Media release from the Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth, the Hon Kate Ellis MP

The Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, today called on the Senate to support the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities and Other Measures) Bill 2009, which will be debated in the Senate this week.

The Bill proposes a sustainable approach to restoring vital student services on campus that will benefit both domestic and international students.

“This is a balanced, practical solution to rebuild important student support services and amenities,” Ms Ellis said.

“The Government’s approach is about restoring necessary services and amenities for students and it does not allow for a return to compulsory student unionism.”

Under the previous Government close to $170 million was ripped out of university funding, resulting in the decline and in some instances complete closure of vital health, counselling, employment, child care, sporting and fitness services.

“Vice Chancellors have also expressed concerns that the decline in student support services has impacted on their capacity to attract and support international students,” Ms Ellis said.

The international education industry supports 125,000 Australian jobs and generated $15.5 billion in 2008.

Consultations also revealed that Vice Chancellors have been forced to redirect funding away from research and teaching budgets to make up the shortfall of funding for campus services. 

“It’s important that universities have an opportunity to provide critical services without redirecting funding away from teaching – particularly in the current economic environment,” Ms Ellis said.

The global economic downturn has significantly affected Australian universities’ investments, reducing annual income and making every dollar of teaching and learning budgets all the more critical.

These reforms will help to rebuild vital campus services by requiring universities, for the first time, to meet national benchmarks relating to student support services.

National protocols for student representation and advocacy will also ensure that students are consulted as part of university decision-making.

As well as boosting student services, these reforms will help to sustain university sporting teams and facilities, which have been seriously affected by the previous Government’s approach to student services and amenities.

“I call on all Senators to support this practical and sustainable approach to restoring student services”.