The Australian Senate passed the Higher Education Legislation Amendment Student Services and Amenities Bill 2010 on 11 October 2011, which will enable higher education providers to charge a fee towards student services and amenities. The fee is capped at $250 per student per year (indexed to $254 in 2011, thereafter indexed annually) and provides an option for eligible students to take out a loan similar to HECS-HELP if they wish. The Bill amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and also spells an end to voluntary student unionism which was implemented under the Howard Government.
ANU Vice Chancellor, Professor Ian Young together with undergraduate and postgraduates students at the ANU applauded the passage of the Bill.
“This bill will restore much needed services - such as sporting and social clubs, campus counselling and health services - to campuses all over the nation. We are very pleased to hear it has passed”, Professor Young said.
“A high-quality educational experience for students requires a broad range of support services. The amenities fee will allow universities to, once again, provide such services”, he added.
ANU Student Association President Leah Ginnivan echoed these sentiments.
“We strongly support this bill which will help provide better student services. The Vice-Chancellor has given us an undertaking that all the fees will go to student organizations, which is a great outcome for students.”
“ANU students have been fortunate to have these services partly funded by the University, however other student associations around the country have been struggling to maintain sporting facilities, clubs and societies, advocacy and health and counselling services”, she added.
ANU Postgraduate and Research Students’ Association President Areti Metuamate also responded positively to the Senate’s passing of the Bill.
“We are strongly of the view that this Bill is a good thing for postgraduate students across Australia and would urge all universities to ensure that students have a say about where their money will be used,” Mr Metuamate said.
