Family First Senator Steve Fielding has sold out families by supporting the Government's so-called voluntary student unionism (VSU) legislation, according to the Australian Democrats.
"This policy will have a devastating effect on current and aspiring students and their families particularly those from poorer families and regional areas," Democrats' Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Natasha Stott Despoja said.
"VSU will impact particularly upon students with children who use the subsidised childcare services provided by universities; those who need counselling or medical services; and, those who require advocacy services. Of course, it will also put an end to student representation as the Government desires.
"Many campus services require a critical mass of student union fees to be able to continue operating, let alone to continue providing these services at a subsidised rate, and will therefore be forced to shut down under VSU.
"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.
"Today's 'debate' on the Government's bill to abolish universal student union fees was a disgrace.
"Senators were expected to debate this bill in around two hours, without knowing whether the Government had done a deal on the legislation or not and if so, what the deal was.
"This farcical process followed a morning of Government filibustering on non-controversial, minor bills as it desperately tried to buy itself time to negotiate its deal to destroy university life.
"This is a shameful day for our Senate processes," Senator Stott Despoja said.
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