The Federal election will be important for students and for higher education.
Three years ago, students and young people turned out in big numbers and helped build momentum for change. It was the start of a new era – the end of the Howard years and the beginning of a promising new period for Australian students.
However, change has not come as quickly as many students had hoped.
This year, it’s time for students to make our vote, and our voice count.
Let’s tell the pollies that if they want our vote, they’ll have to pledge to Vote for Students.
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Whilst there is now a commitment to see 40% of 25-34 year-olds with bachelor degrees by 2025, we are left withno clear vision for how this will be achieved.
The student income support system has been altered so that more deserving students will have access to payments. However there has still been no increase in Youth Allowance payments and no new moneyinjected into the system. Housing affordability and university infrastructure programs are now core Government priorities. Though despite this, we’ve seen no attention paid to the student housing crisis which grips our major cities and regional centres alike. There’s more funding for universities accompanied by a new funding model which students don’t understand and which may significantly impact upon the quality of education. This Federal Election, it’s time for students to make our vote, and our voice count.
What can we do about it?
As the Labor Government vies for re-election and the other political parties make a bid for government, students are offered an important choice and considerable power to shape politics in Australia for good. We have the power to make Government work for us to achieve fair Youth Allowance, real rent assistance, more money for quality education and a restoration of campus life, student services and support at uni.
In 2010, NUS is urging students to get active in the Federal Election. The vote of nearly one million students in higher education has the potential to ignite change for this generation and for those to come. The collective voice of Australian students at the ballot box can make waves in Canberra and on every campus.
Vote for Students!
The NUS Vote for Students campaign sets out a pledge to uphold four key demands. The Pollie Pledge urges candidates at the upcoming election to use their vote in parliament in support of student issues. We are asking students to use their vote in the Federal Election to support candidates who signed on to vote for students.
As a student and a voter, I recognise the importance of funding for education, fair Income Support, affordable housing close to campus and support for independent student organisations. At this year’s Federal Election, I pledge to use my vote for candidates who’ve pledged to use theirs in Parliament to Vote For Students!
