The previous Federal government banned compulsory student unionism - and now the results are apparent. Membership at the University of Wollongong dropped from 10,000 to a mere 1,000. Even greater drops occurred at universities across the state.
The previous union fees were several hundred dollars up-front at the time of registration. They funded various sporting clubs, a child minding centre, second hand book exchanges and subsidized meals.
The only problem was that few students used them. In particular, overseas students were less likely to gain a benefit as their main drive was to attend lectures and get a diploma.
There are two competing points of view. One sees the demise of the student union as destroying the cohesion that bonds students, provides essential services and - through the student newspaper - focuses student attention on social justice.
The other sees the fees as a socialist money grab - to lead students by the nose to protest all manner of political issues and promote militancy. They applaud the principle of " user pays ". No longer do all students contribute to functions dictated by the few.
The results seem to say it all. Students are invited to join the union. Few do !
IT is interesting to note that the new Federal government has stated that it will not reintroduce compulsory student unionism.
It seems that " user pays " now embraces university life !
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