CHAPTER 3
Conclusion
The Committee supports the passage of this legislation because it views
it as a measure likely to revitalise and modernise the non-academic sphere
of university life. The academic programs of university are now subject
to much more demand driven influence than they have hitherto been. The
return of fee-paying students; the important contribution made by the
foreign student intake; and the greatly increased flexibility of course
offerings have been important and progressive developments. Only the antiquated
structure of student organisations remain as a reminder of former rigidities
in the higher education sector.
The volume of evidence submitted to the Committee is testimony not only
of the interest this legislation has aroused: it is evidence of the extent
to which the legislation threatens vested interests in union administrations
and certain party affiliated student bodies who benefit from compulsory
unionism. It has been in no way demonstrated that this opinion is widely
representative of student opinion. The wider student population has been,
if anything, indifferent to the policy issues contained in the bill which
is currently before the Senate.
If the Western Australian experience is any indication, the majority
of students will, at least initially, choose not to join student unions
or associations. The main task of student leadership will in future be
that of winning them back to the fold.
Although low student membership may be an immediate consequence of the
bill, it would be unfortunate if the trend was not arrested. The revitalisation
of student unions is very important to the total experience of university
life. When the Committee declares itself in favour of the revitalisation
of student life it believes it can happen only under a new dispensation.
Freedom of choice is the only basis upon which a truly representative
student organisation can be built and a new culture of student government
evolve.
The Committee recommends that the Senate pass the Higher Education
Legislation Amendment Bill 1999.
Senator John Tierney
Chair