whether or not to have sex or whether or not to of its previous campaigns. have an abortion.

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4. All women deserve to live their lives according to their own choices, and feel safe and comfortable in doing so. Mover: Sammi Turner (Victoria University) Seconder: Sarah Rivilla (Victoria University) Platform 1. NUS condemns behavior that undermines the bodily autonomy of women. 6.32 It’s On Us Campaign 2. NUS supports women in the way they choose to act, what they choose to wear, whether they choose to have sex or have an Preamble: abortion, and any other choices they may make regarding their 1. Launched by the US government to reduce sexual assault body or life. towards women on college campuses. The campaign has the support of powerful organisations behind it, such as Microsoft and Actions various American sporting teams 1. The national women’s department will run a national 2. Highlighted by this campaign is that 85% of woman knew campaign entitled: ‘It’s My Choice’. their attacker, and that 1 in 4 women have been victims of 2. This campaign will focus on statements such as: attempted rape or rape - It’s my choice what I wear 3. The campaign is aimed to reduce and eventually eliminate - It’s my choice where I live sexual assault on campuses by involving all people. This ties in with - It’s my choice where I work the UN Women’s ‘HeForShe’ campaign which educates men in the - It’s my choice what I do with my body importance surrounding gender equality – the campaign highlights 3. The National Women’s Officer will engage with the Queer, how all people need to be involved to reach a state where all (Dis)abilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Ethno genders are equal Cultural Departments to ensure the campaign is intersectional. 4. Sexual assault affects many women on Australian university 4. The National Women’s Officer will work with campus campuses, and has seen an increase in the last few years. Evidence Women’s Officers to run the campaign. also indicates that it is still extremely underreported.

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Seconder: Stephanie Kameric (Griffith University) Platform: 1. NUS endorses the need for all people to be involved in 6.33 Consent Campaign creating a culture of gender equality 2. NUS accepts and realises that together the HeForShe and Its Preamble: On Us campaign provide a positive platform for students to create 1. The understanding of consent embeds the positive verbal awareness towards sexual assault and gender equality agreement to engage in sexual activities. Also, it must be 3. NUS is focuses on excluding all sexual assaults from campuses clear and unambiguous for each participant, therefore, the across Australia absence of “no” does not imply that there is consent. 2. Situations that involve drugs and/or alcohol intoxication Action: negate one’s ability to give valid consent. Moreover, any 1. The NUS national women’s officer will run a sister campaign sexual activity that does not engage consent is qualified as with It’s On Us and HeForShe in solidarity with this work rape. 2. The NUS women’s officer will work with campus women’s 3. One in six women in Australia are victims of sexual assault officers to ensure that the campaign is effectively run across by non-partners as opposed to 1 in fourteen throughout the campuses and engages with and is understood by all students world. Recently, 16.4% of Australian women of 15 years old 3. The NUS women’s officer will adapt the campaign to reflect or older have experienced a sexual assault by a non- the experiences of Australian students partner.(Australian bureau of statistics). 4. The NUS women’s officer will attempt to gain the support of prominent Australian figures and relevant members of the Platform: government to garner interest in the campaign amongst a broad 1. The NUS endorses that students have sex. range of students 2. The NUS recognises that sexual assault/rape is a serious issue on university campuses and at university/union parties Mover: Abena Dove (RMIT University) that usually include alcohol and needs to be tackled.

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3. The NUS acknowledges that sexual assault consists of any type of non consensual sexual activity, including rape, 6.34 Pink Tax Campaign sexual violence, and sexual abuse. 4. The NUS recognises that rape culture is an environment in Preamble: which sexual violence against women is normalised and 1. The most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics figures excused in the media and popular culture. indicate that full‑time male workers earn an average of $1587.40 per week, whereas women earn $298.10 less on average. In other words, the observed gender pay gap in Actions: this country presently stands at 18.8 per cent. 1. The NUS women's officer will work alongside the campus 2. In May of 2015 it was noted that Coles was marketing their women's officers and other prominent consent advocates to ‘Girls Kinder Surprise Chocolate Eggs’ at 11c more than create an online module to be completed by university regular ‘Kinder Surprise Eggs’ students as part of their degree on consent, healthy 3. Personal hygiene products such as razors, deodorants and relationships and tackling rape culture. moisturizers, as well as clothes and toys that are marketed 2. The NUS women’s officer will work with student unions to towards women are more expensive than their male increase awareness of consent and consent campaigns on equivalents. campus. 4. The disparity in prices between male and female products 3. The NUS women’s officer will create events that encourage has been labelled the ‘pink tax’ the expression of consent, by deconstructing the sex taboo and normalizing the act of saying “no”. Platform 1. The NUS supports equal rights for men and women 2. The NUS recognises the ‘pink tax’ as a sexist business Mover: Shanae Murnane (La Trobe University) practice Seconded: Natasha Khoshneviss (La Trobe University) 3. The NUS condemns the existence of the ‘pink tax’

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departments, their physical make-up and function can provide a Actions: barrier for students wishing to join these groups. This is inclusive of, 1. The National Union of Students Women’s Department will but not limited to, the Women’s department. run a campaign to bring awareness to businesses that utilise 2. The university Women’s departments offer a range of activities the pink tax in their products and provide support for women on campus. 2. The National Union of Students Women’s Department will 3. It is important that women beginning their tertiary education produce stickers and distribute stickers to campus Women’s have an understanding of the campus Women’s department and Departments that read ‘Pink Tax: This product is sexist’ or are aware of the support they offer. ‘Why Charge Women More? Scrap the Pink Tax’ 3. The National Union of Students Women’s Department will Platform run an adjacent online campaign utilising social media to call 1. The NUS recognises the university Women’s departments for the out businesses whose female marketed products are more work they do in supporting Women during their tertiary education. expensive than male marketed products. This campaign will 2. The NUS acknowledges that the beginning of university can be use the hashtag #ScrapThePinkTax. challenging and consequently, at this time, students may need additional support. Mover: Abena Dove (RMIT University) 3. The NUS acknowledges that a lack of understanding of the Seconder: Stephanie Kameric (Griffith University) function of Women’s departments may provide a barrier for students in becoming involved in the Women’s department. 6.35 First Year Feminists Actions Preamble 1. The NUS Women’s Officer consults with the Women’s 1. The world of university can be daunting for first year students, Department at universities, as well as the student population, in especially those who wish to be involved in autonomous order to determine the best way to engage first year students and departments. Often a lack of understanding about the various increase their understanding of the Women’s department.

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2. The NUS Women’s Officer creates a readily available document 5. Women compromise more than half of science PhD concerning the best way to engage first year students to the graduates and early career researchers but only 17% of Women’s department. senior academics in Australian universities and research institutes Mover: Abena Dove (RMIT University) Seconder: Stephanie Kameric (Griffith University) Platform: 1. NUS recognises the struggles of women who study STEM degrees. 6.35 Sexism and Inequality in STEM fields 2. NUS recognises that for Australia to fully recognise its potential in STEM fields, we must encourage and support Preamble: the women within them. 1. Sexism and inequality continue to be a barrier to women studying in STEM related fields Action: 2. It has been found that due to a lack of women lecturers, 1. That the NUS women's officer focuses on working closely academia, industry that it creates a sense of not belonging with women who study in STEM degrees around the country for women and tends to result in the unconscious choice 2. NUS commits to supporting student clubs and their events; that STEM careers are not for them. whose aim is to support women in these male dominated 3. It has been shown that gender discrimination in hiring for fields STEM jobs is a significant issue, as both sexes exhibit 3. That the NUS support and encourage Australian Universities unconscious bias against women applicants. commit to the Science in Australia Gender Equity SAGE 4. In Australia there is a gender pay gap of 25% in STEM Athena SWAN program, run by the Australian Academy of related fields and women are two and a half times less likely Sciences to address the underrepresentation of women in to receive funding for their research STEM fields.

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4. That NUS liaise with the Women in Science Australia equal Australia, and overcome the intersecting challenges Network on how they can better support women in STEM affecting women. related fields Platform:

1. NUS supports a strong, diverse, and most of all active Mover: Abena Dove (RMIT University) national women’s network. Seconder: Stephanie Kameric (Griffith University) 2. NUS recognises that a women’s network that not only communicates but collaborates is not only of great benefit to NUS itself but to the national women’s movement. 6.36 Stronger Together: The case for more communication between NUS Women. Action: 1. The NUS National Women’s Officer will liaise with all Preamble: campus women’s officers and/or collectives (dependant on 1. In NUS the national women’s movement has the ability, how the campus operates) within the pre-existing women’s through the women’s officers, collectives, and the NUS network Facebook page and discuss how communication National Women’s Officer, to be both strong and diverse can be improved. and active on all affiliate campuses and beyond. 2. The NUS National Women’s Officer will investigate the 2. A lack of communication between women’s officers and creation of a bimonthly mailing list for reports, updates, and collectives leaves all worse off. events. 3. While sometimes this year this occurred, this was 3. This NUS National Women’s Officer will investigate the somewhat overcome with the goal, information, and idea feasibility of teleconferences for the purposes of sharing that occurred in the Women’s Officer Facebook collaborations, support, and running campaigns. Group. 4. NUS National Women’s Officer and the Women’s Network 4. This year saw the positives in an interconnected network of will endeavour to women’s officers. also help to support women’s groups at universities not 5. Together women around the country can support each affiliated with the National Union of Students. other to reach their full potential, work towards a more Moved: Stephanie Kameric (Griffith SRC)

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Seconded: Abena Dove (RUSU) 6. if more women realised that abuse can take many forms, they would have the ability to understand at an earlier stage in the relationship what is going on. 6.37 Having Standards: The case for educating our young 7. It is time for the NUS National Women’s Officer to run a women on abuse. national campaign educating young women on abusive behaviour and healthy relationships. Preamble: Platform: 1. Females 16-24 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of partner violence. About 40% of 1. NUS recognises that abusive relationships are not healthy. teenage girls ages 14-17 say they know someone their age 2. NUS recognises that young women are at risk due to both who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend. 1/3 of high inexperience and lack of education on what is and what isn’t school students have been or will be involved in an abusive abuse. relationship (sexually, emotionall, verbally, and or 3. NUS recognises that we all have the right to have healthy, physically). happy relationships, and that all deserve the right to feel 2. Abuse takes many forms including verbal, emotional, sexual, safe and not live in fear. physical and financial, and neglect and control. 3. Abusers control their partner with jealousy, obsessiveness, Action: and suicide threats as well as with physical and verbal 1. NUS directs the NUS National Women’s Officer to run a violence. campaign throughout the year educating young women on 4. Inexperience leaves young women at risk of tolerating abusive behaviour and relationships. and/or accepting behaviour that they may not realise is 2. NUS directs the NUS National Women’s Officer to liaise with abusive, or can potentially lead to abuse. campus women’s officers and collectives and discuss the 5. Further research among young women shows that while feasibility of running workshops on campuses in every state 95% of women recognise physical abuse as domestic discussing abusive behaviour, abusive relationships, and the violence, just over a quarter knew about the more subtle state specific services available to young women. signs of a controlling relationship.

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3. NUS directs the NUS National Women’s Officer to collate the services available nationally into one document which is then made publicly available. 4. NUS directs the the NUS National Women’s Officer to lobby politicians to fund a national campaign directed at home and domestic violence specifically at younger women. 5. NUS directs the NUS National Women’s Officer to liaise with the National Queer Officer’s in regards to their involvement (if they so wish) with the campaign.

Moved: Stephanie Kameric (Griffith SRC) Seconded: Abena Dove (RUSU)

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3. That the NUS condemns the Federal and WA State Liberal 7. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Governments for this piece of assimilationist policy and legislation, Policy which completely undermines the connection to country of many Aboriginal Australians. 7.01 Forced Closure of Remote Indigenous Communities 4. That the NUS condemns the lack of consultation with the people affected Preamble 5. That the NUS recognizes the right of Aboriginal people to live on 1. In early March 2015, the Western Australian Liberal Government, and care for their traditional countries. backed by the Liberal Federal Government, announced 150 remote communities would be forced to close, with the PM of the time, Action Tony Abbott, stating Australian taxpayers could no longer continue 1. That the NUS A&TSI officer support the Western Australian to “endlessly subsidize lifestyle choices”. Student Aboriginal Corporation, and other relevant organizations, 2. Essential services such as electricity, water and waste services on any campaigns they wish to run on the issue of these forced will no longer be provided across these communities by the state, remote community closures and the withdrawal of services in these prompting their closure areas. 3. 150 of 274 remote communities in WA are facing closure. 4. The closure of these communities would mean influxes of people to small regional towns such as Derby, which do not have the Moved: Alex Hamilton (UWA Student Guild) services or capacity to accommodate such a wave of new residents. Seconded: Charlie Viska (UWA Student Guild)

Platform 7.02 The forced closure of Aboriginal communities 1. That the NUS recognizes that the proposed closures undermine a fundamental part of Aboriginal culture, community, identity and Preamble spirituality. 1. In November 2014, the Western Australian Liberal government announced proposals for the forced closure of up to 150 2. That the NUS recognizes it is not a “lifestyle choice” to be born in remote Aboriginal communities. and live in a remote Aboriginal community.

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2. WA Premier Colin Barnett claimed that the state could no 3. NUS will dedicate resources to the campaign, such as printing longer afford to provide these communities with basic services, posters advertising for mobilisations in protest of these such as electricity and sewerage, and would cut these services attacks. thereby shutting down the communities. Moved: Kahlani Pyrah, MSA 3. This is a continuation of the genocidal policies that successive Seconded: Kim Collett, Griffith Student Guild Australian governments have imposed on Aboriginal people, forcibly removing Indigenous people from their land. This builds on a history of Aboriginal dispossession by WA 7.03 VOTING RIGHTS FOR INDIGENOUS/ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT governments for mining developments, with little or no ISLANDER OFFICER ON SRC’S compensation for the traditional owners of the land. PREAMBLE Platform 1. ON UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES AROUND AUSTRALIA, STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE 1. NUS condemns the government’s proposals to forcibly close BODIES HAVE PROGRESSIVELY BEEN MOVING TOWARDS HAVING AN IDENTIFIED Aboriginal communities and stands firmly against the ongoing POSITION OF AN INDIGENOUS OR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER racism against and oppression of Indigenous people. OFFICER.

2. MANY OF THESE OFFICER POSITIONS HOWEVER, DO NOT INCLUDE VOTING 2. NUS stands in solidarity with the Indigenous communities RIGHTS against their attacks by the WA Liberal government. 3. SOME UNIVERSITY STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE BODIES DO NOT HAVE AN IDENTIFIED INDIGENOUS/ ATSI OFFICER IN THEIR BODY

Action 1. The NUS ATSI department will commit to campaigning against PLATFORM the forced closure of Aboriginal communities. 1. NUS VALUES AND BELIEVES THE VOICES OF ATSI STUDENTS ARE ESSENTIAL IN STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE BODIES 2. NUS will support all campaigns by the Indigenous communities 2. NUS SUPPORTS THE NEED FOR AN IDENTIFIED AUTONOMOUS to challenge the oppression of Aboriginal people, inherent in ATSI/INDIGENOUS OFFICER FOR ATSI STUDENTS ON CAMPUS the proposal of community closures. ACTION

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1. NUS ADVOCATE FOR EVERY STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE BODY ON EVERY 4. Whilst all universities fly the Australian and state flags, not all fly UNIVERSITY CAMPUS TO HAVE AN INDIGENOUS/ATSI IDENTIFIED OFFICER the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander flags POSITION IN THEIR BODY Platform 2. NUS ADVOCATE FOR THE INDIGENOUS/ATSI OFFICER TO BE AUTONOMOUS 1. NUS recognise the importance of Aboriginal and Torres AND HAVE EQUAL VOTING RIGHTS Strait Islander Flags in recognising Australia’s First Peoples as the true owners of the land and that their MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT peoples and cultures are continuous and ongoing ISLANDER OFFICER) 2. NUS believe that it is essential that universities fly the SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on campuses

alongside other official flags and that Aboriginal and 7.04 ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER FLAG ON CAMPUS Torres Strait Islander students and staff be represented PREAMBLE through this recognition 1. THE ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER FLAGS ARE A SYMBOL THAT AUSTRALIA’S FIRST PEOPLES IDENTIFY WITH AND ARE PROUD OF. THEY Action REPRESENT RECOGNITION OF THEIR PRESENT AND ONGOING EXISTENCE IN 1. NUS consult with university Indigenous centres and ATSI AUSTRALIA students to understand the situation at each university 2. The Aboriginal Flag was created as a symbol of unity and national 2. After consultation, if it is the wishes of the Indigenous identity for Aboriginal people during the land rights movement of cohort of that university, NUS write to Vice-Chancellors the early 1970s. The meaning of the flag represents: the yellow sun and/or relevant university personnel in condemnation of and yellow ochre; the red earth (the relationship to the land) and the university not flying the flags and advocate for the the red ochre used in ceremonies; and black the Aboriginal people. flags to be flown and erected in a special opening 3. The Torres Strait Islander Flag represents: the two mainlands of Australia and Papua New Guinea; the blue of the Torres Strait MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT waters; the black line and the dharri head dress stands for the ISLANDER OFFICER) people; and five pointed star represents the five island groups and SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY) the importance of stars used in navigation, and sea-faring

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7.05 CLOSE THE GAP REPORT (CTG) NOT ON TRACK TARGETS, WITH THE AIM THAT CTG TARGETS REMAIN ON TRACK AND WILL BE SUCCESSFULLY MET BY 2030 PREAMBLE 1. Closing the gap is a strategy that aims to reduce Indigenous disadvantage with respect to life expectancy ACTION ,child mortality, access to early childhood education, 1. NUS WILL WRITE TO RELEVANT MINISTERS AND SHADOW educational achievement, employment outcomes. MINISTERS AROUND THE COUNTRY TO VOICE CONCERN IN REGARDS Endorsed by the Australian Government in March 2008, TO THE CTG TARGETS NOT BEING ON TRACK Closing the gap is a formal commitment developed in

response to the call of the Social Justice Report 2005 to MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT achieve Indigenous health equality within 25 years. ISLANDER OFFICER) 2. In 2015, the seventh Closing the Gap Report was SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECERTARY) produced since targets were set by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2008. The report shows that although there has been some 7.06 EDUCATION CONFERENCE AND NAIDOC WEEK improvement in education and health outcomes for PREAMBLE: Indigenous Australians, most Closing the Gap targets are not on track to be met. 1. NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres PLATFORM 1. NUS CONDEMNS THE LACK OF ACTION TAKEN BY THE LIBERAL Strait Islander peoples. The week is a great opportunity to participate in GOVERNMENT IN CLOSING THE GAP AND NOT MEETING KEY a range of activities and to support the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait TARGETS Islander community. Local community celebrations during NAIDOC 2. NUS CALLS ON ALL PARTIES AT STATE AND FEDERAL LEVEL TO Week are organised by communities, government agencies, local DEVELOP POLICY TO IMPROVE ALL OUTCOMES LISTED IN THE CTG councils, schools and workplaces and this is a significantly important time for ATSI peoples to celebrate.

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2. IN 2015, NUS EDUCATION CONFERENCE WAS HELD IN THE SAME WEEK AS 3. WHILST IT IS NOT EXPECTED THAT THESE DATES ARE AVOIDED

NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATIONS. COMPLETELY, NUS RECOGNISE THAT THIS WILL POTENTIALLY

DISCOURAGE STUDENTS TO ATTEND 3. NAIDOC Week is usually held from the first to second Sunday in July ATSI each year. In 2016 NAIDOC Week will be held from 3 to 10 July 2016. 4. IF EDCON IS HELD IN DURING NAIDOC WEEK, THAT IT DEDICATES A SESSION/EVENT TO ENGAGING IN CELEBRATING AND/OR PLATFORM: RECOGNISING THE CELEBRATIONS OF NAIDOC WEEK 1. NUS IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF INDIGENOUS HISTORY, CULTURE

AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT

ISLANDER PEOPLES ISLANDER OFFICER)

2. NUS RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF INDIGENOUS CULTURE SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY)

AND THE ONGOING CULTURE OF ATSI PEOPLES IN AUSTRALIA 7.07 NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CONFERENCE

AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO ATSI STUDENTS

PREAMBLE: ACTION:

1. NUS IS CULTURALLY AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF 1. NUS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Department has run several

CELEBRATIONS SUCH AS NAIDOC WEEK TO ATSI STUDENTS National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Conferences

2. THE EDUCATION CONFERENCE ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND 2. The National ATSI Student Conference brings together ATSI University NUS WILL BE AWARE OF THE DATES OF NAIDOC IN REGARDS TO Students from around Australia to engage in skill based and leadership DETERMINING EDCON DATES workshops, as well as hearing from high profile speakers and engaging in conversation about the issues that ATSI face at university and on campuses as well as relevant political issues.

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PLATFORM: PREAMBLE: 1. NUS IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF INDIGENOUS HISTORY, CULTURE AND 1. The practice of acknowledging the traditional custodians

ACHIEVEMENTS OF ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES of land and seeking their permission to enter their territory has only recently begun to re-emerge in modern 2. NUS RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF INDIGENOUS CULTURE AND Australia. However, it is an custom of great significance to many Indigenous people and is something which THE ONGOING CULTURE OF ATSI PEOPLES IN AUSTRALIA AND ITS should be taken seriously and unique, not as a tokenistic IMPORTANCE TO ATSI STUDENTS gesture. 2. Welcome to Country is a ceremony performed by ACTION: Aboriginal Australian Elders or those with 1. NUS RECOMMEND TO THE NATIONAL ATSI OFFICER TO HOLD THE permission, to welcome visitors to their traditional land. It can be performed in many ways forms, NATIONAL ATSI STUDENT CONFERENCE including singing, dancing, smoke ceremonies or a 2. NUS SUPPORT THE NATIONAL ATSI OFFICER IF THEY DECIDE TO speech, depending on the particular culture of the HOLD THE CONFERENCE AND ASSIST AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A traditional owners.

WORKING TEAM IF NECESSARY 3. An Acknowledgement of Country involves either Indigenous or non-Indigenous peoples acknowledging the land. This includes acknowledging MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT the original Indigenous custodians of the land and their long and continuing relationship with their ISLANDER OFFICER) Country. SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY) Platform: 1. NUS acknowledges that Welcome and 7.08 WELCOME AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Acknowledgment of Country is

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- a way of showing awareness of and respect for the 7.09 Better Life Education for Indigenous Communities original Indigenous custodians of the land on which an event is being held Preamble: - recognises Indigenous people as the First Australians 1. The Kirby Institute’s recently released Annual Surveillance Report - promotes awareness of the history and culture of into HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs. This report has found that cases of Indigenous peoples HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted infections are - formally acknowledges Indigenous people’s ongoing increasing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, connection to land despite a decline in the broader population.

ACTION: 1. NUS ENSURE THAT WELCOME TO COUNTRY IS ORGANISED TO BE 2. The report shows that HIV diagnosis among Indigenous people PERFORMED BEFORE THE EVENT, ESPECIALLY AT CONFERENCES, has risen to 5.9 per 100, 000, compared to 3.7 for non-Indigenous BY AN ELDER/S WHOSE TRADITIONAL LANDS THE EVENT IS BEING Australians. Likewise, the rate of Hepatitis C has increased, with HELD 300 more diagnoses among Indigenous Australians in 2014 than 2. WHERE NOT POSSIBLE, AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY BY 2005, but 1300 fewer among non-Indigenous Australians. AN ABORIGINAL PERSON FROM THAT COUNTRY, OR IF NOT POSSIBLE BY AN ABORIGINAL PERSON 3. These trends are concerning and require action. This should 3. WHERE THE EVENT IS MORE THAN ONE DAY, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT include better life education for sexual health and drug use in OF COUNTRY SHOULD BE PERFORMED EACH MORNING BEFORE THE Indigenous communities and better access to the health care EVENT COMMENCES, PREFERABLY BY AN ABORIGINAL PERSON needed to ensure that similar figures are not seen in the future. 4. THIS SHOULD BE THE STANDARD APPLIED TO ALL NUS EVENTS Platform: MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER OFFICER) 1. NUS calls on all parties at both state and federal levels to ensure SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECERTARY) better life education in Indigenous communities is accessible, to

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allow the risk of disease spreading to be lowered and in turn see the rates of diagnosis lower.

2. NUS calls on all parties at both state and federal levels to ensure better health care in Indigenous communities is available and accessible, to see the spread of diseases such as Hepatitis C, HIV and STIs lower and in turn allow rates of diagnosis to drop. 7.10 Learning from the Past for a Stronger United Future Action: Preamble: 1. NUS will write to health ministers and shadow ministers around the country to voice concern, and to act on the accessibility to 1. Australia’s history is a significant subject taught throughout a health care in Indigenous communities to ensure these rates are child’s school life. This history includes that of the first people of lowered. the nation.

2. NUS will write to education ministers and shadow ministers 2. The inclusion and expansion of the history of the nation’s first around the country to voice concern, and to ensure there is better people would be important to ensure the history of rich culture and access to life education for children in Indigenous communities to cruel acts are passed down to learn from and create a stronger, lower the risk of these diseases and infections spreading and see united future for both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. rates lowered. 3. Researchers from ANU also believe that if Aboriginal and Torres MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT Strait Islander history is minimised in schools, as state and federal ministers agreed to only this year, this could indirectly affect an ISLANDER OFFICER) Indigenous child’s performance in school, due to the increasing of SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY) racism and discrimination. A reversal of the minimisation of

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Indigenous history should be done to ensure their history is not MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT forgotten, but to also help indirectly Indigenous children’s ISLANDER OFFICER) performances in school. SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY)

Platform:

1. NUS supports the expansion of the history curriculum to include the history and culture of the First People of the Nation. 7.11 Better Educational Outcomes for Indigenous Students

2. NUS calls on all parties at both state and federal levels to adopt Preamble: as part of their education policy the expansion of the history curriculum to include the Nation’s First People, to allow for a 1. At the most recent COAG Meeting, the Commonwealth, state stronger, united future with Indigenous and Non-Indigenous and territory leaders discussed the improvement of outcomes for people. Indigenous Australians. One of the main points which was raised was plans to improve school attendance and educational outcomes Action: of Indigenous students. 1. NUS will write to relevant ministers and shadow ministers voicing 2. School attendance in Year 10 for Indigenous students is closing, NUS’s support of the inclusion of Indigenous history within the but it still isn’t good enough. In NSW, the gap is currently at 15%, curriculum, and support of an expansion rather than a minimisation while in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, it is at 30%. of the First People’s history taught in school. More needs to be done to recognise these gaps and the educational and employment outcome differences seen between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

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3. Although this was a target set under Abbott in 2014, there has 1. NUS will write to relevant ministers and shadow ministers to been little to no progress in this issue within two years. For there to express our opposition to the lack of action being taken by be progress, the government needs to recognise that there is not the Liberal Government to close the gap in school one solution for all Indigenous students, that either treats attendance and educational outcomes, and ask that Labor Indigenous students the same as non-Indigenous students or look at developing policy to allow for a better approach to assumes that all Indigenous young people are the same. closing the gap in education.

Platform: MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT

1. NUS condemns the lack of action taken by the Liberal ISLANDER OFFICER) Government to help close the gap in school attendance and SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY) educational outcomes for Indigenous students, especially in states and territories where it is slowly going over 30%.

7.12 NUS RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN (RAP) 2. NUS calls on all parties at a state and federal level to develop policy to improve educational outcomes for students, and close the PREAMBLE gap in school attendance, and recognise that a ‘one size fits all’ 1. Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) provide a framework for approach, that either treats Indigenous students the same as non- organisations to realise their vision for reconciliation. 2. RAPs are practical plans of action built on relationships, respect Indigenous students or assumes that all Indigenous young people and opportunities. are the same, will not work. 3. RAPs create social change and economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Action: Platform

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1. NUS as an organization values the need for a COMMUNITIES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA. THIS LEAD TO THESE Reconciliation Action Plan and the benefits that will COMMUNITIES BEING FORCED TO CLOSE BY CUTTING OFF BASIC occur because of this SERVICES. These services include but are not limited to 2. NUS VALUES THE VOICES OF INDIGENOUS STUDENTS AS PART OF electricity, water infrastructure supplying water, rubbish THEIR ORGANISATION AND SEEKS TO WORK TO PLAN, BUILD collection, fire prevention, maintenance of infrastructure RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDIGENOUS STUDENTS, BE CULTURALLY including roads, aerodromes, housing, fire prevention APPROPRIATE AND RESPECTFUL AND TO TAKE ACTION. and dust control. These funds also supported the employment of Aboriginal people in the delivery of these ACTION services 1. NUS DRAFT AND COMPLETE A RAP WITHIN THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS PLATFORM: 2. CONSULTATION WITH THE ATSI NATIONAL AND STATE OFFICERS 1. NUS CONDEMNS THE ACTIONS OF THE LIBERAL GOVERNMENT IN IS ESSENTIAL, AS WELL AS INDIGENOUS UNIVERSITY STUDENTS THE FORCED CLOSURES OF OVER 150 ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES AND STAFF IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

ACTION: MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT 1. NUS will write to relevant ministers and shadow ministers voicing NUS’s condemnation of the forced ISLANDER OFFICER) closures of Aboriginal communities in Western Australia SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY) 2. NUS WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE #SOSBLACKAUSTRALIA CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE FORCED CLOSURES 7.13 FORCED CLOSURES OF ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES AND #SOSBLAKAUSTRALIA MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT PREAMBLE: ISLANDER OFFICER) 1. IN 2015, THE LIBERAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THEY SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY) WOULD BE DEFUNDING OVER 150 RURAL ABORIGINAL

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those of smaller number of Indigenous students and/or regional campuses, are at more of a disadvantage, some 7.14 INDIGENOUS TUTORING ASSISTANCE SCHEME (ITAS) losing out all together

PREAMBLE 1. The Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) is an Platform academic initiative of the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research 1. NUS condemns the changes to the application of ITAS and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE) which aims to funding improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students 2. NUS acknowledges the importance of ITAS funding in by providing supplementary tuition. addressing disadvantage for Indigenous students at 2. ITAS functions as an acknowledgement of educational university and education and to aiding in closing the gap, disadvantage, providing supplementary tutorial support retention rates and greater likeliness of gradating to Indigenous Australians in order to increase students participation and graduation rates. The scheme enables Indigenous Australian students to access up to a maximum of 2 hours per week per subject additional Action tutorial assistance during the teaching period and up to a maximum of 5 hours in total during the examination 1. NUS will write to relevant ministers and shadow ministers to period. express our opposition to the changes in application process 3. In its 20 years of success of funding, based on the for ITAS funding and demand that every Indigenous numbers of Indigenous students per university, in 2015 the Liberal Government announced changes to the way in university student has access to 2 hours per week per which funding would be granted, turning it into a subject ITAS tutoring at every university competitive bidding system. 2. NUS will support the ATSI NOB in ensuring that every 4. By the changes of the application process of ITAS Indigenous university student has access to ITAS Funding Funding, Universities and Indigenous Centers now have through approaching university faculties and Vice- to compete for funding in the application process 5. This means universities without Indigenous Centers or

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Chancellors to fill the gap in funding until all Indigenous Platform students have access to government funded ITAS tutoring 1. It is important that NUS engage in the constitutional recognition debate and be aware of the complex issues MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT surrounding including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

ISLANDER OFFICER) people in the Constitution 2. NUS supports the endless work of the Recognise campaign SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY) and other various groups that work to educate the public on issues surrounding constitutional recognition 3. NUS acknowledge that is important to have a spectrum of the understanding of the issues surrounding the debate 7.15 Constitutional Recognition Action Preamble 1. NUS will look into holding an event in conjunction with 1. Constitutional recognition for Australia’s First Peoples has Recognise as part of their “Journey to Recognition” to learn been a debate prominent in Australian politics for the past more about the movement and engage in the conversation. several years. 2. NUS will hold information sessions, which will give an insight 2. Recognise has been an important part of the movement to into the real and complex situation of constitutional recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in recognition. This includes information on how Australia’s the Australian Constitution. Its focus is to raise awareness of First Peoples will be included in the Constitution and what the need to end the exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait impact this will have on the Indigenous population in Islander peoples from the Australian Constitution and deal regards to the inevitable gap that the community faces. with racial discrimination within it, with a goal of a more united nation. MOVED: BRIDGET CAMA (NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT

ISLANDER OFFICER)

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SECONDED: TOM NOCK (NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY) spoken frequently on engaging Indigenous youth and argues that there needs to be two levels of focus. The first is to get

into schools early, partner alongside them,and assist in 7.16 Indigenous Engagement: Community building up literacy and numeracy skills. There needs to be strong support and affirmation, and clear pathways in the Preamble community that can ease the transition from school to university. The second involved those students in the 20. Australia’s indigenous population is significantly community who may have completed a course returning underrepresented in tertiary education. and mentoring students. It is about slowly forging a culture in which university becomes accessible and not so foreign a 21. Government statistics revealed that in 2006, only 4.9% of concept. Mentoring networks with students from similar Aboriginal people between the age of 20-24 were enrolled backgrounds can decrease a sense of isolation, and assist in in university, in comparison to the 23.9% national average. engagement. While these statistics have undoubtedly altered somewhat, we know that in 2014, only 1.3% of enrolled students were Platform indigenous. 2009 ABS statistics reveal that indigenous students have a less than 50% course completion rate, in 37. That the NUS is committed to providing equal opportunities comparison to the 72% completion rate of non-Indigenous in regards to access to education. students. 38. That the NUS believes in the influence of community 22. Data collected from tertiary students examined the support in the life of a student. motivations behind pursuing university courses once leaving school- a consistent answer amongst Indigenous students Action revealed that they ‘knew someone’ who had done the same course, or attended the same university. 25. That the NUS will seek to improve its relationship with the ATSI departments both internally, and across campus 23. Professor Larissa Behrendt, renowned Aboriginal Lawyer unions. and Indigenous Research Director at Sydney University has

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26. That the NUS will endeavor to provided support in any way it can to allow past ATSI students to mentor current and future students.

27. That the NUS will encourage Universities to engage with ATSI communities, and invest in their early education.

28. That the NUS will commit to publishing publically data surrounding ATSI completion rates at university, as to draw attention to the disparities that currently exist.

29. That the NUS would dedicate a week each year to promoting the achievements of Indigenous graduates, highlighting the work of Indigenous departments across the nation, and endorsing the work of organisations which are having a positive influence on building ATSI engagement in education.

Moved: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of Melbourne Student Union) Seconded: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University Union)

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Action 8. Queer Policy 1. NUS directs the 2016 National Queer Officers to explore the extension of this Victorian partnership to other cities. 8.01 Working with trade unions 2. NUS encourages the 2016 National Queer Officers to contact Trades and Labour Councils to investigate collaboration on the Preamble question of marriage equality as well as broader campaigns 1. Despite falling membership figures, trade unions remain the being run by the department. largest social or political movement in Australia. 2. Unions, alongside fighting for pay, conditions and safety on the Moved: James Vigus (Flinder University Student Union) job, unions have a proud history of fighting for social justice Seconded: Danica Cheesly (National Queer Officer) and human rights - the militant BLF opposing the expulsion of a gay student at Macquarie University as well as fighting to save public parkland is just one example. 3. This year, Victorian Trades Hall Council has involved itself in the 8.02 Queer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. campaign for marriage equality, continuing the tradition of unions standing up for all our rights. Preamble: 4. Teaming up with the Victorian Equal Love group, Trades Hall 24. Research has found that 42% of young people who identify have hung large pride flags from the side of the hall, spoken at as Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex, Queer or Ace (LGBTIQA) rallies for marriage equality, and held street stalls promoting think about suicide and self-harm. 16% of young LGBTIQA marriage equality in electorates across the state, talking to people have attempted suicide and 33% have harmed thousands of people. themselves as a result of widespread homophobic and

transphobic harassment and violence in Australia. (Statistics Platform cited “Growing Up Queer: Issues Facing Young Australians 1. NUS recognises the role unions play in fighting for progressive Who are Gender Variant and Sexuality Diverse” 2014) change across society, not just in the workplace. 25. Homophobia and/or transphobia has a serious impact on 2. NUS believes the partnership between Victorian Trades Hall many young people's educational experiences, with some Council and Equal Love is positive one. changing schools multiple times and others dropping out of

school altogether.

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26. At least 36.2% of trans and 24.4% of gay, lesbian and suicide prevention. bisexual Australians met the criteria for experiencing a major depressive episode in 2005, compared with 6.8% of the general population. This rate soars to 59.3% of trans Action: women under 30 in a La Trobe University study. (Statistics cited “LGBTI People Mental Health & Suicide” 2013) 30. NUS Queer Office Bearers will provide information about 27. More than twice as many homosexual/bisexual Australians LGBTIQA mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention to experience anxiety disorders as heterosexual people (31% collectives around Australia for distribution. vs 14%) and over three times as many experience affective 31. NUS Queer Office Bearers will work alongside local student disorders (19% vs 6%). The rates are higher across any age unions to coordinate direct actions or lobby university group, country of birth, income level, area of residence or where they do not provide adequate LGBTIQA mental level of education/employment. health services or referral services. 32. NUS Queer Office Bearers will investigate education

institutions that provide a focus on health promotion and Platform: prevention for the LGBTQIA community, and provide information to other student unions, to encourage local 39. That NUS acknowledges the elevated risk of mental ill- unions where possible, to implement similar structures. health and suicidality among LGBTIQA people is not due to 33. NUS Queer Office Bearers encourage local queer collectives sexuality, sex or gender identity in and of themselves but and student unions to have an open dialogue about mental rather due to discrimination, exclusion and institutionalised health, wellbeing and suicide prevention, to help break prejudice as key determinants of health. down the stigma of mental health. 40. That NUS acknowledges and pays respect to all of the LGBTIQA youth that self harmed and/or killed themselves as a result of educational institutionalised discrimination. Moved: Dean Mattar (UTS) 41. That NUS supports additional material, information and Seconded: Isaac Foster (National Queer Officer) support to be distributed to queer collectives, especially regional and remote campuses, pertaining information and support specifically targeting mental health, wellbeing and

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8.03 Queer Sexworkers This is despite evidence that safer sex amongst Australian sex workers (including trans sex workers) is very high. Experiences of stigma and discrimination are compounded Preamble: by state and territory laws that criminalise sex work, which are often used to further target and marginalise trans sex 8. Human rights for LGBTIQA sex workers are not well respected or workers and put their safety at risk. protected in Australia, where laws are determined by State and Territory Governments. Sex workers as a community experience structural and discriminatory barriers when Platform: accessing services and this is compounded for LGBTIQA sex workers, who face multiple and intersecting stigmas. 9. New South Wales and South Australia are the only states where Decriminalisation of sex work, training for health and sex worker organisations are resourced to provide government and funding for peer services are necessary to information specifically about trans sex worker. protect the human rights of our communities. 10. That NUS Acknowledges the specific prejudice and 9. Stereotypes of sex work as a heterosexual cisgender female discrimination that queer sex workers face on a daily basis. profession act to marginalise and silence the voices of 11. That NUS Acknowledges the hardship of LGBTIQA Sexworker LGBTIQA sex workers. Public perceptions of sex work as only students face due to the lack of resources often provided a cisgender ‘women’s issue’ have created barriers to within university structures. LGBTIQA sex workers accessing health and support services 10. Trans and gender diverse sex workers experience double discrimination when dealing with health providers, the legal Action: system, media, employment and government, based on 16. NUS will lobby for legal and administrative frameworks both sex work and trans status. This affects whether it is which do not discriminate against sex workers. safe for them to disclose their sex work experience, which in 17. NUS will challenge any government at any time when and turn affects the quality of service they receive. where it implements legislation, regulations, rules, policies 11. Trans and gender diverse sex workers experience stigma or law enforcement practices which are discriminatory and whorephobia from the larger Queer community, who and/or repressive to the rights and autonomy of sex presume that high rates of STIs/HIV are due to sex work. workers.

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18. NUS will strive to eradicate sex worker stereotypes and stigmatisation in the popular consciousness and to Platform: communicate the diversity of ideas, opinions and aspirations of past and present sex workers. 13. NUS is committed to developing documentation outlining 19. NUS Queer Office Bearers will gather and disseminate sex federal and state-based legislation that impacts students industry related information to Queer collectives and medical and legal capacities within their education. Student Unions 14. That NUS acknowledges the lack of cultural and disability 20. NUS Queer Office Bearers will gather and disseminate sensitivity information within Queer Collectives throughout specifically trans and gender diverse, sex industry related Australia. information to Queer collectives and Student Unions 15. That NUS upholds and acknowledges that university management have failed students with diverse backgrounds in these areas, and demands that university management Moved: Dean Mattar (UTS Delegate) provide an adequate quality education for all. Seconded: Ness Paterson (TUU Delegate) Action: 8.04 Essential Resources 7. NUS Queer Office Bearers will liaise and work with campus queer Preamble: officers and queer collectives and local student unions to compile a queer resource document focusing on state and 16. There is a substantial lack of cultural awareness, disability federal legislation, regarding LGBTIQA: essential, gender diverse, intersex and transgender legal rights and services resources supplied for LGBTIQA students in Australia. There accessible medical services is no existing collection or network of queer-friendly support groups, networks and specifically culturally resources. diverse networks 17. There is a substantial lack of information available to disability sensitivity services transgender and gender diverse students, focusing on 8. NUS Queer Office Bearers will publish and make readily available accessible and safe healthcare services, that are current-to- resources sourced on the NUS website. date and inclusive of federal and state-based information about medical, legal, and other key aspects of transition.

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Moved: Dean Mattar (UTS Delegate) work towards ensuring adequate support of LGBTIQA Seconded: Isaac Foster (National Queer Officer) students.

8.05 Representation for Queer Students Action:

9. NUS will pressure affiliate organisations to provide equal and Preamble: autonomous representation of LGBTIQA students within their structure. 14. LGBTIQA students face many issues in their lives due their 10. NUS Queer Office Bearers will assist affiliate student sexuality and/or gender identity, with harassment and organisations in creating queer representatives with discrimination not uncommon on campus. structural and financial parity to other autonomous group 15. It is therefore vital to ensure representation within student represented in their organisation. associations and unions, such as queer officers, collectives and departments, to ensure that the student movement is readily able to tackle the issues faced by queer students. Moved: Dean Mattar (UTS) Seconded: Millicent Austin-Andrews (UMSU) 16. However some NUS affiliate organisations are still either without LGBTIQA representation in their structures or do 8.06 Privacy & Confidentiality of Queer Spaces not provide adequate and equal representation for this autonomous group. Preamble:

Platform: 12. Safe and discreet access to university safe spaces is of key importance for LGBTIQA individuals, particularly in order to 10. NUS recognizes the importance of representation of protect them from being outed. The privacy and oppressed minorities and the need to tackle issues faced by confidentiality of safe spaces has been regularly breached at these groups through autonomous organising. universities across the country including the University of 11. NUS acknowledges the financial and structural constraints Technology Sydney, University of Newcastle and Western faced by affiliate organisations but reaffirms the need to

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Sydney University. 5. NUS calls on student unions to lobby or commit direct action with 13. An example of queer collective responses to these privacy university management to ensure queer safe spaces are breaches is as follows: "I'd say […] that queer spaces are located in areas that are accessible, but discreet so as to very fragile. Universities need to more than have a policy on protect the identities of the individuals who use them. LGBTQIA students. Queer communities need to be properly 6. NUS Queer Office Bearers will work with queer collectives to fostered and made aware of. If a queer space isn't used it ensure accessibility for new students remains a priority gets used by straight people and if it is used [by non- when establishing protective measures such as swipe-cards LGBTIQA-identifying individuals] it gets trashed and and PIN access codes. vandalised. [That has led] our collective to make several of the spaces across our campuses to have swipe card access; this has stopped the vandalism but made the spaces less Moved: Dean Mattar (UTS Delegate) accessible to newbies." (Cited: Stephen Brown, WSU) Seconded: Isaac Foster (National Queer Officer)

8.07 Queer-friendly Standards for University-provided Health Platform: Services and Counselling

8. That NUS acknowledges the importance of maintaining queer Preamble: spaces as safe spaces for queer individuals, free of politicking and petitioning. 10. Only four out of 41 universities have reference to intersex 9. That NUS recognises the need for queer spaces to be both status despite this being part of the Sex Discrimination Act. accessible and confidential so as to properly protect Only one in 10 universities’ equal opportunity policies fully individuals in the space, as well as entering and exiting the reflect legally binding anti-discrimination legislation when it space. comes to protecting LGBTIQA students (Australian LGBTI University Guide, 2014). Action: 11. No university provided sufficient specific career advice or adequate sexual health information for gay and bisexual 4. NUS Queer Office Bearers will work with queer collectives and men despite them being a ‘key group at risk’ (Australian student unions to ensure queer spaces remain private LGBTI University Guide, 2014). spaces for LGBTIQA individuals. 12. Reports have been filed to various student unions regarding

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incidences of victim-blaming and transphobia by counsellors Seconded: Millicent Austin-Andrews (UMSU) during counselling sessions. 13. University counselling services, as free and accessible 8.08 Sexuality, Sexual health & disabilities services, ought to be at a sufficient standard for LGBTIQA individuals to feel safe in making use of them. Preamble

7. Sex, sexuality and disability tends to be a taboo area for many Platform: abled bodied and neurotypical persons. Sexuality and disability refers to the sexual behavior and practices of 10. NUS believes that psychological counselling, health clinics people with a disability. Often over-looked, not discussed, and equity of access programs are integral student services resulting in a substantial lack of information provided to required for the wellbeing of students. queer and questioning students with disabilities. 11. NUS recognises the specific requirements of LGBTIQA 8. Physical disabilities such as a spinal cord injury may change the individuals and supports the implementation of methods to sexual functioning of a person. However, the individual may improve services for them. enjoy sex with the help of sex toys and physical aids (such as bed modifications), by finding suitable sex positions, or through the services provided by a qualified sex worker. Action: 9. Sexuality is a key part of human development. Students with intellectual disabilities experience the same range of sexual 8. NUS Queer Office Bearers will commit to campaigns for the thoughts, attitudes, feelings, desires, fantasies and activities implementation of queer-friendly standards for training of as anyone else. To understand and enjoy sexuality, counselling and medical staff. everyone needs adequate information and support. 9. NUS calls for the restructuring of medical degrees to include information about queer health and sexuality so as to Platform properly equip future medical practitioners to assist LGBTIQA students. 2. NUS Acknowledges the lack of resources university management provides to students with diverse sexualities and gender identities who also identify with having a or multiple Moved: Dean Mattar (UTS) disabilities

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3. NUS recognizes the specific requirements of LGBTIQA people with disabilities and encourages the implementation of 8.09 Adam with Steve and Anna with Eve methods to improve services for them. Preamble: Action: 5. LGBTIQA persons are a minority community that on average 8. The NUS National Queer Officers will endeavour to work with the suffer worse physical and mental wellbeing that persons NUS National Disability Officer to encourage student unions, who do not identify within that community Queer Collectives, and Networks to start an open dialogue 6. Persons within the LGBTIQA community are 2.46 times more about how to make their spaces more inclusive for people likely to attempt suicide and are 1.5 times more likely to with disabilities. suffer depression anxiety disorders and/or substance abuse 9. The NUS National Queer officers will contact Queer Collectives and/or dependence. and Student unions and request to work with local Queer 7. The health and safety disadvantages may be attributed to the and Disability Officers to assess the accessibility of Queer phenomenon known as ‘minority stress’, which LGBTIQA Spaces for Queer Students who identify with having a persons experience in their struggle for validation and social disability. acceptance. 10. The NUS National Queer Officer, working with the NUS 8. 72% of Australians and 81% of young Australians support National Disability Officer will formulate a document, to marriage equality. There is majority support in every distribute to student unions, that provides information demographic including people of faith, older Australians and addressing sexuality, consent, and gender identity people in rural and regional areas. If this were on any other specifically targeted for people with disabilities. issues with this amount of support, the legislation change would have been passed with efficiency and effectively.

Platform: Mover: Dean Mattar (UTS Delegate) Seconder: Isaac Foster (National Queer Officer) 9. NUS acknowledges that marriage equality is important to the mental and physical well being of members of the LGBTIQA community. 10. NUS supports the elimination of legislative discrimination of

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individuals and communities based on sex, gender identity http://www.australianmarriageequality.org/crosby-textor-same- and/or sexuality. sex-marriage-research-2014/ 11. NUS acknowledges that the LGBTIQA Australians are more likely to experience below-average health outcomes due to http://media.amsa.org.au/policy/2012/201203_marriage_equity_a prejudice and discrimination under the law nd_health_policy.pdf 12. NUS acknowledges that newly-identifying and younger http://www.australianmarriageequality.org/12-reasons-why- LGBTIQA members have higher rates of alcohol/drug abuse, marriage-equality-matters/ anxiety, depression and suicide ideation. These high rates have a direct link to discrimination under the law. http://www.australianmarriageequality.org/wp- content/uploads/2011/08/AME-fact-health.pdf Action http://www.australianmarriageequality.org/wp- 9. States play a vital role in marriage equality. NUS Queer Office content/uploads/2012/10/Roadmap-to-Reform.pdf Bearers will increase involvement in campaigns for state marriage equality. This can include: working intimately with state and local advocates; Moved: Dean Mattar (UTS Delegate) encouraging cross-party collaboration. Seconded: Isaac Foster (National Queer Officer) 10. NUS Queer Office Bearers will foster strong grassroots movements to: 8.10 Everyone needs the sexual health talk. encourage the foundation of local marriage equality groups; Preamble: resource these groups to lobby politicians, promote debate and coordinate equality activities. 11. Medical professionals often make cissexist and 11. The NUS President will make a public statement on the heteronormative assumptions about your sexuality, who National Union of Students’ position on marriage equality you’ve slept with or what you are at risk for.

and actively lobby governments. 12. Medical students have limited training in LGBTIQA health. 13. There is limited information in queer women’s specific sexual health needs, including: Links: need for information about transmission and prevention

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of STIs between women; available to all regardless of sex, gender identity and conception and contraceptive advice; sexuality.

These needs can be easily accommodated in general Action: practice. However, there are a number of barriers to general practitioners meeting these. 6. NUS Queer Office Bearers, in conjunction with the NUS Womyns Officer, place efforts in raising awareness in the need for all 13. SWASH 2014 Survey of Queer Women in Sydney Australia women to have Pap screening regularly regardless of the 20% of queer women had never had a Pap smear, and a sexuality. further 9% had their last Pap smear more than three 7. In conjunction with the NUS Womyns Officer, the NUS Queer years ago. Women who had never had sex with a man Office Bearers will actively create environments that were most likely to be overdue for screening. encourage open dialogue around queer women sexual Women who had never had sex with a man are 2.2 times behaviour and health. more likely to have never been screened (32% compared 8. The NUS Queer Department will produce materials that provide to 15% who had ever had sex with a man). STI testing information that target queer women about their Lower screening in these women may be due to a belief sexual health and risks. This must provide list of primary that lesbian women are at lower risk of cervical Rates of health care providers that build understanding of the STI testing within the sample appear steady. screenings needs of queer women and provide a safe The most commonly reported sources for obtaining environment. sexual health information were online (51%) and GPs 9. NUS Queer Office Bearers will work in conjunction with other (44%). departments and call on universities with enough resources 6. Compared to heterosexual women, lesbian and bisexual women to provide dental dams and gloves to all womn’s and queer are more likely to be discontent with the service provided spaces. by their GP. (Unpublished data, Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health) Links:

Platform: http://www.acon.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/SWASH- Report-2006-08-10-12-14.pdf 6. NUS believes that sex education and information should be

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdYOjghuM90 into extending their hours of queer spaces to 24hours spaces. http://www.glhv.org.au/files/why_lesbian_health.pdf 5. The NUS believe that not having 24hour queer spaces means that these are not real hubs for queer students, as they often

only operate 9-5. Queer student hubs are ones that don’t Moved: Dean Mattar (UTS Delegate) end at a certain time, but when queer students need the Seconded: Isaac Foster (National Queer Officer) space, that space is there for them. 6. The NUS believes that a denial of a 24hour queer space on campus can put students at more danger, and is a way of 8.11 24 hour queer spaces minimizing risk to students welfare.

Preamble Action

8. Universities and student unions are often places where students 4. The NUS queer officers will collaborate with on campus queer can feel safe and secure. Often universities have queer office bearers to move the university and student unions on spaces for queer identifying or questioning people. 24hour queer spaces. 9. However, a lot of these spaces are no 24hour and only operate 5. The national office bearer will work to engage with universities during the buildings hours. and student unions. 10. Young queer people are among the highest to experience 6. The national officer bearer will do comprehensive research on homelessness due to be kicking out of home or running current 24hour spaces as a way of supporting queer away. collectives and their calls to universities and student unions. 11. Queer spaces can be a space for queer students if they need 7. NUS will have a stance on this issue through engagement with somewhere to go if they have nowhere else to go due to the queer collectives, petitioning, actions and engage homelessness or the discrimination they might face. external queer community groups to rally the university and student unions. Platform Mover: Isaac Foster (National Queer Officer) Seconder: Millicent Austin-Andrews (University of Melbourne) 4. The NUS calls universities and student unions to proactively look

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8.12 Endorsing Healthy Queer Spaces and political dialogue happen in queer student institutions to build campaigns and further the NUS queer movement. Preamble

1. Political Dialogue of queer spaces, collectives and student unions is sometimes silenced as many see such institutions as Action service providing as opposed to activist. 1. National Queer officers will endorse and promote Queer 2. Not allowing the freedom of political dialogue and student institutions to take part and participate in NUS queer conversation in queer space stifles the obstacles needed to campaigns overcome heteronormative and queerphobic practices, as well as destabilising the unity of the diverse queer activism movement 2. National queer officer will run workshops about how to run queer student institutions that balance both a social and political 3. Pride clubs, queer collectives and queer officers that see their agenda. role as ‘apolitical’ is damaging to the queer movement, and counterproductive to making queer students lives happier and safer. Mover: Dean Mattar (UTS) Seconder: Isaac Foster (National Queer Officer) 4. Queer Students who choose to take part in political dialogue can sometimes be shunned by such groups. 8.13 Queer Students Education survey

Preamble Platform 1. There is limited data on Australian queer students experiences 1. NUS recognises that it is possible and vital that queer student in university and how well they feel they’re being represented by institutions extend their roles to being taking part both social and their student unions. political activities that benefit the queer movement. 2. More data is needed for National and state queer officers for 2. NUS promote healthy political dialogue and discussion to campaigns to logically sound and presentable to a wider and more

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diverse audience. iv) Queer students enjoyment of social spaces on campus

3. There is limited information on many education topics such as v) Queer students wellbeing and safety how to fee deregulation and HECs specifically affects queer students as well as queer students relationship and wellbeing with their university. 2. The National Queer officer will distribute the survey through 4. Given the diverse nature of the queer community, it is almost all queer officers and relevant queer collectives across the country. impossible for National Queer officers to understand and be 3. The National Queer officer will use this data to outline future knowledgeable about how education intersects with the queer campaigns that will help both the education and queer student community. movement. Platform Moved: Isaac Foster (National Queer Officer) 1. NUS recognises that more data needs to found to help guide Seconded: Millicent Austin-Andrews (UMSU) the future of the queer student movement

2. NUS recognises that there is limited information regarding 8.14 Inclusion of Queer Student Networks in NUS events queer students and their experiences in the education system. Preamble. Action 1. Queer Student Networks are often detached from larger NUS 1. National Queer Officers will conduct a survey that addresses campaigns despite being students who are a part of the education untouched education related queer issues including but not limited movement. to: 2. Queer networks with high density of students that sometimes i) How HECs and Fee deregulation affects queer students operate outside of university borders include VQSN, AQSN and minus18. ii) Relationships with Staff and fellow students 3. Queer Student Networks often don’t have the budgets to iii) Queer students representation in student unions

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create the same scale of events or campaigns to the same capacity Seconded: Isaac Foster (National Queer Officer) NUS has.

4. Queer Student Networks are an untapped resource of student 8.15 Women’s issues are Queer issues: representation in activist who have the ideas and power to strengthen NUS and its autonomous departments and offices reach.

Platform Preamble:

1. NUS acknowledges the quality activism that queer collectives 1. Queer women –identifying students experience sexism and and network have, and how it could be of use to the NUS queer misogyny in conjunction with queerphobia. As well as combating movement. issues such as gendered violence and street harassment, queer women-identifying people face challenges unique to them. This 2. NUS recognises the need to include queer collectives in both includes things such as erasure of indentity and sexualisation and the creation and participation of NUS activist events. objectification.

Action 2. Misogyny is still rampant within the queer community, taking many forms. This can be seen in outward examples of misogyny, for 1. The National Queer officer will liaise with queer networks and example, sexist language and slurs, and in queer spaces which organisations to promote large scale NUS events including but not purposely exclude women. It is also visible in more subtle forms, limited to, National Days of Action, Education conference and such as the dominance of queer activist spaces by cisgendered National Conference. men. Often, queer women and women-identifying people, as well 2. The national Queer officer will hold a forum for queer student as facing misogyny in these spaces, are spoken over in these networks to gain information as to how NUS can better include the spaces, and face significant barriers to achieving positions of voice of queer student networks. leadership and power.

3. When queer activist spaces do not properly listen to, include Moved: Dean Mattar (UTS) and support women-identifying people, issues that are important and crucial to them are not aired. An example of this is the

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overwhelming focus on marriage equality, while murder rates of 1. The NUS Queer Department will lobby affiliate organisations trans women are still staggeringly high. and campus Queer Officers, clubs and collectives to implement policies ensuring that at least 50 per cent of leadership and 4. While queer officers, collectives, clubs and spaces at executive positions within these groups consists of students who do universities often do great work for the queer community, many do not identify as cisgender men. This includes Queer Officer positions not have strategies and policies ensuring that women-identifying or similar. people are adequately represented in their executives and leadership, culminating in the dominance of these spaces by cis 2. The NUS Queer Department will examine structures and men. processes within NUS to ensure that the organisation is supportive and inclusive of queer women-identifying students. 5. The equal representation of women-identifying and/or non- binary people in queer officer positions or similar at universities is 3. The NUS Queer Department will liaise with and support vital to ensuring that these departments are inclusive and truly Queer Officers, collectives and clubs in affiliate organisations to representative. ensure that these departments and spaces are run in an inclusive manner. Platform:

1. NUS recognises that queer women-identifying students face Moved: Millicent Austin-Andrews (Melbourne University) unique issues, but are not always adequately represented in queer Seconded: Stephanie Morgan (Deakin University) spaces and activism.

2. NUS recognises the importance of equal representation and 8.16 Accessible and inclusive Queer departments and spaces opportunity for women-identifying students within queer activist spaces, ensuring that their voices can be heard. Preamble:

3. NUS condemns misogyny and sexism within queer spaces, a 1. Queer students from disadvantaged groups, for example, practice which excludes, harms and silences women-identifying students of colour, trans students, women and students with people. disabilities, face unique issues and obstacles as well as and combined with queerphobia. Queer students who identify with Action:

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these groups can often be vulnerable, due to experiencing many campaigns and activities remain inclusive of queer people from intersecting types of prejudice and discrimination. other disadvantaged groups.

2. However, forms of discrimination against disadvantaged 2. The NUS Queer Department will work with campus queer groups are still present within the queer community. When these officers and groups to encourage similar relationships and manifest, at best they may make queer spaces, groups and activism dialogues on a campus level. feel inaccessible or alienating, and at worst, unsafe.

3. It is important that queer students from disadvantaged Moved: Millicent Austin-Andrews (Melbourne University) groups are properly supported and do not experience Seconded: Stephanie Morgan (Deakin University) discrimination within queer spaces and groups. Ensuring that campus and national queer spaces, groups and activism is inclusive 8.17 Further queer support in regional Universities and free from discrimination is crucial to supporting these students. Preamble: Platform: 1. Regional universities and student unions often lack representation and support services for queer identifying 1. NUS recognises the different intersections of prejudice and students. This lack of support driven by a shortage of discrimination queer students from several disadvantaged groups advocacy and proper representation in regional areas is experience. many times a result of union funding shortages for regional 2. NUS condemns racism, misogyny, ableism, transphobia and campuses. These services are vital for queer students living other discrimination in queer spaces and commits to inclusivity and in regional locations and are heightened by the increased accessibility for those spaces. mental health risk associated with rural and regional areas.

Action: Platform:

1. The NUS Queer Department will commit to fostering good 1. NUS understand the vital need for programs and support relationships and a culture of communication between services aimed at queer identifying students in rural regions autonomous departments. A continued dialogue between departments will be used to ensure that NUS Queer Department

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and recognize the high mental health risk associated with queer young people in regional areas. 8.19 Supporting Queer Futures.

2. NUS acknowledge the clear difference in funding and Preamble: facilities for metropolitan campuses over regional campuses 1. Most Universities and VE affiliated student union’s within NUS and recognize the negative affect this has on providing through Australia support students from disadvantaged adequate social and health services for students. backgrounds through bursaries and scholarships, and most scholarship offerings cover oppressed groups as recognised by the 3. NUS agree that adequate funding opportunities must be National Union. provided to regional student unions and universities to 2. There is currently only two University’s and VE affiliated student properly address issues surrounding queer health and unions within NUS in Australia that fund or has implemented a services. Queer Scholarships in their scholarship offering. 3. Queer students face significant pressures when making the Action: transition to University and VE affiliated student union with NUS 1. NUS will lobby affiliate universities to ensure all regional and face particularly stressful situations at the same time. Many campuses maintain a strong, affective and adequately young individuals due to this are prevented from relocating or funded program for queer students studying in regional or finalising their transition from one educational institute to another. rural campuses in addition to metropolitan campuses. 4. To lower the barriers and reduce the financial access issues towards education that queer individuals face, Universities and VE 2. NUS will encourage and promote affiliate student unions to affiliated student union’s within NUS should firstly provide financial appoint queer representatives across rural campuses and as well as different support for queer identifying students. ensure that opportunities are available for regional 5. Low-SES individuals and those from disadvantaged backgrounds campuses to access similar services and funding available to typically outperform their ATAR rank at University, compared to metropolitan campuses for queer services. those from well-off upbringings.

Moved: Nathan Croft (La Trobe Student Union) Platform: Seconded: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) 1. NUS understands the hardships that queer individual’s face, and encourages the introduction of queer scholarships nationwide

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throughout all universities and VE affiliated student union’s within NUS. Moved: 2. NUS supports scholarships that assist queer-identifying Seconded: individuals who may experience challenges in relocating from rural areas which increases difficulties for essentials such as funding for 8.20 I’m Not Weird, I’m Not Queer – I’m Sex, Gender or their education. Sexuality Diverse 3. NUS acknowledges this as a major gap in the scholarship offerings of Australia for queer identifying students in university Preamble and VE affiliated student union’s within NUS. 1. The term “queer” is used as an umbrella term to refer to the LGBTIQA+ community. Action: 1. NUS directs the National Queer Officers to coordinate with all 2. The term “queer” originated as a pejorative to describe campuses and to advise office-bearers on how to advocate for the people with same-sex attracted tendencies in the early creation of new queer-based scholarships as well as to strengthen twentieth century. It was not until the later part of the current scholarships century that it was reclaimed by the gay liberation 2. NUS directs the National Queer Officers to communicate with movement as an umbrella term to describe same-sex the administration authorities to establish new principles and attracted individuals. probable reforms to the SEAS 3. NUS directs the National Queer Officers to develop a guide for 3. The term “queer” is rooted in a particular context in the best practice of various scholarship offerings, including criteria Western (particularly Anglophone) liberation struggles that for eligibility, and to provide them to all campus queer officers. are not necessarily applicable or relevant to all people who 4. NUS directs the National Queer Officers to seek information from identify as sex, gender, or sexuality diverse. Queer Youth organisations to assist in the logistics, publication, and modification of the best practice guide. 4. “Queer” is not a well-defined umbrella term, and has generally come to stand in for “LGBTIQA+” through different 5. NUS encourages campus queers officers to liaise with campus iterations and additions to the aforementioned acronym. education officers and lobby university administration on behalf of NUS to implement them.

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5. Many other acronyms are used to refer to sex, gender or confusion, and avoid the use of the alphabet soup of sexuality diverse people, such as SSAIGD, GLBTI+ etc. acronyms when referring to sex, gender and/or sexuality based identities 6. When engaging with numerous university bodies, the media, or other organisations the use of the term “queer” Action confuses many, particularly those unaware of the gay 1. NUS encourages all affiliate organisations to move to the liberation movement or the history of the term term Sex, Gender, Sexuality Diverse (SGSD) in 2016

7. The term “queer” whilst designed to be all encompassing 2. The National Queer Officer and National General to include all sexualities (except heterosexual), it does not Secretary will oversee constitutional amendments to bring speak to the diversity of identities itself to National Conference in 2016 to change the position of “National Queer Officer” to the “National Sex, Gender, Platform Sexuality Diverse Officer” 1. NUS recognizes that inclusivity is essential to building and maintaining a strong and relevant union. 3. The National Queer Officer will conduct a survey in 2016 to determine whether Sex, Gender, Sexuality Diverse (SGSD) 2. NUS acknowledges the history and struggle of the LGBT is the best term to use. This survey will not just be restricted rights movement both in Australia and abroad. to members of Queer Collectives, but will encourage Sex, Gender, Sexuality Diverse (SGSD) students outside of these 3. NUS understands that to many students who are Sex, collectives to take part. Gender, Sexuality Diverse (SGSD) or otherwise within the LGBTIQA+ community, the use of “queer” as an umbrella 4. If this survey is not launched by July 2016 any National term is outdated, confusing, and uncomfortable for a Office Bearer that identifies as being “Sex, Gender, Sexuality multiplicity of reasons. Diverse (SGSD)” will be able to take on this responsibility.

4. NUS believes that student organisations and NUS itself 5. NUS will encourage all affiliate organisations to promote should move to use the term “Sex, Gender, Sexuality the term Sex, Gender, Sexuality Diverse (SGSD) for their Diverse (SGSD)” to acknowledge diversity and erode positions and collectives.

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consists of tenfovir and emtricitabine, and is often known by the name it is sold under, Truvada. Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 4. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (‘TGA’) has approved Seconded: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) the use of Truvada in Australia as HIV treatment and post- exposure prophylaxis (‘PEP’) for many years. It is a safe drug which has not been shown to have long term side effects 8.21 NUS Supports PrEP and the World Health Organisation ‘strongly recommends’ that MSM consider using PrEP as part of preventing HIV Preamble infection. 1. The AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and early 1990s is all but 5. The $800 per month price of Truvada is subsidized by the forgotten by many, but HIV is still an ongoing concern for some PBS if it is prescribed for treatment of PEP, with the NSW communities. In 2014, there were over 1000 new cases of HIV Government finalizing plans to absorb the co-payment from diagnosed in Australia. 70% of these new cases were diagnosed in 1 October this year. However, the TGA has not approved men who have sex with men (‘MSM’). The Kirby Institute has Truvada for PrEP in Australia and the cost is not covered by estimated that some 17% of gay men have HIV. the PBS. 2. The HIV crisis can only be solved through a multi-modal 6. Access to PrEP is available through clinical trials, however approach. Key components in the fight to reduce HIV increasing numbers of gay Australian men are purchasing transmission include encouraging condom use, appropriate the drug from overseas. and Sex, Gender and Sexually Diverse (SGSD) inclusive 7. PrEP works. In Australian clinical trials, not a single person sexual education in schools and the community, who took PrEP over 50% of the time contracted HIV. The encouraging testing and effective treatment of people who risk of HIV transmission is drastically reduced amongst have contracted HIV. people who use PrEP even at lower than recommended 3. A more recent initative in HIV reduction campaigns is pre- levels. exposure prophylaxis (‘PrEP’). PrEP involves at-risk HIV- Platform negative individuals taking a daily course of HIV treatment medication in order to prevent them from contracting HIV. 1. NUS recognizes the success of PrEP trials in Australia and The drug regimen most commonly used for this purpose abroad, and further recognizes that PrEP is an essential part of any strategy to reduce HIV transmission.

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2. NUS supports the approval of PrEP by the TGA and its listing 1. NUS believes every person is unique, important and worthy of on the PBS, and recognizes that this is the best way to love. ensure the equitable access to the drug for those who need it, particularly students who might experience sexual 2. NUS believes nobody to be subject to bullying, belittlement or encounters with a high risk of HIV transmission. invalidation on the basis of the gender, sex or sexuality. 3. NUS believes that a future without HIV is possible when initiatives like PrEP are supported and available to all. 3. NUS believes in a world where every young person can thrive, irrelevant of their gender, sex or sexuality. Action Action 1. Both the National Queer Officers and Welfare Officer will 1. The National Queer Officer will run an event for Where it Purple build a campaign to promote sexual health in universities, Day and promote it among their networks particularly safe sex practices, and the availability of PEP and PrEP. 2. The National Queer Officers will campaign for the Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) introduction of PrEP on the PBS Seconded: Nathan Croft (La Trobe University)

Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) Seconded: Divina Blanca (University of Technology Sydney) 8.23 Ending Queer Youth Homelessness

8.22 Where it Purple Day Preamble: 1. Queer youth face disproportionately high levels of Preamble homelessness. 1. Where it Purple Day is an event run by the youth organisation 2. Homelessness, housing stress and crisis living situations “Where it Purple” run by students to promote issues concerning exacerbate the disproportionately high levels of suicide, young people who are sex, gender or sexually diverse attempted suicide and mental health issues faced by queer youth. Platform

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3. The effects of homelessness, housing stress and crisis living campaign will involve resources/support in the form of a situations are further exacerbated for trans people, who can website, posters and flyers, a Centrelink Zine for queer face enormous barriers to accessing support services such students and petitions for crisis accommodation at as women’s-only shelters and services operated by campuses without these services. prejudicial organisations. Platform: 4. Across the country, university queer spaces and collectives 1. NUS believes that everyone deserves a home. have been relied on for housing, temporary accommodation 2. NUS strongly condemns the overrepresentation of and crisis support because many queer students have no disadvantaged groups in homelessness populations, many knowledge of, or accessibility around, other services. of whom are students or else precluded from the 5. Many students using queer spaces for crisis accommodation opportunity to study. have been forced to do so in secrecy due to the stigma of 3. NUS supports the campaigns launched this year by AQSN, homelessness and poverty that pervades society, including the Trans Housing Network, Couchsurfing Australia and queer spaces, and for the fear of being expelled from the Safer Homes in combatting queer youth homelessness. space if discovered. 4. NUS supports the work of student unions and non- 6. Many queer representatives have no knowledge, experience government organisations in the community that continue or training when it comes to supporting these students in to provide homes and support for queer youth in need. need. 7. Little to no queer homelessness resources or services are Action: available on campuses and/or communities across Australia; 1. NUS will support the Ending Queer Youth Homelessness many organisations that do campaign on issues of queer campaign to be launched by AQSN. youth homelessness are limited in operation to major cities 2. NUS will proactively provide guidance to campus queer and face significant barriers to funding and resources that representatives and student unions in supporting queer and would improve and expand their initiatives. disadvantaged students experiencing homelessness/crisis 8. In 2015, the Australian Queer Student Network (AQSN) living. began work on its Ending Queer Youth Homelessness 3. NUS will campaign strongly for crisis accommodation and campaign to be launched in Semester 1, 2016. This support services on all campuses.

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4. NUS will campaign strongly against cuts and changes to 4. Campaigns for marriage equality have sometimes fallen welfare that will further disadvantage queer youth and short of supporting trans and non-monogamous people in exacerbate the effects of homelessness. their demands; this is despite people from these groups 5. NUS will specifically organise and/or support queer student often leading the charge for queer rights, including marriage contingents at actions opposing attacks on student and equality. youth welfare.

Moved: Dylan Lloyd (NSW State Queer Officer / Arc@UNSW). Platform: Seconded: Mali Rea (Monash Students’ Association). 1. NUS condemns the stalling tactics used by governments to continue the discriminatory deprivation of queer people from basic human rights. 8.24 Marriage Equality 2. In the event of a plebiscite on marriage equality, NUS strongly supports the campaign to legalise marriage equality Preamble: in Australia.

1. Successive governments have upheld discrimination against 3. NUS opposes any definition of marriage equality that forces queer people in Australia’s laws. trans people to divorce their partners or otherwise

2. The inability for many queer people to marry and/or adopt continues to discriminate against trans people at the children is used as a justification for queerphobia and expense of a win for same-sex cis couples. bigotry in society. This perpetuates the systematic 4. NUS strongly supports a definition of marriage equality that overrepresentation of queer homelessness, suicide, is inclusive of polyamorous and non-monogamous attempted suicide and mental health issues. partnerships. 3. The proposed plebiscite on marriage equality has the potential to harm queer people, especially queer youth and students who may otherwise have no support networks; at Action: the same time, it has the potential to mobilise and 1. NUS will campaign for the Australian Government to empower these same groups of people and end a glaring, immediately legalise marriage equality. institutionalised injustice.

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2. In the event of a plebiscite on marriage equality, NUS since played a vital role in supporting NUS Queer, creating directs the National Queer Officers to work closely with and supporting new and existing campaigns by queer campus queer representatives, state/territory queer students and collectives across the country. student networks, the Australian Queer Student Network 4. Queer student networks have historically played an (AQSN) and community queer activist organisations to lead enormous role in the mobilisation of queer students, from the campaign for marriage equality. queer engagement with NUS campaigns; to networking 3. NUS will ensure that high school students, TAFE students among queer activists and students; to subsidising and apprentices are included and targeted in its marriage disadvantaged students to attend Queer Collaborations equality campaigns. conferences and political actions across the country; to initiating powerful campaigns for queer rights; to simply

providing a network for queer students to learn, share and Moved: Dylan Lloyd (NSW State Queer Officer / Arc@UNSW). Seconded: Mali Rea (Monash Students’ Association). empower. 5. Policy was passed at NUS NatCon 2014 to support queer 8.25 Support for Queer Student Networks student networks; but since then, several state and territory-based networks have floundered. Preamble: Platform: 1. Before the dark days of VSU, NUS state departments were 1. NUS supports the empowerment of students through provided with sizable budgets and paid representatives to autonomous networks. organise state and territory cross-campus queer student 2. NUS believes in solidarity between grassroots student networks. campaigns and the national union. 2. Cross-campus queer organising since VSU has been largely 3. NUS acknowledges the proud history queer student contingent on the generosity and capacity of student unions networks have played in supporting and establishing and queer collectives to donate time and money to queer campaigns for queer rights and struggles in solidarity with student networks across the country. other groups. 3. The Australian Queer Student Network (AQSN) was established to expand queer campaigns nationally and has Action:

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1. NUS directs the National Queer Officers to work with 3. The Australian Government continues to use invasive, campus queer representatives and AQSN to establish baseless and prejudicial “tests” to determine the legitimacy and/or support strong queer student networks in 2016. of asylum claims made by queer refugees. 2. NUS encourages the National Queer Officers to attend 4. The Australian Government’s recently-enacted online AQSN meetings and to build a strong relationship criminalisation of whistleblowing and the communication of with AQSN and state/territory-based queer student abuse within its detention centres have left queer refugees networks in order to mutually empower and resource queer vulnerable. student campaigns. Platform: 3. NUS will work alongside AQSN and state/territory-based 1. NUS opposes mandatory detention and offshore processing queer student networks to build a well-resourced, engaging for refugees, many of whom will otherwise be precluded and activist queer student movement into the future. from the chance to study or receive a basic education. Moved: Dylan Lloyd (NSW State Queer Officer / Arc@UNSW). 2. NUS denounces the imprisonment and deportation of queer Seconded: Mali Rea (Monash Students’ Association). refugees to countries where their sexuality and gender identities are criminalised and/or persecuted. 8.26 Support for Queer Refugees 3. NUS condemns the queerphobic “tests” used by authorities to assess the legitimacy of asylum claims made by queer Preamble: refugees and supports the abolition of such tests in

1. Despite its complicity in creating and/or exacerbating principle. overseas conflicts, the Australian Government’s inhumane 4. NUS supports total transparency around immigration immigration policies continue to send refugees to baseless policies and especially the continued use of detention imprisonment, torture and death. centres; in doing so, NUS deplores the criminalisation of

2. The Australian Government continues to send queer whistleblowing and the communication of abuse within refugees to places where their sexuality and gender detention centres as undemocratic and inhumane. identities are criminalised and/or persecuted. Action:

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1. NUS will campaign to immediately cease the imprisonment and active means for people to voice their opposition and increase and deportation of queer refugees to places where queer support for equality, helping queer people to move from the identities are criminalised and/or persecuted. margins to the mainstream. 2. NUS will campaign to abolish the queerphobic legitimacy assessments of asylum claims made by queer refugees. 3. Recent polling shows around 70% of the Australian public 3. NUS will campaign for total transparency around Australia’s support equal marriage rights, up from 38% when the discriminatory Act was introduced in 2004, showing support is now immigration policies and especially the continued use of widespread and growing. detention centres.

4. NUS will campaign strongly for the abolition of Australia’s 4. Despite this, the two main political parties have continually mandatory detention and offshore processing policies and recommitted themselves to the unequal laws over the last 11 years. will specifically organise and/or support queer contingents The Act was adopted with bipartisan support, and neither coalition at actions encouraging the Australian Government to end nor ALP governments since then have altered the definition of these policies. marriage. The current governing coalition is still refusing to allow a conscience vote on an equal marriage bill in parliament.

Furthermore, the Turnbull government has put off a plebiscite Moved: Dylan Lloyd (NSW State Queer Officer / Arc@UNSW). (public vote) on the question until after the next elections, further Seconded: Mali Rea (Monash Students’ Association). delaying and denying equal rights.

8.27 Marriage Equality 5. The ALP has attempted in 2015 to present itself as a bastion of

equal rights, co-opting the demand for equality without taking any Preamble serious steps towards making it a reality. The ALP have been key 1. The discriminatory Marriage Amendment Act of 2004 is a key barriers to the movement for equality, voting in favour of the barrier to legal equality for LGBTI people in Australia legislation to ban same sex marriage in 2004, and confirming their

commitment to the unequal marriage act at their 2006 and 2009 2. The campaign for equal marriage rights that NUS has been national conferences. Despite making equal marriage party policy in involved in has been important in challenging legal discrimination 2011, the ALP still will not allow a binding vote on an equal and queerphobia. In particular, it has provided a public, inclusive marriage bill until 2019, allowing party members to vote against

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equality when the norm for the party is a binding vote, proving they discrimination within the party, is considered hypocritical and remain obstacles on the path to equality. insulting.

Action Platform 1. The NUS Queer department will work closely with campus queer 1. NUS reaffirms its commitment to the campaign for marriage officers and collectives to keep campuses involved in the marriage equality. equality campaign, particularly the marriage equality protests led by Equal Love and Community Action Against Homophobia. 2. NUS believes that the fight against queerphobic discrimination is broader than legal equality in marriage. However, the absence of 2. NUS will take a public stand through media releases, statements full legal equality remains a significant barrier to eliminating on the website, media interviews, public demonstrations and other queerphobic discrimination, and helps to legitimise and normalise actions, in favour of equal marriage rights. queerphobia. 3. If a plebiscite is put on marriage equality, NUS will be involved in 3. NUS believes the equal marriage campaign is important in an active campaign for a vote in favour of equal rights. galvanising support for equality, and involving people in actively agitating for their rights. 4. NUS will reach out to and work with relevant organisations involved in fighting for marriage equality. 4. NUS condemns the LNP's refusal to allow a conscience vote on an equal marriage bill, and the delay on a plebiscite. Moved: Clare Francis (Curtain Guild) 5. NUS considers the decision at the ALP national conference to Seconded: Danica Cheesly (National Queer Officer) delay adoption of a binding vote on marriage equality until 2019 an insult to the campaign and queer rights. Legal equality should never 8.28 Queer refugees have been denied as it was 11 years ago, it cannot be denied any longer. Attempts by the ALP to present as a bastion for LGBTI Preamble rights, whilst simultaneously adopting a conscious vote to allow for 1. The Australian government has continued its commitment to the deplorable practices of mandatory detention, offshore processing,

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and boat turn backs. More than 3,000 refugees remain in relevance of refugee rights as an issue that affects queer people. detention. This includes many queer refugees, some fleeing from 2. The NUS queer department will continue to promote protests for queerphobic violence and governments. refugee rights.

2. Refugees are detained indefinitely on Nauru, a country which criminalises homosexuality. Moved: Danica Cheesly (National Queer Officer) Seconded: Clare Francis (Curtain Guild) 3. The review tribunal which assesses the claims of asylum seekers fleeing from danger engages in a queerphobic screening process, assessing who is a 'genuine' queer person. This involves an 8.29 NUS Supports Transgender Students interview asking asylum seekers if they conform to a number of stereotypes. Preamble:

4. These practices continue despite the 'progressive' rhetoric of 1. The student movement must make more space for Turnbull, who claim to support the rights of queer people. transgender people to help achieve gender equality.

2. Transgender people face higher rates of social, economic Platform 1. NUS is opposed to the practice of mandatory detention and and political discrimination due to structural disadvantage. deporting asylum seekers to danger. 3. The student movement has yet to directly empower transgender people into leadership positions, which are 2. NUS opposes government policies that discriminate on the basis often out of reach due to disadvantage. of sexual identity. 4. This policy aims to begin to have NUS as a flagship

organisation for transgender rights. 3. NUS condemns the hypocrisy of the Turnbull government on these issues. Definitions Action 1. The NUS queer department will strive to raise awareness of the

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Transgender: does not identify with the gender coercively assigned 3. NUS believes transgender people, particularly trans women, at birth / as an infant. [1] [2] must be included in constructing gender equality. 4. NUS acknowledges and opposes exclusion and oppression Cisgender: identifies with the gender coercively assigned at birth / of transgender people. as an infant. [3] 5. NUS acknowledges that the gender coercively assigned at your birth does not determine your gender identity. Intersex: a person who is not typically characterised as male or 6. NUS believes that language can be constructed in a way to female due to genetic, hormonal or physical sex differences, which empower, not oppress minority groups. can be expressed in a multitude of different ways. [2] 7. NUS will act in open collaboration on the action points 1 - 12 with transgender women, particularly those of multiple, [1] http://www.transgendervictoria.com/about/definitions intersecting social disadvantages. [2] https://www.ag.gov.au/Publications/Documents/AustralianGovern Action: mentGuidelinesontheRecognitionofSexandGender/AustralianGover nmentGuidelinesontheRecognitionofSexandGender.PDF 1. The NUS investigates having an annual transgender policy [3] segment at it’s National Conference, where policy for http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_englis students who are transgender can be discussed, debated h/cisgender and put to vote. 2. The NUS looks towards finding ways to support more Platform: transgender students leadership positions with the NUS, to experience and support in representing student needs on a 1. NUS believes in gender equality. national level. 2. NUS believes transgender people are necessary in the fight 3. The NUS ensures any work towards creating transgender for gender equality. autonomous position/s is done in open collaboration with

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transgender people, particularly those of multiple, centre the needs of transgender women, who are intersecting social disadvantages. specifically disadvantaged in such spaces. 4. The NUS communicates that Australian student 10. That the NUS acknowledge, create and participate in the organisations look towards creating transgender following annual days and events: autonomous positions and spaces in their student union, to 9.1 Trans Day of Visibility (March 31st) allow access for transgender students to gain experience 9.2 IDAHOBIT (May 17th) and support in representing student needs. 9.3 International Whores Day (June 2nd) 5. The NUS upholds that in all women’s spaces, resources and 9.4 Stonewall Riots Anniversary (June 28th) positions can be accessed and held by transgender women. 9.5 National Coming Out Day (October 11th) 6. The NUS uphold that in all queer spaces, resources and 9.6 Intersex Awareness Day (October 26th) positions can be accessed and held by transgender people. 9.7 Transgender Day of Remembrance 7. The NUS uphold that collectives recognise the need for (November 20th) relevant transgender people are able to access their spaces 9.8 AIDS Awareness Day (December 1st) and positions. 11. That the NUS participates in events that further transgender 8. That NUS creates a language policy around supporting causes -particularly along intersecting oppressions such as transgender people. sex work and Intersex status- on such days referenced in 7.1 all references to umbrella terms and Queer point 9, and encourages and helps create such events across include transgender people. Australia. 7.2 all spaces based on the term, and positions 12. That the NUS looks into ways to make point 10 annually based on the term “non cisgender-male” prioritise witnessed days of action. and centre the needs of transgender women, who are specifically disadvantaged in such spaces. Moved: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (NUS National Executive) on behalf 9. That the term, spaces based on the term, and positions of Andrea Zephyr. based on the term “non cisgender-male” prioritise and Seconded: Dylan Lloyd (UNSW NUS Delegate.)

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11. The National Union of Students recognises it has a 9. Disabilities responsibility as the peak student advocacy body to advocate for the needs of student carers on and off campus 9.01 Caring for Carers and educating other students about their needs.

Preamble Action 16. Student Carers are according to the Australian Bureau 17. The National Union of Students Disability officer will Statistics are among some of the lowest scoring on national compile a list of which student unions currently advocate well being and life satisfaction statistics. for student carers through their welfare, education or 17. There are no definitive statistics on retention rates for disability departments. carers in higher education due to the failure of many 18. The National Union of Students Disability officer will engage universities to include them as a cohort of students that with affiliate unions Universities’ Disability Liaison unit to experience routine disadvantage due to their circumstances. determine whether they register or accommodate student 18. Student carers are likely to experience many of the same carers with special consideration and changes for barriers within higher education and university in general; assessments. academically, administratively and socially as students with 19. Wherever possible, the National Disability office bearer will disabilities and are subject to patchwork or sometimes no work to help form a campaign to either register student policy within universities designed to assist them. carers at their university or raise awareness ass to the difficulties students with disabilities experience at Platform university. 9. The National Union of Students recognises the disadvantage that students who voluntarily care for a family member or loved Moved: Alison Taylor (National Disabilities Officer) one undergo whilst trying to navigate university and higher Seconded: Stephanie Morgan (Deakin University) education. 10. The National Union of Students recognises that the work student carers do contributes to the quality of life and 9.02 Sexual Health Education wellbeing of those with chronic/debilitating illness or disability. Preamble

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12. Sexual Education within Primary and High School providers 14. The National Disability Officer will engage with fails to provide much useful information about sex, Welfare/Disability/Women/Queer/Disability officers within sexuality, and healthy relationships to those with non- affiliate student unions and enquire with what normative bodies or disabilities. services/information they already routinely distribute on 13. Sexual education provided by universities or student unions sexual health and relationships. also fails to deliver useful information to students with 15. The National Disability Officer will work with said student disabilities and non normative bodies about sexual health unions and their officers to make the information they and healthy relationships. distribute relevant to students with disabilities and inclusive 14. As a consequence students with disabilities and non of material that will help them or others become aware of normative bodies are often excluded from the social life and the warning signs of abuse relationships. undergraduate culture whilst also leaving them vulnerable to unsafe sexual behaviour and falling into unhealthy and/or Moved: Stephanie Morgan (Deakin University) manipulative relationships where they can become subject Seconded:Alison Taylor (National Disabilities Officer) to routine abuse.

Platform 9.03 Campaigning for Better Mental Health Services 11. The National Union of Students recognises that the failure of these and other organisations to provide adequate Preamble education to the needs of these students contributes to 10. The lack of accessible state provided or subsidised mental social norms that work to disadvantage people with health services has meant that many organisations now disabilities and a cycle of abuse that can ruin a person's offer as an auxiliary or primary service access to counselling livelihood. and psychiatric care. 12. The National Union of Students recognises that it has a duty 11. Some, but not all Universities in Australia provide free to to hold higher education providers and other student bodies access counselling and psychological services to students to account should they contribute to the marginalisation of and staff in recognition of the stresses that this transitional anyone within the staff or student bodies. part of people's lives can put people through and the lasting effect this can have to someone's health. Action 12. These services however, are not standardised and often

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aren’t tailored to recurrent issues for staff and students - a greater than the general population. reflection on the poor quality of many counselling services and a neoliberal tertiary education sector with no quality Action controls. 14. Wherever possible a National Union of Students or affiliate 13. As a consequence many student and staff members are campus office bearer will take part in any consultation subject to counselling that may not address problems and process that their University undergoes to improve their that leaves them vulnerable to abuse and self harm. Lack of mental health services and delivery on campus. sexual assault counselling, knowledge on issues facing LGBTI 15. Should there be no opportunity to engage directly with an people and disability needs being common problems affiliate campuses university management a National Union experienced by students all over the country. of Students office bearer will help student unions resource and coordinate a campaign designed to improve mental Platform health services on campus. 7. The National Union of Students recognises and commends the good work of many mental health service providers who Moved: Stephanie Morgan (Deakin University) make an effort to better tailor their work to assist students Seconded: Alison Taylor (National Disabilities Officer) and who take student feedback to heart when considering how they can better assist students in the future. 9.04 Mental Health Support Groups 8. The National Union of Students acknowledges that for many University is a period of dramatic transitional change that Preamble can leave particularly younger students just leaving high 1. Due to study pressures, financial pressures, and school vulnerable to large and significant risks to mental and physical wellbeing. greater social pressures, students are particularly 9. Further the National Union of Students acknowledges that way prone to lapsing into cycles of struggling with their many Universities operate in terms of academic and mental health. bureaucratic processes exacerbates many students and staff 2. Mental illnesses are more prevalent between the members pre existing conditions in many cases ages of 15 and 25. As such, with most university unnecessarily and contributes to the elevated risks students in particular run to having a mental illness - being 5 times

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students fitting into this age bracket, the student 3. NUS acknowledges that counselling services aimed demographic is disproportionately affected. at assisting students with mental health issues are at 3. Students will often have trouble recognising and capacity and more needs to be done to combat this. dealing with mental illness due to the level of stigma 4. NUS recognises the need for accessible, friendly, and based around it, and will often not seek help. non-discriminatory support groups for students 4. As a result, students’ mental health concerns will go seeking to deal with mental health concerns. unnoticed for too long, and will have greater impact in the long term. Action 5. Furthermore, support services meant for dealing 1. The National Disabilities Officer will work with with students’ mental health are at capacity and campus Disability and Welfare Officers to assist struggle to cope with the influx of students requiring them in setting up support groups that complement assistance. existing university mental health services. 6. Interim support may be required, considering the 2. These campus support groups are to act as an amount of time taken to get access to student information resource for best practice relating to mental health services. mental health, providing quiet study spaces, and acting as a social group that promotes inclusion and Platform support among students. 1. NUS recognizes the significant role that mental 3. On the back of previous campaigns, the National health services will play in a student’s time at Disabilities Officer should seek to assist these university. support groups in promoting mental health 2. NUS recognizes the importance of providing awareness on their campuses. counselling and psychological support services for 4. The National Disabilities Officer will encourage students with mental illness. relevant campus office bearers to undertake Mental

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Health First Aid training (provided through Lifeline abuse and dependence. PTSD sufferers require specialised and Australian Red Cross). treatment and support in order to overcome their illness. 5. The National Disabilities Officer will work with As attorney and feminist writer Jill Filipovic explains, “In the early days of feminist blogging, trigger warnings were generally about universities to ensure that they are actively working sexual assault, and posted with the understanding that lots of towards easing the congestion placed upon women are sexual assault survivors, lots of women read feminist counselling and mental health services. blogs, and graphic descriptions of rape might lead to panic attacks or other reactions that will really ruin someone's day.” Moved: Hayden Shaw (University of Canberra) Such applications of trigger warnings are valid – there are contexts, Seconed: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) particularly in working with survivors of assault and trauma, in which trigger warnings can be useful. 3. However, the idea that trigger warnings should be not only 9.05 University is Not Your Safe Space ubiquitous, but also mandatory, is wholly irresponsible and harmful to those who do suffer from PTSD. One of the most common and Preamble: effective therapies in the treatment of PTSD and other anxiety 1. A demand for course content to be sanitised and appended with disorders is exposure therapy, in which patients are exposed to “trigger warnings” has emerged on university campuses across the objects of their anxiety and/or their traumatic triggers. The world, often emanating from a small but vocal political minority. dominant paradigm within trauma therapy is one of exposure; A trigger is any stimulus that elicits traumatic memories and within the trigger warning movement it is one of avoidance. They accompanying feelings of discontent, dread, and upset, particularly are fundamentally counter-posed. While some proponents of in those suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). trigger warning usage respond to this claim by suggesting that such Despite the jocular, disparaging manner in which triggers and the warnings allow for controlled exposure, this is demonstrably not state of “being triggered” are treated in the contemporary debate, the case. The trigger warning movement encourages avoidance at the concept of traumatic triggers is well-established in the field of all costs, undermining the ability of trauma victims to process their trauma psychology. experiences and emotions in a meaningful and beneficial way. 2. PTSD is a terrible disorder that is often comorbid with other Moreover, as traumatic triggers are specific to traumatic disorders, psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder and alcohol the trigger warning movement is involved in an outrageous appropriation by minimising the significance of clinical trauma and

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claiming the concept of “being triggered” to refer to mild Platform: discomfort. 1. NUS supports and recognises the rights of victims of trauma 4. While this infantile fascination with the idea of triggers and being to support, security, treatment, and full participation in all triggered is harmless in its own right, the demand made by the avenues of life. trigger warning movement for universities to kowtow and purge 2. NUS recognises that individual students who suffer from the syllabus of any offending material (or else mark it with trigger PTSD may require accommodations for their mental health warnings) is an affront to victims of trauma and the tradition of and wellbeing. Such accommodations should be individually open thought and dialogue that has underpinned our great tailored and formulated with support from a mental health institutions of liberal learning. Indeed, it betrays a fundamental professional and a course advisor. These accommodations misunderstanding of how traumatic triggers actually work, and it heralds the approach of a dangerous form of political correctness can include that hopes to challenge academic freedom in the interests of 3. NUS opposes the introduction of generalised trigger “safety”. warnings into university syllabi and content. 5. This movement has crippled our ability to interrogate power and 4. NUS recognises that the appropriation of posttraumatic to challenge the ills of the world. The trigger warning movement stress disorder symptomology in making a political point or finds a particularly twisted potency in silencing and infantilising the conveying non-traumatic discomfort is offensive to PTSD voices of people of colour and other minorities. For example, sufferers and dismissive of their experiences and struggles. Chinua Achebe's postcolonial classic Things Fall Apart, one of the first examples of African literature to receive global acclaim, has Action: been specifically marked by Oberlin College as “triggering”, 1. The NUS Disabilities Department will commit to a review of reducing the entire text to a mass of labels – racism, colonialism, accommodations offered to students who suffer from PTSD religious persecution, violence, suicide – preventing Achebe’s work to ensure that they are adequate and evidence-based. from being read and interpreted in all its complexity and mastery. 2. The NUS Disabilities Department will cooperate with Everyone has the right to feel safe, but universities are and should campus-based disability and equity officers to ensure issues never be safe spaces. They should be spaces where all of our ideas surrounding PTSD and traumatic triggers are well- and beliefs are subject to examination and debate. They should be spaces of unrestrained thought. University is not your safe space. understood and in line with current medical knowledge.

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3. The NUS Disabilities Department will work together with Platform students who are current and former PTSD sufferers to 1. The National Union of students believes in the formulate a sensible action plan to ensure student safety representation and engagement of all students with the that is informed by the experience and voices of those who inclusion of their diversity of needs and accessibility should be at the centre of the debate around trigger requirements . warnings. 2. The National Union of Students advocates for the accessibility of information in its entirety to each and every Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) students who wishes to access it. Seconded: Jordan Daly (University of New South Wales)

Action

9.06 Social Media for all- NUS Social Media Information 1. NUS will incorporate accessibility measures on all social accessibility media and technology information avenues used by NUS and its associated officer bearers for NUS related Preamble information, including but not limited to: 1. Due to its targeted demographic, The National Union of a. NUS Website, Facebook, Twitter and Students relies heavily upon social media to outlay Instagram. important and urgent information to students around 2. The accessibility measures on social media and technology Australia. avenues include but are not limited to: 2. As of 2015, over 55,000 students identified as having a a. Providing text descriptions for all images and disability.1 graphics. b. Avoiding animated- based graphics (such as animated GIFs) 1 Docs.education.gov.au,. (2015). 2014 Appendix 2 – Equity groups | c. Applying plain-text language to complex Department of Education and Training - Document library, Australian formats Government. Retrieved 23 November 2015, from https://docs.education.gov.au/node/38145

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d. Captioning videos (in absence of this, this struggle, it opens the national dialogue between providing plain-text transcripts) students to understand, empathise and advocate for inclusion of all students. Moved: Laura Campbell (ANU Students Association Delegate) Seconded: Lizzy O’Shea ( UWA Delegate) Platform 1. The National Union of Students believes in advocating for all 9.07 How many Spoons do you do? NUS Disability Awareness students including but not limited to, students with Campaign disabilities. 2. The National Union of Students recognises the need for Preamble awareness campaigns focusing on the everyday challenges 1. The spoon theory is an analogy used by some people with a for students with disabilities. disability and people with chronic illness to describe their 3. The National Union of Students believes in the need for a everyday living experience when their disability or illness national conversation around the better inclusion and (physical or mental) presents in a reduced amount of energy acknowledgement of people with disabilities. available for productive tasks. Spoons are an intangible unit of measurement used to track how much energy a person Action has throughout a given day 1. The National Disability Officer for 2016 will coordinate a 2. The Spoon theory is a great platform to raise awareness National Disability ”Spoon” Awareness Campaign. around the lives of students with disabilities and start a 2. The National Disability Officer will coordinate the NUS national conversation of the diversity of needs for students Spoon Disability Awareness Campaign with consultation with disabilities. from 2016 Campus Disability Officers. 3. A Spoon Week Awareness campaign creates a window into 3. The National Disability Officer, with approval from the the struggles and everyday constant decision making that corresponding campus disability officer, will facilitate Spoon students with disabilities must face. In giving a symbol to Awareness Campaign on campuses across Australia.

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4. Current best practice in Higher-education Insitution’s are Moved: Laura Campbell (ANU Students Association Delegate) Educational Access Plan’s which outline “reasonable Seconded: Lizzy O’Shea (UWA Delegate) adjustments” that include but are not limited to; a) Modifying educational premises. For example, 9.08 “ If you build it, they will come (but do it right) ” - Best making ramps, modifying toilets and ensuring that Educational Practice Model for student with disabilities classes are in rooms accessible to the person with a disability. Preamble b) Modifying or providing equipment. For example, 1. As of 2014, there will be over 55,000 student who identify lowering lab benches, enlarging computer screens, with a disability and are attending an Australian University. providing specific computer software or an audio 2 loop system. 2. Students with disabilities are among a number of equity c) Changing assessment procedures. For example, groups in higher education who have the lowest retention allowing for alternative examination methods such rates and adequate support for their educational needs. as oral exams, or allowing additional time for 3. Under the Disability Discrimination Act, Educational someone else to write an exam for a person with a instituions are required to offer students with disabilities disability. the same educational opportunities as everyone else. This d) Changing course delivery. For example, providing includes making “reasonable adjustments” to ensure that study notes or research materials in different student can perform essential entry requirements. formats or providing a sign language interpreter for a deaf person.3

2 Docs.education.gov.au,. (2015). 2014 Appendix 2 – Equity groups | Department of Education and Training - Document library, Australian 3 Humanrights.gov.au,. (2015). D.D.A. guide: Getting an education | Government. Retrieved 23 November 2015, from Australian Human Rights Commission. Retrieved 23 November 2015, from https://docs.education.gov.au/node/38145 https://www.humanrights.gov.au/dda-guide-getting-education

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Platform 1. The National Union of Students believes that students with Moved: Laura Campbell (ANU Student Association NUS Delegate) disabilities deserve the same educational opportunities as Seconded: Lizzy O’Shea (UWA Delegate) every other student. 2. The National Union of Students acknowledges that there is a 9.09 Accessible Campus Elections inconsistency throughout Australian Higher education institutions of their practices of educational opportunities Preamble towards students with disabilities. 1. Campus Elections are often the first (and for some, only) 3. The National Union of Students believes that every experience that students have with Campus Organisations. Australian University should adopt the current best practice 2. Campus Elections are often not accessible to all students, outlined by the Disabilities Discrimination Act (DDA) for with many students with disabilities and mental health students with disabilities. issues being excluded from both running in, and voting in, these processes. Action 1. The National Union of Students will make a formal Platform statement advocating for each Australian University to 1. That the NUS stands for fair and democratic elections that adopt a consistent best practice model outlined by the are as inclusive of all students as possible. Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). 2. That the NUS recognises that there are aspects of Campus 2. The National Disability Officer Bearer 2016 will advocate for Elections that make them not accessible to many students. this adoption of best practice for students with disabilities 3. That the NUS recognises that all students should be able to educational standards at a national level. run for election, and vote, in Campus Elections. 3. The National Disability Officer will help facilitate campus 4. That the NUS recognises that these issues and concerns are disability officers to advocate and endorse their campuses not always visible to Campus Organisations.

to adopt the best practice model if not already in place.

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Actions to attend NDA’s can lead to feelings of alienation from the 1. That the National Disabilities Officer will work to increase movement. the visibility of these issues to Campus Organisations nation-wide. Platform 2. That the National Disabilities Officer will create a resource 1. NUS is committed to activism which is accessible for all to distribute to Campus Organisations, highlighting these students, including those with a visible and invisible issues and making recommendations on way to increase the disability accessibility of Campus Elections. 2. NUS acknowledges that currently the education movement is alienating to many students with a disability, and there is a need for us to diversify our movement and make it more Moved: Lizzy O’Shea, UWA Student Guild, Delegate. inclusive for all students. Seconded: Laura Campbell, ANU, Delegate. Action 9.10 Activism: for all 1. That the National Disabilities Officer will collaborate with the National and State Education Officers to work on ways Preamble to make the education movement more accessible for all 1. Over the past two years, NUS has been successful in leading students with a disability. In organising rallies and mass the fight against attacks on Higher Education by the Liberal protests the Disabilities Officer will ensure that routes for (and previous ALP) Government. marches factor in the distance of the route, any gradients 2. As part of its campaign members of NUS have used a which will prohibit students from being able to travel the number of tactics, such as lobbying, rallying, petitioning and route and that there is sufficient space for students to feel other forms of Non-Violent Direct Action. safe. Further, prior to any speeches conducted at these 3. For students with a disability, attending events such as events speakers are to provide a content warning for any rallies can be restrictive, due to factors such as long walking discussion that may be triggering to students. routes, noise and large crowds. 2. That NUS will work to ensure such events there are people 4. With a lot of pressure within the education movement for with first aid training, including mental health first aid, in students to attend, the inability for students with a disability

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attendance to provide aid and assistance for attendees who social and institutional struggles due to society refusing to need support. accommodate their needs 3. That the National Disabilities Officer will conduct a survey 29. During an emergency students in wheelchairs and other relating to accessibility in NUS campaigns. This survey will walking aides cannot use lifts or stairs to get to safety as be devised in consultation with campus disabilities others who don’t use them do departments and collectives, and will include questions 30. Many students with disabilities actively choose not to surrounding areas such as: engage in events run by their student unions because a. Barriers for students with a disability to attending they’re concerned these events will be unsafe and fail to NDA’s and other NUS events. accommodate their needs b. Suggestions for actions which NUS can hold, such as 31. Elected student representatives and Union staff often fail to read-ins, which would be more accessible for recognise institutional ableism that prevents students with students to attend. disabilities from wanting to or being able to engage with the c. The impacts in which attending NUS events have had student movement on students with a disability. 4. That this survey is to be promoted on the NUS website and Platform facebook page, as well as throughout University 42. The National Union of Students recognises the institutional campuses. Further, that this survey be made available in a ableism faced by students who use wheelchairs and other variety of accessible formats. walking aids 5. That all NUS National OBs will take into account the results 43. The National Union of students has a responsibility to of this survey in conducting its campaigns. attempt to minimize any elevated risk to students because of their disability during events or activities hosted by Moved: Patrick Dollard (University of Melbourne Student Union). affiliated student Unions Seconded: Dylan Lloyd (ARC @ UNSW) 44. The National Union of Students recognises that educating relevant elected student representatives is the best way to 9.11 Education on Prioritising Ground Floor Spaces minimize structural inequality in student unions and the student movement more broadly Preamble 28. Students who use wheelchairs and other walking aides face Action

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34. The National Disability Officer of the National Union of impossible students has a responsibility to educate all elected disability 14. While the National Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) officers or campus equivalent on why prioritisation of provides rebates to individuals for some medical procedures ground floor spaces equalizes risk encountered by students and appointments, the rebate is often minimal, and there with disabilities who elect to attend events are many medical procedures and medications which 35. For these action points to be meaningful, the National students are required to pay in full. Appointments with Disability officer must contact all relevant office bearers specialist practitioners are usually not covered at all. before the commencement of orientation week at their 15. While some General Practitioners will bulk-bill students for respective campuses to supply the relevant education appointments, many also do not. dictated in this policy 16. Many students who have chronic illnesses often have to forego taking medication, seeing practitioners or Mover: Alison Taylor (National Disabilities Officer) undergoing necessary medical procedures because the cost Seconder: Stephanie Morgan (Deakin University) is too high. If they choose to pursue them, the money is usually taken from budgets required for other everyday living costs like food or study materials 9.12 Accessible healthcare for students with chronic illnesses 17. Students with chronic illnesses already have a significant disadvantage at university due to the toll that their illness Preamble takes on their study. The fact that the cost of healthcare is 12. The existing commonwealth student income support so high unnecessarily exacerbates their propensity to suffer arrangements in Australia leave non research students well from poor health, and low finances; and greatly increases short of what they need to cover living and study related their chance of struggling at university expenses. According to the Universities Australia 2013 18. The current Federal government's plans to reduce the report into student finances, two thirds of students are number of items covered under the MBS and privatise living on or below the Henderson poverty line, and an even medicare would further increase the cost of medicare, and larger number experience financial difficulties on a regular make studying almost impossible for some students basis 13. For students with chronic illnesses, affording the costs of Platform healthcare on top of everyday living costs can be near 12. The NUS believes in Universal free healthcare for all

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individuals Moved: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU 13. The NUS supports the provision of public health care and Delegate) the current Medicare system in Australia, and opposes any Seconded: Dean mattar (UTS Delegate) moves by the government to sell health or medical services to private providers 14. The NUS vehemently opposes the Liberal government's 9.13 NUS National Mental Health Forum attack on Medicare, and its underlying aim to increase the cost of healthcare to individuals Preamble: 15. The NUS recognises that the cost of healthcare has a 1. Mental illness is a constant in Australian society. One in four detrimental impact on students with chronic illnesses, and Australians will experience an episode of depression or that any price increases would put them in an even more anxiety in their lifetime, and while a range of important disadvantaged position organisations such as BeyondBlue, headspace, and the Black Dog Institute, as well as university counseling services, have Action been raising the profile of mood disorders and other mental 21. The NUS Welfare and Disability Officers will, in collaboration illnesses in Australia, there is a very long way to go. with state branches and campus affiliates to lobby the 2. Anecdotally, the rate of mental illness within student Liberal government, opposition parties and independents organisations is much higher than average, with many to: student activists requiring to seek counseling and 18. scrap the plan to privatise medicare psychological assistance. 19. Increase, not decrease the number of items listed under the 3. As a hotspot for mental health issues, it is vitally important MBS to include all specialist practitioner services with a we are, as an organization, aware of the signs and referral from a registered practitioner symptoms and have an idea of the appropriate responses to 20. Require General Practitioners to Bulk-Bill all full-time episodes of mental illness. tertiary students 21. Increase the medicare rebate provided for specialist health Platform: and medical services with a referral, and encourage bulk- 1. NUS endeavours to be a friendly, accepting and welcoming billing for students with chronic illnesses. environment for anybody experiencing chronic mental illness

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2. NUS believes that education and awareness about mental illnesses are two of the best avenues for improving experiences for students 3. In 2014 the Commission of Audit recommended privatisation of Australian Hearing, and this recommendation was included in the Action: Abbott-Hockey Budget 2014-15. After much lobbying, this budget 1. The National Disabilities Officer will organise a National measure was dropped, however there has been a scoping study Mental Health Forum as part of Education Conference in conducted by the Government on the ownership of Australian 2016, focused on how to support those with mental Hearing. This study has outraged many hearing impaired parents, illnesses and to provide a more welcoming environment for children and university students as they don’t know what will be students to discuss their experiences the future of Australian Hearing.

Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 4. The privatisation of Australian Hearing would affect many Seconded: Sean Tingcombe (NSW Disabilities Officer) university students, particularly those who are already struggling with day-to-day costs of attending university. These free check-ups and repairs, free batteries and so many other services that help 9.14 Say No to the Privatisation of Australian Hearing people with hearing loss are essential to ensuring that they’re getting the best out of their degree, and they do not deserve to Preamble have this taken away. 1. In 1947, the Chifley Government established Hearing Australia to assist children and WWII veterans with hearing impairment. Today Platform Hearing Australia covers all young Australians from birth to age 26 1. NUS calls on the Federal Opposition to formally signal its with an all-encompassing service covering the costs of hearing aids, opposition to the privatisation of Australian Hearing and condemns FM Transmitters for school children to use in the classroom, cost of the Abbott and Turnbull Governments for its blatant repairs, check ups, and many other services. disregard for the families affected by hearing impairment and the fantastic work that Australian Hearing does for families and 2. In 2012, the Hearing Care Industry Association found that university students. roughly 600,000 Australians used Australian Hearing and their associated providers in some form or another throughout the year.

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2. The National Union of Students acknowledges the value of Action training for staff in terms of empathy, communication, knowledge of legislation and strategies to provide an accessible learning 1. NUS will write to The Hon. Chris Bowen, Shadow Treasurer and environment for all students Senator The Hon. Doug Cameron, Shadow Minister for Human Services to state NUS’s opposition to the privatisation of Australian Action Hearing. 1. The National Disability Officer, along with campus departments, officers and representatives, will lobby universities for staff Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) disability awareness training to be promptly, freely and universally Seconded: Sean Tingcombe (NSW Disabilities Officer) introduced to all university campuses

Mover: Jordan Daly (UNSW SRC) 9.15 Disability Awareness Training for University Staff Seconder: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney SRC)

Preamble 9.16 Anxiety is a real disability 1. Around one in five Australians have a disability and students with a diagnosed disability represent at least 5% of the student body Preamble 2. The nature of disability means that students with them face 1. Anxiety disorder is a crippling disability that many students particular challenges that are unique to their diagnosis that staff suffer from. Anxiety affects the way in which a person must accommodate approaches their education, as they can suffer from severe 3. Disability awareness training means that staff can more panic attacks before assessments are due, and when taking effectively support, engage with and create an inclusive exams. environment for students with disabilities 2. Anxiety disorder comes in multiple forms, including situational anxiety, PTSD, social anxiety and panic disorder. Platform 3. Despite this, many universities do not recognise Anxiety as a 1. The National Union of Students recognises the additional real disability, instead telling students who apply for either difficulties faced by students with a disability academic consideration or disability services that they are either “making it up”, or referring them to a psychologist. In

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some cases, universities will not provide special 3. The NUS National Disabilities officer will provide a fact sheet consideration for students suffering from anxiety, despite on anxiety disorder for affiliated student organistations. suffering from crippling panic attacks. Some campuses also simply advise students suffering from panic attacks to see Moved: Alisha Aitken-Radburn (National Executive) counselling services. Seconded: Robby Magyar (Elected Delegate, University of Sydney 4. Many universities who have reviewed their disability SRC) policies have not placed anxiety on their list of accepted disabilities. In most cases, these processes do not include 9.17 Cross-Campus State Disability Networks input from students Preamble Platform 1. Currently there aren’t many State networks for Disability 1. NUS recognises Anxiety disorder as a disability. Officers. 2. NUS acknowledges that anxiety disorder comes in multiple 2. State networks allow for more online interaction cross- forms, not just panic attacks. campus and advertising. 3. NUS condemns campuses who refuses to recognise Anxiety

disorder as a disability. 3. Networks can also assist in event organsing and creating a 4. NUS believes that all student who suffer from anxiety forum for open discussions between other students and disorder should have equal access to disability services and allow for more detailed planning on individual campuses. academic consideration as students with any other 4. Disability Networks would be a great platform for students disability. to engage with other universities for collaboration and an Action enhanced support base. 1. NUS calls on all Australian campuses to recognise Anxiety disorder as a disability in their list of disabilities covered Platform under disability services. 1. The National Union of Students endorses the creation of 2. NUS supports student organisations that are attempting to State Disability Networks through Facebook, created by the have Anxiety disorder recognised by their campus State and National Disability Officers. administration Action

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1. State Disability Officers will create, manage and maintain 2. Being a student with mental illness you can feel a level of their state’s Disability Network social Facebook page. exclusion, though your own mental state. To then have the 2. National Disability Officer will assist in creation of each state common public perception not including students with page and build content for the page throughout the year. mental illness as students with disabilities is just a further 3. The National Disability Officer will oversee all pages in physical level of exclusion. creation and create any pages for states that do not have a Platform State Disabilities Officer. 1. The National Union of Students understands that students 4. Collaboration between the National and State disability with mental illness can identify as a student with a disability officers will create a mailing list for each state to build and understands that there is a lack of public knowledge of further communication between NUS and students. the Invisible disabilities. 5. The National and States’ Disability Officers will ensure that 2. The National Union of Students will actively support all pages will be accessible to all students studying with a students with invisible disabilities on making all disability disability in that state and in Australia and will be invited for networks inclusive of invisible disabilities and also seek to all campus Disabilities Officers or departments to be build a further understanding to the community that involved in. students with invisible disabilities are included within this Moved: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) community. Seconded: Brenton March (Victoria University) Action 1. The National Disability Officer will facilitate an online photo 9.18 The Invisible Disability Photo Campaign campaign around invisible Disabilities, involving State disability officers , all on campus Officers and/or Preamble Departments, 1. Disability in the eyes of the public is commonly seen as a physical or clearly intellectual disability, the term disability in the public eye, does not normally refer to mental illness.

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2. The National Disability Officer will compile all images taken 1. The NUS notes that there is currently no recent, usable data for within the campaign and post them on a national platform students at universities with disabilities, or for any areas to do with raising awareness around invisible disabilities. student welfare.

3. The National Union of Students will make all media releases 2. The NUS understands that with data, the National Disabilities in regards to disabilities inclusive of invisible disabilities. and National Welfare Officers will be able to run successful campaigns for affiliate universities, and those universities will also

be able to successfully lobby the university administration for more Moved: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) support and funding in these areas. Seconded: Brenton March (Victoria University)

Action

1. The National Disabilities Officer and National Welfare Officer will 9.19 Student Wellbeing Survey continue with the Student Wellbeing Survey, and complete any

recommendations as set out in the released paper. Preamble

1. The Student Wellbeing Survey is a survey that was implemented 2. The National Disabilities Officer and National Welfare Officer will by the National Disabilities Officer and National Welfare Officer to work with affiliate campuses and relevant campus office bearers to gain data regarding mental health, housing, accessibility of their use any data to advantage the wider student population home campus, employment, and other areas regarding welfare and disabilities. Moved: Alison Taylor, National Disabilities Officer

Seconded: (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU Delegate) 2. The survey was implemented after much research and communication with advocacy and support groups outside of NUS, 9.20 Smash the Stigma with the knowledge that without current, usable data, the NUS would not be able to run a successful campaign or work with Preamble outside groups until data was formed. 1. University students with disabilities are judged every day of their

lives for having a disability, even though all students have an equal Platform right to a fair and accessible education.

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1. The National Disabilities Officer will continue the work of 2. Students with invisible illnesses are treated as if they either do previous National Disabilities Officers by endorsing the ‘Smash the not have a disability, or that they are a part of a one-dimensional Stigma’ campaign for semester one O week and through the rest of group who all have the same needs. the year.

3. Universities are failing to adequately accommodate disabled 2. The National Disabilities Officer will work with campus disability students, leading to higher dropout rates because of discrimination officers to create campus specific campaigns to ensure that this and/or the inaccessibility of their campuses. campaign works across all affiliate campuses in each state and territory. 4. The Smash the Stigma campaign will aim to help promote the platform of the NUS, to ensure that students are not discriminated 3. The National Disabilities Officer will release an information against while they are studying at university. package for students in 2016, using the data from the Student Wellbeing Survey and other reliable sources of information. Platform 1. The NUS recognizes the ongoing trend of discrimination that Moved: Alison Taylor, National Disabilities Officer students with invisible illnesses are receiving, and stands with Seconded: Heidi La Paglia (Tasmania State Branch President / TUU students facing this discrimination. Delegate)

2. The NUS will ensure that all events, campaigns, protests and any other work that the NUS does or supports is free from ableism.

3. The NUS understands that not every disability is the same, and people with disabilities reflect the same diversity that exists in the rest of society, including varying social, economic, cultural, family and educational characteristics.

Action

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Action: 10. Ethno-Cultural 1. The National Ethno-Cultural Officer will call out racism at every opportunity, and contact those who sprout such racist 10.01 Calling Out Racism remarks to inform them of NUS’ opposition in formal statements Preamble: 1. Never has it been more important to push for inclusiveness 2. The National Ethno-Cultural Officer will actively promote in the student movement. NUS should stand for calling out counter rallies and campaigns against organisations like Reclaim racism in all its forms and look towards having more Australia engagement with the rich cultural and linguistic diversity among students in Australia. Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney) 2. It is not uncommon for people to fall into circumstances Seconded: Justine Amin (University of Sydney) where fear of foreigners pushes individuals to say and do things they would not do otherwise. 3. We should be ready to call out racism where it lies, whether 10.02 Establishing Ethno-Cultural Collectives on Campus it is sprouted by the Government, by right wing shock jocks or even those in student movement. Tolerating racist Preamble remarks or negative campaigning based on the fear of 1. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) students, others should not be on! particularly migrant students and students of colour,

Platform: experience a multitude of barriers in society and on 1. NUS is in strong opposition to campaigns that invoke the university campuses. fear of “the other” as its central focus 2. While the NUS has an Ethno-Cultural Officer, many student 2. NUS recognizes that ethnically, culturally and linguistically unions don’t currently have anyone in that position and diverse, International, and Indigenous students are all there is an absence of strong representation for CALD essential parts of our universities, and should be welcomed students. and supported at all times

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3. In recent years the NUS Ethno-Cultural Officer has not been intersectional campaigns that affect people who experience sufficiently involved in running campaigns on issues faced multiple forms of oppression. by students of colour or in establishing and supporting 3. That the National Ethno-Cultural Officer will endeavor to campuses in carrying out this representative role. visit campuses that don’t currently have an Ethno-Cultural Officer, or equivalent, or are currently building Collectives. Platform 4. That the National Women’s Officer and National Queer 1. NUS recognises the importance of collectivization for racial Officers will work to assist with establishing Women of and cultural minorities. Colour Collectives, Queer People of Colour Collectives, and 2. NUS believes that marginalized groups have the right to similar collectives that allow for intersectional discussions of have a safe space for meeting and organising. oppression. 3. NUS believes that students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds should have a platform for [Note: this policy is being moved by the delegates beneath with representation on all student unions. the support of students of colour at UWA] 4. NUS believes that a National Ethno-Cultural Officer who identifies as a person of colour is best places to represent Moved: Emma Boogaerdt, UWA Delegate Seconded: Lizzy O’Shea, UWA Delegate CALD students.

Action 10.03 Condemn the Australian government's treatment of 1. That the National Ethno-Cultural Officer works with campus refugees: representatives to ensure that every student union has an equivalent officer to ensure that CALD students have Preamble representation at every level. 2. That the National Ethno-Cultural Officer collaborates with 1. Australia's treatment of refugees has reached incredible new lows, with frequent instances of self-harm, assaults, other portfolios, like the Women’s Officer, to run

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sexual abuse and murder. It is now the most inhumane and 6. Despite the utter barbarity of the detention system, it disgusting asylum system in the world. continues to enjoy enthusiastic bipartisan support. The 2. Refugees are regularly subject to beatings, solitary Labor party's recent conference voted overwhelmingly in confinement, lack of access to food, water, adequate shelter favour of boat turn-backs, with the majority of the and clothing. Left falling in behind Bill Shorten on turn-backs. Tanya 3. The use of remote offshore detention centers, the media Plibersek even went so far as to describe ALP refugee policy blackout, and gagging medical and social work staff has as “terrific”. effectively cut off the flow of information to the outside 7. Refugees have resisted their treatment and protested world, allowing the government and hired security agencies against it. Through the riots against the death of Fazel to freely abuse refugees' human rights. Chegeni on Christmas Island, sewing their lips together, 4. The Australian government, and their newly formed 'border making banners, attempting breakouts, and actions taken force', actively harass refugees already living in the by refugees like Khodaryar Amini, who specifically blamed community, and threaten them with deportation or being the government and police for his and his friends' deaths. returned to detention. This has driven at least one refugee, Khodaryar Amini, to self-immolate. Platform 5. New Zealanders have begun to be caught up in the detention system's tendrils. Some have already been 1. NUS opposes all forms of mandatory detention and offshore deported, or are now holed up on Christmas Island. The processing, and calls on the government to immigration minister slanderously claimed that the majority abolish Australia's system of detention and deportation. of those in the Christmas Island detention centre are 2. NUS condemns the government and opposition for blocking 'rapists' or 'hardened criminals', apparently referring to the public access to information on the condition of asylum fact that some of them have served time for traffic offences seekers and detention centers. and shoplifting. The Greens and Labor have shamefully 3. NUS recognises the right of all people to seek asylum by any followed suit in this fear-mongering about Kiwi 'criminals', means they have access to, and opposes deportations of calling on the government to increase refugees and boat turn-backs. security on Christmas Island, the very same security 4. NUS supports the right of refugees to protest against their responsible for the death of Fazel Chegeni. conditions and resist detention in any way they can.

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Action 4. According to the UN, around 340,000 refugees successfully reached Europe this year, with over 50% from Syria. These 1. NUS and the NUS Ethno-Cultural Officer will promote and figures are only a small proportion of the total number of 20 support demonstrations for refugee rights in the coming million refugees worldwide. year, encouraging students to attend. 5. Australia has committed to resettling 12,000 additional 2. The NUS Ethno-Cultural Officer will fight the media blackout Syrian refugees in response to the crisis, however this by publishing articles on the rights of refugees, and reports number is extremely small given Australia’s capacity and and statements by refugees themselves. resources. In addition, the Australian government has suggested that the refugee intake could include limitations Moved: Viktoria Ivanova (Swinburne Student Union) on the number of Muslim refugees accepted – a policy Seconded: Daniel Taylor (Monash University Gippsland Student which is clearly Islamophobic. Union) Platform

10.04 Solidarity With Refugees in Europe 1. NUS stands in solidarity with refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons worldwide. Preamble 2. NUS acknowledges the rights of these groups to seek refuge 1. The current global refugee crisis has been described by and asylum from persecution in accordance with officials as the worst refugee crisis since WWII international law 2. According to the UNHCR, the number of those forcibly 3. NUS stands against the racism and Islamophobia which has displaced from their homes reached 59.5 million by the end been increasingly targeted at refugees and perpetuated by of 2014, a rapidly growing trend which has continued to Australian governmental policy escalate over the last several months 4. Australia’s current intake of refugees is inadequate and we 3. Currently, the majority of the world’s refugee population is have both the responsibility and the capacity to accept a from Syria, as a result of civil war. Over half of the Syrian much larger number of refugees, with no religious or ethnic population – more than 7 million people - have been exceptions. displaced and are attempting to flee horrific conditions. Action

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1. That NUS and the NUS Ethno-Cultural officer support to any raids, often arresting innocent people without charge and demonstrations in support of refugee rights and encourage allowing police to physically abuse and intimidate them. students to attend. These policies have created a climate of fear and insecurity 2. NUS will demand that the Australian government vastly in the Muslim community, and the general atmosphere has increase it current intake of refugees. led to both physical and verbal attacks on Muslims as the level of racism in society intensifies. Moved: Owen Cosgriff (Griffith Student Guild) 4. The Australian media, of all stripes, has promoted Seconded: Daniel Taylor (Monash University Gippsland Islamophobia. Terror raids have made front page news on Student Union) multiple occasions in fear mongering tactics despite limited actual arrests. 5. Islamophobia, already a huge global phenomenon, has been 10.05 No to Racism and Fascism! given a massive boost by the recent horrific attacks in Paris. These attacks are already being used by Western Preamble governments as an excuse to step up their persecution of 1. Anti-Muslim racism in Australia has intensified in recent Muslims and their intervention into the Middle East. years. Hollande's government in France, for example, has slated 2. The Liberal government has spurred on this racism in word the closure of Mosques, the arrest of thousands of Muslims and deed. Many Liberal party politicians have advocated the without charge so that they can be tagged with surveillance banning of the burqa, the party is pushing ahead plans to equipment, and has vowed to fight a "merciless" was introduce restrictive control orders for people as young as against IS, beginning with the intensified bombings of Syria. 14, and Corey Bernardi forced an inquiry into halal 6. NUS has a responsibility to oppose Islamophobia and take a certification and defended the anti-Muslim Reclaim stand for the rights of Muslim students by challenging the Australia rallies. Federal Government MP George discrimination they face in society at large. Christensen attended and spoke at a Reclaim Australia rally in July. Platform 3. Liberal and Labor governments alike have introduced 1. NUS opposes any measures that infringe upon the freedoms increasingly draconian anti-terror laws targeting Muslims. and rights of Muslims living in Australia. The current government has conducted multiple terror

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2. NUS opposes the intensifying Islamophobia of governments terror laws have not been applied. Despite the racist worldwide, particularly in response to the massacre in Paris. rhetoric and terror scaremongering surrounding the discussion of these laws, they have been designed to be Action broad, having the potential to attack the liberties of broader 1. NUS and the NUS Ethno-Cultural officer will stand against sections of society. the growing tide of Islamophobia in Australia by publicly 3. The new anti-terror laws represent a significant criticising the government's anti-Muslim policies and racist encroachment on civil liberties. They include lowering the scapegoating, publishing press releases to the effect. age of control orders from 16 to 14. Control orders have the 2. The NUS Ethno-Cultural officer will support and promote ability to place tracking devices on individuals, restrict demonstrations against Islamophobia when they occur. association with certain people, restrict movement including curfews, ban communication devices and Moved: Kim Collett (Griffith Student Guild) necessitate regular reporting to police. This can be applied Seconded: Tom Jordan (Griffith Student Guild) on suspicion, rather than proof, of any offence occurring. Passports and Visas can be stripped from dual citizens in more circumstances, including convictions occurring before 10.06 Opposing Australia's Draconian Anti-Terror Laws the new legislation. Currently being considered is extending the 14 day limit that suspects can be held without charge to Preamble 28. 1. The federal government has continued its demonisation of 4. The expansion of the powers of government surveillance Muslims domestically and internationally. agencies such as ASIO has included the mandatory retention 2. The further expansion of police and legal powers to of all metadata in Australia for two years and for ASIO intimidate and control Muslims has not only led to fear officers to have legal immunity for their actions. Whistle- within the Muslim community but contributed to a climate blowers face a maximum 10 years for unauthorised leaks of of racism and emboldened racist individuals and groups to information related to intelligence operations in Australia – vocalise their opinions and carry out demonstrations and limiting the ability of a free media to report on Australia’s attacks against Muslims. In the same vein, these laws have abuses of state power. (This is optional.) been used selectively to target Muslims, where near- 5. NUS is obliged to have a principled opposition to the new identical circumstances involving non-Muslims the anti- anti-terror laws for their racist content and targeting, but

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also the general attack on the freedoms and liberties of the 1. The rising Islamophobia in society has had serious population generally. consequences for Muslim school students recently, with an 6. NUS should stand in solidarity with Muslim students and alteration to the anti-terror laws that allows children as their communities to oppose demonisation and deepening young as 14 to be held for up to 28 days without charge or racism. evidence, as well as the release of a “radicalisation awareness kit” designed to push Islamophobia further into Platform schools and get teachers to police the behaviour of students 1. NUS opposes the new anti-terror laws for their divisive and in their care; in addition to this, the NSW government has racist targeting of Muslims in Australia. been conducting an “audit” of the content of prayers in 2. NUS condemns the cynical use of terror threats by the schools in an attempt to stamp out “extremism”. government and media to stoke up anti-Muslim racism. 3. NUS condemns the government's attacks on civil liberties 2. This push to police Muslim children hit a low point on 6 through the anti-terror laws. October this year, when a 15 year old student was interrogated about some posts he made on social media, Action and then after filming an incident of police harassment, was 1. The NUS ethno-cultural officer will put out a public press arrested and taken into custody. release condemning this attack on civil liberties 2. NUS will re-confirm it’s commitment to taking a stand Platform against racist scapegoating. 1. NUS supports the right to freedom of religion and opposes any interference to that, especially that targeted at Muslim Moved: Kim Collett (Griffith Student Guild) children in the context of the Islamophobia prevalent in Seconded: Lia Vassiliadis (University of Melbourne Student Union) society. 2. NUS supports the rights of schoolchildren to express themselves through prayer and social media without 10.08 No To The Racist Policing of Muslim High School Students backlash from police or the government, and opposes the targeting of Muslim children on social media. Preamble Action

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1. NUS Ethno-cultural officers will issue a press release condemning the "Radicalisation Awareness Kit" and the Policy policing of Muslim schoolchildren. 1. NUS condemns Reclaim Australia and the UPF as fascist organisations. Moved: Kim Collett (Griffith Student Guild) 2. NUS stands unequivocally with the Muslim population of Seconded: Emma Norton (University of Western Australia Student Australia, and demands that the racist attacks on Islam in Guild) the mainstream press, on social media and in the streets cease. 3. NUS supports the counter-demonstrations organised by 10.09 Standing against Reclaim Australia and the Far Right anti-racist activists.

Platform Action 1. Reclaim Australia is a far right and racist organisation that is 1. The NUS Ethno-Cultural officer will campaign against explicitly Islamophobic. Significantly, they also include in Reclaim Australia and the UPF. Specifically, they will their ranks the openly fascist organisation the United promote anti-racist counter-demonstrations as and when Patriots Front. they occur. 2. These two organisations have called a number of racist 2. The NUS Ethno-Cultural officer will publicly condemn acts of demonstrations demanding that the government increase Islamophobia that are publicised, and where possible will its institutional discrimination against Muslims, including try to build a campaign to defend Muslims from calls for the banning of Halal food, of the Burqa, and the violent racists and discriminatory government policies. deportation of Muslims from Australia. The street demonstrations have also targeted individual Muslims and Moved: Lia Vassiliadis (University of Melbourne Student Union) mosques in an attempt to bully and intimidate them. Seconded: Grace Hill (Flinder University Student Union) 3. Reclaim Australia has grown substantially, aided by puff pieces in the mainstream press such as channel 7's 'investigative' story on the Tonight program, which 10.10 Solidarity with the Palestinians portrayed them in an excessively sympathetic light, merely as 'concerned mums and dads'. Preamble

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1. The State of Israel is engaged in a military occupation of 5. Within Israel's borders, police brutality against Palestinians Palestine. Refusing to define its own borders, it continually goes largely unpunished. 93% of complaints are dismissed expands, acquiring territory through military conquest and with no investigation. These are only some examples of the illegal settlement. systemic violence that inevitably results from military occupation. 2. The occupation involves sytematic violence, theft of resources, and denial of liberty to Palestinian people. 6. Israel's occupation involves an attempt to ethnically cleanse the occupied territories, replacing the native Palestinian 3. Hundreds of Palestinians, including children, are held by population with Jewish settlers. In 2013 alone, more than Israel in "administrative detention", with no charges made 500 Palestinian homes were destroyed by the military against them and no right to a trial. Protesters against Israeli occupation, including entire villages, while approximately occupation are tear gassed, shot at, and arrested. The Israeli 2,000 new homes were built to house Jewish settlers. Every military routinely bombards Palestinian territories, resulting state in the world except for Israel regards this process as in the deaths of thousands and the widespread destruction illegal under international law. of homes, schools, hospitals, and workplaces, which then cannot be built due to Israeli military control of Palestinian 7. There are now approximately 400,000 settlers in the trading. occupied Palestinian territory of West Bank. Settlers routinely engage in racist violence towards indigenous 4. In a single military operation in 2008-2009, the Israeli Palestinians, which goes unpunished by the Israeli military killed 1,400 Palestinians, and destroyed 400 homes, occupation forces. To ensure the permanence of the 24 mosques, 10 water or sewage lines, 187 greenhouses, systematic theft of land, the Israeli military constructed the and 34 health clinics, utilising banned chemical weapons enormous "apartheid wall" to encircle a number of including white phosphorus; approximately 50,000 settlements. Palestinians were made homeless. In another military operation in 2012, the Israeli military killed 2,300 8. Palestinians in West Bank, Gaza, and the refugee camps Palestinians and wounded 10,000 more, including 1,000 around Israel are denied their rights to freedom of children who were left permanently disabled. movement, speech and political assembly; they cannot vote

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in the Israeli elections but are subjected to the decisions of 3. NUS is part of the global movement for human rights in its government; they are subjected to a decades-long Palestine. campaign of violence ethnic subjugation. Those who fled the region as refugees are denied their right to return. Action Within Israel, racist discrimination and intimidation of the Palestinians is intensifying. 1. The NUS Ethno-Cultural Officer will organise public campaigns to raise awareness of the Israeli military occupation of Palestine and 9. For these reasons a growing number of human rights the denial of Palestinian human rights. organisations characterise Israeli society as resembling an apartheid regime. 2. In the event of Israeli military assaults on the Palestinian territories, NUS will issue statements standing in solidarity with the 10. International solidarity campaigns with the Palestinians Palestinian people. involve raising awareness of their oppression, organising public demonstrations to give voice to support for 3. The NUS Ethno-Cultural will liaise with student unions and Palestinian human rights, and calling on institutions to Palestinian human rights groups and take steps to enact, where engage in a campaign of boycott, divestment, and sanctions practicable, a boycott of Israel in keeping with the principles of the against Israel, modeled on the international campaign campaign for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions. against the apartheid regime in South Africa. Moved: Daniel Taylor (Monash University Gippsland Student Platform Union) Seconded: Lia Vassiliadis (University of Melbourne Student Union) 1. NUS opposes any denial of basic human rights on the basis of ethnic or religious background. 10.11 Solidarity With The Royal Children’s 2. NUS opposes the Israeli military occupation of Palestine, which inflicts daily violence on the Palestinian people, and Preamble robs them of basic human rights.

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1. The Australian federal government’s policy of mandatory 1. NUS opposes the federal government’s policy of mandatory offshore detention of asylum seekers who arrive in Australia detention of refugees. by boat is beyond deplorable. The condition in which 2. NUS supports the staff from Westmead Children’s Hospital, refugees are held in offshore detention centres on Nauru Randwick Children’s Hospital and all other hospitals which and Manus Island have been found to be, by medical have taken action throughout the year denouncing the professionals working within them and human rights crimes of the federal government committed against asylum activists, tantamount to torture. seekers. 2. There are 614 children currently being detained in 3. NUS recognises that responsibility for the actions of the Australian detention centres, with 92 of those being held on government does not only rest on the shoulders of the Nauru. Liberal Party, but also the Australian Labor Party, which has 3. On 30 October, 250 staff at the Westmead Children’s repeatedly supported policies of mandatory detention of Hospital and staff from Randwick Children’s hospital held asylum seekers and in fact introduced offshore detention demonstrations against the horrific treatment of children in sentencing in its PNG solution. detention, calling on the government to end its policy which could be easily seen to have extensive mental health Action impacts on those detained. The staff of the Royal Children's Hospital similarly refused to discharge refugee children and 1. That NUS issues a statement of solidarity to the Westmead allow them to be deported back to detention centres. Children’s Hospital staff for their 30 October action. 4. The conditions in which refugee children are held and live in 2. That NUS publicly supports all actions taken by hospital staff highlight the inhumanity of the Australian government’s or otherwise criticising the Australian federal government’s refugee policy. The bipartisan support for the policy of policy of mandatory offshore detention sentencing for mandatory detention is an indictment on both major refugees. political parties in Australia. 5. NUS has a responsibility to do everything in its power to oppose our government’s refugee policy, and support direct Moved: Daniel Taylor (Monash University Gippsland Student actions which challenges these crimes against humanity. Union) Seconded: Lia Vassiliadis University of Melbourne Student Union) Platform

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10.12 People of Colour Autonomy on Campus departments provide a platform in which students of colour can be supported and represented. Preamble 34. The NUS recognises the the NUS Ethno-Cultural Officer is 1. The National Union of Students should continue to recognise the the national representative for students of colour in damaging effects of racism and discrimination faced by students of Australia and is thus accountable to the relevant colour due to a variety of factors that may include but are not autonomous departments, collectives and individual limited to culture, language, religion, ethnicity and colour. students of colour. 35. The NUS applauds efforts to create autonomous 2. However, many affiliated organisations in Australia continue to departments and collectives for students of colour. lack autonomous departments and collectives representing the interests of students of colour despite ongoing support for the Action creation of these departments and collectives. 45. The National Union of Students will support efforts by affiliate organisations to increase the representation and 3. NUS should therefore encourage campuses to introduce recognition of students of colour in those organisations, autonomous People of Colour departments where possible (or particularly through autonomous departments. similarly named departments for the same purpose). These 46. In campuses where there is no autonomous department departments can be vitally important in providing support to representing People of Colour, the NUS Ethno-Cultural students of colour in environments that can often be unfriendly Officer will work with such campuses consistently and and marginalising. Autonomous departments allow students of continuously to introduce and maintain People of Colour colour to be properly and continuously represented at a student Officers (or similarly named offices) in order to represent level. and advocate for the voices of students of colour. 47. The NUS Ethno-Cultural Officer will work with campus Policy departments to create a shared source of resources to assist 32. The National Union of Students (NUS) strongly supports affiliate organisations in maintaining and creating efforts to increase the representation of students of colour autonomous departments and collectives for students of in positions of power in student unions. colour. 33. The NUS recognises that students of colour are subject to unfair discrimination and marginalisation, and autonomous Mover: Sarah Xia (University of Melbourne Delegate)

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Seconder: Betty Belay (LaTrobe) in 2016 in student bodies to collect information on the 10.13 National Survey by NUS Ethno-Cultural Department issues and needs of students of colour. 20. The NUS Ethno-Cultural Officer will work with relevant Preamble autonomous departments, collectives and affiliate 1. Data on the experiences of students of colour is hard to find, and organisations to release and publicise the survey, and the can be an effective tool in creating informed and effective survey shall be released at O-Week in Semester 1 of 2016 campaigns. It is extremely important that the NUS Ethno-Cultural where possible. Department run a survey in 2016 to collect information on the 21. The survey will collect information including but not limited issues faced by students of colour. to: Ethnic background 2. This survey would allow the National Union of Students to more Cultural background adequately represent and advocate for students of colour in Access to income support Australia. The engagement between students of colour and the Educational background NUS Ethno-Cultural Department could also be vastly improved by a Course area studied nation-wide survey. Experiences of racism and discrimination within their discipline Platform Experiences of racism and discrimination in the wider 36. The National Union of Students recognises the importance tertiary community of collecting information on the experiences of students of Level of awareness of university and student colour, in order to allow students of colour to voice their organisations advocating for the rights of students of opinions and issues. colour, including awareness of the NUS Ethno- 37. The NUS Ethno-Cultural Office is an important department Cultural Department. that, when run effectively (such as through the release and 22. The NUS Ethno-Cultural Officer and NUS will publish a analysis of survey data), can allow students of colour to be report of the survey’s findings by the start of Semester 2 properly represented at national level. 2016, and use the findings of the survey to create campaigns and continuously advocate for the rights of Action students of colour. 19. The NUS Ethno-Cultural Officer will run a nation-wide survey

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Mover: Sarah Xia (University of Melbourne Delegate) Seconder: Betty Belay (La Trobe University) Mover: Divina Blanca (NUS NSW Ethnocultural Officer) Seconder: Justine Armin (University of Sydney) 10.14 It’s time for an ethnic gathering. It’s time for an 10.15 Where is our organising space? A conference for us, by us EthnoGatho. Preamble Preamble: 1. Students that identify as people of colour often have difficulty 1. Various student conferences are held that enrich and inform engaging in the student movement. Often they feel isolated or particular NUS departments throughout the year; for instance, disengaged from other student activists. the NUS EdCon, and NUS-supported NOWSA and Queer 2. For several years the NUS Ethnocultural department has been Collaborations conferences. inaccessible for POC activists to genuinely engage with and look to 2. Students from ethnocultural backgrounds do not, at present, for support. have such a summit through which to formulate policy and refine ideas. Platform 3. The National and State Ethnocultural Officers would gain much 1. NUS recognises that experiences of racism for students of from establishing a more direct forum with which to colour are fundamentally underrepresented at a student activist communicate with their respective constituents. level. 2. NUS affirms the importance of supporting a student Platform: conference to promote and foster POC activism that is relevant to 1. NUS recognises the need for an autonomous Ethnocultural the Ethnocultural NUS portfolio. conference to debate policy and workshop ideas regarding 3. NUS believes that providing opportunities for skill and issues faced by those from ethnocultural backgrounds. knowledge sharing between students identifying as people of colour will improve their participation and engagement in student Action: activism and NUS. 3. The National and State Ethnocultural officers liaise together to plan and create an autonomous ethnocultural conference. Action 4. NUS commits to aiding with the planning and organisation of 1. That the NUS Ethnocultural officer will work alongside POC this ethnocultural conference, including financial aid. activists and ethnocultural/POC state branch and campus office

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bearers to create a POC student conference in 2016 to provide 2. NUS recognises the need to dismantle and challenge knowledge and skill sharing for students of colour across Australia. institutional racism. 2. That the NUS Ethnocultural officer works to ensure that the conference is widely publicised and works to mobilize the support 3. NUS must actively mobilise its Ethno-Cultural and attendance of the conference. Department in order to break down racist aspects of

dominant social bodies within the university sector and Moved: Betty Belay (La Trobe University) wider society. Seconded: Sarah Xia (University of Melbourne Delegate)

10.16 Fear of a Brown Planet: Why aren’t students of colour 4. NUS defines dominant social bodies, or institutions as: engaging in NUS? a. Advocacy groups Preamble:

1. NUS acknowledges that discrimination still exists in b. Administrative funding boards university administration and university policy. c. Sponsors 2. NUS, is a body that believes in the equality of all people regardless of race, gender, sexuality, and other d. University boards and committees differences. e. Students’ Associations, Guilds, Unions or equivalent Platform: student representative groups

1. NUS recognises that institutional racism is an inherent f. Any group that has membership requirements aspect of the dominant social bodies that govern our universities. 5. NUS defines racism as:

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a. Exclusion of a person or group of people Seconded: Sarah Xia (University of Melbourne Delegate) based on appearance, ethnic identity, linguistic background, accent or religion.

b. Treating above-mentioned people with disrespect, abuse, difference or otherwise othering the person or group.

Action:

1. The National Ethno- Cultural Officer will, through consultation with campus Ethno-Cultural Officers and Collectives, create campaigns to address these issues of institutional racism.

2. The National Ethno-Cultural Officer will also lobby universities to ensure that they have relevant programs in place to tackle the issues of institutional racism.

3. Such programs could include: instituting affirmative action policies to encourage the participation of ethno-culturally diverse people in student and university organisations, and facilitating ease of access to and democratising information, such as how to become involved in these organisations and what they do, that is often restricted to privileged sections of the community.

Moved: Betty Belay (La Trobe University)

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11. International 6. NUS will organise regular meetings with the CISA Executive to coordinate campaigns and actions.

11.01 CISA THE DAY: Increasing NUS engagement with CISA Moved: Emma Boogaerdt, UWA Delegate Preamble Seconded: Lizzy O’Shea, UWA Delegate 4. The Council of International Students Australia (CISA) exists

as the national peak representative body for International 11.02 Exploitation of International Students in the Workplace students in Australia. Preamble: Platform 1. There are over 500,000 international students in Australia,

5. NUS supports the existence of CISA and the collectivization making up over 20% of students at a tertiary level. of International students. 2. These students contribute over $18 billion to the Australian 6. NUS recognised the unique barriers that International economy, making it the 3rd largest GDP contributor and students face, including disproportionately high fees and Australia’s largest service export, supporting close to 150,000 limited representative voice. Australian jobs. 7. NUS recognised the importance of having a National 3. Due to the extremely high cost of living and university fees, many International Officer who has had some past engagement international students turn to employment to supplement their with CISA. finances. 4. There is however, a problem of exploitation of international Action students and workplace safety, which was highlighted in The Four st 5. NUS will work with CISA to run campaigns for international Corners report on the 31 of August 2015 on the exploitation of students, lobby the government and universities on issues international students working for 7-Eleven. 5. International students are currently restricted to working 40 that affect international students, and provide support to hours per fortnightly. campus student unions and international student groups.

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6. Many employers take advantage of the fact that international students on how to avoid this, how to know whether they are students are in need of employment, and end up paying students being exploited and what to do when they find out they are. well below the legal amount. 7. Due to the low pay from employment, some international [Moved on behalf of CISA Education Officer and UWA Student Guild students are forced to working pass to the 40-hour limit. International Officer Sean Matjeraie] 8. Due to the fear of losing their jobs or getting deported, many international students are hesitant to report cases of exploitation Moved: Lizzy O’Shea, UWA Student Guild, Delegate to the appropriate authorities, and endure the low pay and below Seconded: Emma Boogaerdt, UWA Student Guild, Delegate average working conditions.

Platform: 11.03 Work Rights 1. NUS recognizes that there is a problem of exploitation of international students in the workplace in Australia. Preamble 2. NUS recognizes that there is a need to raise awareness on the 1. A large number of international students are underpaid. matter of exploitation of international students in the workplace 2. As a result, students are forced to work more hours to cover among student associations and institutions. their necessities. This then, breaches the condition of the Student VISA, which limits international students to work no Action: more than 40 hours every fortnight. 3. Most international students enter Australia with a language 1. That the NUS condemns the exploitation of international students barrier and across-culture barrier. It takes time for this employed in Australia. group of students to adapt to an Australian workplace 2. That the NUS communicates the importance of this matter to all environment. member organisations, and works together with them to increase 4. Most international students normally choose a part-time job the awareness as well as support to international students facing at retailers or restaurants as their first placement. A large exploitation. portion of these positions are often paid in cash and under 3. The NUS International Students’ Officer will carry out a national the minimum wage scheme. initiative about the exploitation of international students at the workplace in Australia, with an aim to educate international

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5. Students have no platform to fight for their work rights 1. International students study with a valid student visa, coupled with their lack of knowledge in this area. which is based on the eCoE (Certificate of Enrollment) provided by the university. Platform 2. eCoE explains a student’s enrolled course and the 1. Contact campus stakeholders for input in the platform. expected finishing time. 2. Work with universities to drive the information to 3. Immigration department gives ‘Notice of Visa’ based on students. their expected finishing time. 3. Encourage students to use ‘Students Rights Services’ on 4. International students are forced to load full-time. They campus. cannot appoint their desired number of years to stay at Action university which lacks flexibility.

1. NUS International Officer along with the NUS Welfare 5. If an international student cannot finish his/her course Officer to work closely with the International in an expected term for reasons (e.g. fail an unit), Officers/Overseas Associations on campus to promote students are then forced to overload in their last ‘Your Rights at Work’ for international students groups. semester.

2. NUS to lobby universities to provide a relevant 6. This means that students need to pay extra costs for handbook to introduce ‘Your Rights at Work’ for applying the extension of their VISA, which is alarmingly international students on campus. Make sure more expensive for each period of extension. international students are aware of their rights in 7. There are even additional costs including health workplace at their first arrival. examination and overseas health insurance. 3. NUS to work closely with interrelated NGOs to help Platform/Action international students regarding to issue. 1. Gather interests from respective student unions across Moved: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) Australia to come as one to lobby the relevant government Seconded: Abena Dove (RMIT University Student Union) bodies.

11.04 International students’ VISA extension 2. Have a discussion with universities to update students on the status of their VISA as they have access to the students’ Preamble eCoE.

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Moved: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) Seconded: Abena Dove (RMIT University Student Union)

11.05 Public Transport

Preamble 1. In 2015, the Victoria State Government launched a concession public transport card policy for international students. 2. However, this is only available in an annual pass. International students have over 3 months living overseas in a year. This takes disadvantages of international students. 3. The concessional public transport card is only applicable for undergraduate students.

Platform 1. NUS should lobby the Victorian State Government on transport issues.

Action 1. NUS International Officer along with NUS Welfare Officer to continuously work on this issue. 2. NUS work along with the International Officers/Overseas Associations on campus to work on this issue.

Moved: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) Seconded: Abena Dove (RMIT University Student Union)

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12. Small and Regional 2. The NUS advocates for a strong network amongst small and regional campuses, including good communication links and

12.01 We can go the distance - Communication and networking frequent skill-sharing opportunities; for regional campuses. 3. The NUS recognises that the National Small and Regional Officer is an important part of this process, as an Preamble experienced guide and potential facilitator in such 1. The experience of student representatives at Small and networks. Regional Universities is often very different to those at large universities. The strongest tool that student representatives Actions have is the support and experience of their peers. 1. That the NUS directs the National Small and Regional Officer 2. Being geographically isolated offers less opportunities for to maintain and grow the existing Small and Regional group small and regional students to meet and skill share. on Facebook to include any incoming campus presidents 3. Such skill-sharing is vital given the difficulty in maintaining and interested elected student representatives;

essential advocacy and activism skills, and the National 2. That the NUS directs the National Small and Regional Officer Union of Students is able to take a leading role in ensuring to facilitate a ½ day small and regional mini conference as a this occurs. fringe event to NUS Education Conference; 3. That the NUS directs the National Small and Regional Officer Platform to continue to facilitate communication, discussion, and 1. The NUS recognises that Small and Regional students are skill-sharing amongst Campus Presidents, Officers, and often disconnected from national student activism, and that activists. NUS has a role to play in ensuring this disadvantage is minimised; Moved: Rosemary Gosper, NUS Small and Regional Officer/University of Newcastle Seconded: Joshua Briers, Swinburne University of Technology

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12.02 Encouraging tertiary education for regional students. 1. NUS recognises that university is important and all students should have access to it. Preamble: 2. NUS realises that university is a necessity in maintaining a 1. Australia’s regional areas are essential in sustaining a strong diverse and contemporary society. society. As a result, it is also essential that people in regional areas are well educated. Currently, the participation rate for 3. NUS recognises that moving to university is a daunting and students in tertiary education is 22.4%. Furthermore, only expensive experience. 66% of regional students actually complete year 12. Action: 2. Obviously there is an abundance of reasons as to why regional students are not attending university. However, 1. NUS promotes a diverse online education for regional one prominent reason is because it is too far and too students. expensive for them to move. It is estimated that it will cost a regional student $15,000 - $20,000 just to move to study. 2. NUS promotes access to more degree options via regional/online universities. 3. Access to Youth Allowance is highly restricting because of the tight eligibility criteria. 3. NUS calls on the government to promote online education for regional students. 4. Regional universities are a possible solution and are certainly important to a rural economy. However, majority of regional campuses do not offer the courses budding Moved: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) students crave. This is hard because students are given a Seconded: Jarrett Gauci (Deakin University Students’ Association) false dichotomy: move away from home, or study something that is not aligned to your passion.

Platform:

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12.03 Can’t go a minute without your love. 1. That the NUS directs the National Small and Regional Officer Forgetting the satellite campuses is so 2010 to engage representatives from satellite campuses of major universities; Preamble 2. That the NUS extends invitations to student representatives Many major universities have satellite campuses that are from satellite campuses for the Small and Regional Network disconnected from their main campus. They often have their own and the Small and Regional mini conference; student representation and have experiences more akin to that of 3. That the NUS directs the National Small and Regional Officer regional universities. It is very easy for satellite campuses to thus be to consult with Student Organisations at main campuses in neglected or forgotten, leaving students at a further disadvantage the case that satellite campuses related to that organisation in terms of advocacy and potential activism. The National Union of are being under-represented, or have particular issues that Students has a role to play in ensuring these campuses do receive organisation can assist with. the proper support they deserve, with the National Small and Regional Officer well-placed to provide this support. Moved: Rosemary Gosper, NUS Small and Regional Officer/University of Newcastle Platform Seconded: Joshua Briers, Swinburne University of Technology 1. The NUS acknowledges that satellite campuses have their own unique issues and difficulties; 12.04 “And I won’t walk 500 miles” - Making NDAs more 2. The NUS acknowledges that satellite campuses have their accessible for regional students own unique identity separate to the primary university campus; Preamble 3. The NUS recognises the important role it has in mitigating 1. The primary focus of NDAs in recent years has been rallies in the potential disadvantages that comes from these issues. major cities. This excludes small and regional campuses, as Action. well as distance and remote students.

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2. Traditional rally formats rarely work at regional campuses, 4. The NUS advocates for better integration of small and where the student body is often decentralised. regional campuses into National Days of Action or any other 3. On campus activities do not include distance and remote campaign. students, who have a right to have their voice heard and be represented equally. Actions. 4. Local media often has high saturation in regional areas. 1. That the NUS directs the National Small and Regional Officer These media outlets will not report on event held in major and the National Education Officer to work together to cities, but will readily report on small local events, often ensure NDAs accessible to all students; favourably. By holding local tailored events a larger 2. That the NUS directs the National Education Officer to work audience hears than otherwise would. (clunky, please fix) with the State Presidents and Campus Presidents to ensure that printed NDA materials are distributed to regional campuses in a timely manner; Platform 3. That the NUS directs the National Education Officer and the 1. The NUS recognises the inherent disadvantages faced by National Small and Regional Officer to communicate with students at small and regional campuses, especially in the regional campuses that have the ability and space for their area of activism; own activities, and provide printed material advertising such 2. The NUS recognises that traditional forms of activism, such actions; as rallies, may not be as effective at small and regional 4. That the NUS directs the National Small and Regional and campuses, and more innovative strategies should be National Education Officers to collaborate on and include pursued; actions that are accessible to distance and remote students, 3. The NUS acknowledges that printed material bearing the such as online photo petitions, as an integral part of any times and locations of city rallies only, excludes small and NDA or campaign. regional campuses from being part of a national event;

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Moved: Rosemary Gosper, NUS Small and Regional 2. NUS opposes the ongoing financial exploitation of students Officer/University of Newcastle by their universities. Seconded: Joshua Briers, Swinburne University of Technology

Action 12.05 Crash landing! Services for satellite campuses 1. National Conference directs the National Small and Regional Preamble Campus Officer to work alongside State branches and campus representatives to conduct an investigation in to 1. A number of Universities have satellite or branch campuses, the services on offer to satellite campus students. which is a smaller campus away from the original or main 2. The National Small and Regional Campus Officer will provide University campus. These campuses can play an important ongoing support to the student organisations of satellite role in providing access to tertiary education for non- campuses in lobbying for the delivery of services by the traditional students. University to all students 2. Students at some satellite campuses are still required to pay Moved: Charlie Viska, UWA Student Guild Delegate full SSAF fees, but the University does not provide the same Seconded: Emma Boogaerdt, UWA Student Guild Delegate services for students as at the main campus. 3. Students at satellite campuses, which are typically small 12.06 Regional Students and work placement

and/or regional campuses already face a number of unique Preamble challenges and do not need further financial exploitation from their University. 1. Students attending university in rural and regional campus Platform can experience significant difficulty when it comes to work placement, a graded element of many students studies. 1. NUS recognises the right for all students, particularly full 2. Deakin Warrnambool Campus is among one of these groups SSAF-paying students, to access services irrespective of their of students that face disadvantage when it comes to campus’ location placement. Deakin Nursing students reported obstacles

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including not having placement close to home, meaning 2. The national small and regional officer will conduct a hidden costs such as accommodation, and moving closer to campaign that engages NUS and the broader community placement workplaces, food costs and wellbeing. This about obstacles small and regional students face in finding experience is not uncommon amongst regional campus accessible and affordable work placement. students. 3. Lack of support from student unions and universities Moved: Rose Steele (National President) disenfranchises students from the student movement, and Seconded: Hannah Smith (National Education Officer) completing their degree.

12.07 Don’t cut regional students out of higher education! Platform Preamble 1. NUS recognises that small and regional students face significant obstacles in completing their assessed work 1. Small and Regional campuses have been left behind by the placement. Coalition government and suffer the most from funding cuts

2. NUS acknowledge that these issues such as accommodation 2. Changes to SSAF will affect small and regional campuses the and cost could be addressed through added support from most, as they are currently the most underfunded and student unions and universities. struggling campuses in the country 3. Many small and regional students already have extra living costs associated with their location and student unions play Action an important role in assisting these students in their studies

Platform 1. The National Small and Regional Officer will lobby student

unions and universities such as DUSA (Deakin University 1. SSAF plays a vital role in ensuring small and regional Student Association) and other campuses with rural campuses exist for disadvantaged students campuses to provide financial subsidies for students taking 2. NUS recognises that small and regional campuses play a part in assessed work placement. special role in Australia’s tertiary education sector, giving

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opportunities to all students and providing specific degrees eligible for the relocation scholarship under youth that will invest into the future allowance. It is important that regional students receive this benefit to assist with their relocation to a new area. Action 2. Many students from small and regional areas may be getting away from low socio economic situations 1. NUS will condemn any legislation that would remove or 3. People aged 15-24 years from rural and regional Australia make SSAF voluntary and is weary of potential changes that are almost half as likely to attending university as young could be brought forward in the nearby future people from metropolitan areas. 2. Leading up to the federal election, NUS’ small and regional 4. Indigenous young people are less that a quarter likely to officer will run a national campaign targeting federal attend university than non indigenous people, with a electorates that have small and regional campuses within its majority living in small and regional areas boundaries 5. One of the best ways to help these students achieve a 3. This campaign will especially be aimed at coalition members university education is by providing direct financial with a clear message of keeping regional students involved assistance in higher education 4. The campaign will have another element, promoting the Platform: importance and awareness of SSAF at small and regional campuses across the country 1. The relocation scholarship plays a vital role in assisting small and regional students with their relocation Moved: Akira Boardman (UMSU, University of Melbourne) 2. Many small and regional students are forced to move in Seconded: Millicent Austin-Andrews (UMSU, University of order to get a university education Melbourne) 3. Moving away from home is the cause of significant financial hardship and the government should provide aid to students who do have to move 12.08 Supporting relocation: don’t touch our scholarships 4. NUS recognises that women identifying students are disproportionately affected by financial hardship in moving Preamble: away from home for university 1. Students that have to relocate away from home to study are

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Action: Preamble

1. NUS will condemn any move to remove the relocation 1. For a variety of reasons including geography, distance, scholarship as it plays a vital role in assisting small and costs, a lack of budget from their student organisation regional students with their relocation. and disadvantage, students who are enrolled in regional 2. If there is a removal or significant adjustment to the universities frequently find it difficult to participate many relocation scholarship from the current or future NUS events. The lack of a voice and regional network for governments, the NUS Small and Regional Office Bearer will this demographic can make it difficult to represent this communicate with Small and Regional campus leaders to group, compared to their urban counterparts, though also create a national campaign opposing the changes. limits the opportunity to participation in NUS and its 3. The campaign will target voters in regional areas with a activities. petition aimed at the parents of regional students and Platform poster campaign, with materials/designs to be distributed to regional campus 1. The NUS recognises the barriers, which small and regional 4. The campaign will focus on how the government is cutting campuses and student organisations may face, are regional students out of higher education similar, including geographic isolation, high numbers of 5. The campaign will focus on how it is particularly difficult for socially disadvantage students, and a hostile working women identifying and indigenous students to support environment, making it difficult for students to themselves in getting a university education participate in NUS activities, and find the ways for unions to be able to participate in on-campus activism. Likewise, Moved: Akira Boardman (UMSU, University of Melbourne) how new demographics, like distance and online students Seconded: Millicent Austin-Andrews (UMSU, University of are changing how campus are used/orientated, affecting Melbourne) the level of engagement and participation.

2. That NUS value networking opportunities regional 12.09 The importance of networking: making a fringe event for students messages as a tool in assisting in students in small and rural for regional students, a permanent feature exchanging ideas and experience, and being able to of Ed Con

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operate their student organisations effectively, to run campus participation and a lack of support, despite student unions and campaigns. having an otherwise active student community. 2. Engagement with small and regional affiliates and Action campuses, throughout the Higher Education campaign is 1. That the National Small and Regional Officer during or in critical for regional universities, who would experience conjunction at the annual Education Conference, host a the worst of the negative effects, were the specific event or workshop, specifically for student Abbott/Turnbull Liberal Governments higher education representatives from small and regional campuses, on policy fully introduced. regional issues (although a separate conference would be Platform ideal, there is a high chance that this would be poorly attended, as in many cases, limited travel budgets mean 1. That education campaigns are not a ‘one fits all’ model, student representatives can only attend a select number and that the National Union must recognise participation of interstate events). varies greatly across urban and regional campuses. 2. Whilst traditional NDAs are important for the national Mover: Liam Salter (TUU, University of Tasmania) union, particularly in urban areas, they could be equally Seconder: Heidi La Paglia (TUU, University of Tasmania) supplemented, with alternative forms of activism,

including information barbecues, community forums, and

similar type of events held on the same day, with the 12.10 NDAs are not a one size fits all: finding ways to promote identical aim of ensuring that all students are entitled to a alternate forms of education activism in higher education fair and equal education, and adequately represented. campaigns 3. That finding and exploring new and alternative ways of activism would be a beneficial thing for NUS as a organisation, as would promote creativity, and broaden Preamble engagement among the student community and as well 1. For a variety of reasons participation in National Day of as NUS affiliates. Action’s can be low or poorly attended among small and 4. This is a perennial issue for NUS and needs to be resolved, regional campus, because of distance, a lack of on- to be able to give the maximum possible opportunity for

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small and regional campuses and potential affiliates to be which trains, buses and trams all contribute to the public able to participate in NUS demonstrations and activities. transport link. 3. Public transport is the only viable method of transport Actions between home and university for a large portion of students 1. That the National Education Officer, together with the as a way of managing costs associated with running a car. Small and Regional Officer, and State Branch’s, assist with 4. The availability of public transport during the day and late at campuses who find it difficult to be able to run traditional night is severely limited in both metropolitan areas, such as NDA’s, and extend its campaigns to a more flexible type Hobart or Launceston, and regional areas. This limits the of delivery. amount of time a student can spend at university with the 2. That when traditional NDAs are not suitable, that NUS main Launceston University Bus Route starting at 6am and explore and/or promote alternate forms of activism, and finishing at 7pm. ways of engaging participation with NUS and the student movement. Platform 1. NUS recognises the importance public transport plays in a Mover: Liam Salter (TUU, University of Tasmania) student’s life at university. Seconder: Heidi La Paglia (TUU, University of Tasmania) 2. NUS supports campuses that invest in transport to and from university for its students. 3. NUS recognises that it is important to extend bus timetables 12.12 Public Transport for Regional Students later at night and earlier in the day.

Preamble Action 1. Public transport is a vital link for students to commute to 1. NUS will write to the State Governments expressing its and from university and education providers in regional concern over the lack of adequate transport to and from areas. universities in regional areas. 2. Regional areas of Australia, such as Tasmania, have less 2. NUS will support any new public transport that helps public transport available to students in comparison to students access university. people from major cities such as Sydney or Melbourne in

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3. NUS will continue to raise awareness of the importance that 2. NUS promotes studies into making sure that regional public transport plays in the commute of regional students students have access to the same mental health support as to universities. city students. 3. NUS supports students who are mentally unwell into getting Moved: Sarah Rivilla (Victoria University Delegate) better. Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) Action 12.13 Mental Health Support for Regional Students: 1. NUS will lobby Universities to have a support system for regional students. Preamble: 2. NUS will launch an online campaign that promotes mental 1. Mental ill health is on the incline and is becoming more, and health within the regional areas. more potent in students. With the stress of making friends, 3. NUS will support universities that have both a city-based O-week and exams, university can foster stress just as much and regional mental health support system. as it fosters happiness. 2. University can be great fun, but things get stressful pretty Moved: Robby Magyar (University of Sydney SRC) quick if you're not passing subjects. Coming from high Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) school, the assessments (especially big exams) can seem massively daunting. 12.14 A fair chance for all: continuation of investment in rural 3. According to Reachout.com, it is significantly more mentally and regional access schemes stressful for students from regional areas to firstly move, than stay away from home at University. Preamble: 4. Currently, the lack of support for these students is not helping this situation. 1. The 1990 ‘A fair chance for all’ policy by the Hawke Platform government promoted tertiary awareness programs, 1. NUS realises that the mental health support for city-based improving distance education opportunities, alternative students could be extended to regional students. entry arrangements, bridging and supplementary courses, credit transfer arrangements and assistance with

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accommodation for rural students across the nation. This 5. NUS recognizes the benefit of the 1990 ‘A fair change for all’ program saw tertiary aspiration rates; accessibility and policy on increasing rural participation and understands the financial availability increase for rural students wanting to need for further development and resourcing of rural access pursue higher education. schemes and financial incentives to assist with rural access 2. Rural students currently find great adversity when to Universities. attempting to transition to University, currently only 66% of rural students complete year 12, they face $15-20,000 in 6. NUS recognizes the important role that tertiary educated additional cost compared to a metropolitan student as a young people play in allowing growth in regional areas and result of having to relocate/ travel. And community the positive affect these students may have when relocating perceptions of the value of education are far lower in rural to metropolitan campuses with the promotion of family areas than metropolitan. values and rural principles.

3. Tertiary educated young people are vitally important to Action: sustaining innovation and growth amongst our nations regions and provide for much needed financial benefit to 3. NUS will lobby state and federal government bodies to struggling rural areas. Decreasing regional admission rates increase funding and resourcing for rural tertiary access mean that tertiary education must be promoted and schemes. fostered in rural areas to sustain growth. 4. NUS will encourage affiliate unions to lobby respective Platform: Universities to further develop rural scholarship opportunities and create alternate access pathways for rural 4. NUS understand the difficulty faced by regional students in and regional students. transitioning to tertiary education and acknowledge issues surrounding financial disadvantage, proximity, secondary Moved: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) completion rates and community distain for the value of Seconded: Cam Petrie (RMIT University Student Union/Vic State tertiary education. Branch Presdient)

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12.15 Regional Student Accommodation: Supporting regional 1. NUS understands the financial pressure and strain placed on students with affordable residential opportunities regional students who are forced to relocate to metropolitan areas in order to receive quality educational opportunities, furthermore Preamble: NUS recognizes the high rate of financial disadvantage present in regional areas and the extended difficulty this adds to sourcing 1. Universities in many rural areas often lack funding and adequate financial support for regional students with a lack of University facilities intended to delivery high quality education across a variety monetary support. of disciplines, students are often forced to relocate to metropolitan areas in order to study their desired course and/or engrain Action: themselves into university life. These students face great financial burden are often forced to rely on family or other outside sources 1. NUS affiliated unions will lobby their respective Universities to in order to maintain a minimum standard of living. advance financial assistance and scholarship programs for regional residential relocation 2. Often students from rural, regional or remote locations come from communities labeled as low socio-economic or from families 2. NU recognizes the financial pressure placed on regional students facing economic disadvantage or low-income due to the exhaustion and the need to further advance opportunities for students of well paid employment in the regions. As a result, students travelling or relocating in order to pursue tertiary education. traveling from regional locations are often less capable of financing the high cost of living in metropolitan areas in order to study. Moved: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) Seconded: Abena Dove (RMIT University Student Union) 3. Universities often fail to recognize the importance of regional student education for the development of regional areas and often fail to provide financial incentives or support for these students in 12.16 Increase Equity for Regional and Disadvantaged Students relocating in order to receive a quality education. Preamble: Platform: 1. High school leavers in regional Australia looking to go to university are often faced with a tough decision of either; moving to a city and studying at a renowned, city-based

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university, allowing them greater access to career should be afforded the opportunities accessible to those opportunities, or by staying closer to home and studying at who come from a city or a more affluent background. a regional university. Action: 1. The National Union of Students will seek to encourage and 2. It is acknowledged there are current systems in place to influence universities within cities across Australia to promote equity for regional and disadvantaged students broaden their equity scholarship scope and encourage an such as bonus points, youth allowance and equity increase in the number of scholarships given to regional and scholarships. However, it can still be tough for regional or disadvantaged students, without reallocating resources disadvantaged students to gain entry or sustain themselves from existing scholarships. properly in a city like Sydney. 2. The National Union of Students will promote the need for 3. Some students cannot attain youth allowance or support increased government support for regional and from their parents and therefore, often some regional or disadvantaged students and will consider pushing for a disadvantaged students are unable to achieve these forms review of current eligibility criteria for youth allowance. of equity. It should also be noted the UAC Equity Thereby allowing for greater equity for those which Scholarships require a fairly rigorous application and are currently do not fit the youth allowance criteria but cannot quite competitive. be supported financially by their parents/guardians.

Platform: 1. The National Union of Students believe a quality education Moved: Harrison Stanton (UTS Students Association). Seconded: Peter Zacharatos (UTS Students Association). and career opportunities should be open to all regardless of

their parents/guardians wealth, their backgrounds and

where they come from. 12.17 NUS SSAF Accountability Campaign

2. The National Union of Students believes that those regional Preamble and disadvantaged students who display potential and merit

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Moved: Alexandra Costello (Elected delegate, Wollongong 1. Small and Regional Campus unions are often left out in SSAF Undergraduate Students’ Association) negotiations, or tied to strict conditions for funding Seconded: Lucas Kennedy (Elected delegate, Griffith SRC) 2. Many Small and Regional Campuses use methods of SSAF allocation that overlook democratic student structures, or 12.18 Small and Regional Campus Network create their own to suit their purposes 3. Small and Regional Campus unions are some of the poorest Preamble unions in the country thanks to being left with little to no 1. Small and Regional Campuses require a higher level of SSAF funding from negotiations. This leaves some unions to support from NUS than well established and wealthy rely on pre-VSU financial reserves, strangling their ability to student unions due to the amount of issues they face, provide all but basic services and advocacy including but not limited to: lack of funding, hostile campus administrations, and university owned and operated Platform ‘unions’. 1. NUS believes that campuses should be required to include 2. The Small and Regional Campus network was started in their student union in SSAF negotiations 2014 to better connect Small and Regional Campuses with 2. NUS condemns the practice of campuses forming appointed other similar campuses, and NUS. Improving support for student bodies to override the say of student unions in SSAF Small and Regional Campuses have previously been negotiations identified as a priority for NUS. 3. NUS believes all student unions should be provided with an 3. The Small and Regional Campus is designed to allow elected adequate percentage of SSAF funds in a campus’s allocation. representatives from small and regional campuses to Action discuss similar issues and solutions to these issues without 1. NUS will run a targeted campaign on SSAF accountability at having to hear ideas from campuses vastly different to Small and Regional Campuses in 2016 through the Small and them. Regional, and Education Departments. 4. The Small and Regional Campus Network has run reasonably 2. NUS will engage with Small and Regional Campuses through well in 2015, but could use improvement to ensure that their SSAF negotiations and provide assistance where small & regional campuses are adequately engaging with possible. NUS.

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Platform 3. The NUS Small and Regional Officer will regularly liaise with 1. NUS acknowledges that Small and Regional Campuses small and regional student organisation Campus Presidents require a higher level of support than larger campuses. to offer advice and/or guidance should it be needed. 2. NUS recognises the unique needs of small and regional Moved: Alexandra Costello (Elected delegate, Wollongong students and supports small and regional student Undergraduate Students’ Association) organisations in their efforts to meet these needs Seconded: Lucas Kennedy (Elected delegate, Griffith SRC) 3. NUS recognises the relative success of the Small and Regional Campus Network in 2015, but acknowledges that the Network can be further improved to provide support to 12.19 Small and Regional Campaign Strategy small and regional campuses. Preamble Action 1. Currently campaigning on small and regional campuses 1. NUS will continue to operate a Small and Regional Campus largely takes the form of running campaigns designed for Network Facebook group, and will update the participants campuses with a large and engaged student population and to include 2016 Campus Presidents from affiliated Small and well funded campus organisation. Regional Campuses. 2. Students who want to engage with NUS but live more than a.) From here, the NUS Small and Regional Officer will invite an hour from a capital city can find it difficult to engage with small and regional student organisation Presidents to add “National Days of Action” due to the travel involved any interested student organisation elected representatives 3. Small and Regional students are typically some of the most to this online forum adversely affected in changes to government higher b.) The NUS Small and Regional Officer will set parameters education policy. for the online forum and encourage discussion and idea 4. Small and Regional campus organisations often wish to hold sharing their own smaller on campus actions directly targeted at 2. The NUS Small and Regional Officer shall be responsible for issues on their campus and in their region, but sometimes organising a link up with Small and Regional Campuses find a lack of support from NUS to do so, instead being every two months, either by phone or by Skype. asked to send students to major city rallies.

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Platform allow flexibility for small and regional campuses to send 1. NUS understands that campaigning on small and regional students to major city rallies should they wish to do so. campuses requires a shift in focus towards on campus issues, and campus specific actions. Moved: Alexandra Costello (Elected delegate, Wollongong 2. NUS acknowledges the difference in campaigning styles and Undergraduate Students’ Association) issues between small and regional campuses, and larger Seconded: Lucas Kennedy (Elected delegate, Griffith SRC) campuses in metropolitan areas. 3. NUS recognises that it is often difficult for students from 12.20 2016 NUS Small and Regional Conference small and regional campuses to come to major city rallies Preamble Action 1. The idea of holding a Small and Regional Conference has 1. NUS National Office Bearers will ensure that all NUS been discussed for many years, but has never come to campaigns are accessible for small and regional campus fruition. affiliates. 2. Holding a specific Small and Regional Conference would 2. NUS will encourage small and regional affiliates to hold allow Campus Presidents and students from small and Campus Days of Action (CDA’s) during National Days of regional campuses to discuss issues that they are having, Action. share ideas, and hold plenaries to plan campaigns for small a.) These actions may take the form of: petitions, photo and regional campuses. campaigns, on campus rallies etc. 3. A Small and Regional Workshop afternoon was held prior to b.) State Branch Presidents shall be responsible for Education Conference in 2015. Although there was a small coordinating Campus Days of Action at small and regional turnout, the workshops were useful for those in attendance. affiliates. A well advertised, one day conference would likely have a c.) The National Small and Regional Officer shall use the higher turnout, and better outcome for small and regional Small and Regional Campus Network to further assist students. campuses in organising CDA’s. d.) Campus Days of Action may be organised on any day Platform during the same week as a National Day of Action as to

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1. NUS believes that Small and Regional students should have allow students from financially stretched campuses to their own conference to discuss issues directly relevant to attend. them. 2. NUS acknowledges that an effective small and regional Moved: Alexandra Costello (Elected delegate, Wollongong campus conference would allow small and regional Undergraduate Students’ Association) campuses to share useful ideas, information, and solutions Seconded: Lucas Kennedy (Elected delegate, Griffith SRC) to problems common on other small and regional campuses 3. NUS encourages the idea of students from small and 12.21 Don’t Forget About Us- National Office Bearer Visits regional campuses building relationships with other campuses and NUS itself. Preamble 1. Small and Regional campuses require a higher amount of Action support than larger campuses in metropolitan areas due to 1. NUS will hold a one day Small and Regional Conference prior the amount of issues they face, including financial hardship, to Education Conference in 2016. hostile campuses, and a lack of engagement from students. a.) The conference will take place at the same venue as 2. National Office bearer visits are often effective in assisting a Education Conference. campus in running campaigns, or assisting a campus with an b.) The conference will be run by the National President and issue that they are experiencing. National Small and Regional Officer. All other National 3. Some small and regional campuses rely on these visits to Office bearers will be asked to assist. receive NUS material and to engage with students on their c.) This conference will include a guest speaker, workshops, campus. a plenary and a Campus President’s session. The agenda will 4. Some campuses miss out from National Office bearer visits, further be determined by the National Small and Regional particularly major National Office bearers such as the Officer and National Executive. National President or National General Secretary. d.) The costs for registration will be determined by National Executive Platform 2. NUS will prioritise students from small and regional 1. NUS believes that its National Office bearers should be campuses in equity grants for Education Conference to engaging with small and regional campuses.

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2. NUS acknowledges that National Office bearer visits are Preamble effective in assisting small and regional campuses in 1. Many small and regional campus organisations have to deal campaigning. with hostile administrations that are difficult to deal with 3. NUS acknowledges that small and regional campuses when it comes to funding negotiations, restrictions on require a large amount of support from their National campaigning, and in some cases, being totally ignored by Union. administration. 2. Campus organisations with hostile environments can often Action find themselves in financial trouble due to an inability to 1. NUS directs all National Office bearers to visit at least one negotiate effectively with a hostile administration. If funding small and regional campus affiliate during their tenure. is provided, it is typically tied funding that cannot be used 2. NUS directs all paid National Office bearers to visit at least for certain purposes (e.g. NUS affiliation). three small and regional campus affiliates during their 3. Support and pressure from NUS representatives can often tenure. result in campuses acting less hostile towards student 3. NUS directs State Branch Presidents to better coordinate representatives and campus organisations. National Office bearer visits to small and regional campuses. The National Small and Regional Officer will also be Platform responsible for this coordination. 1. NUS acknowledges that many small and regional campuses 4. Further, NUS directs State Branch Presidents to visit every have hostile administrations, and require a large amount of small and regional campus affiliate in their state during their support in negotiations. tenure. These visits may be in conjunction with National 2. NUS condemns campus administrations that are hostile Office bearer visits. towards their student organisations. 3. NUS understands the difficulty some small and regional Moved: Alexandra Costello (Elected delegate, Wollongong campuses have in funding, and acknowledges that some Undergraduate Students’ Association) small and regional campuses have difficulty in paying NUS Seconded: Lucas Kennedy (Elected delegate, Griffith SRC) affiliation.

12.22 Support for Campuses with Hostile Administrations Action

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1. NUS will assist small and regional campuses with hostile 3. NUS commends the efforts made by the 2014 and 2015 administrations where possible, including providing National National General Secretaries to provide concessional rates Office bearers and State Branch Presidents to sit in on for NUS conferences to small and regional campuses. negotiations. 2. NUS will investigate methods to make affiliation easier for Action campuses with hostile administrations. 1. NUS will continue to provide concessional rates to small and regional campus organisations for National Conference. Moved: Alexandra Costello (Elected delegate, Wollongong 2. NUS will investigate if it is possible to offer concessional Undergraduate Students’ Association) rates for other NUS Conferences, including Education Seconded: Lucas Kennedy (Elected delegate, Griffith SRC) Conference and President’s Summit.

12.23 Concessional Rates for NUS Conferences Moved: Alexandra Costello (Elected delegate, Wollongong Undergraduate Students’ Association) Preamble Seconded: Lucas Kennedy (Elected delegate, Griffith SRC) 1. Small and Regional campus organisations are often very underfunded and sometimes have difficulty in providing funding for students to attend NUS conferences. 2. This means that small and regional students may miss out on actively engaging with their National Union due to their campus organisation not being able to afford to pay the registration fees for conferences.

Platform 1. NUS understands that small and regional campuses often have difficulty paying registration fees for NUS conferences. 2. NUS acknowledges that some small and regional campuses require concessional rates for registration fees to NUS conferences.

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companies whose primary business is the exploration, extraction 13. Environment and processing of fossil fuels. 8. In addition, numerous organisations are moving their finances from banks that provide financial services to the fossil fuel industry to 13.01 “This [planet] is cooked”, so lets’ divest from Fossil Fuels financial institutions that have made a commitment to avoid investing in the fossil fuel sector. Preamble 1. Climate change is a serious threat to current and future generations Platform here in Australia and internationally. 1. NUS recognises that climate change is being accelerated by human 2. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels including coal, oil and Assessment Report found that global warming is already causing gas. costly disruption of human and natural systems throughout the 2. NUS recognises that investments should support a future where all world, including the melting of Arctic ice, acidification of ocean citizens can live healthy lives without the negative impacts of a waters and increased flooding and drought. warming climate. 3. In its “Unburnable Carbon” report, the Carbon Tracker Initiative 3. NUS supports the fossil fuel divestment campaigns that are found that fossil fuel companies and governments possess proven happening on university campuses across Australia. fossil fuel reserves that would release approximately 2,795 gigatons 4. NUS should encourage all student organisations and universities to of CO2 if they are burned, which is five times the amount that can divest from the fossil fuel industry, and to cease using financial be released without exceeding 2°C of warming. institutions that support the fossil fuel industry. 4. Investing in the fossil fuel sector supports a sector that is contributing to climate change. Action 5. NUS should be a leading institution in progressive social change. 1. NUS directs the Environment Officer to work with 350.org, the 6. Divestment –rejecting financial involvement in and support for the Australian Student Environment Network and the Fossil Free fossil fuel sector– is a significant symbolic and practical action campaigns at each Australian university to support and implement institutions can take on climate change. the ‘Fossil Free Universities’ campaign. 7. Students at hundreds of university campuses worldwide have 2. NUS directs the Environment Officer to prepare a report for NUS launched campaigns to have their institutions divest from conference 2016 documenting support provided and progress by each student organisation in participating in the campaign.

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3. NUS directs the General Secretary to divest all NUS finance from 3. As a result of increasing public transport patronage the organisations which contribute financially to companies whose system is often over crowded during the morning and primary business is the exploration, extraction and processing of afternoon peaks, with the PT system under immense strain fossil fuels. due in part to a lack of Government funding. 4. That, for any NUS investments in managed funds that are found to include these companies, the General Secretary is to contact the Platform fund managers and demand that the companies be removed from 1. That NUS encourages students to take public transport to and the funds. from University and places of higher education. 5. That the General Secretary will release quarterly updates, publicly

available, detailing progress made towards full divestment. 2. NUS supports the construction of public transport links to Australian tertiary institutions, with an emphasis on building Moved: Patrick Dollard (University of Melbourne Student Union) rail transport, and calls on increased investment in Seconded: Sophie Vassallo (Monash Student Association) infrastructure by State and Federal Governments. 3. NUS supports the construction of bike lanes surrounding Australian Universities, particularly in regional areas where the 13.02 “You know the last plane train out of Sydney to Uni’s number of bike lanes connecting Universities and cities is almost gone”: Sustainable and affordable transport to Uni. lacking. The provision of bicycle lanes allows Preamble 4. NUS encourages campuses to construct more places for 1. Every day, University students make their way to students to park their bicycles, in an attempt to encourage University by both public and private transport. riding to University. 2. In recent years, the number of people using public Action transport has increased substantially across the country, as 1. The NUS directs the National Environments Officer to conduct a a result of increased car numbers and traffic, increasing survey of University students about ways in which they travel to costs in fuel and a growing awareness of the university, the advantages and weaknesses of their means of environmental impacts that arise from travelling to work. travel and any improvements which can be made near their

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University to improve public transport. Further, the findings of unsustainable bulk carrier traffic along the Great Barrier this survey are to be presented to relevant State and Federal Reef. politicians, in an attempt to see improvements to sustainable 3. In Queensland, both the former Liberal-National, as well as the current Labor state government, have provided transport near universities. ample support and subsidies to these developments. This includes the current government’s ‘royalty holiday’ period Moved: Patrick Dollard (University of Melbourne Student for Adani’s proposed Carmichael coal mine, which will Union) save the company hundreds of millions of dollars should Seconded: Sophie Vassallo (Monash Students Association) the project go ahead, as well as its approval for dumping dredge spoil on land adjacent to the reef. 13.03 The Great Barrier Reef Platform Preamble 1. In the interest of preserving the Great Barrier Reef, NUS

1. The Great Barrier Reef is under serious threat. Increased calls on the Australian and Queensland governments to mining development and port expansion along the revoke approval for all the aforementioned Queensland coast, as well as a sea temperature increase developments. attributable to global warming have caused serious and 2. NUS demands that state funding and support originally irreparable damage to the coral reef system - since 1985, allocated to fossil fuel projects along the Queensland it has lost more than half of its corals. coast be redirected to renewable energy projects instead.

2. Of particular concern right now is a whole swathe of 3. NUS demands that governments impose severe penalties proposed mining and port developments slated to go on companies responsible for damaging the Great Barrier ahead despite the now fragile health of the reef. This Reef. includes the nine proposed mega coal mines in the Galilee Basin and related coal port expansion at Abbot Point; Action dredging slated for Townsville, Dudgeon Point and the 1. NUS will provide ongoing support to campaigns defending Fitzroy delta; and the proposed South of Embley bauxite the Great Barrier Reef (by way of printing posters and mine on Cape York, will also result in increased and leaflets, sending mass emails to members, putting out media releases, and attending demonstrations) as well as

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campaigns opposing climate change and destructive 3. There is also evidence to suggest that runoff from the mining and port developments. mines slag heaps will adversely effect the great barrier reef. Mover: Carl Jackson, NUS national environment officer Seconder: Jack Todaro, RUSU Platform 1. NUS rejects the construction of the Carmichael coal mine. 13.04 The Carmichael mine – turns out coal is not good for 2. NUS stands for the reversal and cancellation of all current humanity and future subsidies for fossil fuels. 3. NUS reaffirms its commitment to pursuing renewables as Preamble an alternative to coal fired electricity production. 1. The proposed Carmichael coal mine in the Galilee Basin in Central Queensland will be the largest open cut coal mine on the planet if it is allowed to proceed. Despite the Action overwhelming scientific evidence that CO2 emissions are 1. NUS will support (by way of media releases, printing the leading cause of catastrophic climate change, the posters and leaflets, and sending office bearers to speak federal and the Queensland state Government are at demonstrations) any campaign against the Carmichael determined to allow Adani to export billions of tonnes of Mine. coal. This includes the Queensland government’s promise of a ‘royalty-free’ honeymoon period which is Mover: Carl Jackson (NUS National Environment Officer) encouraging the development and will save the company Seconder: Kahlani Pyrah (MSA) hundreds of millions of dollars. 2. Alongside the contribution of CO2 emissions to catastrophic climate change, the emission of CO2 into the 13.05 Profit is a dirty word: all market solutions to climate Earth’s atmosphere also poses an immediate health risk change must be rejected through the degradation of air quality which leads to respiratory diseases. Preamble

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1. Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus that investment of no more than US$4 trillion a year. Clearly climate change is dramatically damaging our the wealth and resources to oversee a radical transition environment – potentially already beyond repair – to renewable energy exist – the problem is that big governments and big business around the world have at business – i.e. ‘the market’ – does not stand to gain as best stayed silent or at worst openly denigrated the facts much from protecting the environment as they do from for years. the short-term gain of burning fossil fuels and other 2. So strong is the evidence today, however – dramatically unsustainable practices. rising temperatures and sea levels, more extreme weather events, and an unprecedented rate of extinction Platform – that it is now no longer politically tenable to ignore it. 1. NUS rejects market based solutions to climate change, Instead, corporations have embraced “sustainable and any solutions which levy poor and working class practices” and politicians have turned to “market people, as opposed to big business and industry. solutions” such as emissions trading schemes and even 2. NUS stands for the reversal and cancellation of all current attend global summits like COP 21 with overtures to and future subsidies for fossil fuels. “solving the climate crisis”. However, these so-called 3. NUS stands for increased taxation of corporations and the solutions have completely failed to arrest rising super wealthy to fund large-scale renewable energy greenhouse gas emissions, and have even rewarded infrastructure projects. polluters with generous government subsidies while big business passes the cost onto poor and working people – Action Australia’s carbon tax, supported by Labor and the 1. NUS will support (by way of media releases, printing Greens, and the EU’s emissions trading scheme are cases posters and leaflets, and sending office bearers to speak in point. at demonstrations) any campaigns condemning such 3. A 2014 Oxfam investigation into global inequality found market solutions in favour of more taxation on the rich to that the top 1 percent of the population is worth a fund large scale renewable energy infrastructure. NUS will whopping $134 trillion. Furthermore, a World Wide Fund similarly support any campaigns calling out big polluters. for Nature report from 2011 found that, based on existing 2. NUS will publicly criticize any future policy putting technology, the transition to a 100 percent renewable forward market-based solutions, pointing out their global energy system could be achieved by 2050 for an

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fundamental flaws listed above, and demanding increased production, and the workers in coal mines should be re- taxation on the rich. trained and guaranteed re-employment in another industry. 2. NUS opposes university investment in the coal industry and Mover: Kahlani Pyrah (MSA) partnerships between coal companies and universities. Seconder: Kim Collett (Griffith Student Guild) Action 1. The National Environment Officer will campaign for fossil 13.06 Opposition to Coal fuel divestment of universities. 2. NUS will stand against university partnerships with coal Preamble companies. 1. Coal is a destructive industry which is directly contributing to global warming through its production of CO2 emissions. Moved: Kim Collett (Griffith Student Guild) 2. Coal mines also have large detrimental effects on the health Seconded: Carl Jackson (NUS national environment officer) of those on those who work in them and live around them. 3. Universities are increasingly investing in coal and other fossil fuel industries. 13.07 Fossil Fuels - Malcolm Turnbull Disinterested in Doing 4. Universities have entered into partnerships with coal Anything to Stop Climate Change companies, resulting in the creation, for example, of the Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation research facility at the Preamble University of Sydney or the Minerals Tertiary Education 1. Malcolm Turnbull has continued the Coalition government’s Council which several universities are involved in and serves inaction on climate change. to funnel students into mining engineering. 2. Turnbull will continue to run the government in the interest of big resource and mining companies currently giving fossil fuel Platform production $5.6 Billion per annum in subsidies. 1. NUS opposes coal as an industry on the basis that it is 3. With fossil fuels contributing 65% of global green house gases fundamentally destructive and holds that coal mines should seizing the mass production of fossil fuels is therefore a priority be phased out and replaced by sustainable energy if global warming is to be stopped.

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4. Fighting against the continued degradation of the environment 2. With an increase in global temperatures, the water sources from climate change largely a result of fossil fuel production available to us will decrease over time. Climate change must be part of the fight back against the government that models predict that rainfall over much of Australia may fall props up oil, gas, and coal companies. by 10% in the near future. 3. It is important for Universities to control their water Platform consumption to ensure students gain the most from 1. NUS recognises that the Liberal government has no interest in preservation of their gardens and open spaces. It has been fighting climate change and instead wants to maintain the shown that gardens, lawns and open spaces contribute to profiteering of big business in the resource sector at the cost of the positive environment that enhance student life on the environment. campus. 2. NUS denounces the Turnbull government for continuing to 4. Watering gardens and lawns during the middle of the day subsidise fossil fuel production of all sorts. and at times of high temperature increase evaporation of water, and subsequently the water is not absorbed into the Action ground. 1. NUS supports campaigns and actions against the Liberal 5. Universities currently water their lawns and gardens with no government inclusive of students, workers and unionists as reference to times and evaporation rates with up to 10% of a means of combating the degradation of the environment. water lost to evaporation during times of heat and sunlight.

Moved: Carl Jackson (NUS national environment officer) Platform Seconded: Jack Todaro (RUSU) 1. NUS supports campuses that move towards more sustainable water usage and associated goals. 2. NUS supports the conservation of water on campus to 13.08 Water Conservation at University ensure that students have gardens and lawns to enjoy. 3. NUS recognises that climate change will have an impact on Preamble current and future students. 1. Climate change is a serious threat that affects communities across the globe. Water is also a valuable commodity that Action will become more scarce over time.

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1. NUS National Environment Officer will lobby universities to 3. Whilst our goal is to reduce CO2 emissions, social planning control the times at which watering occurs on lawns and to achieve this goal is not feasible in the short to medium gardens. term. Technological solutions are required to immediately 2. NUS National Environment Officer will actively state the address this problem. importance and significance that gardens, lawns and open

spaces has on the welfare of students at university. 4. Nuclear power is this technological solution. Properly 3. NUS will work to raise awareness of the importance of managed, nuclear power is a safe, dependable energy water consumption and wastage, and its importance within source that produces zero CO2 emissions. This lack of CO2 the community. emissions is one of the direct reasons why France, the most nuclear dependent nation on earth, is also the OECD nation Moved: Nathan Croft (LTSU Delegate) with the lowest CO2 emissions. To oppose nuclear power is Seconded: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) to condemn the world to environmental destruction at the

13.09 Isn’t it amazing what this little silver rock can do hands of global warming, with renewable energy just not being enough to power societies in the modern age. Preamble 1. For many parts of the world, global warming is a lived Platform reality. In our own country, we have already seen 1. NUS believes that global warming is a critical issue that temperatures rise consistently above average. In the Pacific, requires urgent and substantial action to combat. countries are facing the threat of annihilation, not at the 2. NUS recognises that nuclear power is the solution required hands of weapons or Navy divisions, but at the hands of to best reduce CO2 emissions in the short to medium term. rising sea levels. 3. NUS recognises that the Chernobyl nuclear disaster was a 2. We all know that climate change, and rising sea levels, are a direct result of socialist mismanagement, and that socialists direct result of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. The only should not be let near large or complex machinery. way to address the terrifying spectre of climate change is to 4. NUS congratulates the South Australian Labor Government immediately and drastically reduce CO2 emissions. on their Royal Commission into the feasibility of nuclear

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power, and commends this bold step towards a CO2 free form of energy, and already supplies 17% of the world’s energy. economy. Nuclear power facilities require less land use than other carbon- neutral energy forms, meaning we can utilize our space more Action effectively, as the effects of urban sprawl continue to take place. 1. National Conference directs the 2016 National Environment When managed correctly, waste product poses no threat to Officer to run a campaign explaining to students the humans or the environment. In comparison, toxic output from fossil benefits of nuclear power. fuel plants remains this way forever. 3. Potential environmental impacts from nuclear power operations 2. NUS forwards a copy of this policy to Jay Weatherill, are carefully controlled and regulated. When operating by current Premier of South Australia, accompanied by a safety standards, nuclear power plants pose no threat to workers, congratulatory letter commending him on his boldness and to society and to the environment. In the United States, no deaths clarity of vision. have ever resulted from radiation in the operation of a commercial nuclear power plant, and no significant radiation releases have ever Moved: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) been recorded. Nuclear power in Australia would be subject to Seconded: Tom Nock (National General Secretary) these same strict safety procedures.

13.10 Let’s go Nuclear! Platform: 1. NUS recognises that it has a role to play in pushing for better Preamble: climate and energy policy at universities in Australia. 1. With a lacklustre carbon reduction policy, and a stalling 2. NUS supports the use of nuclear energy as an alternative to dirty renewable energy sector, Australia is falling behind the rest of the energy production. world when it comes to taking action on the vital issue of tackling 3. NUS supports the re-introduction of Nuclear Physics, & other climate change. As young leaders, NUS activists should be taking an nuclear-related science majors in Australian Universities. active role in pushing for a real solution to this very pressing Action: problem. 1. NUS will produce informative material about nuclear power and 2. With Australia’s reliance on fossil fuels becoming too great in distribute this to member and affiliate organisations. response to growing demand for energy, the most prudent solution 2. NUS calls upon the Australian Nuclear Science & Technology will be to use nuclear energy. Nuclear power is a safe, sustainable Organisation (ANSTO) to take a pro-nuclear power position and

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develop policy surrounding its introduction.

Moved: Michael Elliott (University of Sydney delegate) Seconded: Peter Zacharatos (UTS delegate)

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genuine reform. The GST is not a fair tax, it has no 14. Miscellaneous regard for a person's capacity to pay.” 5. The cutting of superannuation concession for high 14.01 GST: Get Stuffed Turnbull – Say no to regressive taxation income earners and closing the loopholes on multi-

Preamble: national companies would increase government 1. Malcolm Turnbull is implementing an increase in GST revenue without attacking low income earners with The tax rate for people on $100,000 a year Platform:

could be cut by nearly a third to compensate for a 15 1. NUS recognises that regressive taxation always hits per cent GST, up 5% the working class and students the hardest

2. This disproportionately affects low income earners 2. This GST hike is another ideological attack on with single mothers and then students being the workers and students by Malcolm Turnbull and worst off with an 11% of their income being paid in reveals his neo-liberal agenda to cut taxes to the GST whilst high income earners are the best off super rich like himself leaving low income earners including a tax cut of up to $41,000 for millionaires. worse off

3. Regressive taxation is one of the worst ways that the 3. NUS supports higher taxes for high income earners government can go about increasing revenue with not lower taxes progressive taxation being shown to be a more Action: 1. NUS condemns the move to increase the already effective model without increasing the financial high cost of living to students and low income hardship of those least equipped to deal with earners 4. There are those fighting the tax with Victorian 2. NUS recommends increasing taxes to high income Premier Daniel Andrews saying he would fight any earners and cutting super concessions for them if proposal to increase the GST from 10 per cent, the government is serious about increasing revenue "Simply jacking up the GST to 15 per cent is not 3. NUS congratulates anyone who is fighting against this unfair regressive tax

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4. NUS will lobby state and federal governments especially from those countries in which people are against the introduction of the 15% GST particularly making the dangerous journey by boat to Australian aimed at Malcolm Turnbull and his Liberals and the shores impact the hike will have on students 5. It is illegal under international law for Australia to 5. NUS will participate in any rallies against the continue turning back refugees who have every right to introduction of higher GST as an NUS contingent seek refuge in foreign countries Platform: Moved: Sinead Colee (MSA Delegate) 1. Seeking refuge is a human right and we should not Seconded: Mark Pace (AUU Delegate) be illegally turning away those in desperate need of help 14.02 Seeking refuge is a human right – Turn backs are bullshit, 2. Our current policy and the stance of the major Turnbull! parties on refugees is inhumane Preamble: 3. NUS supports on shore processing and the safety of 1. The current government policy of turning back refugees refugees is a disgraceful and dangerous policy that is causing the Action: deaths at sea that the Australian public is not aware of 1. NUS calls on the federal Liberal government to end 2. Refugees who attempt to come to Australia by boat are the cruel and illegal policy of turning away refugees some of the most desperate people in the world in need 2. NUS also calls on the federal Labor party to oppose of help, not more brutality the policy of turn backs and provide a real debate on 3. Australia should be ashamed of the turn back policy that cruelty to refugees with the aim of getting a humane this country has and instead we should be welcoming policy on the issue refugees into our country and society 3. NUS will actively participate in and disseminate the 4. Australia should not only stop the turn backs but end off details of any rally or campaign that aims to protest shore processing and increase our humanitarian intake, the treatment Australia provides for refugees

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4. NUS is committed to lobbying for onshore Action processing for refugees and will have a standing 1. That the NUS launched an “End The Debt” campaign that both policy of supporting onshore processing and the educates Australian students on the level of debt left behind by the humane treatment of refugees previous Rudd-Gillard-Rudd Government, as well as campaigns for 5. NUS welcomes all refugees to Australia a reduction in the level of debt and deficit.

Moved: Sinead Colee (MSA Delegate) Moved: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University Seconded: Betty Belay (LTSU Delegate) Union) Seconded: Jonno Belmont (Elected Delegate, University of 14.03 Intergenerational Inequity: Paying Down Labor’s Debt and Canberra Students’ Association) Deficit

Preamble 14.04 Our Freedom to Decide: Introducing Voluntary Voting

36. The Rudd-Gillard-Rudd Labor-Green Independent Preamble Government left Australian with a $667 billion debt bomb. If the Coalition Government had not addressed the debt 1. Australia is one of the few countries in the world that requires problem, by 2022-23 debt would have reached 26 per cent citizens vote. of GDP or $667 billion. 2. This is an afront to the basic principles of a liberal democratic 37. This level of debt threatens our prosperity and is manifestly society: freedom of speech, association, and action. unfair. It places a burden on future generations to pay for our spending today. 38. Not voting is in fact is a democratic right.

Platform Platform

1. That the NUS recognise that debt and deficit is both bad for the 48. That the NUS endorses voluntary voting in all Australian economy, and manifestly immoral. state and federal elections.

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49. The NUS supports any and all campaigns that focus on the 39. Daesh has released videos of beheadings of civilians, as well introduction of voluntary voting as throwing members of the LGBTI community off roof tops.

Action 40. Daesh believes that Women should not be educated and should be subject to male authority in all aspects of their 1. That the NUS post a Facebook status, and a tweet, announcing lives including, clothing, education, whom they speak to, its support for voluntary and which God they pray too.

Moved: Liam Staltari (Elected Delegate, University of Western Platform Australia Student Guild) Seconded: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University 1.That the NUS condemns all forms of Islamic extremism in general, Union) and Daesh in particular.

2.That the NUS calls for all liberal democracies to unite against 14.05 Terrorism and Daesh: Destroying the Death Cult Daesh, and take all necessary steps to fight their murderous reign. Preamble 50. That the NUS express its sympathy for all the victims of 1. Daesh (or Islamic State) is an Islamist extremist terrorist Daesh coordinated and inspired activities, in Iraq, Syria, organisation that has violently taken power in certain parts of Syria Lebanon, France, Australia, and across the world. and Northern Iraq. Action 2. Daesh has inspired and coordinated terrorist attacks within 1. That the NUS post a Facebook status, and a tweet, expressing its Australia and other liberal democracies, most recently in Paris that sympathy for victims of Daesh coordinated and inspired terrorist brutally murdered 130 people. activities.

3. Daesh calls for an Islamic Caliphate, a theocratic one-world Moved: Liam Staltari (Elected Delegate, University of Western government, in which all non- believers are destroyed. Australia Student Guild)

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Seconded: Tarek Aiman Muhtaseb (Elected Delegate, Tasmania Action University Union) 1. That the NUS publically announce its support and belief in the freedom of speech through a Facebook post and Tweet on 14.06 Freedom of Expression twitter.

Preamble 2. In cases where it is known that a student’s right to free speech is threatened or denied, the NUS should utilise its position of 1. The NUS exists to fight for and promote the rights of students, power and influence to draw media attention to such a rights which include the freedom of speech. violation, and take whatever course deemed necessary to remedy said violation. 2. The NUS recognises that with every right there is a coinciding responsibility (with free speech- to be compassionate, considered, 3. The NUS consider running a campaign that celebrates student honest and kind where possible). By no means are we called to ideas and expression. It will aim to highlight where the agree with or even refrain from critiquing that which we disagree, ability to think outside the norm has resulted in positive but is important to emphasise the crucial nature of maintaining the changes in the community- such as in fields of science, sanctity of freedom of speech. history, art, math, business, medicine, engineering, teaching etc. 3. Though students may espouse views that are deemed inappropriate, it is imperative that universities remain the bastion Moved: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of of free thought, and the battle of ideas. We can only progress truly Melbourne Student Union) as a society if all our members have the ability to contribute to Seconded: Clark Cooley (Elected Delegate, Tasmania University public discussion. Union)

Platform

1. The NUS exists in part to promote and work for student rights, including the right to freedom of speech as a form of expression.

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14.07 Abuse: Tackling violence in all its forms 38. The NUS condemns assault, sexual abuse, domestic and relational abuse. Preamble 39. The NUS will work with all the relevant Union personnel to 1. Violence in our communities is a serious cause of concern, ensure that victims are aware and able to access including but not limited to domestic violence, street emergency housing, counselling, legal support, medical violence, and psychological violence. assistance, and academic consideration.

2. In particular, we look to the senseless and tragic instances in 40. The NUS will encourage campus unions to set up support which university students are victims of assault, sexual groups, and assist in the process of engaging various facets assault, abusive relationships. of the community in this.

Platform Moved: Grace Middleton (Elected Delegate, University of Melbourne Student Union) 1. The NUS is committed to promoting the rights of students to Seconded: Dimitry Palmer (Elected Delegate, University of Sydney physical and psychological integrity. Union)

2. The NUS works to further the interests of students in the fields of 14.08 We don’t negotiate with terrorists, so lets not negotiate welfare and health. with the ducks.

3. The NUS stands in solidarity with victims of violence and abuse, Preamble: past and present.

1. Ducks are a threat to the NUS and the wider student 4. The NUS is committed to dragging these occurrences into the population. They have been seen doing negotiations with light, and to refuse to be complicit in such occurrences by the Australian Liberal Party. remaining silent.

Action

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2. Apparently, the negotiations are about destroying Unions further realizes that King Henry VII had syphilis and that and deliberately bullying students—this is detrimental to us didn't work too well for anyone. all. Action: 3. Furthermore, the seasonalisation hunting of ducks is simply not doing enough; they are becoming larger and larger 1. NUS will urge students to seasonally hunt ducks in a safe recruiting more ducks as we speak. and humane matter.

4. Lastly, ducks have been known for being in support of 2. NUS will urge Chefs to continue to cook ducks, as they are a university deregulation. Last year their leader, vital source of protein that all budding students need. Quackstopher Pyne, publicly stated that “our time is Pekin, we need to quack fast and push deregulation through”. 3. NUS will actively fight the ducks plans to implement University fee deregulation by eating them. Platform: Moved: Dean D’Angelo (National Welfare Officer) 1. NUS realises that ducks are out to destroy students and the Seconded: Jarrett Gauci (Deakin University Student Association) NUS.

2. NUS condones the actions of hunters and urges them to 14.09 No Business In Abuse - NUS stands against University of continue to kill ducks, which are of course a threat to all Newcastle and Transfield Services/Broadspectrum students.

3. NUS condones chefs who turn ducks from Liberal-Loving Preamble pests into plump tasty treats. The University of Newcastle this year signed, without consultation, 4. NUS realizes that the ducks probably have some form of syphilis, which means they are going to die anyway. NUS a five year, $88 million facilities management and property services contract with Transfield Services, now known as Broadspectrum.

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Transfield Services/Broadspectrum hold contracts for off-shore university, including refugees, should not have their tuition money detention of asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island. contributing to the profits of abusive companies.

Students, staff, and community of the University of Newcastle have 4. The NUS condemns University of Newcastle for both the contract opposed the contract, holding rallies and circulating an open letter and the inadequate responses to student and staff concerns. and petition. 5. The NUS supports the ‘No Business in Abuse’ campaign, The University has responded to concerns with: “we note with particularly in regard to university procurement. concern the developments connected to Transfield Services Action operations at offshore detention centres and we will continue to 1. That the NUS encourages and endorses student activists to monitor these developments.” organise against unethical procurement at universities. Transfield Services, now Broadspectrum, have expressed their 2. That the NUS endorses future actions against the University of intention to pursue expansion in the tertiary education sector. Newcastle’s contract with Broadspectrum. Platform 3. That the NUS directs the 2016 National Education Officer to liaise 1. The NUS strongly condemns the off-shore detention of asylum with activists at the University of Newcastle in relation to the seekers as inherently abusive. campaign against Transfield Services/Broadspectrum contract and 2.The NUS recognise that the signing of a contract with Transfield offer assistance where required. Services/BroadSpectrum is contradictory to the University’s commitment to principles of equity and social justice. Moved: Rosemary Gosper, National Small and Regional Officer/University of Newcastle 3. The NUS condemns University of Newcastle for their dealings Seconded: Cameron Caccamo, University of Sydney SRC with Transfield Services/BroadSpectrum, as students of any

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14.10 NUS stands against offshore processing • We are guilty of contravening international law on 143 occasions including articles detailed on the UN Charter of Preamble Human Rights ( 22.8.13 Amnesty International Report) **CONTENT WARNING: Violence and assault** • Expenditure of over $1 Billion in both the financial years The National Union of Students has a history of having a 2012-13, 2013-14, and in the financial year 2014-15 progressive and strong stance on matters of human rights, the exceeding $1.1 Billion. representation of within the welfare departments shows a strong belief in the equality and advancement of all people, regardless of; race, gender, sexuality etc. Platform However in recent years there has been an astounding lack of 1. The NUS does not believe in or endorse the offshore stance, courage or semblance of a spine to stand-up for refugees processing system currently being operated by the escaping to this country who have been imprisoned and tortured in Department of Immigration. the Australian offshore processing system. 2. The NUS maintains and supports the rights of all people not This system has been abused by officials and successive Coalition to be wrongly imprisoned and detained against the word of and Labor. Whilst this system has been operational the following international law. have occurred • Total deaths since January of 2000: 1974 • Over 2400 instances of reported sexual assault since March Actions of 2013 1. That NUS Direct the National Welfare Officer and the • Access to Sexual Health and Gynaecological (such as National Ethno-cultural Officer, to organise a student led Abortion Services for victims of sexual assault) denied by campaign around the ending of the torturous Offshore the commonwealth of Australia on at least 14 times in the System. media since 2000. 2. That the NUS maintain contacts with parliamentarians and • Condemnation from the United Nations on ‘Australia’s advocate the ending of this system Guantanamo Bay’ 3. That NUS issues a publicly stance against this policy under whatever Government it is allowed to operate.

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Moved: Joshua Briers, Swinburne University their independence from Government and University Seconded: Cameron Caccamo, University of Sydney SRC management. 3. The Liberals have repeatedly cut funding to higher Sources education. Just after its election in 1996, the Howard Australian Border Deaths Database: Monash University Amnesty International Human Rights Report 2013 government cut $2 billion dollars in funding, and raised Dr. Alan Jenkins: Political Scientist & Sociologist, Swinburne university fees, further placing the burden directly on University students. Likewise, when elected in 2013, the Liberals again cut billions out of higher education, and once again tried to 14.11 The Liberals are no friend to students raise university fees, this time by attempting to introduce fee deregulation. Preamble 4. The Liberals have a neo-liberal agenda of cutting funding to 1. The Liberals are no friends of students. At every turn they welfare, healthcare and social services. This directly affects push a pro-business agenda at the expense of ordinary students. Two-thirds of students live below the poverty line, students and workers. The student movement has and rely on those services to survive. frequently been involved in challenging the Liberals attacks 5. The Liberals anti-worker agenda also affects students. Given on students and ordinary people, and as such the Liberals the inadequate levels of welfare support provided, more have done their best to pacify and cripple the student and more students have to rely on part-time and casual movement and student activism. work, to survive and sustain themselves while they study. 2. The Liberals introduced Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU), Attacks on penalty rates, working conditions, and union a devastating attack on the funding of student unions, and rights, all have a direct impact on these students. the ability of students to organise and defend their rights. Platform VSU was a calculated attack on the student movement, 1. The National Union of Students reaffirms its opposition to designed to decimate student organisations, and undermine the Liberal party, and their neoliberal agenda which puts the

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interests of big business and the top end of town, ahead of the interests of students and workers. 2. The National Union of Students opposes any attempt by the Liberals to re-introduce fee deregulation, in any form, and opposes any attempt to further raise university fees. 3. The National Union of Students opposes any cuts to healthcare, welfare and social services. These are all services that students rely on, and need more funding, not less. 4. The National Union of Students opposes any attacks the Liberals launch on workers and union rights, and stands in solidarity with the workers affected. 5. The National Union of Students supports penalty rates as a basic right for workers, and will defend them from attack by the Liberals. Penalty rates are something that many students rely on to survive, and are therefore a student issue.

Moved: Tom Jordan, Griffith Student Guild Seconded: Grace Hill, FUSU

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