Myth #5: Labor’s model will prevent student unions from spending student money on political activity.

Fact: Student unions will still have the ability to waste compulsorily acquired student funds on extreme and non-representative political campaigns.

The practical effect of the Commonwealth funding protocols for student services and representation is that money will be delivered to student organisations – leaving it open for unions to run rampant with student money.

Any form of compulsory fee will ensure student politicians again run amok – by directing commercial profits from ‘allowed’ activity such as child care into ‘disallowed’ political activity.  This cross-subsidisation of political activity was one of the main reasons the Kennett government’s Tertiary Education (Amendment) Act of 1994 was ineffective – by making membership of student organisations voluntary, yet compelling students to still pay fees, money was continually wasted on left-wing agendas.

Myth #6: VSU has made university more expensive for students.

Fact: VSU has delivered huge savings for students who have chosen either to join or not to join their student union.  Students who have exercised their freedom of association and not become a member of a student union have saved an average of $318 per year.

Myth #7: It is now more expensive for students to join a student union.

Fact: Membership of student unions is, on average, $246 cheaper since under the current arrangements since fees were compulsory.

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