Currently 70% of Student Fees go directly into clubs in the form of CLUB ALLOTMENTS, COACHING, SCHOLARSHIPS and FACILTIES maintenance.
If Voluntary Student Unionism is implemented, it is expected that only 20% of students will pay fees voluntarily. Such a huge loss in funding will disable many clubs and severely affect the sporting infrastructure of our university.
NOW is a good time to write a letter... here's how.
1. Address and Date
For a list of senators with universities near their office go to www.aph.gov.au/house/members. Politicians also worth writing to:
- The Hon. John Howard MP, Prime Minister, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
- Dr Brendan Nelson MP, Minister for Education, Science and Training, Suite 8 12-16 Tryon Road, Lindfield NSW 2070
- Mr John Anderson, Leader of the National Party, PO BOX 725,Gunnedah NSW 2380
- Senator Bill Heffernan, Liberal Party, Suite 703 Westfield Towers, 100 William Street, Sydney NSW 2011
- Senator-Elect Mrs Fiona Nash, National Party, c/o Black Ron'd Office, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
2. Salutation
The correct salutation is 'Dear Member/Senator _______'
3. Introductory Paragraph
Your introductory paragraph should state that you are writing about the VSU legislation, and that your basic position is that you are urging the Member/Senator to oppose the legislation in the Senate.
4. About You
This paragraph should state what year you are in and your degree, and that you study at The University of Sydney. You should also mention which student services you use.
Services that will be affected include sporting clubs, University games, recreation courses, high performance coaching and athletes.
You may also want to include other union services you access - childcare, legal advice, advocacy, welfare, discounted entertainment, food and publications such as the Union Recorder.
5. Why you oppose the legislation
This paragraph should state the reasons why you oppose the legislation. You might state that:
- You believe that VSU would result in cutting of essential services
- You believe that VSU would seriously compromise campus culture
- You believe that it is the collective responsibility of students to pay for essential services and student life
6. Conclusion
It is probably a good idea to conclude by restating your message: 'For these reasons I strongly urge you to oppose VSU legislation in the House/Senate.' Sign the letter 'Sincerely', and write your name under your signature.
Tips
- Keep the letter to one page in length
- Be simple and direct