This is the text of Senator Steve Fielding’s speech on the Voluntary Student Unions bill.
Speech by Senator Steve Fielding, representing Family First.
Senator FIELDING (Victoria—Leader of the Family First Party) (3.52 pm)— This issue has been a vexed one for me and for Family First. I have looked at the issue on its merits and I genuinely believe the argument can run both ways—to retain compulsory student union fees or abolish them. I have been asked constantly for my views about the Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Up-front Student Union Fees) Bill 2005—for many days and weeks—and have given an honest answer, telling my parliamentary colleagues, the media and my constituents that I have not made up my mind on the bill. I have had a great deal of trouble deciding on this legislation because there are strong advocates for both sides mounting good cases. [Read more…]