Higher Education

Senate report slams Higher Ed Bill

By David Carey
Federal Secretary (SPSF Group) - CPSU Joint National Secretary

The CPSU-SPSF, the union that represents higher education general staff, is calling on the four independent Federal senators to reject the Federal Government's proposed higher education Bills following today's (Friday) release of a Senate Inquiry Report.

State Public Services Federation (SPSF) Secretary, David Carey said the 200 page report was released after extensive consultation throughout the country.

"This report vindicates the union's stance that the proposed reforms were undemocratic and unfair particularly to university workers and their families surviving on lower than average incomes.

"The report describes the proposals as 'unfair, unworkable and un-necessary' and states the proposed reforms would 'deepen inequities in society and undermine economic and social prosperity'."

The Federal Government is linking university funding to the introduction of workplace reforms such as the greater use of casuals and the introduction of secret individual contracts.

"Our members throughout Australia tell us that job security is one of their main concerns," said Mr Carey.

The Senate Inquiry Report described the 'industrial agenda' of the Federal Government as 'sinister' and would introduce 'draconian regulation of the sector which has hitherto been unnecessary for public universities."

"This Government is creating a climate of fear and uncertainty when there is no need to do so.

Vice-chancellors, community groups, parent groups, student and trade unions are all unanimous in their criticisms of the Government's Higher Education policies, " said Mr Carey.

"It is now up to the independent Senators to do the right thing by all Australians and reject the proposed Bill," he said.

© 2001 Community & Public Sector Union - State Public Services Federation (CPSU-SPSF) - National Office

http://www.cpsu-spsf.asn.au/latest_news/higher_ed/20031107_unversity.html
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005