One Senator's Fight And The VSU

In a recent article published in The Australian, Barnaby Joyce expressed concern over a discussion between the Prime Minister, John Howard and Senator Fielding from the Australia First Party that ended in the passing of the Volunteer Student Union Bill.

The article implies that Senator Joyce questioned the wisdom of a decision that places Australian in the dubious position of joining the World's most undemocratic Regime, the People's Republic of China, as the only two countries that enforce Voluntary Student Unionism(VSU).

Senator Joyce is a staunch supporter of the right to choose and his concerns with the Howard government's decision appear to be aimed more towards the lack of forward planning and lack of consideration for the considerable accomplishments and contributions to Campus life attributed to student unions throughout their history in Australia. In a speech recorded on his web site, the Senator expressed concerns for the preservation of extra curricular services such as sports facilities, childcare, common rooms and amenities student publications, and the formation of clubs and societies for example, that are subsidised through Union fees. He said Universities are not just purely academic institutions. They never were and they never will be.

The Senators comparison between Australia and China in this speech reflected his concerns about funding and the future planning of Australia's Institutions for higher education. He cited a massive $127million shortfall in funding resulting from the government's package.

Senator Joyce sought amendments to the VSU legislation in line with a resolution by the Queensland National Party to seek protection, by way of alternate funding, for Universities, especially those thought to be at risk from the new legislation. He noted, The National Party conference concluded with a commitment to move for an amendment to allow the ending of compulsory student unionism but to facilitate continued facilities at universities.

Tensions between the government and Senator Joyce have arisen as a result of the Senators passionate belief in the role of the Senate in maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. In particular he holds reservations about the move towards Party politics at the expense of Australia's constitution.

"I will never let the senate fall into a position where we cannot review and where, the moment we intend to review, the moment we intend to exercise our dignity as senators of this nation, we are derided," he said.