Despite token attempts by the National Party and some MPs to alleviate the impact of so-called Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU), students will be worse off under the legislation, according to the Australian Democrats.
"The Democrats support the rallies, and other events, taking place around Australia today, to highlight how much students have to lose from the abolition of universal student union fees," Democrats' Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Natasha Stott Despoja said.
"Poorer students and regional and rural communities will be the biggest losers under VSU.
"Many poorer students will be unable to afford the full cost of services currently subsidised by student organisations including counselling, childcare and advocacy.
"Regional universities will also be disadvantaged by this legislation. The services student organisations provide are particularly important in regional and rural areas, where they often provide services to the community which would not otherwise be provided.
"In addition to the many services student organisations provide, they also play a key role in protecting students' academic and social rights. It is essential student organisations are able to maintain this independent voice.
"The loss of advocacy services will further disadvantage those students who are least able to advocate for themselves.
"VSU legislation in any form is unacceptable. It will destroy university life as we know it and should not be supported by the Parliament.
"In 1999, I helped force the Government to abandon plans to introduce VSU legislation into the Senate and the Democrats will oppose any such legislation again, whenever it appears," Senator Stott Despoja said.
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