VSU Passed as Law

Students accross the country are rejocing at the fact that VSU is no longer. Now you dont have to fork out $130 (or so) on shit you dont use. Like fake elections, clubs, bars, food stands, free food once a semester, market days, reasonably priced free trade coffee, cheap photocopying, discounts on stuff, advocacy, gym, health services, free help when fighting the uni regarding whatever etc... oh and not forgeting the forgetable canteen, as bad as it was you still go back... the list goes on.

Obviously, its going to be interesting what the uptake will be come 2006.2, hopefully most students will realise its a good thing, however, since it is money, money that students could spend more wisely on beer and fancy stationary...

I guess the people that do sign up will just to use the services for a low fee/discount, while those not part of the student union will be forced to pay full price. This could however, open up the student services market. With companies such as McDonalds/starbucks opening up... The margins would probably be low as students like stuff on the cheap... so not sure if that would even be comercialy viable, but you never know. As QUT has recently started selling Eagle Boys pizza. Its ok price compared to the rest of the food (same price as at the cricket...). so its not any cheaper and is probably more expensive as you get less food. And isnt very healthy (compared with the other stuff). However, my gut feeling is that bigger companies will take up residence in unis, its just another way for the government to help their pals rape money from students.

Oh and the arguement that these services are not essential is a fucking joke. When was the last time you packed enough lunch for a day that goes from 9am to 9pm... Thats morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner... thats a lot of sandwiches...

Plus this removes the funding that would of gone to the student union to help push the views of students to the government. This basicly has crippled the unions funding, and thus it will not be able to lobby for anything. What this means to the rest of the university I will not mention as it is too scary and I want to be able to sleep tonight...

oh yeah, currently unis get $160 million, from now on they will only get $80 million. What a rip off.

[ YAY! ]