Left wins student elections at Flinders

Student Voice – a coalition of students from the Flinders University Socialist Alternative club, Indigenous Students Association, Indonesian Students Association, Film Society and Social Work Society – won several key positions in a decisive victory over the combined forces of the Labor left and right in the university’s student association election, which was held in the second week of October.

The election took place in the context of the heightened Islamophobia of the past months. At Flinders, a number of Muslim women have been attacked or abused. Student Voice was the only ticket in the election that clearly stood against this. Much support for the ticket came from Muslim students on campus, who recognised Student Voice campaigners for our anti-racism activism throughout the year.

Student Voice candidates won the key positions of president, general secretary, environment officer, Indigenous officer and international student officer. Three of the six National Union of Students delegate positions were also won by Student Voice activists.

The Labor students’ campaign focused on free giveaways. By contrast, the Student Voice campaign was focused on political questions, standing against racism and the need for strong opposition to deregulation and education cuts.

It was clear that students responded positively to our argument that we need a strong, campaigning student association to stand up to the government’s attacks.