These are the policy statements received from candidates (in ballot paper order) in the 2009 annual student election, which will be held from Monday 7 to Friday 11 September.
All statements appear exactly as received, and have not been edited for grammar, spelling, etc. A small number were in excess of the permitted word limit (300 words for office-bearers, 100 for all other positions) and have been cut off at that point.
PRESIDENT
JESSE OVERTON-SKINNER (SYNERGY)
Something different is happening at Melbourne University this year:
A diverse group of students committed to reform and results is asking for your vote.
Synergy calls for an effective and responsible student union, free of division and controversy.
We want to rebuild the culture of the union, and focus on results, not just political infighting.
We want to deliver real services to students, and not direct funds to political causes abroad.
Synergy is a group of everyday students, not professional campus politicians, and we’re not out to pad the resume.
We believe in support and advocacy, not just extremist ideology. We believe in funding for activities, not just activism.
We will engage, and not alienate, the student body. We will lobby, and not aggravate, the administration.
Our team is committed to supporting students facing the stress of study with compassion and concern.
We are eager to provide practical services and revive campus life, with regular entertainment and activities.
We seek an accountable and dependable union, not plagued with controversy or ulterior aims.
We present a passionate team, prepared to work with the university to secure results.
We offer students a vibrant union, something an organisation paralysed by infighting will never deliver.
So back something different. Something sensible, original and overdue.
Something like Synergy – working together, working for you.
LAURA HARRIS (STAND UP!)
As Education (Academic Affairs) officer in 2009, I have been lifting the profile of student representation in University decision-making bodies. This includes expanding the Student Representative Network, writing a substantial submission to the University’s ‘Refining Our Strategy’ process with strong recommendations on quality of teaching and learning and student support, and founding the Melbourne Uni Book Co-Operative.
Next year the University will be audited by the Australian Universities Quality Agency. It is vital we have a President that is dedicated to effective and critical engagement with the University to lobby for improved educational outcomes and student experience. It will also be the year we pioneer outreach programs, the Indigenous Mentoring Experience and aim to meet the Bradley Review’s equity targets to ensure Melbourne University embraces diversity.
I want to be a President for all students, from all backgrounds, with different experiences, different interests, different values. Diversity and debate is the cornerstone of quality.
I see Union House as a vibrant, warm place, where all students are unconditionally welcome, with dedicated representatives whose initiatives have students at heart and are responsive to students’ needs.
I see students having an educational experience that is both enjoyable and meaningful. I see a campus that is not just a place of learning, but a place of debate, of discussion, of sport, of laughter, of activism, of fun and games, of art, theatre and music.
I see a Student Union that is a serious, legitimate and critical voice in the halls of University decision-making. I see a Union that fights for students’ rights.
I don’t just see it, I am passionate and excited about it being a reality next year!
I challenge you, I encourage you, I invite you to see it too!
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your Union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
SECRETARY
LYDIA BEVEGE (SYNERGY)
Synergy stands for an transparency and responsibility. Our vision is for a union that enshrines diligent governance – ensuring real students get real benefits.
Synergy is a group of vibrant and diverse students, committed to ensuring everyday students get the everyday help they need.
Currently, the student union has lost touch. The professional student politicians dominating the union have become disengaged from the issues and needs affecting students.
I am running for Secretary of the union because I recognise the importance of providing support for students – from everyday services, to helping students deal with the extraordinary difficulties they sometimes face.
I want better representation for students. I am committed to ending political agendas in the union that allow radical activism to take the place of genuine advocacy and support.
As Secretary, I will bring accountability and transparency to the union. I believe students should know exactly how their money is spent, and I will implement necessary reforms to ensure all union processes are open to scrutiny.
When I volunteered with an NGO in Kenya, I learnt the importance of supporting those around you. That’s why I’m so passionate about seeing the union support the students it represents, responsibly and transparently.
For a safe pair of hands, vote Synergy – working together, working for you.
DOMINIQUE OTTOBRE (STAND UP!)
Hi there! My name is Dominique Ottobre, and I’m the Stand Up! candidate for Secretary of UMSU, your Student Union, in 2010.
The office of the Secretariat exists to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of UMSU, and provide ALL students with readily available and up-to-date information about every aspect of the union. I’ve often heard people comment that, in facilitating transparency and accountability, the role really only involves a lot of paper pushing. But I think they’re wrong. I think the role of the Secretary could be, and should be, so much more.
I promise to bring three things that no one else can:
DEDICATION.
PASSION.
EXPERIENCE.
Sure, paper-pushing, organising meetings, keeping accurate records, etc, ARE big parts of the role, and require DEDICATION. Someone who isn’t dedicated, who doesn’t love their student union in the way that I do, isn’t going to want to spend countless hours doing paperwork, or sorting through records. I will.
But the role of Secretary should not be devoid of PASSION. Student unions exist to uphold the rights of ALL students, and channel passionate, progressive campaigns in a manner that brings about positive change. Without that passion for strong, progressive, relevant campaigns being supported in its organisational structure, how can our student union expect to ever bring about change we all want to see?
None of this can be done by someone without the EXPERIENCE. For the past two years, I’ve served as Student Councillor in UMSU, and sat on multiple internal University committees. I have a knowledge of the union and the university, that I can bring forward to serve you, and our student union.
I’ve got what it takes. Vote [1] Dominique Ottobre for a Secretary who breaks the mould.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
EDUCATION (ACADEMIC AFFAIRS) OFFICER
RUDOLPH HOSRI & JOHN SHIPP (SYNERGY)
Synergy will take an inclusive, practical and compassionate approach to representing students and their academic interests.
In overseeing the union’s most important service, your Education (Academic) officers should be everyday students – not professional campus politicians – who want to take positive action and make a real difference.
Staffing cuts are destroying the arts faculty, but arts students are not the only students affected by the university’s attitude towards our education.
We will hold the administration to account and advocate on behalf of all students, no matter their course.
We will put in place strong and accessible mechanisms for student support in cooperation with, but independent from, the university.
The union must develop a strong working relationship with the university. In lobbying the administration to prevent course cuts, we will take a calm and practical approach, and not stage endless protests that achieve nothing.
We will strengthen support services for students having trouble with unsatisfactory progress, work-study balance and timetable issues.
We will make these previously neglected support services more accessible and user-friendly for all students, local and international.
Something different is happening this year at Melbourne. Students want more from their union, and we are the right people to deliver it.
Vote Synergy – working together, working for you.
BRUNO WALTER FRIEDEL (STAND UP!)
The Education (Academic) Office continues to be crucial in fighting for the rights of Melbourne University students to a quality learning experience. It is a space for students to voice concerns about their course with many avenues like the Student Representative Network, education collectives and forums on offer. Additionally it facilitates peer-to-peer support, through the stress-busting Exam Support stalls or assistance during the harrowing Unsatisfactory Progress process. As one of your peers I will advocate to the University your concerns and stand up for those that face barriers to a quality education.
Issues relevant to Melbourne include the 2010 Australian Universities Quality Agency Review. Our response should highlight the areas that Melbourne needs to improve. Is the Melbourne Model providing a quality education? Will the deregulation of places create new problems?
I will campaign on a number of key issues including:
• Course advice: so students know where their degree is going and what options are open to them. Be it online or face to face, advice should be effective, not confusing.
• Maintaining a variety of subjects and fields that students find enriching and interesting, not equivalent to doing time.
• Quality learning and teaching: many students experience detachment from their education- from packed classrooms or limited academic interaction.
I am dedicated to the students of the Union and University. I have been involved in a wide range of arenas at Melbourne from Union committees and collectives to sporting clubs. Students should be active in demanding the best education in return for their exorbitant HECS debt. Students need to make the University answerable to any criticism they have. I believe I can help students feel in control of their degree, getting the most out of their education.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org.
EDUCATION (PUBLIC AFFAIRS) OFFICER
PHOEBE KELLOWAY & JAMIEL SABBAGH (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
Hi we’re Phoebe and Jamiel, and we’re running for Education (Public Affairs) with Left Student Unionists. LSU is made up of left-wing students who are independent of the major political parties. We’re for a student union with a social conscience, not one that’s just used for building aspiring parliamentarians’ careers. We reckon the union should actively take up progressive issues that students are concerned about.
We’re disgusted by racism and we think it’s important for the student union to be culturally inclusive and to oppose racism. We’re against international students being treated as ‘cash cows’ and being denied transport concession cards. So we’ll be there at the September 2nd rally for Fair Fares (2pm, State Library) to demand equal rights for international students! We’ve both been involved in campaigns against racism and war, especially Students for Palestine this year. That group aims to raise cultural and political awareness of the plight of the Palestinian people. We think the student union should support activities such as Palestine Solidarity Week, an educational and cultural event that was held in semester one. If elected, we will campaign against racism!
We oppose homophobia – we’re outraged that same-sex marriage is still banned! We’ve both been actively campaigning for same-sex marriage rights, petitioning on campus and participating in the Equal Love demonstration. Student unions have played an important part in demanding equal rights for queer and LGBTI people, and we want this to continue. If elected, we will campaign against homophobia and for equal rights!
We support publicly-funded tertiary education – access to education should be a right, not a privilege! The student union must be critical of any agenda to undermine higher education, and as independent left-wing students we’re committed to defending higher education against attacks from either government or university.
VOTE 1 LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS!
YONI CUKIERMAN & JOSHUA ANDERSON (SYNERGY)
We believe the role of our Union is to help everyday students with the big issues they face. Synergy will ensure students enjoy this real representation on campus.
Yoni has been involved in numerous clubs on campus and is passionate about returning accountability to the student union.
Josh is active in student life and hopes to makes inclusion and consultation the union’s main focus. Together, our diversity of experience will secure better outcomes for students.
Staffing and funding cuts have reduced the variety and quality of Melbourne University degrees. We are committed to better funding and working against staff cuts.
The transition to university involves the need to find a job, and we’re committed to helping students find part time employment and better understand their workplace rights.
The rate of students infected with STIs continues to rise at university, especially among international students. We are committed to working with the Welfare office to turn back this trend.
In recent years, the union has become a hotbed for extremism, where everyday students feel intimidated approaching their Union for advice. We are determined to reach out to all students, encouraging them to seek our help.
Support the team committed to improving your education, your employment, your health and your union.
Vote Synergy – working together, working for you.
WELFARE OFFICER
LLOYD MCGEARY & RACHAEL LIM (SYNERGY)
Students come from all walks of life, each facing their own unique and complex challenges throughout their time at university.
Assisting students with these challenges by advocating an equitable welfare policy is an important role for the Student Union.
Synergy can provide a better welfare service with an improved emphasis on inclusion and student needs.
We are concerned about student welfare. We are real students who face the educational and social issues that all students deal with everyday.
We will bring a commitment to empathy and support by campaigning for the expansion of Youth Allowance and ensuring the union has a strong position on the retention of student benefits.
We will be open to all students, not just professional student politicians We believe that tangible results, benefits and accomplishments can be made by delivering essential welfare services to all students.
We will strive to achieve real outcomes. We understand the need to work together to create a union gaining its results by consensus and cooperation, not unproductive hostility.
Synergy calls for a Welfare Office accessible to all students. We want to take a practical approach that achieves a better system.
We are the only team with the real life experience and the work ethic to deliver these results.
Vote Synergy – working together, working for you.
SAM COSSAR-GILBERT & MEEGAN HARDAKER (ACTIVATE)
Hi, we’re Sam and Meegan and we want to be your Welfare Officers in 2010!
We are running for the office because we believe people’s welfare is important and that by working in the Student Union we can make a difference. Whether that means sitting on the University Disability Committee, cooking free dinners or marching in the street, we will always work hard to build more socially just communities inside and outside the university gates.
So far we’ve both been involved in numerous activities and projects including the Student Housing Action Collective (SHAC), helping to establish the Melbourne Uni Book Co-operative, coordinating the on campus veggie garden and lots of other student activism.
If we get elected for next year, we would like to continue to expand the Melbourne Uni Book Co-op, and serve free vegetarian dinners every Monday night (Play With Your Food). We want to empower other students to take action and support their projects and ideas. We will also set up free English conversation classes for international students, campaign for public transport concession cards for all students and much more.
As Welfare officers we would try to make everything we do as inclusive as possible. That means we will do our best to engage all students in the work we do as part of the Student Union. We are running for this position because we care and are willing to work hard for a sustainable and socially just world.
WOM*N’S OFFICER
ESTHER BOHMER & MIRIAM HAMEL-GREEN (ACTIVATE)
We’re Mim and Esther and we’d like to be your Wom*n’s Officers in 2010. Amongst other things, Mim’s been on the Environment and Wom*n’s Committees, been a coordinator of the Food Co-op and has been involved in the Wom*n’s Action Collective. Esther’s been working on Queer issues with the LSS, smaller collectives and projects and volunteering with the Food Co-op. We are both really excited about organising Reclaim The Night 2009. It is an incredible annual event organised by regular wom*n, who come together to march through the city in protest of the unacceptable prevalence of assault and sexual violence perpetrated against wom*n. And then, of course, we party!
If we are elected we’ll continue to support wom*n students on campus by maintaining the Wom*n’s Room as a safe space for discussion, celebration, resting or just hanging-out; we’ll continue the feminist reading group; support attendance to NOWSA (Network of Wom*n Students Australia – a brilliant week of networking, idea-sharing and workshops); Feminist Boot Camp; International No Diet Day; Thursdays in Black, International Wom*n’s Day, and more.
Additionally, we will increase opportunities for students to get involved with addressing sexism on campus and the community through hands-on projects. These will include stickering campaigns, public art, public performance, dinners, nights out, and most importantly, other ideas brought to the collective!
Above many other considerations, we want to make the Wom*n’s Department inclusive. The Wom*n’s Room, the Collective, reading and discussion groups, events – all of it absolutely must be accessible for all wom*n Yes, Mim has dreadlocks, Esther shaves off head-hair at radical intervals and we reckon bike riding and hairy armpits are the ways of the future. You can be totally different, and we want to celebrate those differences while working hard to make the Wom*n’s Department inclusive for everyone.
JAIMIE CUZENS-SUTTON & REBECCA CUZENS-SUTTON (SYNERGY)
This is Jaimie, and this is Bec – we’d like to be your women’s officers next year!
Jaimie is a science student who enjoys classifying seaweeds and cheap beer.
Bec is (was) a gender studies major with a passion for language and good coffee.
Our main aim is to make the women’s space more accessible – we’d like for ALL women, womyn and wom*n to feel comfortable in the space. We’re happy to talk about why some people spell ‘woman’ with a ‘y’ or a * without forcing you to choose.
Don’t know the first thing about feminism? We can help with that. We want everyone to be involved! To have the chance to learn about and discuss equality and advocacy.
We have plans for introductory reading group sessions, workshops, social gatherings and super fun activities.
We also want to let you know about services for women, give you health and sex info, and maintain the support system in place for women on campus like all good women’s officers should.
Vote Synergy – working together, working for you.
ARTS OFFICER
DAVID HAIDON & NICHOLAS TAMMENS (ACTIVATE)
Hi all, we’re Nic and David, two people ready to fully dedicate themselves to promoting the Arts in 2010! In continuation from 2009, we would like to keep the possibilities alive for students wishing to engage in creative opportunities. Sustaining previous projects such as Framed, Above Water and Tastings are top priority, but that’s not to say we’re not open to new ideas! We recognise the vibrant engagement that the student body has with the Arts and we believe this interaction can only become stronger.
As two students of the VCAM we recognise the importance of the creation of a new dialogue between students at Parkville and the broader community of the University of Melbourne campuses. We hope to fully synthesize the vibrant art communities of both the VCAM and University of Melbourne in hopes of creating new avenues for young and emerging artists of differing disciplines.
As Activate candidates for Arts Officer, we believe in fostering a real campus community, regardless of which campus you study at, that supports and cares. We’re about reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting creative and exciting activist initiatives, projects and campaigns.
Vote Nic and David with Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
SUZIE ZHENG & MING YANG CHEN (iUNION)
Arts are a means of expressing human life through visual, sound or combinations to impact all the senses and touch the inner soul. Arts are a powerful tool which can bring everyone together. iUnion are aim to bridging the unfamiliarity between an ordinary student and the student union. Putting “I” in the Union!
By voting for iUnion, you are voting for a fresh independent approach with innovative idea, while convert in a competent and efficient manner which will benefit all fellow student from all corners of the world.
Hi, we are Suzie and Ming Yang, candidates from iUnion for the Arts Officer. We do not think Arts is a certain group of disciplines that is only been possessed by few privileged ones. Arts should be a vital part of the University life for every student. Arts are a broad subdivision of culture, and Melbourne is a world-renowned city for multiculturalism. Our aim is to maintain such an elite level of diverse excellence, promote new and breath-taking works in various media such as films, drama, paintings and sculpture, music and other innovations that can affect our view to the word “arts”. After all, arts have no boundaries.
We will strongly encourage daring endeavours and innovations that no other has attempted before while also fine tune and polish the traditional values of arts. Meanwhile we’ll also restore student culture in the Union; something that’s missing because of the current preoccupation on politics. We, iUnion are here to restore that sense of wonder and joy we used to get, the inspiration and discoveries that take our hearts away. We’ll work closely with all arts group and initiate new events such as International Fashion Show which will promote international diversity, culture integration, and thus paint the University a fresh layer of colourful image.
ACTIVITIES OFFICER
DAVID MULHOLLAND & DAVID EVANS (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
PROVISIONALLY ELECTED UNOPPOSED
What do you get for your vote with More Activities!?
In the activities office you get two of the most active & social people at Uni.
Uni meet Dave-O (David Mulholland) & Evo (Dave Evans).
We’ve been heavily involved with clubs and activities on campus in our time at uni, with clubs such as MUESC, More Beer, and Club of Kites. While Dave-o has been SSS President, Prosh Week Judge, on C&S Committee, on Activities Committee and Evo has been SSS Treasurer and President of MUCK (club of kites).
We’re running for activities because we know we can do what needs to be done, and how it needs to be run. We aim to create a lot of small fun events that appeal to a wide range of people on campus. We want to make Activities a more popular body on campus, so we can move to get Student’s Council to give Activities the respect and funding it deserves. So Activities and the Student Union can keep bringing you bigger bands, Tuesday BBQs every week, the return of Spring on the Lawn and possibilities of further events.
We’re the fun ones, Kites are ace fun… seriously. And if we get elected we can be the Dave office which would be awesome!
Dave-O & Evo
Vote 1 More Activities!
Cos we’re the fun ones!
QUEER OFFICER
DAVID ALLEN & MEGAN ROCKE (PRIDE)
We came together this year with a simple aim – ‘Get Things Done.’ We believe that by working together in co-operation with Queer students, other Union departments and the wider community, we can ensure that the Queer Department is the kind of place where we’d like to go, for help, to meet other queers or just to ‘get away’ to a place that’s non-judgemental and safe.
Queer student organisations have three major functions, which we refer to as “The Three ‘S’es”: Social, Support and Safer Spaces.
One of the most frequent complaints that we hear from Queer students on campus is ‘I don’t know any other queers around here!’ We want to build a queer community that’s welcoming, inclusive, visible on campus and a lot of fun, by organising regular social functions, discussion groups, interuniversity events and a regular newsletter.
Queer youth are up to three times more likely to attempt or commit suicide than their peers, feeling isolated and unable to talk to their family or friends about issues relating to their sexuality. The cornerstone of our Support role is an ‘open door’ policy. We believe that the Queer Officers should always be available for counseling or to provide referrals to queer and queer-friendly healthcare professionals and as a resource for queer-friendly housing and financial support services.
Safer spaces are not just those we designate as such, like the Queer Space, but refer to any place in which discrimination and prejudice can be recognised and addressed. By promoting awareness and freedom of expression both within the Space and in the wider university community, we can make the world a safer place for all sexuality- and gender-diverse people.
Let’s have Pride. Let’s Get Things Done!
CLAIRE OPPERMANN & ED YAP (ACTIVATE)
Hello. We’re Claire and Ed, we can do backflips and we’re running for Queer Office 2010 with the independent left ticket Activate.
Being of rural and international backgrounds, accessibility is one of our primary concerns. We understand how overwhelming and isolating university life can seem to new queer students and that walking into the Queerspace can be initially intimidating. We are particularly passionate about accessibility for international queers, and creating space and networking opportunities for all queer students across campus.
We condemn the ban on same-sex marriage for the reason that it denies queers legal equality, and recognise that it galvanises social response. However, we’ve noticed that many other issues affect the daily lives of queer students. Over-representation in rates of assault, suicide, mental health problems and homelessness; cisnormativity, trans- and genderqueer equality; and the significance of race, class and ability within issues of gender and sexuality are all on our radar. Therefore, our Queer Department will be committed to cultivating dialogue between queers of different stripes, and fostering a learning community through reading, talking and debating. And having fun.
Ed has extensive experience in the union in his roles in Melbourne University Overseas Students Service and on Students’ Council. Claire’s interest in queer and gender theory, and her background in community activism is the catalyst for her involvement in the Queer Department.
In 2010, we hope to make the Queer Department a flaming hot tamale, and an active and inclusive part of the Student Union. ☺ We welcome queries, which will be addressed in interpretive dance. xx
ENVIRONMENT OFFICER
SAM RANKIN (iUNION)
I have been involved with the UMSU’s environment department in both the committee and collective for some time and have been actively involved with a number of the ride to uni breakfasts.
As Environment officer I will deliver outcomes in three key areas of the department:
1. Federal lobbying
I’m sure people need little reminding that the government has been considering and delaying for some time the introduction of legislation to regulate Australian carbon emissions. I will actively campaign for this legislation to be rectified to provide stronger targets that acknowledge the importance of Australia taking its responsibility seriously. Furthermore I will campaign to end the logging of Victoria’s water catchments.
2. Sustainability on Campus
I also intend to help Melbourne University students live more sustainably and reduce the university’s carbon footprint. This will involve several vegan breakfasts and lunches throughout the year, a renewal of the campaign for the university to switch to green power and improvement of the recycling infrastructure on campus.
3. Public education and debate
Universities are regarded as a seat of learning and intelligent debate. The same ought to be said for the environment departments of universities. As such the environment department will run regular information sessions on the pressing ecological issues and trends in Victorian and Australian environment policy. I will also organise a public forum with relevant members of parliament and public intellectuals.
I look forward to an exciting year for the environment department and embrace the challenges that Australia faces with its ecological problems. For an Environment Officer that is innovative, politically independent and interested in the national and international implications of the environment. Vote [1] Sam Rankin! Vote [1] iUnion!
EVELYN DANIEL & DAN MUSIL (ACTIVATE)
What on earth are environmental issues? We reckon they’re more than just trees, whales and rogue CO2 emissions. We reckon environmental issues are fundamentally about people, and the way we live and relate to each other and the world – about the food, water, energy air we use every day, and the relationships we have with each other. Environmental issues are inherently political and linked to social justice.
We care about the squillions of lives that depend upon this planet, and between us (Evie has almost finished a BSc majoring in environmental science and geography, & Dan is most of the way through economics and geography majors in a BA) we’ve devoted much time to social & environmental causes on and off campus–working with past & present enviro collectives, NGOs, community-based gardens & projects, climate camp, organising the Students of Sustainability Conference, direct action campaigns and high school outreaches (including LEAP). We are both passionate about making a sustainable and socially just world.
Educated action: We believe that addressing environmental & social justice issues requires engaging, including & empowering communities & individuals to create positive change.
We are committed to supporting an inclusive, strong and active collective where skills and knowledge are shared, diversity of views and tactics are supported, and discussion & reflection is encouraged. We’d love to continue the great things that the collective has done on campus (Wash Against Waste, Vegetable Garden, Book Co-op & university sustainability) as well as contribute to broader social & environmental struggles, working with community groups & networks like CCEN, ASEN, AYCC.
We see strongly factional student politics as unproductive and hope to work closely with other UMSU departments (particularly Wom*n’s and Welfare) and with passionate peeps from all walks of life in an environment department that’s welcoming, active and effective.
MEDIA OFFICERS
VANESSA COSTANZO, JOSH DASCAL, NINA D. FLANAGAN & CHARLIE GOODMAN (SWIPE MEDIA – FARRAGOPOLY)
SWIPE Media began as a dream for what Farrago can be. We want to see a magazine that is bold and provocative, innovative and independent, representative and diverse. We want to see a Farrago that creates space for the ideas, interests, tastes and concerns of all students, whatever they study or believe and wherever they come from. We believe that despite the great diversity of students at this university, most want essentially the same things from Farrago: to be inspired, informed and included; to be both challenged and entertained.
SWIPE stands for Student Writers, Illustrators, Publishers and Editors. Our name reflects our belief that Farrago belongs to the students who make it possible and those who read it. We have all served as regular contributors and sub-editors: between us we have been published in Farrago over sixty times. We understand what writers and illustrators need from publishers and editors. We know how Farrago works because we have been helping to create it for years.
Along with our experience, we have new ambitions to take Farrago further. We will increase the number of editions from eight to ten so you get more out of your student media. We want to deliver relevant and reliable news and reviews of what happens at your university. We want to mix poetry with politics and education with entertainment. We want to bring Farrago into the 21st century with more online and interactive content. Most of all, we want you to join us, to help make your magazine what you want it to be.
We have a vision for Farrago to share with you. You will find it in our test edition, “Farragopoly”, during election week. Vote for us, and in 2010 we can help create your vision too. With SWIPE Media, Farrago belongs to you.
RACHEL BAXENDALE, SARAH LAING, ELLENA SAVAGE & LUCAS SMITH (INDEPENDENT MEDIA)
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a woman needs a lover with spark. Born in 1925, Farrago is a grand old dame in need of suitors who can fill her pages with stimulating material and keep her readership satisfied. We assure you, dear reader, that Independent Media is the only ticket running in this election who can give this dear lady what she craves.
Since 2005, Independent Media has published a Farrago that has affronted tedious notions of political correctness, encouraged debate, and aimed to present a wide variety of views on a wide variety of topics. If elected, we will maintain and build upon this tradition and continue to produce a publication which makes the most of the creativity and intellect of the student body. As you’ll see from our test edition – available from any of our campaigners during election week – we’re especially keen to make the most of the talents of students from the newly-merged VCA.
All of us have had extensive involvement with Farrago in 2009, both as sub-editors and regular contributors. Our work ranges from creative writing to hard-hitting journalism and from the saucy to the serious. We are keenly aware that good editorship is at least as much about attracting talented people to write for us as it is about our own abilities. Between the four of us we have the support of a large group of people, including the current editors, who are as committed as we are to maintaining Farrago’s independence and quality. This is something that no other ticket running for Media Office can possibly offer.
If you want to ensure that Farrago continues to be a forum for astute, original, insightful, witty, creative, amusing and above all diverse and independent expression, vote 1 Independent Media!
CLUBS & SOCIETIES OFFICER
JONATHAN DONAGAN & PIPER O’DOWD (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
PROVISIONALLY ELECTED UNOPPOSED
Hi, we’re Jono and Piper and we would like to be your 2010 Clubs and Societies officers. We’ve been trying to think of something cool and witty and even funny to write for this blurb. Something that will make you want to vote for us, but in all honesty we’ve been writing this for two weeks and this was the best we could do. Let’s face it, neither of us are arts students.
I guess you’d want to know what we plan to do in office, and it is in fact rather simple; we plan to continue trying to give clubs the most amount of money possible so that they in turn can run some fun events and give you free food. And sometimes beer (if you like that sort of thing, Jono certainly does.)
We can’t promise much, but we can promise to represent clubs and try to look after them as best we can.
We both know how hard it can be to run a club, with all the work that comes with it, but we also know that clubs are an important and rewarding part of university life.
Please vote for us, and if we win Piper gets to give two crazy speeches this year at Clubs’ Council, not just one.
INDIGENOUS OFFICER
JIDAH CLARK (STAND UP!)
Hi! My name is Jidah Clark, and I’m a 4th year Arts/Law student. I’m looking for your support as the Indigenous Department Officer Bearer next year.
As the Indigenous Department Office Bearer I plan to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere where all Indigenous students have the opportunity to voice their concerns. I will work closely with the Committee to ensure a transparent approach is taken in advocating for Indigenous students at Uni.
Over the last four years at this University I have witnessed a lack of understanding about the real issues that affect our Indigenous student body and the wider Indigenous community. One way to eliminate this is to promote discussion of Indigenous issues which I hope to do through organising various forums and debates around campus.
Moreover, I intend to fully utilise the resources allocated to the Department to build a stronger Aboriginal presence and an environment where others can share our ideas and insight.
I also hope to see more engagement with Indigenous student bodies from other Universities. A way of doing this will be to send delegates to the National Indigenous University Games and the National Indigenous Students Conference, where our students will be able to mix with other Aboriginal students from across the country. Such gatherings are the perfect place to meet influential people and to expand your networks.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
KYLE DADLEH & KYLE LANCASTER
No statement received.
RUBY WARBER
No statement received.
STUDENTS’ COUNCIL GENERAL REPRESENTATIVES
JESS KAPUSCINSKI-EVANS (SWIPE MEDIA – FARRAGOPOLY)
I have two very important aims next year if I am elected to Students’ Council. First, as a candidate of SWIPE Media I am dedicated to keeping Farrago independent of political control. I believe Farrago is an essential part of University culture and provides a voice to all students. As I use a wheelchair, I hope also to use my position to promote better access to services for students with disabilities. Having written and directed a Mudfest play, I intend to focus on assisting other students with disabilities to get involved in the artistic and cultural life of the University.
PAUL COATS (GREEN THUMBS)
No statement received.
PAUL HOSRI (SYNERGY)
Synergy believes a peaceful, tolerant campus culture is a non-negotiable element of the university experience.
Unfortunately, we have seen too many divisive and narrow-minded political stunts over the last year. And too often, the student union has funded the campaigns.
We will put peace over politics. We will not lend the union’s logo to controversial causes, and we will not let sections of the student body suffer discrimination.
Synergy represents a change from old-style divisive politics propagated by professional campus politicians to a positive and inclusive culture run by real students.
Vote Synergy – working together, working for you.
KON MOISIDIS (SYNERGY)
Synergy stands for a relevant Student Union run by everyday students.
We will bring the principles of support and fairness to student council. We will always advocate for the majority of student, not just the most vocal.
We have an agenda for positive reform, and we will nurture a cooperative environment within the union to achieve consensus.
Synergy represents a fresh, positive and unifying approach. We will never lose sight of your education and your student union.
Vote Synergy – working together, working for you.
KATE TURNBULL (SYNERGY)
Synergy believes that Students’ Council should be a place where real students find real solutions to real issues.
If elected to Students’ Council, we will emphasise a spirit of consensus and cooperation, a fresh change from the infighting of recent years.
We will strive to make Students’ Council a truly representative body – one that is engaged, inclusive, vibrant and accountable.
Synergy’s goal is a union that provides genuine support and advocacy to all students, and fosters a safe and enjoyable campus culture.
Vote Synergy – working together, working for you.
STEPHANIE MCHENRY (SYNERGY)
Synergy believes in genuine, practical support for international students, not just patronising rants or tokenistic posturing.
We want to make sure students from abroad know their union is a friendly, accessible place where they can gain essential advice and support.
When we say we want transport concession cards for international students, we actually mean it – we are committed to professionally lobbying Governments on the issue.
Synergy knows the most effective form of support for international students is that found in practical services, not political protests.
Vote Synergy – working together, working for you.
JESSICA DOWLING (SYNERGY)
Synergy stands for relevant, accountable and accessible representation.
All students deserve the right to approach their union representative without fearing intimidation or feeling politically sidelined.
As a college student, I regularly mix with students from all faculties socially and academically. With my experience, I can help make the union more accessible.
Synergy represents real students, not professional campus politicians. We will keep an eye on those students who, needing the union’s help, might not speak up.
Vote Synergy – working together, working for you.
KARYAN NG (SYNERGY)
The majority of students at Melbourne University are not interested in fringe campaigns, which only serve to ignite a vocal minority, enrage the university administration and shatter the peace on campus.
A consensus-driven council, conducted in cooperation and mutual respect for views will always be more effective than a representative body tied up by political division.
Another important goal is making the union more accountable, transparent and responsible – one that works with the university administration to achieve better outcomes for students
Vote Synergy – working together, working for you.
MEREDITH TREADWELL (STAND UP!)
My name is Meredith Treadwell and I’m running for Student Council. As a dedicated and experienced first year student I am keen to represent changing student interests and to provide insight into issues facing new students under the Melbourne Model. The Union is critical in supporting a vibrant and cohesive student network, especially for newcomers to the university, and its role as such remains important. I particularly value the essential student services Stand Up has been integral in ensuring over the years.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
LOUIS GREGORY (STAND UP!)
I’m Louis Gregory and I am a second year Arts Student running for Student Council. I believe I am a highly informed candidate who can bring a diligent attitude to council. I currently sit on the Student Loan’s Committee representing student appeals for loans, and have also been involved in student focus groups such as the Education Action Group, which have collected student feedback on issues such as the Melbourne Model. As a councillor, I will continue this activist focus, and hold the union accountable to its students.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.orgb
AUDREY IRISH (STAND UP!)
I am running for a position on Students Council, as I have first-hand experience with the challenges facing students at Melbourne, and a positive vision for the kind of space I believe most students would like their council to be. I believe council should be a place for both the facilitation of projects, as well as a means of accountability and transparency within the union. I also envisage a space where ideas can be developed, and constructive discussion with which all students can engage occurs.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
LACHLAN BELLACH (STAND UP!)
Hey, my name is Lachlan and I am looking to be one of your representatives on Student’s Council in 2010. I believe strongly in the advocatory and representative role that Student’s Council plays and I will look to represent all students in the best possible way. I believe in cooperation between students, the union and the university will best guarantee a unique and rewarding education for all students, and it is this that I will hope to achieve as a Student Councillor in 2010.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
MARK KETTLE (STAND UP!)
Hi there, I’m Mark, and I’m running for a position on Student Council. I believe accountability and transparency in the Student Union are incredibly important, and, if elected, I will play my part in maintaining that accountability and transparency, and take the role very seriously. I’ll also enjoy helping the Office Bearers in facilitating projects that reflect the views and beliefs of ALL students on this campus.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
JOSH CUSACK (ALP CLUB)
Vote [1] ALP Club for progressive and responsive politics
BIANCA PARUSSOLO (ALP CLUB)
The Left of the Labor Party at The University of Melbourne has a long standing tradition of representing students. I have been a member of the ALP Club since 2007 and I am nominating for Students’ Council because I believe that integrity and critical thinking are qualities that I can bring to the peak representative body of the Student Union.
Vote [1] ALP Club for progressive and responsive politics
SARA MAAROUF (JUSTICE FOR PALESTINE)
I am Sara Maarouf, a second year Arts student. I am a Palestinian and my family was driven out of our home during Al-Nakba, 1948. Since then, my family became scattered all over the world. I, personally was born in Kuwait and so was my dad almost fifty years ago. We eventually came to Australia in 2003 in search for a secured and a dignified life. I decided to join the Students for Palestine group after being horrified by the massacre of the Palestinians in Gaza early this year and was further motivated when witnessing Zionists on campus pulling down the Palestinian Solidarity week posters to sensor even further the Palestinian voice.
SADIA SCHNEIDER (JUSTICE FOR PALESTINE)
No statement received.
AZLAN MCLENNAN (SAVE THE VCA)
Save the VCA is made up of students who oppose the subject and staff cuts at the Victorian College of the Arts and want VCA students to be represented at the Parkville campus. The Melbourne Model is destroying the culture of the VCA and the quality of our education. We want a student union that will fight against the destruction of VCA, and represent all students. As a VCA student I want to see an end to all subject and staff cuts, and a university that offers education for educations sake, not one that is run like a business.
ANTON JOSEF ANIN (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
No statement received.
SISI YING (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
Need a break from the books? University life should be fun, jam packed with activities to make your time at uni the best time of your life!!! More Activities! are the ones who will bring you heaps of events. It’s something we love to do and do well.
Having been the International Representative on Students Council this year, I’d love to engage the International student community in our activities and help get their voice on the Council and the Union. There could not be a better time to do this.
Vote 1 for More Activities!; vote 1 for Sisi Ying.
GOLDIE PERGL (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
Howdy! My name is Goldie and I’m running for Students Council with More Activities! We’re the people who have been helping administrate your Clubs and Societies (as well as running the Activities department) for the last 3 years. I’ve had 2 years experience as the Clubs & Societies Office Bearer and one as a Student’s Councillor and MUSUL Board member. I also have a good knowledge of how the Union works and how it could work better. So Vote 1 More Activities!
CLINTON MARKWELL (LIBERAL)
The Student Council has been run by shameless leftists who have neglected mainstream students. These treacherous Trotskyites need to be thrown out.
The only thing worse than the Left and their outdated ideology of collectivism is their hypocrisy. They preach Marxist class war, yet most are from privileged middle-class backgrounds and have not worked a day in their lives, unless you count pestering students outside the Baillieu as work.
End the Left’s class war hypocrisy… vote Liberal.
SABINE WOLFF (LIBERAL)
The Student Union is currently under the control of radical left-wing activists.
That’s why, if elected to Student Council, I will defend your right NOT to join the student union and NOT to fund the student union. If elected, I will fight to preserve Voluntary Student Unionism and implement an economically rationalist agenda.
We will also set up mechanisms to promote academic pluralism and combat left-wing bias, especially within the Arts department.
V.S.U. Good for me… Good for you! – Vote Liberal.
JOSHUA SCHMIDT (TRAVEL CONCESSION CARD EQUALITY)
Everyone deserves equal rights, no matter where they are from or what course they are doing. Governments and universities are quite happy to charge exorbitant international and postgraduate student fees, but when it comes to granting basic rights such as public transport travel concession cards, they outright deny them. This is discrimination and the Student Union must unequivocally stand in support of equal rights for all. Students’ Council is the peak decision-making body for students at Melbourne University, and we need people in it, from Travel Concession Card Equality, who will consistently support equal rights for all until they are won!
RACHEL BARRETT (ACTIVATE)
Democracy. Admitted, this is an ideal that the Students Council, like many decision-making structures that attempt it, may only ever dream of. Yet if next year’s councillors want, as I do, to maintain and grow a strong union that empowers students to organise, to build community that is active and fun while opposing oppression in its many forms, it would be a step in the right (I mean left) direction. If elected I will try to make the Students’ Council a more productive and inclusive space, to listen and to vote in the best interests of the student union.
MAX KAISER (ACTIVATE)
During my time being involved in student politics I’ve tried to work on issues that push the union in a more radical direction. I was heavily involved in campaigns like the Student Housing Action Collective (SHAC) (the group which occupied the Faraday St terraces) which came out of the student union but grew into a project of the wider community over the issue of affordable housing. If elected to Students Council I will try and make sure that the union does not become solely a bureaucratic body but a dynamic and politically relevant body that supports projects such as SHAC.
JIM SMITH (ACTIVATE)
My name is James and I’m running for a position on Student’s Council with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Student’s Council, I would work tirelessly to ensure that all opinions are heard and that council decisions are informed and in the best interests of all students. I believe in fostering a community that supports and cares, reconnecting the union with the student body and supporting activist initiatives. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
CHRIS SUMMERS (ACTIVATE)
No statement received.
DAVE KELLY (MAKE BREADTH BETTER)
No statement received.
FRANCES LEWIS (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
JADE ECKHAUS (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
TIM ARNOT (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
MICHAEL ROBSON (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
SCOTT WILLIAMS (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
Left Student Unionists stand for a student union with a social conscience, and that is independent of the major parliamentary parties. Our vision for the student union is one which takes up the progressive issues that students believe in; opposing the racism international students face, opposing the homophobic ban on same-sex marriage, and defending our education against privatisation.
In 2009 we have campaigned for same-sex marriage rights, for travel concession cards for international and postgraduate students, and against the attacks on Palestine. We want to continue to throw ourselves behind every progressive campaign, and back up our words with action!
SIMON GIBSON (DEMAND SAME-SEX MARRIAGE)
The ban on same-sex marriage is an act of discrimination that affects students. Whether queer or straight, all students who oppose inequality and homophobia have an interest in making the ban history. We believe that the Student Union can play a huge role in the fight for equal rights. 2009 has seen the largest demonstrations for Equal Marriage Rights in Australia’s history in which thousands of students took part, and we are here to ensure the Student Union continues the campaign for equality!
BILL DODD (ABSOLUTE POWER)
Students Council has been a joke this year. With right-wing students scheming, plotting and coming up with new ways to be nasty to poor people, it has been incredibly difficult for those who wish to actually achieve results for students at Melbourne to get anything done. When thinking about who you’re going to vote for, think about whether you consider yourself a progressive person, who really just wants their representatives to get on with the job, rather than concocting vicious, destructive plans for UMSU-domination over cups of tea.
Vote [1] Absolute Power, and bring some genius, hard-working people into UMSU.
ELIZABETH MCMILLAN (ABSOLUTE POWER)
Vote [1] Absolute Power, and bring some genius, hard-working people into UMSU.
ELIZABETH REDMAN (INDEPENDENT MEDIA)
TIMOTHY FORSTER (INDEPENDENT MEDIA)
GEIR O’ROURKE (INDEPENDENT MEDIA)
Independent Media is passionate about one thing: making sure that every student has a forum for free speech. We work zealously to represent the diverse interests of the student body, without fear or favour. Independent Media is made up of contributors to Farrago, who, while varied in their viewpoints, are united in striving to keep student media a 100% free press zone. On Students’ Council, Independent Media has had a strong track record of integrity and we will continue to advocate for all students in 2010.
MELISSA SMITH (LABOR)
Hi, I’m Melissa and I’m running for Students’ Council. I’m committed to creating a union that supports all students. I believe that UMSU has the potential to be more in-touch with ordinary students. I want a student Union that strongly advocates against staffing cuts, which greatly impact on the quality of all of our educations. If elected, I will also provide a strong voice for many of the rural and regional students that attend Melbourne, as I am one myself. If you want a strong voice on Students’ Council, vote 1 Labor!
JIMMY JIN (iUNION)
The Union is more than a mere canteen! It receives millions of dollars from the university and owns resources that are capable of making our student life more fun and enjoyable. When the union club grants always run out before semester ends, we still see a five-digit affiliation fee to an external entity. When the number of clubs and societies events got limited, we still see the printing of leaflets touting extreme ideologies littered all over the place. What can ‘i’ do to change it? Vote [1] iUnion! for a ‘union’ connecting independent minds, international visions and innovative ideas!
MING YANG CHEN (iUNION)
I have a dream, that when people talking about student union, they don’t talk about things that UMSU should be doing, but things UMSU has already engaged in. I’m Ming Yang from iUnion and I’m here to unclog the system and make sure it runs effective again. Me and the iUnion team will ensure that the student council runs productively and efficiently. We’ll keep every fellow student up-to-date with the student council and be the voice of the unheard yet concerned students. Say “I(aye)” to less political debate and more student supports from the Union!
SUZIE ZHENG (iUNION)
iUnion – I, Suzie, will revitalize the union. As a student representative, we should give priorities to student well-beings, rather than to the world of politics. Concentrate scarce resources on important issues such as all-students concession cards, cheaper accommodation solutions and all other vital issues in student life. We’ll try to make UMSU services more accessible to everyone. iUnion is a fresh team of independent minds determined to restore union back to what it should be, a platform between students and our university. Thus voting for iUnion, voting for Suzie is a chance to vote for your own voice!
DAVID DE ALWIS (iUNION)
Alone, afraid of the future, caught in an unfriendly bureaucratic structure – if this sounds like you; you are not alone. Many students go through loneliness and uncertainty and the university has done little to help. The student union is advertised as your haven; a place to meet friends, a place to turn to for advice and counsel. However, they too turn you away, because they too often divert funding away from meaningful activities into promoting political ideology. This must change and iUnion and I are ready to make your time here at the University of Melbourne a rewarding one.
PETER WU (iUNION)
Hi my name is Peter! I have the experience of being the head of international students committee in high school, so I believe with my sense of justice and equality, I am capable of being the “voice” of others especially international students, and also encourage them to participate and contribute in student union. iUnion has members from all over the world, therefore I believe we are the right team to stand up and speak up for international students, and serve as the bridge to connect international and local students in Melbourne University.
FEI GAO (iUNION)
How many of you are still suffering with the loneliness and fear of studying overseas? How many of you are still struggling in a course that females are in minority? How many of you have received the support designed for female at university?
As a candidate for student council, instead of selling political ideologies, we want to make a real change! We will run support programmes focusing on international student careers, female health and education. Scholarship for female, academic workshop, equal job opportunity are going to be real!
We are ready to make your life more beautiful! How about you?
QUEER REPRESENTATIVE ON STUDENTS’ COUNCIL
JAMES WILSON (PRIDE)
University campuses are often some of the safest and most accepting places for queer students to be. Nevertheless, queer students still face many problems that other students do not, and we are often an invisible group on campus. Pride aims to make the Queer Department loud and proud so that everyone on campus knows we’re here, and if elected to this position I will make sure that the needs of queer students are always heard at Students’ Council.
CHRIS SUMMERS (ACTIVATE)
Hey, my name is Chris, and I’m a fourth-year Creative Arts / Law student. I’ve been involved with Activate for two years and this year held the Office Bearer position of Arts Officer with the Student Union. Having already had a strong involvement with both the arts and queer activism on campus, and a passion for queer theory, I’d love to continue working with Activate as Queer Representative on Student’s Council to promote inclusive, grass-roots, anti-sexist, anti-racist and anti-queerphobic politics, projects and campaigns. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
TIM ARNOT (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
No statement received.
INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ON STUDENTS’ COUNCIL
LINDA GAO (iUNION)
PROVISIONALLY ELECTED UNOPPOSED
Hi there, this is Linda Gao from iUnion running for international student representative. Recently, I have replaced Tom Cruise in the fourth movie of the Mission Impossible series. According to headquarter, I have been given the following tasks: 1. to improve the integration between international and local students, 2. to fight for more benefits for the international students, 3. to activate international students’ interest in extra-curriculum activities. These are not just words; I promise that if I get this position then I will act to implement those. So pick me and trust me! Vote [1] for iUnion!
MATURE AGE REPRESENTATIVE ON STUDENTS’ COUNCIL
DAVID CLARK
Four years experience as a union delegate for AMIEU, currently serving on two executive committees, scholarship recipient/, assorted prizes/bursaries and current member of Student Ambassador Leadership Program. Community/volunteer experience includes MUOSS ‘Buddy’ mentoring program for international students, ‘Destination Melbourne’ Camps for rural/regional students, ‘Talk about Uni’ program for regional high schools, and Starlight Children’s Foundation. Vote for an independent, fresh approach to student leadership and the management of student affairs.
FRANCES LEWIS (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
No statement received.
TRISTAN CLACK (iUNION)
No statement received.
JAMES FIELD (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is James and I’m running for a position on Student’s Council (Mature Age Rep) with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Mature Rep on Student’s Council, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares, reconnecting the union with the student body and supporting activist initiatives. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
BILL DODD (ABSOLUTE POWER)
Vote [1] Absolute Power, and bring some genius, hard-working people into UMSU.
DAVE KELLY (MAKE BREADTH BETTER)
No statement received.
LUCIE TURNER (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
SISI YING (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
RYAN HUMMER (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
KATE O’NEILL (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
No statements received.
MATHEW TONER (SYNERGY)
You took how much of our funding? And you gave it to another student union? Something isn’t right. While the Activities Office have done a great job this year, it did so despite the union’s decisions, not because of them. Without decent activities, universities are dreary office-blocks filled by students with come-and-go mentalities. Activities compose the core of university culture, and should never be sacrificed at the altar or activism. Support me for Activities Committee, and I will make sure university life is given a necessary boost. Vote Synergy!
NICHOLAS BAUM (SYNERGY)
Sometime over the last few years, the fourth-quarter siren rang out on university campus life. A once vibrant and active culture is now a declining leisure pursuit, with many non-mainstream clubs folding up because they just cannot afford things any more and many once popular clubs now struggling to fill membership. I will push for greater funding allocations to clubs and their activites, and push for greater awareness among the student body of the social and personal benefits that come with joining a club. Vote Synergy!
RUDOLPH HOSRI (SYNERGY)
Modern universities are some of the most multicultural institutions in Australia, and the union’s activities schedule should better reflect this. While I love the cheap beer trivia nights as much as anyone else, the union should also be looking at ways it can engage more international students into this important component of campus life. I will investigate options to increase the number of multicultural themed events, and encourage the Activities Office to reach out to groups within the student body not traditionally represented on the activities circuit. Vote Synergy!
DANIEL COWEN (SYNERGY)
I’m a veteran university student who spent many years running events at college. This included orientation week, two annual college balls, and the most outrageous dress up functions you could ever imagine! Your university experience should be about having the time of your life and meeting new people. I believe that funding should be better allocated to support genuine life on campus and not stockpiled by fringe groups for political causes. My extensive experience in organising activities at college and fresh ideas means that I’m well-placed to help make 2010 the biggest year of Activities you’ve ever seen! Vote Synergy!
MATTHEW INCERTI (LABOR)
Hi, I’m Matt and I’m running for Activities committee! As an avowed trivia nerd, music lover and beer drinker, I believe I have a lot to offer the Activities office next year. I’d like to see bigger and better Tuesday band ‘n’ beers, more awesome trivia nights and many more great events on campus to make uni life about more than studying. Vote 1 Labor!
DAVID LETTINGER (STAND UP!)
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
MARK KETTLE (STAND UP!)
G’day, I’m Mark, and I’m a candidate for Activities Committee of 2010. I love the campus culture at Melbourne Uni, but I can’t get enough! So, as a member of the Activities Committee, I will strive to help the Office Bearers in co-ordinating fun, interesting and diverse activities that will encapsulate the diversity in the student body, and attract the attention of ALL students, not just those of us who love a good beer and bbq.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
ARTS COMMITTEE
DAVE KELLY (MAKE BREADTH BETTER)
No statement received.
MING YANG CHEN (iUNION)
Please see the Policy Statement for Arts Officer
JEY CHEN (iUNION)
Arts play such a great role in our lives. From a painting hanging on the wall, to the clothes we are wearing. Arts can be something distant from us, and at meantime, we are living in them. As an Arts Committee candidate, the promotion of arts on campus and to bring arts to uni from the outside will be my goal. My passion, capability as well as my initiative are going to help me to create the artistic uni which people are currently looking for.
VANESSA YU (iUNION)
Melbourne is a just a wonderful place for arts, thanks to its multi-cultural social components. As an art lover, I enjoy appreciating talented artistic works across the world and from time to time get amazed by the great imagination and creativity behind those masterpieces. That is why I am going for the arts committee!
iUnion supports multi-culturalism! Beyond the primary goals of providing a platform for art lovers to exchange ideas and organise shows to display their creation to the students, we will emphasize on promoting Indigenous and multi-cultural arts and showcasing the creative arts industries development in Melbourne.
PETER WU (iUNION)
My major is architecture, and I have been in charge of poster designing with the Chinese Cultural Society for a year. I have a the art skill and knowledge for artistic designing. However, my interest is not only limited to 2D design, but also 3D modelling, photography, painting, sculpture etc. so I believe with my ambition, skill and knowledge, I will encourage iUnion support arts from many different aspects. iUnion is also a multi-background and multi-cultural team, so I believe iUnion can use this resource well and will be capable of promoting arts from different cultures.
QINGQUAN ZHANG (iUNION)
Hi, I’m Qingquan Zhang, a 2nd year commerce student. I was the Vice President of Chinse Publishers Group and transformed CPG from single literature magazine group to a multi-media organisation by founding its own brand website and Network TV station. In this day and age, the emerging new technology has created brand-new ways to express arts and has also greatly enriched the channels to disseminate them. As an Arts Committee candidate, I will promote the diverse type of arts to students via different media; let’s make arts more assessable to students and make it a part of our life.
BILL DODD (ABSOLUTE POWER)
See under Activities Committee.
AMY MULLINS (SYNERGY)
Students at Melbourne should be encouraged to create public art that is relevant and thought-provoking. Works that are commentaries on current events can serve, at the least, as talking-points, and at the most, as makers of opinion. If I’m elected to Arts Committee, I will encourage topical public art through by pushing for more competitions, and will work with the Arts Office in calling for more spaces for public art provided by the university. Vote Synergy!
MAGNUS O’MALLON (SYNERGY)
The arts are pivotal for a diverse and creative campus. Raising the profile of arts on campus will be my foremost goal if elected. Arts is an area we feel is often neglected by professional student politicians. As a composer and music student, I understand the great importance of advocacy in this area. We will bring a cooperative approach to improving the artistic culture on campus and to support struggling artists. For a more diverse and engaging campus, vote Synergy!
JACKSON REYNOLDS (SYNERGY)
Arts Committee needs a voice calling from outside of Parkville. I attend the Victorian College of the Arts, and I will make sure Burnley, Creswick, Dookie, Werribee and VCA have their fair share of arts-based subject diversity where practicable. At VCA, we have already seen the administration suspend the Bachelor of Music Theatre program. The Arts Office needs to stand up to any more proposed course cuts, and should also push for more public art displays on smaller campuses. Vote Synergy!
KATE TURNBULL (SYNERGY)
Creative Arts at Melbourne can be vibrant, creative and diverse. As a member of the Arts Committee I will strive to represent this unique culture – one we should all cherish. I would like to make sure that more students are aware of the opportunities the Arts Department provides. All students should be able to embrace and extend their creativity, and Arts Department events and workshops provide the ideal opportunity to do this. Raising the profile of creative arts at Melbourne will be my driving passion while on this committee. Vote Synergy!
JULIAN BUTLER (SYNERGY)
In the golden era of university culture, student unions would scout up-and-coming musicians and artists on campus and nurture them through competitions, concerts and exhibitions. I want to restore this culture. Imagine a union house filled with the works and sounds of students, at least, more so than the token effort on display these days. Support me for Arts Committee, and I will work to fund greater development of up-and-coming talents on campus. Vote Synergy!
STEPHEN MICHELSON (LABOR)
I’m a firm believer in the importance of art in creating a strong and vibrant university culture. I would like to be involved in making programs such as Mudfest and Above Water even better. I want to see a greater engagement with artists in the Victoria community, in the form of collaborations with performing arts, visual arts and other arts organisations. If you want to see more coming from the Arts Office next year, vote 1 Labor!
LOUIS GREGORY (STAND UP!)
My name is Louis Gregory and I am candidate for Arts Committee. I believe I can bring an effective and responsive voice to the committee, particularly on issues such as the approval of Arts grants to students. I understand the value of all areas within the Arts having participated in a number of different fields including film festivals, musicals, and theatre productions. I am also a passionate history student, and my appreciation of the arts stems from this.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
LACHLAN BELLACH (STAND UP!)
Hi, I’m Lachlan and I’m running for Arts committee because I believe that I can facilitate student art and creativity on campus. Cultural services is an essential part of student life and helping the future Arts office bearers prepare events for student ingenuity is something I’m passionate about and committed to doing. Events such as Framed and Above Water are integral to the Student Union, and to students on this campus. Finally, a progressive voice, like my own, should be represented on Arts Committee. Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
JIM GURR (STAND UP!)
Hey! I’m Jim, and I am running for arts committee because I believe one of the most important roles of our Student Union is supporting emerging artists and building a creative culture on campus. My interests in the arts are many and varied, but my passion for the arts is something that will never waiver. I will bring to the Arts Committee this passion and enthusiasm, and channel it as a productive, dedicated and progressive representative.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
CHRIS SUMMERS (ACTIVATE)
Hey, my name is Chris, and I’m a fourth-year Creative Arts / Law student. I’ve been involved with Activate for two years and this year held the Office Bearer position of Arts Officer with the Student Union. Having already had a strong involvement with both the arts and activism on campus, and also more broadly in Melbourne, I’d love to continue this work with Activate on the Arts Committee, promoting inclusive, grass-roots, anti-sexist, anti-racist and anti-queerphobic politics, projects and campaigns. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
JUSTIN NOTT (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Justin and I’m running for a position on Arts Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Arts Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting creative, artistic and inclusive activist initiatives Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
LIZ ERROL (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Liz and I’m running for a position on Arts Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Arts Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting creative, artistic and inclusive activist initiatives Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
JENNIFER MACKIE (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Jen and I’m running for a position on Arts Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Arts Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting creative, artistic and inclusive activist initiatives Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
CHRIS DOIG (LIBERAL)
The time has come to stop student money being spent on left wing rorts and perks. If elected to the Arts committee, I pledge that I will devote my time and energy to eradicating socialist propaganda as a substitute for genuine and meaningful patriotic expression.
Students should be exposed to art work that strengthens and reinforces traditional Australian values, like mateship, conventional aesthetics and sporting prowess, not nihilistic, postmodernist trash or left-wing propaganda posing as art.
Vote Liberal for a classical approach to the Arts.
THOR TAYLOR (LIBERAL)
Does anybody remember Bill Henson? He was the so-called “artistic” photographer who went around scouring primary schools for pre-pubescent “models” to photograph naked in sexually suggestive poses.
If a pedophile does it, it is child porn… but if Bill Henson does it, it is “art”. This is the sort of morally vacuous licentiousness that plagues much of the art community in Australia today.
If you want to restore decency to campus art – Vote Liberal.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
ANDREW KEMP (LIBERAL)
‘Free education’ cannot exist. Somebody, somewhere still pays when a student’s education is paid for or subsidised by the state.
The higher education sector is one of the most highly regulated sectors of the Australian economy. Universities need deregulation to give institutions of higher education the freedom to address needs according to supply and demand. This will create competition between providers, with the associated benefits.
I would also like to see the government adopt a completely voucher based funding system to give students more choice.
For a voice of deregulation and smaller government – Vote Liberal!
DAVE KELLY (MAKE BREADTH BETTER)
No statement received.
MELISSA SMITH (LABOR)
I’m a passionate advocate on education issues that affect all of us. I’m a first year Science student in the New Generation degree. I believe it’s really important that all of you undertaking New Gen degrees have a strong voice on Education Committee, as we’re often forgotten in a lot of the campaigns that UMSU currently runs. So, if you’re a New Gen student, vote for me because I’m one too! Vote 1 Labor and Melissa Smith!
JADE ECKHAUS (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
SCOTT WILLIAMS (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
MICHAEL ROBSON (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
TIM ARNOT (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
FRANCES LEWIS (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
Left Student Unionists believe that the Student Union should be a place to promote a progressive voice on campus. We believe in free and well funded education for all students, and in education for educations sake!
We have previously campaigned against the attacks on the Arts faculty, and have been involved in the campaign to Save the Victorian College of the Arts. We believe university should be more than just a degree factory, and that our education is well worth defending.
Vote 1 Left Student Unionists!
ELIZABETH MCMILLAN (ABSOLUTE POWER)
See under Students’ Council General Representatives.
BILL DODD (ABSOLUTE POWER)
See under Activities Committee.
SIMON GIBSON (DEMAND SAME-SEX MARRIAGE)
No statement received.
JOSHUA SCHMIDT (TRAVEL CONCESSION CARD EQUALITY)
Everyone deserves equal rights, no matter where they are from or what course they are doing. Governments and universities are quite happy to charge exorbitant international and postgraduate student fees, but when it comes to granting basic rights such as public transport travel concession cards, they outright deny them. This is blatant discrimination and the Student Union must unequivocally stand in support of equal rights for all. The Education committee determines the campaign funding of the Education offices, and we need people in it, from Travel Concession Card Equality, who will consistently support campaigns for equal rights for all!
LUCAS RYAN (SYNERGY)
Students have a vested interest in the operation of the university and deserve an opportunity to participate in its life. I want to ensure that the union’s Education Officers can campaign effectively to students and work with the administration to ensure the best possible outcome for students – rather than spending time holding poorly-attended protests. I want to ensure that the union’s Education Officers are willing to professionally lobby the university on course cuts, not just shout demands from outside the Vice-Chancellor’s door. Vote Synergy!
STEFAN DIMOU (SYNERGY)
The Synergy team is a diverse student group that wants to deliver tangible results. I have the experience to achieve positive change for all students, regardless of their faculty. As a Greek Student, I am particularly passionate about giving students the opportunity to learn Greek – a victim of the university’s course cuts. As an office bearer in a youth-run NGO, I have the experience and expertise to develop practical policies, not just shout from the sidelines. Students need genuine education advocacy, and we believe we are the right people to deliver just that. Vote Synergy!
LIZZIE ENG LI CHOO (SYNERGY)
Education is about making the most of the knowledge you gain. With new general degrees, not all students can study the subjects of their choice. I’m an active student who participates widely in campus life, and I’m committed to giving you the education you asked for. This includes pushing for subject guarantees in the university, subsidies on expensive textbooks, and giving a hand to those experiencing the challenges of study. Smaller class sizes, better quality tutorials, more support services – I’ll push for these changes, because I want you to get the most out of uni. Vote Synergy!
DORI MERON (SYNERGY)
Synergy will take a creative approach based around inclusion, representation and consensus. Synergy believes that if we work together, we can achieve greater and better outcomes for all students. As a member of the Education Committee, I will listen to the needs and interests of all students, not just professional campus politicians. Synergy believes that our diverse backgrounds mean that we can engage global and different perspectives to achieve more. For positive change, vote Synergy!
LEE JAMALI (SYNERGY)
As an international student, I know how difficult communicating with the Student Union can be. Some international students may be unfamiliar with the concept of unionism, unaware that it is an encouraged tenet of university life. A union funding radical political campaigns further alienates many international students from approaching their representatives. This must change. On Education Committee I will speak up for international students – your needs, your demands – to achieve a more inclusive Union. Vote Synergy!
AUDREY IRISH (STAND UP!)
Hi, my name is Audrey, and throughout this year, I have been involved in the Student Representative Network and taken part in a variety of educational issues within UMSU. I believe that the current issues in higher education, and particularly the changes that are happening at Melbourne University, are of great importance to the future of all students. As a member of Education Committee, I will strive to create an inviting and supportive student network, where we can address the needs and concerns of all students.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
MARK KETTLE (STAND UP!)
Hi, my name is Mark Kettle, and I’m running for a position on Education Committee. As a ‘New Generation’ student in the Melbourne Model, I am acutely aware of the issues facing students in their studies. The cuts to our subjects combined with new requirements placed upon students, such as Breadth, are leaving students short changed. I am passionate about tackling these issues through working with the Education Office bearers and improving the quality of our education, and assisting students to get the best out of their studies.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
NONI SPROULE (STAND UP!)
I consider both the Education Public and Education Academic offices to be an important twin force in achieving the equitable and unique education that all students deserver. The widespread budgetary cuts at Melbourne University are limiting the options and quality of education for its students, and HECS and high ancillary fees are a major problem. As a member of the Education Committee, I would continue to fight for student’s educational rights, and to not have our education experience undermined. Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
PAUL COATS (GREEN THUMBS)
No statement received.
HENRY XU (iUNION)
There are so many things in education that we need to improve urgently. For example, to fix the situation that students are accessing less and less both human and capital resources of university education while tuition is increasing gradually each year.
Also, being the voice of students, we need to actually get things done. Things like tutorial size, subject cuts, and limited access to library resources need to be fixed.
Furthermore, the committee needs to provide students with more efficient support for career consultation, job seeking, interview skills learning.
FEI GAO (iUNION)
Feeling upset when you see the staff to student ratio increases rapidly every year? Want to seek for help but can’t find the tutor? Can’t be bothered to wait in a long queue when borrowing books from the library?
As Education Committee candidate, I am keen to fight for your rights! More textbooks in the library, more learning centres, more online tutors, more frequent feedbacks to the university… Yes! Energetic and reliable Fei will make these real for you!
We want our education to be worth what we paid!
Trust me, let’s work together to make our education better!
JEY CHEN (iUNION)
Hi, my name is Jey Chen and I am a 3rd year law student. My feeling about the quality of education in uni is not satisfactory. LLB is moving towards the end and it generates the problem that fewer subjects are offered each semester, and the number of optional subject is decreasing. There is also the problem of shortage of teachers in some subjects accompanied by a fairly large group of students. As an Education Committee candidate, my task is to end all these, or if not, solve as many problem as I can.
LINDA GAO (iUNION)
Hi, this is Linda Gao from iUnion running for education committee. Let me ask you the following questions. Is iLecture/lectopia available for your lectures so that you can review it easily at home? Are lecture notes uploaded on time or do you have to chase up your lecturers forever to get them? Are your tutorials so filled that you don’t even have a seat? I doubt your answers will be a straight yes. Vote for me so that I can be your safeguard for quality education. Vote [1] for iUnion!
SARA MAAROUF (JUSTICE FOR PALESTINE)
No statement received.
AZLAN MCLENNAN (SAVE THE VCA)
See under Students’ Council General Representatives.
JOSH CUSACK (ALP CLUB)
See under Students’ Council General Representatives.
BIANCA PARUSSOLO (ALP CLUB)
Education is something that I am very passionate about and I believe that the Education Officers have a fight on their hands for next year in ensuring quality at university and more broadly with the first stages of dramatic changes to our education system being rolled out. It is important to direct Office Bearers throughout the year to ensure that they are representing the best interests of students.
Vote [1] ALP Club for progressive and responsive politics
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
DAVID LETTINGER (STAND UP!)
Hi! I’m David, and I’m running for a position on the Environment Committee. As a first year student fresh out of school, I am eager to get in and active with the Student Union and support our future Environment Office bearers. We all know that today’s issues facing the environment affect us all, and do so in different ways. So, I am keen to look at how the Uni’s diverse mix of students sees these issues in order to best tackle them from the ground up on campus.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
VIRGINIA TRESCOWTHICK (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Ginny and I’m running for a position on Environment Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Environment Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting activist initiatives with a green and environmental and social conscience! Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
RACHEL BARRETT (ACTIVATE)
The best committees are made up of people who are passionate and active in the department- that is why I’m running for Environment Committee! I have been involved in the Enviro Collective for two years and this year being Environment Officer has shown me the importance of having a functioning committee and attending meetings.
I think Environment Department should give opportunities to students to
become politically active on a range of environmental issues and that the role of the committee is to make resources accessible for the collective’s world-changing projects while providing accountability for spending. Let’s make this the reality!
ALEXANDER TURNBULL (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Alex and I’m running for a position on Environment Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Environment Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting activist initiatives with a green and environmental and social conscience! Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
ALLEGRA REINALDA (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Allegra and I’m running for a position on Environment Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Environment Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting activist initiatives with a green and environmental and social conscience! Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
XAVIER SMITH (LABOR)
Without the environment, we have nothing. Labor knows how important it is to do our best to keep our planet clean and green, and for students, that starts at university. Rather than waste time with symbolic protests, Labor believes that the Union can implement practical environmental initiatives to do our part. More recycling, more water tanks and more solar panels on campus are needed to reduce our ecological footprint. Don’t waste your vote on a protester. Vote practical.Vote clean and green.Vote Labor.
ALEXANDER PERCIVAL (LIBERAL)
The scientific debate surrounding climate change science has been muddied by political agendas. Since the collapse of the USSR, communists and their sympathizers have latched onto global warming as a chance to revive their anti-capitalist prejudices.
The scientific method is based on the assumption that scepticism is valuable. Not since the beginning of the Enlightenment has the term ‘sceptic’ been considered a term of derision, but the global warming cult has achieved just that when silencing voices brave enough to dissent from the so-called global warming “consensus”.
For a different voice on environmental issues – vote Liberal.
ROBERT SU (iUNION)
As an Environment Committee candidate, I care about environment and I am critical about the work done by the past Environment Committee. I believe Melbourne University Community deserves more meaningful environmental activities which should match the university’s reputation. If I am elected, I will use my best knowledge and passion to support a variety of events aiming at improving campus sustainability and raising environmental awareness. In addition, I’ll cooperate actively with my fellow officers to get the federal lobbying going. This includes advocating carbon emission regulation and ending new establishment of Victoria’s water catchment. Vote [1] iUnion!
HENRY XU (iUNION)
To save our home, the global village, our society needs recruitment! I believe we can make contributions to this by offering public education on environment through the union.
The goals that iUnion will struggle to achieve are:
To run regular information sessions for all students to enhance their awareness of recycling and to keep students updated with the newly announced environment policies
To organize forums inviting parliamentarians and academics to give public speeches about environmental issues, newly invented environment-friendly products and newly discovered renewable energy sources. Vote [1] iUnion!
VANESSA YU (iUNION)
There are heaps of ways we can improve the sustainability of our world, but we are just ignoring them! And the Student Union is currently doing nothing for it.
As prospective environment committee members, we have to act!
We plan to promote the concept of “Sustainability” and how to be a “Green Angel” around university and set up several particular places for coffee cups and lunch plates recycling in Union House. We will also monitor the electricity and water usage of university so that correction can be carried out in a timely manner in case of long term over-usage.
BILL DODD (ABSOLUTE POWER)
See under Environment Committee.
LIAM HEDGE (SYNERGY)
The Environment Office in the Union is traditionally a hotbed of activism, a mouth-piece of fringe political motives disconnected from the needs of everyday students. This needs to change. I want to fund practical measures to reduce carbon emissions, not fund combative campaigns that damage our credibility with institutions and students who see the cause as a second-level priority to their day-to-day needs as university students. Vote Synergy!
JAMES DOOLAN (SYNERGY)
Synergy is about working together to achieve more. We are a representative group of real students with fresh, practical and positive ideas to deliver real results. We care about the overall health of the natural world around us. We strongly support the installation of water tanks and water recycling systems, as well as the widespread fitting of energy efficient globes across campus. This is part of the positive, constructive and meaningful approach we will bring to Environment Committee. Vote Synergy!
CLARA JORDAN-BAIRD (SYNERGY)
I believe the environment is a powerful issue to channel student interaction and involvement, but the debate needs to be held on their terms. Students don’t want to hear bland assertions on the theory of climate change or about the latest ‘environment action’. They want to practically and conveniently lower carbon emissions, without feeling like they have to read a bulky policy document or engage in hostile radical action that does little to help. I will focus the Environment Office on practical policies not intangible rants. Vote Synergy!
MICHAEL DE BRUYN (SYNERGY)
For a department dedicated to cleaning up the local environment, the actual office of the union’s Environment Officers has broken a few of its own covenants. For several years, the state of the office has been an eyesore, with piles of old papers and a dying pot-plants on show to all those ambling through the first floor of union house. It presents a poor image, and is anything but an environmentally conscious atmosphere. Clear them out and clean it up. Vote Synergy!
QUEER COMMITTEE
LOUISE O’SHEA (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
No statement received.
LACHLAN BELLACH (STAND UP!)
Hi! I’m Lachlan and I’m running for a position on Queer Committee. I understand and am passionate about the issues facing queer students after encountering many first-hand, and am keen to work alongside the future Queer Office bearers in these areas. From the issues of social discrimination to same-sex marriage, the Union has an important role in strengthening the student experience and advocating on students’ behalf. In the past, Stand Up supported the safe space for queers, and remains proudly committed to promoting a queer-friendly campus for all.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
JAMES WILSON (PRIDE)
The Queer Department has a multitude of responsibilities: running social events, supporting students who are struggling with their identity or facing discrimination, and advocating for the equal rights of queer students. This is a huge task for the Queer Officers and they need a strong and passionate committee to back them up. As a member of the Queer Committee I will work tirelessly through the year to help create a safe and welcoming place for queer students on campus. Let’s get things done!
CRAIG BURNETT (PRIDE)
As a concerned student, I have an avid interest in the issues facing queer people in today’s society. I would like to make a contribution to the progression of equal rights for all people and stand up for those who may not be able to do so themselves. Being a good listener, I feel that I am capable of representing the queer society of the University of Melbourne and would be honored to contribute to the University’s community and get things done.
ALEX LEWIS (PRIDE)
There is no doubt that queers at university are better off than ever before. Discriminators have been forced into the closet for fear that queers will sue the pants off them and general air of tolerance prevails. However, that does not mean that the queer student body is without need of representation. At present many queer students on campus find that the Queer Department inadequately addresses their needs. As a member of the Queer Committee I would work tirelessly towards promoting equality and creating a Queer Department that is welcoming to everyone.
MEGAN ROCKE (PRIDE)
The Queer Department is too often invisible to students who aren’t already involved in it, appearing once a year with a stall or a picnic at O-week and then retreating back to the comfortable but out-of-the-way Queer Space. As a member of the Queer Committee I will work towards making the Queer Department a more visible presence on campus, bringing awareness of queer issues to everyone on campus and reaching out to queer students instead of making them come looking for us.
ZOE RENWICK (PRIDE)
I believe I am an ideal candidate for Queer Committee as I’m an approachable and friendly person who wants to advocate for queer students in the struggles they face on campus and in all areas of their lives. I would like to organise more queer events to provide a safe space for queer students to meet and socialise, as well as encourage them to get involved in demonstrations and rallies for queer rights. The Queer Department is invaluable for promoting a sense of community for those struggling with their sexuality or feeling isolated.
BRIENNA MACNISH (PRIDE)
I want the Queer Department to be welcoming, fun and supportive for all students both Queer and otherwise. As well as being a place for activism and advocacy it should also be a place queer students can go to relax and socialise – because we all know it isn’t easy finding other queers on campus. We have a long way to go before the department represents our social and personal as well as the political interests but we believe that with your support we will be able to!
HANNAH HAYMAN (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Hannah and I’m running for a position on Queer Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Queer Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares about Queer issues, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting activist initiatives for the welfare of Queer students, as well as broader society. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
PHILLIP VILLANI (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Phillip and I’m running for a position on Queer Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Queer Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares about Queer issues, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting activist initiatives for the welfare of Queer students, as well as broader society. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
EDEN SMITH (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Eden and I’m running for a position on Queer Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Queer Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares about Queer issues, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting activist initiatives for the welfare of Queer students, as well as broader society. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
MARY CHRISTODULAKI (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Mary and I’m running for a position on Queer Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Queer Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares about Queer issues, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting activist initiatives for the welfare of Queer students, as well as broader society. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
CHRIS SUMMERS (ACTIVATE)
Hey, my name is Chris, and I’m a fourth-year Creative Arts / Law student. I’ve been involved with Activate for two years and this year held the Office Bearer position of Arts Officer with the Student Union. Having already had a strong involvement with both the arts and queer activism on campus, and a passion for queer theory, I’d love to continue working with Activate on Queer Committee to promote inclusive, grass-roots, anti-sexist, anti-racist and anti-queerphobic politics, projects and campaigns. As well as fun stuff! Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
EZEKIEL GOULD (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Zeke and I’m running for a position on Queer Committee with Activate. I’ve been Queer Officer this year with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Queer Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares about Queer issues, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting activist initiatives for the welfare of Queer students, as well as broader society. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
SIMON GIBSON (DEMAND SAME-SEX MARRIAGE)
No statement received.
WELFARE COMMITTEE
STEPHANIE MCHENRY (SYNERGY)
I am alarmed at the rate of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Melbourne University students. The issue – potentially life-or-death for some – is met with token ‘awareness campaigns’ which extend to the odd poster in a bathroom. These don’t reach out to those uninformed of the risks involved with unsafe sex, and don’t encourage those intimidated by the issue to seek help when necessary. Only the union can speak to students on their level, and it must provide this voice. I will ensure sexual health is an area prioritised in the Welfare Office. Vote Synergy.
MICHAEL LEWIS (SYNERGY)
Synergy will help all students access welfare services with a more inclusive, compassionate and transparent approach. We believe more can be done for student housing if our representatives are actually representative. I’ve worked with underprivileged students at local community schools, so I have first hand experience with the practical delivery of welfare services. Synergy will not neglect international students. We will take a practical approach to achieving concession cards for international students, rather than holding endless protests that achieve nothing. Vote Synergy.
TOM DALEY (SYNERGY)
I will bring a strong and passionate voice to the issue of welfare on campus, and will offer practical solutions to students who are facing disadvantage. I am committed to serving students, not radical political ideals, and I want to oversee a helpful and friendly welfare office. I will increase awareness of community health issues, and also improve welfare standards for International students to help create a healthy and safe environment for all students. An effective union is my priority, and an approachable Welfare Office is how it can be achieved. Vote Synergy.
GREGOR MATHESON (SYNERGY)
Synergy will dedicate itself to bringing a fresh, practical approach to welfare, aimed at providing help for the many not the few. We need more spent on real students and less on protests. As an international student I’m obviously committed to providing concession cards for public transport. Sexual health is also an important issue to me, and I’m dedicated to providing free contraceptives for all to make campus life more fun, because I really care about sex…ual health. Vote Synergy.
LIAM HEDGE (SYNERGY)
Last year I watched a student welfare committee distort and warp to become a money box for divisive and irrelevant political campaigns. I fought to prioritise real student issues over foreign policy campaigns, but I watched as hundreds of potential beds for students took a backseat to debates well outside the job description of a student welfare committee. I support the use of student funds for real student issues, and making the welfare committee an approachable system working to help students. Vote Synergy.
DAVE KELLY (MAKE BREADTH BETTER)
No statement received.
JAMES SMITH (LIBERAL)
The student union has become a mouthpiece for far-left causes. The union constantly promotes radical fringe activism at the expense of more thoughtful, mainstream welfare campaigns.
Particularly offensive have been the misinformed, one-sided and blatantly anti-Semitic “Students for Palestine” campaigns propagated by the Left, which have demonized Jews, glorified terrorists and shown a shameful ignorance of the complex issues that characterize the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Put an end to left-wing activism on your dime, defend the democratic State of Israel’s right to exist in peace and put the final nail in Marx’s coffin. Vote Liberal!
CHRIS LEWIS (LIBERAL)
“Your guilty conscience may move you to vote Socialist, but deep down you long for a cold-hearted Liberal to lower taxes, brutalize criminals, and rule you like a king.” – Sideshow Bob, The Simpsons (Adaptation)
Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders. Screw Flanders.
BILL DODD (ABSOLUTE POWER)
See under Activities Committee.
ZAC GROSS (LABOR)
The single most important issue involving the welfare of all students on campus is that of student housing. We need more cheap available housing open to those students who have to move here from the country or overseas, however protesting and squatting isnt the way to achieve this goal. Labor knows that the best way to achieve real outcomes is to work together with the university and the government, and as un-sexy and un-exciting as that sounds, it is the only real way to get cheap beds for students who need it most. I have considerable experience within the union being on both education committee and student council previously and look forward to working with our welfare officers to achieve real progress for all students.
MARK KETTLE (STAND UP!)
Hi, I’m Mark Kettle, and I’m running for a position on Welfare Committee. As a student who commutes for over an hour a day, I experience just one of the many challenges that face students in accessing university. I am passionate about getting involved in UMSU and supporting the work of the future Welfare Office bearers, to assist students gain access to housing and tackling other welfare issues including the cost of textbooks and HECS debt. I am passionate and committed about promoting student welfare on campus.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
AUDREY IRISH (STAND UP!)
Student Welfare is about the challenges students face in access to housing, income support, affordable transport and access to vital services, as well as the challenges of attending a University going through transitional period. I believe academic success, lifestyle and the individual and collective welfare of the student body all fit together. I am committed to working on these issues. There is an immediate need for progressive change in all these areas to improve the student experience for all!
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
JIM SMITH (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is James and I’m running for a position on Welfare Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Welfare Committee, some of my priorities would be to tackle the issues of affordable housing, student financial difficulties, health and general student advocacy. A vote for
Activate will ensure that our union remains strong, exciting and useful to all students. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
LIZ ERROL (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Liz and I’m running for a position on Welfare Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Welfare Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting activist initiatives for the Welfare of students, as well as broader society. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
ALEXANDER TURNBULL (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Alex and I’m running for a position on Welfare Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Welfare Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting activist initiatives for the Welfare of students, as well as broader society. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
MAX KAISER (ACTIVATE)
During my time being involved in student politics I’ve tried to work on issues that push the union in a more radical direction. I was heavily involved in campaigns like the Student Housing Action Collective (SHAC) (the group which occupied the Faraday St terraces) which came out of the student union but grew into a project of the wider community over the issue of affordable housing. If elected to Welfare Committee I will try and make sure that the union does not become solely a bureaucratic body but a dynamic and politically relevant body that supports projects such as SHAC.
ELIZABETH PATTERSON (ACTIVATE)
No statement received.
TRISTAN CLACK (iUNION)
No statement received.
ROBERT SU (iUNION)
Hi, I’m Robert Su. I am an international student who is a student ambassador in SALP and actively participate in union clubs and societies. I understand many international students are trying hard to engage in the local community but don’t know how. Their effort wasn’t fully recognized. If I am elected, I’ll promote international students’ welfare by supporting the existing international programs like MUOSS, “let’s talk”; and provide more cross-cultural events. If you experience or have seen others experience similar difficulties on campus, I am asking for your vote. I strongly believe we can make a difference. Vote [1] iUnion!
HENRY XU (iUNION)
Are you bored of sitting in the tutorial room chatting with people from the same area?
Are you tired of hearing people from same area grouping together chatting in languages you don’t understand?
Melbourne University has a large international student community, hence we look forward to a colorful multi-cultured campus.
As a welfare committee candidate, I will commit myself to create a harmonious environment for students from different areas in the world to make friends, to know each other while having great fun.
MING YANG CHEN (iUNION)
Please see the policy statement for Student Council General Representative.
WOM*N’S COMMITTEE
COSIMA NYX STONE (ACTIVATE)
I’m Nyx and I am currently the Wom*n’s Officer. In my role I have been privileged to be a central part of the work done by the Wom*n’s Department. We combat sexism, support wom*n, provide access to ideas and education, as well as party and celebrate being wom*n. I would like to continue to contribute what I can toward these goals, and all of the fantastic work done by the Wom*n’s Department; both through participation in the Wom*n’s Action Collective as well as through the more formal role of Wom*n’s Committee Member.
KATELYN GRIMMER (ACTIVATE)
I think it is important to have a body on campus supporting and advocating the rights of wom*n and, more generally, promoting education and activism that aims to tackle sexism and encourage positive change within broader society in this regard. I would like to be on the women’s committee so that I can be actively involved in this worthwhile work.
JASMINE MORRISSEY (ACTIVATE)
My name is Jasmine and I am running for Wom*n’s Committee in 2010. In the past I have been involved with numerous volunteer programs, in particular co-ordinating a volunteer tutoring program for disadvantaged VCE students. The Wom*n’s Department is a vital instrument in tackling a myriad of issues which face wom*n today. It is through pulling together as a group, pooling our ideas and energy and supporting each other that we can come closer to our goals of equality. As a member of the Wom*n’s Committee, I believe I can play a vital role in these aims.
NATALIE PAWLUS (ACTIVATE)
Hi, I’m Nat and I’d like to be on the Wom*n’s Committee for 2010. The work done by the Wom*n’s Department is fantastic, and something I’d really like to be involved in. Organising events such as International Wom*n’s Day, International No Diet Day and other projects engaged in by the Wom*n’s Department are really important in addressing sexism on campus, and in the community at large. As a committee member I will be organised and dedicated and apply myself to the work as best I can.
HANNAH HAYMAN (ACTIVATE)
Hi. My name is Hannah and I’m running for a position on Wom*n’s Committee with Activate. Activate is an independent and fearless, grass-roots leftist ticket with the experience and commitment to defend students’ rights. As an Activate candidate for Wom*n’s Committee, I believe in fostering a real campus community that supports and cares, reconnecting the union with the entire student body and supporting activist initiatives. Vote Activate for an exciting, dynamic and progressive Student Union in 2010!
EDEN SMITH (ACTIVATE)
My name is Eden and I am currently on the Wom*n’s Committee. I would like to continue to contribute to the Wom*n’s Department by being on the Committee in 2010 because I see it as a functional and important instrument which advocates for wom*n’s rights on campus. This year we have conducted many campaigns, with events such as International Wom*n’s Day, International No Diet Day, as well as supporting wom*n in attending NOWSA and running the Feminist Reading Group. I would like to continue my commitment to these and other projects, and hope to be re-elected for Wom*n’s Committee 2010.
FEI GAO (iUNION)
VANESSA YU (iUNION)
How many of you have ever participated in any events organised by Student Union regarding women’s rights or welfare? In reality, people often lost its sight in putting any efforts in seeking real benefits for women.
As candidates for Women’s Committee from iUnion, we decide to change it!
We will work together to raise public awareness in equal job opportunities and payment. We are committed to educate the public on reducing home violence. We will cooperate with other departments to hold events tailored for women’s welfare. So vote [1] iUnion! We are ready to change your life!!
NONI SPROULE (STAND UP!)
I believe a vibrant, safe space for wom*n is key in ensuring the progressive voices of students can be expressed freely. I see the wom*n’s committee as one such space, in which the exchange of ideas between committed, hard-working female activists can support the Wom*ns Office in running campaigns, and creating programs, and spaces, through which wom*n at the university can participate and engage. I am committed to upholding the value of our wom*n’s department, and the wom*n’s movement.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
CARLA DRAKEFORD (STAND UP!)
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
ELIZABETH MCMILLAN (ABSOLUTE POWER)
Absolute Power believes in a wom*n’s right to feel safe and secure, in any space, at any place in time. Fighting the good fight of feminism is never easy, but it is definitely worthwhile. As a wom*n’s committee member, I will look to support the Wom*n’s Officer in progressive, relevant campaigns, and bring my own progressive thoughts to the department.
Vote [1] Absolute Power, and bring some genius, hard-working people into UMSU.
MELISSA SMITH (LABOR)
Sexism remains a massive issue faced by all women today. I’m running for Women’s Committee because I believe that the Women’s Office should focus on actively addressing issues that face women on campus, not debating where the asterisk should be in the word “woman” (wom*n, w*m*n, w****). So, if you want someone who’ll focus on the real issues and not semantics, vote 1 Labor and Melissa Smith!
JASMINE CURCIO (LIBERAL)
Are you tired of the women’s office being run by radical separatist feminists whose ideology is largely irrelevant to the complex issues being faced by women today?
Do you want to see the women’s office managed in a way that actually benefits female students, not just fringe gender activists? I will fight to restore the ‘e’ in ‘wom*n’. I will also fight for a Miss University pageant.
VOTE 1 LIBERAL to put an end to the far-left activism that has hijacked this student union.
ANNA CAVAR (LIBERAL)
The UMSU Women’s office is completely disengaged from the needs and wants of mainstream females.
It has been hijacked by radical feminists who are too busy reading up on gender theory to find ways to help women confront the issues they face today – such as sexual health and the work life balance.
If you want to see mainstream policies that are actually relevant to female students. Vote Liberal.
To put the FUN back into FUNding cuts – Vote Liberal.
LIZZIE ENG LI CHOO (SYNERGY)
The status of women in society has progressed significantly, yet issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, unequal pay and discrimination in the workplace still remain. These are the issues on which everyday women students at Melbourne want their representatives to campaign. Misusing the office to push barely credible political propaganda, dressed as ‘women’s issues’, only discredits the office. Women on campus don’t care how many more asterisks we can fit in ‘w*myn’, they just want real progress on the key challenges in society. You know where I stand. Vote Synergy!
JESSICA DOWLING (SYNERGY)
Synergy believes all women in our society deserve to feel comfortable seeking women’s services. This is particularly relevant to our university, where many everyday female students still feel intimidated by – or are unaware of – services available for their mental, physical and social support. Synergy aims to work with all women on campus to assist them in fulfilling their potential. Do not let any woman be marginalised by divisive campaigns. Vote Synergy!
KARYAN NG (SYNERGY)
More women should be involved in the student union, and Women’s Committee should play a role in achieving this. I want to see more than just ‘feminist reading groups’. I seek practical programs that will help women during their time at University, and in their future lives. In particular, I desire a greater focus on supporting women from lower socio-economic backgrounds. I will provide a firm but responsible voice on Women’s Committee. Vote Synergy!
CATHERINE WALLIS (SYNERGY)
We support the needs of all women without prejudice. We are committed to investigating the full range of female issues on campus and delivering relevant, cost effective, tailored support programs that satisfy those needs-be they emotional, social, educational, health or harassment related. We are committed to the provision of sensible, quality services that are valuable to all women, not ideological claptrap. For actions and women before ideology-vote Synergy!
Catherine Wallis, Women’s Committee, Synergy
CLARA JORDAN-BAIRD (SYNERGY)
I am a feminist, as I am passionate advocate for women’s rights and equal representation. However, a culture perpetuated by radical groups on campus holds that women ‘can’t be feminists’ unless they subscribe to a militant political mentality. When this culture seeps into the student union, then the majority of active women on campus become alienated from the body and intimidated by its methods. I want to kick start a change in this culture, so women know they can be passionate feminists without having to become political revolutionaries. Vote Synergy!
MU STUDENT UNION LTD. BOARD
SHAUN KHOO (iUNION)
PROVISIONALLY ELECTED UNOPPOSED
MU Student Union Ltd provides facilities such as the popular Rowden White Library, Theatre and Legal Service. It give students a chance to do something different, such as running VCE Summer School for disadvantaged students. MUSUL also has a role in resolving important issues, such as the ambiguous legal status of the Melbourne University Overseas Students Service. Since I began my course in 2006 I have enjoyed what MUSUL provides and I would like to ensure that future students can do likewise.
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE COUNCIL
GOLDIE PERGL (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
I’ve spent three years – as Clubs Officer, Students’ Councillor and Union board member – working to improve services, promote uni culture and protect student rights.
I’ve learned that some issues are best dealt with at the highest level. Why does the uni spend millions on advertising while tutorials are “overfull”? Is running the 2020 Summit really easier than making the student portal work?
I have the experience and dedication to be your representative on University Council. I want to take the everyday concerns of students to the people who can fix them. Vote for More Activities, coz Glyn wouldn’t.
MICHAEL GRIFFITH (STAND UP!)
As a strong voice on the University’s peak governance body I would work to ensure the following: improved teaching and learning through a focus on quality; enhanced student experience through a focus on resources; an inclusive university community through a focus on equity.
My experiences as a Union club president, editor on the Melbourne Uni Law Review, policy think-tank co-ordinator and student representative have shaped my advocacy and policy skills to enable me to be effective at the university’s executive level and secure progressive, meaningful outcomes for all students.
Read more: www.standup2010.org
Vote1StandUp! to keep your university delivering for students.
DAVID CLARK
See under Students’ Council Mature-Age Representative.
NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS DELEGATES
JOSHUA SCHMIDT (TRAVEL CONCESSION CARD EQUALITY)
Everyone deserves equal rights, no matter where they are from or what course they are doing. Governments and universities are quite happy to charge exorbitant international and postgraduate student fees, but when it comes to granting basic rights such as public transport travel concession cards, they outright deny them. This is blatant discrimination and the National Union of Students (NUS) must unequivocally stand in support of equal rights for all. NUS is the national body for student representation, and we need people in it, from Travel Concession Card Equality, who will consistently support equal rights for all until they are won!
TIM ARNOT (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
PHOEBE KELLOWAY (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
FRANCES LEWIS (LEFT STUDENT UNIONISTS)
The National Union of Students is the peak representative body for students in Australia. Left Student Unionists believe that NUS should be able to criticise the government and take a stand on the progressive issues that students care about.
Left Student Unionists are independent of the major parliamentary parties, and have thrown ourselves behind every progressive issue on campus. We have petitioned for international and postgraduate student transport concession card rights, campaigned for same-sex marriage, and helped establish Students for Palestine. We want a National Union that takes up these issues, and represents the student voice to broader society.
Vote
ANGUS NIVEN (STILL ALIVE)
Congratulations, the test is now over. All NUS delegates remain safely operational up to 4000 degrees kelvin. Rest assured there is absolutely no chance of politician malfunction prior to your victory incandescence. Thank you for participating in this NUS aided cash stealing exercise. Goodbye.
WILL ROWLAND (STILL ALIVE)
This was a triumph. I’m making a note here, huge NUS cash. It’s hard to overstate my serious greed. National Union, we steal what we must because we can. For the good of all officers, except the ones who like bands. But there is no sense crying over every bad pres, you just keep on trying until you run out of hacks. And the stealing gets done and -a phone call I’ve gotta run.
BENJAMIN PHILLIPS (STILL ALIVE)
Go ahead and leave me. I think I’d prefer to give NUS my cash. Maybe you’ll find someone else to vote for you. Maybe Black Mesa.. That was a joke, haha, fat chance. Anyway this cake tastes great, it’s so delicious and moist.
AARON FINN (STILL ALIVE)
You’re doing very well. Please be advised that a noticable loss of clubs is not part of any NUS protocol but is an uninteneded side effect of supporting NUS. This is rare, but in 70% of cases is know to emancipate teeth, bands and clubs. Have a nice day.
SADIA SCHNEIDER (JUSTICE FOR PALESTINE)
No statement received.
ELIZABETH MCMILLAN (ABSOLUTE POWER)
NUS is all about ensuring that students across the country get the representation they need. Who wants a bunch of right-wing, anti-unionists doing that? Not me! Absolute Power believe in representation in good faith and keeping the students’ interests at heart. Cups of teas aside, we are a serious ticket who believes in National Representation for the students at the University of Melbourne.
Vote [1] Absolute Power, and bring some genius, hard-working people into UMSU.
BILL DODD (ABSOLUTE POWER)
See under Activities Committee.
MATTHEW INCERTI (LABOR)
I’m Labor’s candidate for delegate to the National Union of Students. As this year’s NUS Ethnocultural Office, I know how to get your issues on the national agenda. Working for social inclusion, teaching languages and supporting your cultural clubs, I have the experience to assist you and speak up for you on a national level. Vote 1 Labor!
JONATHAN DONAGAN (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
Don’t know what NUS is? Me neither! Let’s find out together, I hear there is beer.
PIPER O’DOWD (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
I want to run for NUS because all my friends are running for NUS. I don’t really know what is going on, but I don’t want to be left out. I heard there is a chance you can win $28,000.
CHRIS KLOESTER (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
I want to go to NUS to have carnal relations with a person of unspecified sex in the back of a police wagon, hopefully it will only be one glorious night in jail.
ELANOR KLOESTER (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
My friend uses his mobile phone a lot. As an NUS Delegate, I’d be able to help him become the NUS President and get paid $28,000 a year and a $5,000 mobile phone allowance just like the 2009 NUS President. So vote for me, my friend needs the cash.
DAVID MULHOLLAND (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
Being an NUS Delegate is a lot of hard work. If elected to NUS National Executive I would have to attend at least two face-to-face meetings over the course of a year. It is onerous, but I think I am up to the task and I assume expenses will be paid for.
TERRENCE BOTTCHER (MORE ACTIVITIES!)
I believe the majority of students support UMSU’s increased 2009 allocation to NUS while one quarter of Tuesday Bands and BBQs were cut. That’s why I want to go to NUS National Conference and tell everyone about just how much more money NUS can take out of local Student Unions!
JESSE OVERTON-SKINNER (SYNERGY)
I am a strong supporter of responsible, pragmatic student unionism. But after witnessing the tactics of some of the National Union of Students office-bearers, I am not convinced that the body is embodying those principles. Staging a pathetic protest out the front of the Prime Minister’s office and holding a ‘Day of Action’ that attracted 30 political hacks is not the way to achieve reform at a national level. Vote for some decency and direction in the national union. Vote Synergy!
RUDOLPH HOSRI (SYNERGY)
I am running as a delegate for the National Union of Students as I believe university campuses should be a safe, inviting and tolerant place for all cultures and faiths to bloom. Unfortunately, after seeing examples of intimidating ‘activism’ over the past six months, I believe the spirit of tolerance within Melbourne University is being jeopardised. Support me as your delegate to the National Union of Students, to help make a change. Vote Synergy!
RACHAEL LIM (SYNERGY)
The National Union of Students has a role in voicing a greater awareness of health concerns facing students, such as cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. Too often, university students go unaware of health risks facing the greater student body, a travesty as our health is one of the most important aspects of our lives. Too often, infected students are either unaware of obvious symptoms, or too afraid to seek advice. I want to push for change, and push the union to speak up on student health issues. Vote Synergy!
JOSHUA ANDERSON (SYNERGY)
The Government’s proposed Youth Allowance regulation is a positive step up from its predecessor. However, some elements need to be addressed – particularly, the retroactive clause that places current gap year students in a position of financial uncertainty in their move toward full-time university study. I will be a voice for these students in the National Union. Vote Synergy!
KARYAN NG (SYNERGY)
International Students deserve proper representation at a national level. In the context of the recent debate surrounding International Student safety in Australia, the call for a louder, more effective voice is even more important. The National Union of Students should assume this mantle – support me as your delegate and you will be supporting this voice. Vote Synergy!
TOM DALEY (SYNERGY)
I am passionate about ensuring students from rural and regional backgrounds, who often face university life from different and more disadvantaged circumstances, get a fair go. Any student leaving home to study in the city is taking a leap of faith, and student unions nationwide should be prepared to catch them. Support me as your delegate to the National Union of Students conference and I will take a stand. Vote Synergy!
STEPHANIE MCHENRY (SYNERGY)
It is incomprehensible to think that students at Melbourne University, coming from comfortable backgrounds, could be living under the poverty line. Yet this is the case for a growing number of Melbourne students, living on microwave noodles, studying without essential textbooks, and working multiple jobs just to pay rent. Uni life should be more affordable, and I want to take this fight right to the top. Vote Synergy!
ANDREW JOHN
I want to go to NUS so that I can pick up someone who doesn’t have to do any work for their salary.
STEPHANIE FIELD
I dream of being a politician one day, which is why I want to be able to put National Union of Students Delegate on my resume. It will really impress other people within The Party.
GEORGIA LYALL
The National Union of Students has run the ‘Demand a Better Future’ campaign for years, which is why I’m sure it will succeed next year. So vote for me for NUS Delegate so that we can continue to have poorly attended protests during Semester.
TIM CZYDEL
I’ve heard that at NUS National Conference each political faction has its own distinct alcoholic beverage. As your representative to the National Union of Students I will work tirelessly to try them all and evaluate the taste and efficacy behind each of these beverages.
EMILY ALEXANDER
I really care about National Campaigns, which is why I want to go to the National Conference of the National Union of Students and use my votes to elect myself to a National Office-Bearer position. Once elected, I will spend my time on national travel, national phone calls and national posters to nationally coordinate national student protests about national… stuff.
LORA EVANS
I think that Climate Change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. In order to combat this problem, we need to have a National Day of Action advertised with plenty of big, glossy posters. If you think this is the right way forward, vote for me for NUS Delegate!
JUSTINE CARSTAIRS
Despite charging local Student Union’s $500,000 in affiliation fees in 2009, the NUS Budget still projected a deficit of $227,614. As a result, I am extremely enthusiastic about enjoying the excesses of NUS before it runs out of money and takes your local Student Union down with it.
SHAUN KHOO (iUNION)
As Student Union Secretary I experienced how NUS is bad for students and bad for University. NUS claims it abolished domestic undergraduate fees, but this saved the money of students who could afford to pay while exacerbating cuts to University services which support students who are unwell or in hardship. As our income decreases, NUS demands more which resulted in 25% fewer Tuesday Bands and BBQ this year, while their President has $5000 for his mobile phone and $10,000 for travel. Meanwhile, NUS gives us nothing in return. Demand a Better Future, Demand a Refund from NUS.
SAM RANKIN (iUNION)
As an ardent environmentalist and independant student I plan to bring my experiance to National conference in order to bring up environmental issues and spark interest in the national campaign for better federal policy on environmental issues. Vote 1 iUnion.
BIANCA PARUSSOLO (ALP CLUB)
The NUS is the peak representative body of students and being a delegate at the National Conference means that progressive students can have a voice in national student issues. As I am a member of the Labor Party and a member of the Left, I will have legitimate input into policy discussions.
Vote [1] ALP Club for progressive and responsive politics
AZLAN MCLENNAN (SAVE THE VCA)
The subject and staff cuts that are destroying campus culture at the Victorian College of the Arts are part of a nationwide trend in higher education. More and more universities are applying the same profit driven logic that has seen more general degrees, fewer staff and specialty subjects, and more and more students crammed into classes. The National Union of Students should oppose these attacks on our education on a national basis, and make sure what is happening at the VCA doesn’t spread. I am running for NUS delegate to help give the VCA community a national voice.
CARLA DRAKEFORD (STAND UP!)
As President of UMSU this year, I have fought hard for UMSU to engage with the National Union of Students as I believe that having strong national representation is the best way to implement funding and policy reform. This year I pushed changing the requirements for Student Income Support through petitioning the Government. Over 1,000 students at Melbourne signed – and we got wins in the Budget! I believe in the power of shaping the agenda of NUS at National Conference to continue the national fight for students’ rights.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
LAURA HARRIS (STAND UP!)
As 2009 Education-Academic Affairs Officer I have actively engaged with the National Union of Students – running campus campaigns on issues including deregulation and fair youth allowance, and representing Melbourne University at NUS Education Conference. My experiences have given me important insights into the national tertiary education agenda. It is a tumultuous time as the Government implements its changes to Youth Allowance, university funding and Student Services Fee, the consequences of which are still murky. It is vital to have strong, informed voices participating in NUS, representing the interests of Melbourne University students to achieve outcomes nation-wide.
DOMINIQUE OTTOBRE (STAND UP!)
Without strong national representation its virtually impossible for a student union in this day and age to be able to implement the kind of policy reform that we need. That’s why I think its imperative that NUS delegates are elected to represent the views of students, and to bring to the NUS National Conference the best possible chance of influencing NUS policy for 2010. That is what I promise to do if elected as an NUS delegate.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
SIMON GIBSON (DEMAND SAME-SEX MARRIAGE)
The National Union of Students was a major part of the successful ‘Equal Love’ demonstrations for same-sex marriage rights, that put the issue on the public agenda. Unfortunately the Rudd government has confirmed its commitment to the homophobic ban on same-sex marriage. We want to make sure that the campaign for equality and against homophobia continues in 2010, and every year until we have equal marriage rights for all!
DAVE KELLY (MAKE BREADTH BETTER)
No statement received.
PAUL COATS (GREEN THUMBS)
No statement received.
VCA CAMPUS CO-ORDINATOR
JACKSON REYNOLDS (SYNERGY)
Hi, I’m Jackson – I’ve been a VCA student for three years and this year I was General Secretary in the VCA Student Union.
It’s a time of great upheaval and uncertainty at the VCA: courses are being suspended and jobs cut throughout the Faculty. In this climate it’s important for VCA students to have an experienced and committed representative as their Campus Co-ordinator.
If elected I’ll continue the work started this year: I’ll speak out against further job cuts, and make the Union a more approachable place for all members.
Vote Synergy – working together, working for you.
SHANE WOON (STAND UP!)
Hi, I’m Shane, and I am passionate about the VCA. This year I was Activities Cfficer at the VCA. As Campus Co-ordinator, I hope to incorporate those qualities and experience, alongside being on the front line to fight to Save the VCA. As Campus Coordinator, I will endeavour to run more campaigns to fight for your rights as a performing artist and a student, to express yourself freely without harassment or judgment. It’s time the VCA worked collaboratively with students at Parkville and UMSU.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
VCA MUSICAL THEATRE REPRESENTATIVE
HUGO CHIARELLA (STAND UP!)
PROVISIONALLY ELECTED UNOPPOSED
As Music Theatre Representative, I will endeavour to ensure that students of this small and now endangered faculty are given a voice within the Student Union. As our beloved degree is taught out over the next three years, it is important that students are not overlooked in the VCAM student body and in the wider context of the University of Melbourne. I will bring to this position openness, integrity and absolute loyalty and dedication to the Victorian College of the Arts and Music during this period of change.
Vote [1] Stand Up! to keep your union delivering for students. www.standup2010.org
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Posted Saturday 29 August, 2009. Updated Tuesday 1 September, 2009.
