Student representation under attack at Griffith University

Since 2014, the Liberal government has struggled to implement its dream of deregulated universities in Australia, a measure that would push the burden of education costs on to students and allow vice-chancellors to charge whatever they like for degrees.

A student campaign organised by the National Union of Students brought public attention to the issue and solidified Senate opposition to the attack. Since that time, numerous education cuts have been championed as an attempt to pave the way for future deregulation.

But organised student opposition remains a barrier to the government’s and VCs’ plans. Over the past decade, democratic processes have been undermined or abolished at different universities around the country. These attacks are strongly supported by vice-chancellors because they decrease the chance of a cohered fight back from students.

As a temporary substitute for deregulation, universities are enforcing cuts themselves, firing staff from student support services to increase profits.

Griffith University is the latest to sound out a new wave of attacks. The Student Representative Council has been hit with a proposal to introduce undemocratic changes to its constitution, and a series of staff cuts has been announced.

A survey was emailed to Griffith students, which provides insight into the changes the university wishes to pursue. One of the questions hints at changing the current election practice from on-campus campaigning and online voting to online campaigning and voting only. This would significantly affect the ability of left wing activists to make political arguments to students during SRC elections and therefore benefit the political right – which usually goes along with university management.

Earlier this week, students were also informed that student course advisers and writing tutors have been sacked in the arts faculty because “funding for their positions comes to an end”. (But not for the VC, who rakes in a comfy $900,000 per year.)

This comes as trimesters are set to be introduced next year, making courses more intensive and increasing the need for student support.