VICTORIAN NATIONALS PUSH FOR REGIONAL UNI SERVICES

Senior Victorian Nationals are calling on the Federal Government to abandon the contentious Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) legislation listed for debate this week in Canberra.

The Nationals Education Spokesman Peter Hall says the legislation in its current form doesn't represent the best interests of students and will lead to a reduction in services at regional university campuses throughout Victoria.

Mr Hall has called on Federal Education Minister, Brendan Nelson, to implement Victoria's system of voluntary unionism with compulsory amenities fees at a national level, rather than stripping campuses of existing funding for amenities and services used by students.

"The Nationals in Victoria have taken a lead role on this issue for many months because we believe the Federal legislation in its current form will compromise university life for country students," Mr Hall said.

"We support the view that compulsory student fees shouldn't be used to fund political activities but this legislation will have a flow-on effect to other important services related to health, sport and recreation facilities; common rooms; and support services for students.

"The Nationals are concerned that some of these services and facilities will be lost in regional Victoria if the Federal Government insists on a user pays system under its proposed legislation."

Mr Hall said the Victorian model of voluntary student union membership had worked effectively for 10 years and should be trialled nationally.

"I welcome Minister Nelson's acknowledgment that the current legislation is not supported by all coalition MPs, but I think his plan to poll all students on the issue is premature and at this stage unnecessary" Mr Hall said.

"Much of what he is seeking is already contained in the Victorian legislation.

"Under Victoria's model university councils already collect and distribute the amenities and services fees paid by students according to a legislated formula.

"Minister Nelson should redraft his legislation and adopt this proven system at a national level."

Media contact: Peter Hall's office (03) 5174 7066