It is expected that the Victorian state government will legislate a bill in March, 1994 which will outlaw compulsory student unionism. The new Voluntary Student Unionism (or V.S.U. as it's referred to) would allow you to choose in 1995 whether you wanted to be a member of the Rusden Association of Students Inc. or not.

So, what's wrong with that?

Nothing much, except it's possible that the General Service Fee will still have to be paid. But instead of the money going to the R.A.S.Inc. it will go to the University!

But why does R.A.S.Inc. need the General Service Fee?

R.A.S.Inc. provides a number of essential services to students such as Austudy advice, representation for academic conflicts and tax advice as well as many leisure and recreational activities such as band nights, the ball, orientation week which are all critical elements of tertiary life.

What other services does R.A.S.Inc. provide?

Many students do not realise that R.A.S.Inc. solely operates the Rusden Cafeteria, Bookshop and After School Child Care Program. This means that all food, books etc. are all heavily discounted for Rusden students. Plus there is a whole political world behind the administration which allows students to democratically elect whom from among their number will manage the funds that R.A.S.Inc. has and collects - leaving control of the General Service Fee with the students.

So what about 1995?

In 1995, V.S.U. will mean you can choose whether or not to join R.A.S.Inc. If you choose to, you will continue to receive the benefits of those services listed above and the many more that are provided to all students now. If you choose not to, you will pay more in the Cafeteria and Bookshop, you will not receive your free diary, won't be invited to attend Orientation Week, won't be able to vote in elections and so on. And if no one decides to join, then the fun side of University life will disappear along with your chance to be represented fairly should you ever have a conflict with the University.

SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT ASSOCIATION IN 1995 SO THAT IT MAY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOU!