Students, the higher education sector, sports and community groups are being asked for their views on how to restore vital support services and sporting facilities on Australian university campuses.
The Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, today visited Charles Darwin University to help identify and examine the best way to improve campus services.
A discussion paper examining the financial impact of voluntary student unionism on institutions and organisations, services, student representation and student advocacy was presented to Federal Parliament in late February.
Ms Ellis said the paper also explored options for ensuring sustainable services were provided in the future.
“Whilst we recognise we cannot return to the compulsory student unionism arrangements of the past, we are committed to independent and democratic student representation,” Ms Ellis said.
“The Government will collaborate with universities to find a solution to these problems.”
Ms Ellis has meet with higher education stakeholders including universities, students, small business, sports and community groups from across Australia since February and will continue to do so until early March. Anyone with an interest in this important issue is encouraged to respond to the discussion paper.
The paper is available at: www.dest.gov.au/vsu.
Closing date for submissions for the discussion paper is COB Tuesday 11 March 2008.