This meeting is to discuss:

1. NUS Affiliations Report Back and Correspondence
2. NUS Delegates to National Conference
3. Media Office Motions

Attendance is not restricted to Students’ Council members.

Attendance is not restricted to Committee members.

The proposed regulations are available to download here:

Proposed Regulations - Book Co-operative 24KB

Please allow up to 24 hours for your event to be approved and uploaded to the site.

The meeting is to discuss matters carried over from previous inquorate meetings.

Attendance is not restricted to Committee members.

During October the AGM and SGM was quorate and motions were passed. Minutes are available online for viewing. Consumer Affairs Victoria has approved the Constitutional Amendments and they are effective as of 21 October.

After no nominations were received for Acting Queer Officer, nominations were opened for a further two weeks and the results were submitted to the Queer Committee for consideration.

Student Representative Network applications also closed at the end of October. As a Committee representative, I have been given the task of reporting on student uses of Quality of Teaching survey results. My investigation so far finds that students do not know the results of QoT surveys for subjects before selection and so they have no impact on study decisions.

October has also been an important month for transition. The first Students’ Council-elect meeting was held, lasting approximately three hours. It dealt many different issues, including a working group to review the Constitution and Regulations and Staffing and Finance Sub-Committee elections. The Sub-Committee election was the first contested Sub-Committee election in UMSU history. I am also transitioning into new roles, having attended my first MUSUL Board meeting and I was elected to the Clubs & Societies Committee for 2010.

There is likely to be little to report from me in November, as my activity will mostly include studying for exams.

Students’ Council and Clubs & Societies

Students’ Council had one quorate meeting in October. The meeting was covered live and dealt with very few items of business. Attendance was minimal. The major item of contention was the Clubs & Societies Response to Item 5.1 of meeting 19/09, where Onagh Bishop had requested an explanation from the C&S Officers as to why they had not applied for more funding from Students’ Council. The report is attached to the minutes:

Students' Council Meeting 21/09 Minutes 1,021KB

This was the major item of contention. The recommendation from the report that Onagh Bishop should apologise was deferred, on account of her absence from the meeting. After lengthy argument, all but $1000 was transferred from the Whole of Union line to the C&S Department. The exact amount transferred is difficult to ascertain due to differences between the expenditure approved, actual expenditure and the lodging of financial papers. All outstanding C&S recommendations were also approved.

The meeting also:

• Approved funds for a Media Department function, the inaugural Fitzpatrick awards.
• Approved a transfer from the Media Department to the C&S Department.
• Condemned the vandalism to the Indigenous Office, which occurred in semester 1.
• Thanked a staff member who is leaving for her service and approved funds for a small farewell function.
• Approved funds for paperwork to be lodged with Consumer Affairs Victoria following the AGM and SGM.

The Fitzpatrick Awards

The Media Department recently held its inaugural Fitzpatrick awards. It was attended by approximately 35-40 students, most of which have been involved in either the Media Department or wider Student Union. There was a large number of awards to recognise the various contributions that students had made to the Media Department. There were also some lighter awards, such as ‘Best Advertisement’ which went to Macrogen’s DNA testing service. Following the awards, the Media Officers themselves were thanked and presented with a gift from the Media Collective and many proceeded elsewhere for karaoke.

Glossary

Also, if you’re unfamiliar or curious about any of the bands on the list, don’t forget to visit their website or myspace before making your decision:

• Lisa Mitchell
• Bluejuice
• Battle Circus
• Tame Impala
• The Bamboos
• Anna’s Gogo Academy
• Yves Klien Blue
• Philidelphia Grand Jury
• John Steel Singers
• Liam Finn
• Art vs Science
• Dappled Cities
• Sarah Blasko
• Little Red
• Miami Horror
• Ash Grunwald
• Oh Mercy
• The Woohoo Revue
• Bonjah
• Tijuana Cartel
• Waiting for Guiness
• Red Ink
• The Vasco Era
• Peter Combe
• The Paper Scissors
• The Scare

1. Shaun Khoo (Progressive Students)
2. Liam Hedge ( Labor Club)
3. Shana Besanko (Engineering Students Club)
4. Fei Gao (YouYi! Melbourne Tsinghua Student Friendship Society)
5. Quinn Oakley (Men’s Union)
6. Gindi Hovenga-Wauchope (Society for Creative Anachronism)
7. Cassandra Lutzko (1701 Star Trek Club)

Anyone who wishes to inspect the details of the count is welcome to do so. Please contact the C&S office.

Declared by Fiona Sanders, Returning Officer, 22/10/2009

Attendance is not restricted to Committee members.

Attendance is not restricted to Students’ Council-elect members.

Attendance is not restricted to Committee members.

You don’t have to be an expert on or be majoring in Education or University Politics to apply. The University is a vast and complex organisation and student representatives from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines are needed to ensure that we are able to get the best deal for students in every area. To see University Organisational Charts or for more information about the governance of the University, visit the Secretary’s Department website.

Being a student representative gives you the opportunity to have direct input into the University and the chance to learn and develop valuable professional skills. These include communication skills, time management and leadership. Training will also be provided that will let you know what to expect and how to handle the various situations you will encounter. A typical University Committee will have a two-hour meeting once a month.

How to Apply

To apply simply fill in the application form here and return it to the Secretary, First Floor Union House by 5pm on Friday 30th October (the last day of teaching in Semester 2). Alternatively, you can send an email to secretary[at]union.unimelb.edu.au with answers to all the questions on the form.

Membership of the Student Union may be considered as an indicator of interest and commitment to student affairs at the University.

After applications have been processed you will be notified of the outcome. If you are offered an appointment and accept it you will be invited to attend a training session and can begin your role as a member of the Student Representative Network.

Student Representative Network 2010 Application Form 26KB

List of Committees

Committees of University Council

• Building and Estates Committee
• Finance Committee
• Legislation and Trusts Committee

Committees of Academic Board

• Academic Programs Committee (two nominees)
• Coursework Examinations Sub-Committee
• Libraries and Academic Resources Committee
• Melbourne College of Divinity Committee
• Selection Procedures Committee (two nominees)
• Teaching and Learning Development Committee
• Teaching and Learning Quality Assurance Committee (two nominees)

Senior Executive

• IT Council
• Melbourne Model Committee

Advisory Groups

• Childcare Advisory Committee
• Childcare Management Advisory Committee
• International Programs Advisory Group
• Knowledge Transfer and Partnerships Advisory Group
• Leadership, Involvement & Volunteering Experience (LIVE) Advisory Group (see LIVE)
• Melbourne Experience Group
• Scholarly Information Group
• Student and Staff Equity Group

Other

• Mental Health Strategy Working Group
• Lorna Stirling Estate Committee (up to four nominees)
• Occupational Health and Safety Committee (one observer position)
• Students Loan Fund and Bursaries Committee (see also Financial Aid)
• Theatre Board (two positions)
• Transition Forum

Attendance is not restricted to Committee members.

20th October 2009

Hello ACCENT newsletter recipients! MUOSS is currently up to its eyeballs in preparation for Halloween this Thursday – we look forward to seeing you there in your scariest costumes ready to enjoy some great themed food and games stalls!
I hope you enjoy reading about some of the opportunities that international students can get involved with this week.

In this edition of Accent I’ll be telling you about:

• MUOSS presents ‘The Halloween Night’
• International students: Have your say
• Maxis Management Associate Programme
• SPECIAL: Upcoming activities at Melbourne’s Multicultural Hub
• Extending your stay in Australia

MUOSS presents Halloween Night

Are you ready to be spooked? Join MUOSS as, for the very first time, we endeavor to provide you with a spine-chilling experience as we celebrate Halloween with a difference. Prepare for numerous food stalls heralded by grim reapers, demons and witches, head out on haunted walks round the university campus and indulge in themed games such as bobbing for apples, pin the nose on the pumpkin, and many more. There is a prize available for whoever turns up in the scariest and most impressive costume, so deck yourself out in Halloween splendour and prepare to join in the fearful fun!

Sign up at the MUOSS Lounge (located on the Second floor of the Union House) or the MUOSS table. Collect all 3 flyers and win a prize!

Contact: Manoj Salgado
Email: m.salgado@union.unimelb.edu.au

International students: Have your say

Have your say on the issues affecting international students through an online forum.

Posted submissions will inform the review of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 which regulates Australia’s education and training sector’s involvement with overseas students studying in Australia on student visas.

The review considers the need for enhancements to the ESOS legal framework in four key areas set out in the Terms of Reference: Supporting the interests of students; delivering quality as the cornerstone of Australian education; effective regulation; and sustainability of the international education sector.

The Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s decision to bring forward the ESOS review is one of a number of measures Australian governments have implemented to continue to improve the quality of education for international students and their well-being while living, studying and working in Australia.

Submissions close on 30 October 2009.

Links

• projects.deewr.gov.au/Registration/Pages/Register.aspx?ProjectCode=isc
• aei.gov.au/AEI/GovernmentActivities/InternationalStudentsTaskforce/ReviewESOSAct.htm
• www.aei.gov.au/AEI/esosdeewr_pdf.pdf

Contact: International Student Services
Email: iss-info@unimelb.edu.au

Maxis Management Programme

Maxis is now recruiting gifted young minds to take on the challenge of being a part of the Maxis Management Associate Programme (M-MAP), which is recognized as one of Malaysia’s leading management programme for fresh graduates. The programme provides the opportunity for bright and talented minds from top universities all over the world to develop into future leaders of the company.

This one-year programme consists of challenging on-the-job training, business awareness visitations and work attachment, which allows you to learn more about the functional units of Maxis as well as provide you with the opportunity to harness your knowledge and skills. You will also discover how a Maxis I-Centre operates through a customer and retail experience at one of our regional branches. During this time, you will also be supported by a myriad of developmental soft skills and vital technical training.

We are currently looking for strong candidates from various academic backgrounds to fill the March and September intakes for year 2010. For further details, please refer to the attached M-MAP attachment or our website

If you think you have what it takes, please apply by October 31st 2009 at: www.maxis.com.my/careers/mmap.asp

Make sure you include the following details:

• Current CGPA/Grade Average
• Pre-University results (if applicable)
• SAT score (if applicable)
• SPM results

If you have any other inquiries, please email mmap@maxis.com.my

Links

• www.maxis.com.my/careers/mmap.asp

Contact: Tan Chia Ching
Email: ctanc@maxis.com.my

SPECIAL: Upcoming Activities at Melbourne’s Multicultural Hub

Melbourne’s Multicultural Hub just celebrated its first birthday. Since that time, more than 15,000 people have enjoyed a range of activities including dance classes, yoga, English conversation sessions and films.

I thought I’d take the opportunity to tell you a little of what they have planned for the future.

English Conversation Groups

• Mondays from 5 October 6 – 7pm.
• Tuesdays from 20th October 11am – noon.
• Wednesdays from 7th October 11am – noon.
• Thursdays from 22nd October 2 – 4pm.

These groups are presented by Teach International trainee teachers and Multicultural Hub volunteer tutors. They are completely free!

Graphic Novel Reading Circle

• Thursdays from 22nd October to 17th December, 6 – 7:30pm

Whether you are fanatical about graphic novels or just interested in discovering this rich genre, this is the Reading Circle for you. Fans can take advantage of the City Library’s fantastic collection in English, Chinese, Korean and Indonesian. They can then join to discuss their graphic novel passion together in English.

The cost is $10 for 5 sessions.

Legal Information for New Arrivals

• Monday, 26th October 7pm

Gain some free information about some of the basic laws that new arrivals encounter in Melbourne.

Qi Gong

• Fridays from 30th October to 4th December, noon – 1pm

An easy way to health, fitness and wellbeing. $20 for 6 sessions at concession price.

Shop and cook

• Lunchboxes: Friday 23th October 11am – 1pm
• Cooking for One: Tuesday 10th November 11am – 1pm
• Lunchboxes: Friday 20th November 11am – 1pm

Learn about nutrition and how to prepare food items found in Australia. Sessions will involve demonstrations and tastings and a visit to the Queen Victoria Markets. These sessions are all completely free!

The Multicultural Hub’s Office Hours run from Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. Feel free to contact them on any of the ways listed below.

Links: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/multihub
Address: 506 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne (opposite Victoria Market)
Phone: 03 9092 1500
Email: enquiries@multiculturalhub.com

Extending your stay in Australia

• Wednesday 21st October 1 – 2pm
• Thursday 29th October 1 – 2pm
• Friday 6th November 1 – 2pm
• Monday 9th November 1 – 2pm
• Wednesday 18th November 1 – 2pm
• Monday 23rd November 1 – 2pm
• International Centre Conference Room

Just a reminder that the International Student Services are continuing to offer sessions to let you know about visa options if you wish to extend your stay in Australia after completion of your studies. This is a great opportunity to get some free advice on the options available to you. Information offered includes visitor and student visas, occupational trainee and employer sponsored visas, and General Skilled Migration visas.

Remember there are only 15 places available per session and the sessions are held on a first-come, first-served basis!

Contact: Amy Kong
Email: iss-visa@unimelb.edu.au

To subscribe, send an email with your name and student number to muoss_accent@union.unimelb.edu.au

Send your suggestions and feedback to: muoss@union.unimelb.edu.au

Disclaimer:

If you wish to block further emails from ACCENT, you may do so
through the filtering system provided by your university account /
preferred email service provider.

From your university account, go to Manage>Update Filtering
Address and include this email address in the field provided. You
will now be blocked from receiving further emails from this
address.

Alternatively, you may send an email to
muoss_accent@union.unimelb.edu.au with “ACCENT Unsubscribe” in the
subject.

Thanks for taking the time to read this edition of ACCENT. I hope I’ve inspired you to get involved both on campus and around the city of Melbourne!

Emily French
MUOSS Editor
Melbourne University Overseas Students Service

tel: +61 3 8344 4801
fax: +61 3 9349 4295
email: emily.french@union.unimelb.edu.au
web: union.unimelb.edu.au/muoss

Want to assist new students in settling into their University life?
Know where all the cheap eats are?
Know all the good parks and hang-outs?

Join the team for Semester 1, 2010! Everyone is welcome!

Mentor sign up dates: 5th – 23rd October
Group interview dates: 26th or 27th October

Application forms are available in the MUOSS lounge now.
Come in and grab one – Join us today.

For more information, please contact Kelvin Chieng at k.chieng@union.unimelb.edu.au

The PRIZE:
The WRITER OF CHOSEN SCRIPT SUITABLE FOR PRODUCTION will receive $500 and the opportunity to see their words taken off the page and set on stage.

Selected participants will also have the opportunity to win amazing prizes such as gift vouchers.
ALL you have to do is:

1. Register your interest at chinesemusicgroup-at-yahoo.com with your contact details clearly stated (name and contact number).

2. Write a synopsis of your story (maximum of two A4 pages). The script can be in Chinese (traditional or simplified) or English.

Participants are required to submit their synopsis to chinesemusicgroup-at-yahoo.com before the deadline of 16th November 2009.

This could be YOUR big chance! Don’t miss out!

Narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix and featuring music by the critically acclaimed artist Moby, EARTHLINGS is a powerful, gut-wrenching and influential expedition through the myriad forms of suffering inflicted on non-human species. Labeled the single most definitive animal rights film ever made, it is a must see for all those who are concerned – or want to learn more – about the severity and extent of this shocking, hidden exploitation.

The Exam Support Stall is an initiative to support students with emergency exam supplies, information and assistance. The stall will be present at the Royal Exhibition Building exam venue during the end-of-year exam period (9 – 27 November).

The Peer Support Program provides support to students who are called to a Progress Committee meeting. These committees can restrict or even terminate a student’s enrolment, which can be a highly stressful experience for the student involved. Volunteers are needed from November to February, and again in July.

For more information about volunteering please go to the Advocacy Service’s Volunteer page.

If you haven’t already, come and check out the shiny new colourful zines from the This Is Not Art festival in Newcastle and the range of music from Albert’s Basement as well as the usual range of text books, fiction and non fiction for selling and swapping.
x

There will be free pancakes, toast, muesli, fruit, tea and coffee for those who walk, ride or take public transport to uni!

Also bring your bike and get in on some bike fixing action as well as finding out more about the Bike Co-Op.

So if you’re buying lunch on a Tuesday or Wednesday, look out for the plate station and make sure you grab one! This system is still on trial and if enough people use it we could expand it from not only Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but, wait for it… Mondays, Thursdays and yes, even Fridays!

If you’re not buying lunch, look out for the volunteers handing out plates and give them a friendly smile anyway. You can also show your support at http://union.unimelb.edu.au/wash-against-waste

Play With Your Food (PWYF) is a free vegan dinner organised and cooked by students every Monday during semester in North Court. Everyone is welcome and everyone who comes to PWYF helps to run it, either by lending a hand on the night or by volunteering to run a recipe!

As with every week at Enviro Collective, you can also find out about what the collective is, get involved in the cool stuff we already do or sprout your own ideas for change!

What better time to get involved than week ten of semester two?

Learning how to brew your own beer at Environment Collective plus a special Play With Your Food on Monday, Clothes Swap Party on Tuesday, Ride to Uni Breakfast and a Planting Day at the student veggie patch on Wednesday, a Book Slam at the Book Co-Op on Thursday…

So much is happening in this wonderful week!

Check out the Events section to find out more.

Haunted Trail
Come for ‘a walk’ on the MUOSS haunted trail as we show you and your friends the campus in a whole new light…

Food and Games stalls
The fun doesn’t stop there with Halloween games such as bobbing for apples, pin in the nose on the pumpkin, and others available for your merriment.

Costume Competition
Get dressed up in the most funky and scary costume to scare your friends and even yourself! Come dressed up and show off your Halloween fashion and win a prize.

Sign up at the Lounge or the MUOSS table

Collect all 3 flyers and win a prize!

Cosima Nyx Stone (Activate)
Lizzie Eng Li Choo (Synergy)
Fei Gao (iUnion)
Noni Sproule (Stand Up!)
Katelyn Grimmer (Activate)
Jessica Dowling (Synergy)
Vanessa Yu (iUnion)

Any appeals against the amended result must be lodged within three working days of this notice, that is, by close of business on Wednesday 23 September. Appeals must be in writing and addressed to the Electoral Tribunal. Any appeals lodged with the Returning Officer will be forwarded to the Tribunal.

Charles Richardson
Above Quota Elections
Returning Officer

20 September 2009

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer

I would like to apologise unreservedly for my conduct on Tuesday 8 September, 2009. It is never appropriate to yell at or abuse others because of disagreements over policy and politics. The elections should be a time where students can exercise their democratic rights regarding their Student Union, which should not be disrupted by intimidatory behaviour.

In engaging in the inappropriate behaviours which were the cause of my being banned from the elections I have let down the student body, my political allies and unjustly treated my political opponents. Even though I disagree with their policies and actions, other groups and individuals retain the right to try and convey their message to the electorate.

For my conduct and the negative ramifications which have arisen from it, I am sorry.

Yours Sincerely,
David Liubinas

Finished and Unfinished: Playreadings

It’s time to find out what strange thoughts are surging around in the brains of your fellow students!

Three nights of playreadings by current Melbourne University students chosen from among many submissions. You’ll encounter scripts at many different stages of development: from a synopsis, to a first draft, to a polished gem that’s been sitting for years in a bottom drawer.

Friday night special guest: award winning playwright Ross Mueller with readings from his new play ‘Concussion’.
Each night will have its own surprises, so come to all four!

7–10 October at 6.30pm.
Guild Theatre, first floor, Union House.
(dates may be subject to change)

1-night pass: Student Union Members $5/ Non-members $7
3-night pass: Student Union Members $10/ non-Members $15

Bookings: union.unimelb.edu.au/tickets or at the Info Centre Box Office, ground floor, Union House
n.b. online bookings can only be made up to 24 hours prior to a performance

www.union.unimelb.edu.au/theatre

The winner of “Above Water” this year was Madeleine Griffeth with her short story “Mont Salvat”. The Highly Commended prize was awarded to Marisabel Bonet Cruz for her poem “El Verbo Hablar”. The Editor’s Choice award was awarded to Seamus Barker for his poem “Fitzroy Crossing”.

Congratulations to all the winners, all the shortlisted entries that were published, and last but certainly not least to everyone who entered. As Zoe, one of the Media Officers said at the launch:

“it’s not about the difference between good and bad writers, it’s about the difference between those who write and those who don’t”

If you want to pick up a copy of “Above Water” they can be found lurking in the Student Union info stands around the University, in the Rowden White Library or at the Student Union Info desk opposite INU Bar on the 1st Floor of Union House!

All counting has now been completed. The following are provisionally declared elected:

President

Jesse Overton-Skinner (Synergy)

Secretary

Lydia Bevege (Synergy)

Education (Academic Affairs) Officer

Rudolph Hosri & John Shipp (Synergy)

Education (Public Affairs) Officer

Yoni Cukierman & Joshua Anderson (Synergy)

Welfare Officer

Lloyd McGeary & Rachael Lim (Synergy)

Wom*n’s Officer

Esther Bohmer & Miriam Hamel-Green (Activate)

Arts Officer

David Haidon & Nicholas Tammens (Activate)

Activities Officer

David Mulholland & David Evans (More Activities!) [unopposed]

Queer Officer

Claire Oppermann & Ed Yap (Activate)

Environment Officer

Evelyn Daniel & Dan Musil (Activate)

Media Officers

Rachel Baxendale, Sarah Laing, Ellena Savage & Lucas Smith (Independent Media)

Clubs & Societies Officer

Jonathan Donagan & Piper O’Dowd (More Activities!) [unopposed]

Indigenous Officer

Jidah Clark (Stand Up!)

Students’ Council General Representatives (in order of election)

Paul Hosri (Synergy)
Jimmy Jin (iUnion)
Meredith Treadwell (Stand Up!)
Rachel Barrett (Activate)
Kon Moisidis (Synergy)
Ming Yang Chen (iUnion)
Louis Gregory (Stand Up!)
Kate Turnbull (Synergy)
Max Kaiser (Activate)
Anton Josef Anin (More Activities!)
Stephanie McHenry (Synergy)
Frances Lewis (Left Student Unionists)
Elizabeth Redman (Independent Media)
Suzie Zheng (iUnion)

Queer Representative on Students’ Council

Chris Summers (Activate)

International Representative on Students’ Council

Linda Gao (iUnion) [unopposed]

Mature Age Representative on Students’ Council

Tristan Clack (iUnion)

Activities Committee (in order of election)

Mathew Toner (Synergy)
David Lettinger (Stand Up!)
Lucie Turner (More Activities!)
Nicholas Baum (Synergy)
Dave Kelly (Make Breadth Better)
Sisi Ying (More Activities!)
Kate O’Neill (More Activities!)

Arts Committee (in order of election)

Amy Mullins (Synergy)
Chris Summers (Activate)
Ming Yang Chen (iUnion)
Louis Gregory (Stand Up!)
Magnus O’Mallon (Synergy)
Liz Errol (Activate)
Kate Turnbull (Synergy)

Education Committee (in order of election)

Lucas Ryan (Synergy)
Audrey Irish (Stand Up!)
Henry Xu (iUnion)
Stefan Dimou (Synergy)
Mark Kettle (Stand Up!)
Jade Eckhaus (Left Student Unionists)
Lizzie Eng Li Choo (Synergy)

Environment Committee (in order of election)

Liam Hedge (Synergy)
Virginia Trescowthick (Activate)
Robert Su (iUnion)
David Lettinger (Stand Up!)
James Doolan (Synergy)
Rachel Barrett (Activate)
Clara Jordan-Baird (Synergy)

Indigenous Committee

Sean Armistead [unopposed]

Queer Committee (in order of election)

Hannah Hayman (Activate)
James Wilson (Pride)
Lachlan Bellach (Stand Up!)
Phillip Villani (Activate)
Craig Burnett (Pride)
Eden Smith (Activate)
Louise O’Shea (Left Student Unionists)

Welfare Committee (in order of election)

Stephanie McHenry (Synergy)
James Smith (Activate)
Tristan Clack (iUnion)
Mark Kettle (Stand Up!)
Michael Lewis (Synergy)
Liz Errol (Activate)
Elizabeth Patterson (Activate)
[see note below]

Wom*n’s Committee (in order of election)

Cosima Nyx Stone (Activate)
Lizzie Eng Li Choo (Synergy)
Fei Gao (iUnion)
Noni Sproule (Stand Up!)
Katelyn Grimmer (Activate)
Jessica Dowling (Synergy)
Carla Drakeford (Stand Up!)
[see note below]

Wom*n’s Officer By-Election

Cosima Nyx Stone (Activate) [unopposed]

Queer Officer By-Election

Ezekiel Gould & Stefania Capogreco (Activate) [unopposed]

Burnley President (Education Coordinator)

Cameron Snashall (Green Thumbs) [unopposed]

Burnley Vice-President (Welfare Coordinator)

Paul Coats (Green Thumbs) [unopposed]

Burnley General Committee

Andrea Ball (Green Thumbs)
Cameron Snashall (Green Thumbs)
Dimitri Serghis (Green Thumbs)
Donna Saville (Green Thumbs)
Michael Smit (Green Thumbs)
Samme Mills (Green Thumbs)
William Jordan (Green Thumbs)
[all unopposed]

MU Student Union Ltd. Board

Shaun Khoo (iUnion) [unopposed]

University of Melbourne Council

Michael Griffith (Stand Up!)

National Union of Students Delegates (in order of election)

Jesse Overton-Skinner (Synergy)
Carla Drakeford (Stand Up!)
Shaun Khoo (iUnion)
Rudolph Hosri (Synergy)
Sam Rankin (iUnion)
Laura Harris (Stand Up!)
Tim Arnot (Left Student Unionists)

VCA Campus Co-ordinator

Shane Woon (Stand Up!)

VCA Campaigns Co-ordinator

Ben Maunder [unopposed]

VCA Wom*n’s Representative

Tamara Kohler [unopposed]

VCA Music Representative

Rosa Gollan [unopposed]

VCA Musical Theatre Representative

Hugo Chiarella (Stand Up!) [unopposed]

No nominations were received for the following positions:

Indigenous Representative on Students’ Council
Indigenous Committee By-Election
Queer Committee By-Election
Burnley Publications / Media Coordinator
Burnley Facilities Coordinator
Burnley Sports and Recreation Coordinator
Burnley Publications / Media Coordinator By-Election
Burnley Sports and Rec. Coordinator By-Election
Burnley General Committee By-Election
VCA Queer Representative
VCA Indigenous Representative
VCA International Representative
VCA Graduate Representative
VCA Art Representative
VCA Drama Representative
VCA Dance Representative
VCA Film & TV Representative
VCA Production Representative

Note

A recount has bee requested for Wom*n’s Committee, and will be conducted later this week. All tickets will be notified of the time and location of the recount.

The result for Welfare Committee, although unchanged from that notified to scrutineers last Saturday, was considerably closer than was realised at that time, and the Returning Officer would favorably consider any request for a recount of it.

Recounts and Appeals

Any requests for recounts must be made within three working days of this notice, that is, by close of business on Friday 18 September. Requests must be in writing and should be made to the Returning Officer c/o Union House, or by email to ReturningOfficer@union.unimelb.edu.au.

Appeals against the election results must be made within three working days of this notice, or, if a recount is conducted, within three working days of the recount. Appeals must be in writing and addressed to the Electoral Tribunal. Any appeals lodged with the Returning Officer will be forwarded to the Tribunal.

Details of the count are available on request from the Returning Officer, and will be published in the Returning Officer’s Report. The Electoral Tribunal will declare the final result of the election after receiving the Returning Officer’s Report and resolving any appeals.

Charles Richardson
Above Quota Elections
Returning Officer

15 September 2009

President

Jesse Overton-Skinner (Synergy)

Secretary

Lydia Bevege (Synergy)

Education (Academic Affairs) Officer

Rudolph Hosri & John Shipp (Synergy)

Education (Public Affairs) Officer

Yoni Cukierman & Joshua Anderson (Synergy)

Welfare Officer

Lloyd McGeary & Rachael Lim (Synergy)

Wom*n’s Officer

Esther Bohmer & Miriam Hamel-Green (Activate)

Arts Officer

David Haidon & Nicholas Tammens (Activate)

Activities Officer

David Mulholland & David Evans (More Activities!)
[unopposed]

Queer Officer

Claire Oppermann & Ed Yap (Activate)

Environment Officer

Evelyn Daniel & Dan Musil (Activate)

Media Officers

Rachel Baxendale, Sarah Laing, Ellena Savage & Lucas Smith (Independent Media)

Clubs & Societies Officer

Jonathan Donagan & Piper O’Dowd (More Activities!)
[unopposed]

Indigenous Officer

Jidah Clark (Stand Up!)

In response to a complaint received on 9 September from Carla Drakeford (“the Complainant”) against Jackson Reynolds (“the Respondent”), the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. The Respondent acknowledges that he stored campaign materials in his office in the UMSU space at VCA on Tuesday evening, and that this was in breach of Reg. 44.5.18. When the breach was pointed out to him by the Returning Officer he promptly apologised and agreed to remove them. It is not disputed that this was done and that there has been no further breach of this nature.

2. The Respondent claims that he had an understanding with the VCASU President that each of them would, for convenience, store campaign materials in their respective offices, but that the VCASU President, for reasons unrelated to the legal position, did not make use of this himself. The VCASU President confirms, in substance, the Respondent’s account.

3. While mutual agreement cannot justify a breach of the Regulations, it is relevant both to the question of culpability and to whether any substantial disadvantage has been caused to others. In this instance, the fact that all tickets that had been actively campaigning that day at VCA were covered by the arrangement makes it difficult to justify a penalty.

4. There is also a policy interest in settled decisions. In view of the fact that the VCASU President, who initially raised the matter, was satisfied with the outcome on Tuesday evening, significant further evidence or argument would be required to justify reopening it.

5. For the above reasons, the complaint is dismissed.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
11.9.09

Ruling (19) of the Returning Officer

In relation to a complaint received on 9 September from Martin Spencer (“the Complainant”) against the Synergy ticket (“the Respondent”) for misleading conduct, the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. The leaflet complained of advertises, among other things, the Respondent’s promise of a free weekly breakfast for students. The promise is illustrated by a picture depicting cereal topped with milk and fruit.

2. The Complainant alleges that this is misleading because the proposed free breakfasts would in fact be of an inferior quality to that depicted in the picture.

3. In the Returning Officer’s opinion, the natural interpretation of the picture is simply as an illustration of the idea of “breakfast”, rather than a promise of any particular type or quality of breakfast. The Respondent argues that it had not actually directed its attention to what sort of fruit would be provided, and the Returning Officer has no reason to doubt this assurance.

4. The complaint is therefore dismissed.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
10.9.09

Ruling (18) of the Returning Officer

In response to a formal complaint received on 10 September from John Shipp (the Complainant) against Scott Williams (the Respondent) regarding a complaint received verbally that morning by the Returning Officer from a student, the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. The Respondent is found to be guilty of making misleading statements in breach of Reg. 44.5.3.

2. The Respondent agreed that the words he had said were the same as the words complained of, but denied they were in contravention of the Regulations and appeared entirely uncommitted to the avoidance of further breaches.

3. Due to the seriousness of the breaches, the Returning Officer therefore bans the Respondent from campaigning for the remainder of today, Friday.

4. The Returning Officer offers a final warning to all candidates and campaigners, and to members of the Left Student Unionists ticket in particular, to be especially careful regarding the validity and appropriateness of their claims when communicating with potential voters.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
11.9.09

Ruling (17) of the Returning Officer

In relation to an incident on 10 September, and several informal complaints received on that day about this and similar incidents, the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. Stephanie McHenry is found to be guilty of making misleading statements in breach of Reg. 44.5.3.

2. Having received complaints about this conduct from various sources, the Returning Officer finds that the final source of evidence is sufficiently reliable and independent as to corroborate the previous complaints.

3. Stephanie McHenry was therefore verbally banned from campaigning as of that afternoon, the ban to extend until the end of polling the following day, Friday 11 September.

4. The Returning Officer offers a final warning to all candidates and campaigners, and to members of the Synergy ticket in particular, to be especially careful regarding the validity and appropriateness of their claims when communicating with potential voters.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
10.9.09

Ruling (16) of the Returning Officer

In relation to a complaint received on 10 September from the Stand Up! Ticket (“the Complainant”) against the iUnion ticket (“the Respondent”) for breach of Reg. 44.5.15 and other matters, the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. Several reports have been received during the course of the week of campaigners escorting voters to the polling stations in both the Food Hall and Baillieu. A few confirmed instances on Monday morning, which were attributed to inexperienced campaigners, resulted in warnings being given.

2. On Thursday afternoon, photographic evidence was received of two such cases by campaigners for the Complainant and the Respondent. Each ticket was banned from campaigning for an hour as a result.

3. The Complainant alleges that in the case of the Respondent, the offence was part of a continuing course of conduct, and has drawn attention in particular to an alleged instance at lunchtime on Thursday. The Complainant also suggests that the Respondent’s conduct in the matter discussed in Ruling (10) should be taken into account.

4. These allegations have been fully investigated, and while there are certainly grounds for suspicion, it has not been possible to be satisfied of their truth. The evidence offered is not unequivocal, and the reported statements of members of the Respondent’s ticket are capable of alternative interpretations.

5. The question of campaigners campaigning in languages other than English poses particular difficulties, because while it is natural for rival campaigners to be suspicious of things they cannot understand, it would be intolerable for tickets or campaigners to be in effect penalised for their choice and ability to communicate in different languages.

6. The Returning Officer also notes that there have been a number of cases of Chinese-language material being mistaken for electoral material but on investigation turning out to be quite innocent.

7. The iUnion ticket is accordingly warned that the conduct of its campaigners is under strict scrutiny, particularly in the areas proximate to the polling stations, and that any future reports of misconduct will be treated with the utmost seriousness.

8. In other respects, the complaint is dismissed.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
10.9.09

Ruling (15) of the Returning Officer

In response to several informal complaints received on 8 September, the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. The allocation of funds in the 2009 UMSU budget, and in particular the relative priority given to Clubs & Societies, Activities and NUS, is clearly an issue of some importance in this election.

2. A considerable quantity of material has been provided in support of competing claims on the issue. The Returning Officer claims no particular expertise in assessing this type of evidence, and has no intention of doing so any more than is strictly necessary to prevent misleading conduct.

3. It is to be expected that different groups will have different perceptions of budgetary decisions, and contradictory claims are not necessarily evidence of dishonesty or bad faith. The interests of free and open debate require that such claims should be allowed to circulate, provided voters are not being actively misled. In the light of the controversy that has been created, however, some additional safeguard against misleading conduct appears to be called for.

4. From now on, all campaign statements of any sort, including but not limited to chalking, lecture-bashing and conversations with voters, that make specific claims about the UMSU budget, are subject to pre-approval by the Returning Officer. All requests for such pre-approval must be accompanied by direct evidence for the specific claim being made.

5. The purpose of pre-approval, as with authorisation of written material, is not for the Returning Officer to warrant the truth of the statements, but to ensure that they are not actively misleading. It is quite possible that contradictory claims will be pre-approved, if the Returning Officer believes that the evidence provided makes each claim reasonably arguable.

6. Any claims made in breach of this Ruling will be treated as unauthorised campaign material and penalties applied accordingly.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
9.9.09

Ruling (14) of the Returning Officer

In response to an incident that occurred shortly before the close of polls on Tuesday 8 September, the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. David Liubinas is found to be guilty of serious breaches of Regs. 44.5.26 and 44.5.27, and is therefore banned from all campaigning activity and directed to absent himself from the environs of any polling or campaigning area for the remainder of the election.

2. David Liubinas is also directed to write an appropriate letter of apology for his conduct, to be published on the elections website and submitted to Farrago.

3. Tickets have repeatedly been reminded that they must take responsibility for the actions of their campaigners, and the seriousness of this breach demands that a further penalty be imposed.

4. The More Activities ticket and its candidates and campaigners are therefore suspended from all campaign activity from now until the close of polls today, 9 September.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
9.9.09

Ruling (13) of the Returning Officer

In response to a number of informal complaints received on 8 September against the Justice For Palestine ticket (“the Respondent”), and after independent investigation by AQE staff, the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. A number of posters advertising the Justice for Palestine rally on 25 September and associated events, which, under the terms of Ruling (9), clearly constitute election material, have been posted without authorisation.

2. In addition, a number of similar posters, which had been authorised, have been posted over the top of posters belonging to other tickets, despite the availability of bollard space, contrary to the Returning Officer’s directions in respect of sharing bollards.

3. The Respondent has previously been found in breach of the authorisation provisions on several occasions, and these further breaches show a degree of disregard for the Regulations that cannot be seen to be condoned.

4. The Justice For Palestine ticket is therefore suspended from all campaign activity from now until the close of polls on Thursday, 10 September.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
9.9.09

Ruling (12) of the Returning Officer

In response to a complaint received on 7 September from Adelaide Rief and Sam Cossar-Gilbert (“the Complainants”) against the Synergy ticket (“the Respondent”), the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. No ticket can claim a monopoly on a particular color. The fact that the Activate ticket has used green t-shirts for several years does not deprive other tickets of the right to do the same, provided their conduct is not misleading under Reg. 44.3. This is particularly clear since the number of basic colors available is clearly less than the number of tickets.

2. There is no evidence that the Respondent has attempted to imitate the color or appearance of Activate’s t-shirts, and their shade of green, although broadly similar, is clearly distinctive.

3. Nor is there any evidence that the Respondent is relying on similar campaign themes to Activate, or otherwise behaving in a fashion that when taken in conjunction with the t-shirts is likely to mislead voters.

4. While the Complainants suggest that the Respondent’s campaigners should be required to wear some distinguishing mark in addition to their t-shirts, the Returning Officer is of the view that the Synergy logo on the t-shirts already performs whatever function such a mark could do.

5. Regs. 44.5.2, 44.5.3 and 44.5.14, also relied on by the Complainants, seem to be clearly intended for quite different sorts of conduct than those involved in this case.

6. For the above reasons, the complaint is dismissed.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
8.9.09

Ruling (11) of the Returning Officer

In response to a complaint received on 8 September from Jade Eckhaus and Noni Sproule (“the Complainants”) against Sterling Thorley (“the Respondent”) for breach of Reg. 44.5.26 and Reg. 44.5.27, and related questions raised by the Complainants and others, and in consideration of Regulation 44.5.20, the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. The Respondent has used threatening and intimidating language towards the Complainants.

2. The Respondent has used offensive language and exhibited offensive behaviour in hearing range of candidates other than and including the Complainants, other campaigners, and voters.

3. The Respondent has failed to comply with a direction of the Returning Officer.

4. Sterling Thorley is hereby immediately banned from any further campaigning or participation in these elections.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
8.9.09

Ruling (10) of the Returning Officer

In response to a question raised on 3 September concerning issue number 43 of the Chinese Publishers Group magazine, the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. The publication concerned is a 44-page glossy magazine, published almost entirely in Chinese and distributed free on campus. By an arrangement between the publishers and the iUnion ticket, a number of copies were distributed with iUnion how-to-vote material inserted.

2. Given that the magazine is of long standing, that free distribution is its normal practice and that the Returning Officer has been assured by the publishers that the current print run is also normal, no case of inducement under Reg. 44.4 has been made out.

3. However, an article on pages 34-35 of the magazine titled (according to the translation supplied to the Returning Officer) “The Student Union Election and Us: the sacredness and the power of one vote”, which discusses inter alia the state of the Union, the election and the representation of international students, is clearly election material. The links between the publishers and the iUnion ticket, and the insertion of campaign material already referred to, merely confirm this finding.

4. The magazine is not authorised, and given that it is not printed on recycled paper it cannot be authorised.

5. The Returning Officer accepts that the publishers of the magazine had no intent to breach the Regulations, particularly in light of the fact that the article in question was commissioned and written well in advance of the campaign period. Nor is there anything in the article that could not be authorised if it were, for example, to be reprinted as a leaflet. Nonetheless, distribution of the magazine cannot be allowed to continue.

6. Any further distribution to Melbourne University students of issue number 43 of the Chinese Publishers Group magazine, so long as it contains its current pages 34 and 35, is therefore prohibited from now until close of polling on Friday 11 September.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
5.9.09

Ruling (9) of the Returning Officer

In response to a complaint received on 4 September from John Shipp (“the Complainant”) against Tim Arnot (“the first Respondent”) and the Justice For Palestine ticket (“the second Respondent”) for breach of Reg. 44.5.18, and related questions raised by the Complainant and others, the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. It appears that the room booking concerned was made some time ago by the first Respondent on behalf of the Students for Palestine collective, in his capacity as Education (Public Affairs) Officer. At the time he could not reasonably have been expected to know what purpose Students for Palestine would use the room for on any particular date.

2. The complaint against the first Respondent for abuse of office is therefore not made out. However, the complaint raises the more general question of the relationship between the second Respondent and Students for Palestine.

3. In light of the substantial identity of themes, activities and personnel, it now seems impossible to draw a principled distinction between the second Respondent and Students for Palestine. Publicity for both must therefore be treated as election material.

4. The Returning Officer accordingly finds that pro- or anti-Palestinian student activism is an election issue, and that all material relating to that issue is election material and must be duly authorised before display or distribution.

5. Furthermore, no material relating to pro- or anti-Palestinian student activism for distribution to Melbourne University students, or for display on or near campus, is to be produced using UMSU resources (except those generally available to all students), whether by the Respondents, Students for Palestine, or any other person or group, and no material already produced using such resources is to be so distributed or displayed from now until the close of polling on 11 September.

6. Regardless of the view taken of the role of Students for Palestine or the status of the Palestinian question as an election issue, the poster advertising the disputed Students for Palestine meeting on 1 September is clearly election material and should have been authorised. In view of previous failures by the second Respondent to have material authorised, it is appropriate that a penalty be imposed.

7. In relation to the past confusion of roles between the second Respondent and the Students for Palestine collective, the Returning Officer is otherwise reluctant to impose a penalty, since the issues are complex and the confusion was at least partly on the part of the Returning Officer. All parties concerned, however, are warned that this issue will be under strict scrutiny in future and any beaches of the terms of this Ruling will be treated seriously.

8. The Justice For Palestine ticket is therefore banned from all campaign activity for the first two hours of polling, 10-12 on Monday 4 September, and no Justice For Palestine material is to be on display during this period.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
5.9.09

Ruling (8) of the Returning Officer

In response to a complaint received on 1 September from Nina Flanagan (“the Complainant”) against the Independent Media ticket (“the Respondent”), the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. The Complainant alleges that by failing to publish her book review in the election edition of Farrago, the incumbent Media Officers, who are associated with the Respondent, were in breach of Reg. 44.5.14 (interfering with a candidate’s publicity) and Reg. 44.5.18 (use of Union facilities).

2. While it could possibly be argued that the appearance of a book review by the Complainant would constitute election material, preventing a form of publicity from appearing cannot amount to “interference” unless the candidate has some prior right to have the material appear. The correspondence which the Complainant cites between her and the Media Officers fails to establish any such right.

3. While the Returning Officer is willing to exert control over the election edition of Farrago to the extent of preventing the publication of certain election-related material, any attempt to dictate to the Media Officers what should be printed would be a dangerous precedent and potentially a threat to the freedom of the press.

4. In relation to Reg. 44.5.18, the question is whether the exercise of editorial discretion as to what to publish, even if affected by political motives, can be regarded as a use of facilities “for campaign purposes”. In the Returning Officer’s view, such a construction would be stretching the language of the Regulation beyond the limits of credibility.

5. The Regulations require that UMSU Office-Bearers not abuse their offices for political purposes, but they do not require that they be politically neutral in all their actions. Even if a Farrago editorial decision had been made for political reasons, it would not amount to a breach of the Regulations.

6. For the above reasons, the complaint is dismissed.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
3.9.09

Ruling (7) of the Returning Officer

In response to a complaint received on 31 August from Onagh Bishop (“the Complainant”) against David Liubinas (“the Respondent”), the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. A case of harassment has not been made out against the Respondent in relation to his LOLCAT posting campaign.

2. However, the joke has now gone far enough, and in light of his prior conduct the Respondent is warned that any further posting of LOLCATS and any further use of the word “LOLCAT” directed against his political opponents, by him or his associates, will be viewed as a serious case of harassment and treated accordingly.

3. The Respondent’s attention is also particularly drawn to paragraph 7 of Ruling (3), issued yesterday.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
2.9.09

Ruling (6) of the Returning Officer

In response to an objection made on 26 August by Mark Peart against the registration of the “Pride” ticket, the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. The objection cites the fact that a club called “Pride” was affiliated to UMSU and active as recently as 2007, and that the “Pride” ticket could therefore mislead voters into assuming a connection between them which does not exist.

2. Reg. 21.4 prohibits tickets using the name of affiliated club without its consent, and Reg. 21.5 prohibits the use of a ticket name used within the previous three years without its registrant’s consent. Reg. 21.6 also gives the Returning Officer a general discretion to refuse ticket names which are “misleading or offensive”.

3. The fact that Reg. 21.5 covers the previous three years while Reg. 21.4 does not, suggests that their authors believed a ticket name was more needing of protection than a club name. This makes sense, since a ticket name necessarily has a public profile and political associations, whereas a club name need not.

4. Use of a previous club name could still be misleading if it was both recent and politically active, but the Returning Officer is not convinced that this case meets the test.

5. It is also noted that to uphold the objection would be particularly burdensome to the “Pride” ticket, given that the objection was only raised twelve days after ticket registrations closed, and therefore leaves very little time for an alternative name to be chosen. Such a burden would only be imposed as a result of a very strong case being made out, which in this instance has not been done.

6. The objection is therefore dismissed.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
2.9.09

Ruling (5) of the Returning Officer

In response to a complaint received on 25 August from Chris Heath (“the Complainant”) against Sadia Schneider (“the Respondent”), the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. The email sent by the Respondent on behalf of the Justice for Palestine ticket is a matter of concern for three reasons: the lack of authorisation, the failure to bcc the recipients’ addresses, and some of the language used about the ticket’s political opponents.

2. In relation to the first two matters, the Respondent has admitted the error and apologised.

3. In relation to the third matter, the Respondent argues that the language was justified, but concedes that it should not have been used without substantiating evidence.

4. While tickets are entitled to put their point of view clearly and forcefully, the Returning Officer takes the view that accusing political opponents of bigotry and support for massacres is unacceptable conduct, unless it is very carefully supported with evidence. Middle East politics are a very emotive issue, and it would be appreciated if all tickets would co-operate in keeping the temperature down and avoiding over-heated rhetoric.

5. The evidence adduced by the Respondent clearly provides a basis for arguing her ticket’s position, but does not, in the Returning Officer’s view, justify the terms used.

6. Given the fact that the incident occurred some two weeks before the election, and the Respondent immediately acknowledged the problems, it does not appear necessary to impose a penalty. However, the Respondent and her ticket are warned that any future breaches of the Regulations will be treated seriously.

7. The Respondent is also directed to send a further email to the recipients apologising for the breach of privacy and for the inflammatory rhetoric.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
1.9.09

Ruling (4) of the Returning Officer

In response to questions that have been raised, the Returning Officer rules that the following guidelines should apply to the production of campaign videos:

1. The script needs to be authorised, and a printed copy must be placed in the authorised material file before the video is released.

2. The Returning Officer needs to be notified as to what format the video will be distributed in, and links or physical copies lodged as appropriate.

3. The closing credits need to include the words “published by [name & student # of someone who takes responsibility for it]” and “authorised by the Returning Officer”.

4. Anyone who appears on the video other than as incidental scenery needs to be an eligible campaigner – ie a Melbourne University student and not an office-bearer who has not taken leave – and needs to have given their consent to appear.

5. All videos must otherwise comply with all relevant regulations, such as not being misleading, defamatory, sexist, etc.

6. These guidelines are based on the assumption that videos will be quite short – a maximum of two or three minutes – and will be reviewed if requests are made for longer videos.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
31.8.09

Ruling (3) of the Returning Officer

In response to a number of questions that have been raised concerning the use of social media such as Facebook for election purposes (including the complaints that prompted Rulings (1) and (2), the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. All candidates and campaigners should be aware that all internet communications, other than those that are purely internal to a particular group, can constitute electoral material if they “either explicitly mention, or comment visually, literally or figuratively on the elections, the candidates or the issues involved” (Reg. 28.1).

2. In particular, the fact that access to material on Facebook may be restricted to a person’s Facebook friends – which typically number several hundred – does not prevent it from being “produced, displayed or distributed” within the meaning of Reg. 28.1.

3. All election material, including that in electronic form, must be authorised: that is, it must be seen and authorised by the Returning Officer, and a copy placed on the file in the Elections office, before it is displayed or distributed.

4. Facebook pages carrying election comment need to contain the authorisation lines required by Regs. 28.5 and 25.6, and a printed screenshot needs to be placed on the file.

5. Group emails circulating beyond the confines of the particular group also need to contain the authorisation lines, and a copy of the text needs to be placed on the file.

6. Brief and non-controversial updates to electronic media do not need to be separately authorised, but any substantive changes should be drawn to the Returning Officer’s attention and a fresh copy added to the file.

7. The making of comments on the pages of political opponents, whether events, groups or individuals, is prohibited.

8. The use of Twitter for election material is prohibited.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
1.9.09

Ruling (2) of the Returning Officer

In response to a complaint received on 18 August from Carla Drakeford (“the Complainant”) against David Liubinas (“the Respondent”), the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. Although none of the Facebook comments and status updates complained of, taken individually, would be a matter of grave concern, taken together they suggest a pattern of conduct that could easily be interpreted as threatening or intimidating.

2. The Respondent’s defence is that he was merely speaking his mind in a light-hearted fashion that was not intended as a threat to anyone.

3. While the Respondent does not appear to have intended any particular harm by his comments, it must be stressed, as with Ruling (1), that campaigners will be held responsible for the natural interpretations of their words or actions, even if not intended.

4. The Returning Officer wishes to make it particularly clear that harassment will not be tolerated, especially in light of the fact that some apparent cases of harassment in 2008 were treated with what, in hindsight, may have been an undue degree of leniency.

5. David Liubinas is therefore banned from campaign activity between now and the close of polling on Monday, 7 September.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
30.8.09

Ruling (1) of the Returning Officer

In response to a complaint received on 17 August from Jesse Overton-Skinner (“the Complainant”) against Chris Summers (“the Respondent”), the Returning Officer rules as follows:

1. The words complained of in the Complainant’s Facebook status update amount to a prima facie breach of Regulations 28.1 (distribution of unauthorised material) and 44.5.3 (defamatory statements).

2. The Respondent’s defence is that since the status update was only visible to his Facebook friends, it was not “distributed” within the meaning of the Regulations.

3. Given that the Respondent at the time had some 537 Facebook friends, the Returning Officer finds this argument unconvincing. Even accepting that many of them would not be Melbourne University students, there was still considerable scope for circulation outside of the Respondent’s own political group.

4. The Respondent also contends that the comment in the update was satirical in intent, and that the extravagance of its language shows that it was not intended to be taken at face value. While there is some merit in this argument, an author’s intentions do not control the meaning of language, and those who publish material need to be wary of natural if unintended interpretations.

5. While the Respondent’s offence is not at the high end of culpability, in light of the need to send a clear message about offensive material, especially in electronic media, it is appropriate that a penalty be imposed.

6. Chris Summers is therefore banned from campaign activity between now and the close of polling on Monday, 7 September.

7. The general question of Facebook use will be addressed in a separate ruling.

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
30.8.09

Group Preference Distribution Statements 51KB

Union House (Food Hall)

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am – 5pm
Tuesday: 10am – 6.30pm

Baillieu Library Foyer

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11am – 4.30pm
Tuesday: 11am – 6.30pm

Eastern Precinct (E.R.C.) – Science Student Centre

Monday to Friday: 11.30am – 2.30pm

Victorian College of the Arts (Cafeteria)

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11am – 3pm

Burnley Campus Centre (Cafeteria)

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11.30am – 2.30pm

Centre for Indigenous Education (off Deakin Court)

Monday only: 11.30am – 2.30pm

Charles Richardson
Returning Officer
Above Quota Elections

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

This rally follows the success of the Fair Fares rally in semester 1, which got several hundred students in the city streets who marched to Parliament steps and presented the Victorian government with over 10,000 signatures calling for equal concession card rights for all students. The government has since denied to address the petition on a technicality, so this time around we’ve amended the petition, gathered more than 10,000 signatures and we’ll be ensuring that this time premier John Brumby and the Victorian government will hear us!

*Come to the peaceful protest rally with your fellow University of Melbourne students, at at 1:00 Wednesday 2nd outside the Graduate Centre (1888 Building), Grattan st.
We will then march to join students from many other universities and colleges at the rally at State Library at 2pm.*

In conjunction with the Mooncake Festival, Melbourne University Overseas Students’ Service would like to invite all students to be a part of FREE mooncake tasting and a lantern painting competition. Heaps of mooncakes to be won!

Celebrating Flavours of Life

One of the biggest events of second semester, Festival of Nations 2009 highlight Melbourne’s position as a multicultural centre. Over two days, a merging of different nationalities, traditions, cultures and ethnicities will take place under one roof. Come join us for an unforgettable experience.

Food Stalls: Including Mauritian, Greek, Lebanese, Korean, Thai, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese.

Performances: African Drumming, Kompang (Malay drumming), Flare dance ensemble, Tachi and Wushu, Arabic and Lebanese dance, Mariachi band

Non-food stalls: henna painting, face painting, fortune telling, shooting stars, limbo dance competition. Great prizes are up for grabs.

Free fairy floss giveaways — Monday 31 August to Wednesday 2 September.

The University of Melbourne is planning to implement the Melbourne Model at the VCA in 2011. The VCA has produced some of the most recognized and celebrated artists ever to have been found on Australian shores. The Melbourne Model, as it stands, can only lead to a dilution of arts training at the VCA. No more dancers, actors, singers, designers, painters, sculptors, stage managers, film makers, musicians and puppeteers; only arts academics.

The Arts Culture in Melbourne, the nation’s Arts Capital, hangs in the balance, and we’re set on saving it.

The Problem: The courses offered at the Victorian College of the Arts are not academic, they are practical. This is what sets the college apart. Melbourne prides itself on being the Arts Capital of Australia, with an Arts community that is vibrant, contemporary, innovative and well supported by an enthusiastic public. This exciting environment is fed largely by the graduates of the VCA – actors, singers, musicians, dancers, film makers, visual artists, stage managers and technicians – who are the foundation of Melbourne’s artistic culture. As the impact of the changes becomes all to clear, students who normally would have enthusiastically looked to the VCA for their training and become the next generation of Melbourne’s cherished artists will look elsewhere.

What you can do: Show the University, the government and the people of Melbourne that you support the VCA remaining a high-quality institution that offers vocational undergraduate courses in the Arts. Show them that you care about the Arts and that the VCA is integral to the Arts community in Melbourne and Australia at large.

Join the Protest March! From the VCA to Parliament House to demonstrate against the changes to the VCA. *Friday 21st of August, 10:00AM at the St Kilda Rd entrance VCA Campus, 234 St Kilda Rd, Southbank*

Featuring prominent industry speakers
MC – Julia Zemiro

Together we will explore strategies for taking action to influence key decisions makers in the lead up to UN World Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen later this year. In the event that policy developed at the UN conference falls short of what climate science and logic demands, we as a community must have the tools and the networks to take necessary democratic action. Change for the Climate hopes to strengthen and consolidate an effective grass-roots response. We believe the most powerful systemic changes, which are required to stop devastating climate change, are born from strong and empowered communities.”

The prestigious Aurora Native Internship allows students from both law and anthropology access to work for some of Australia’s key land rights and policy bodies. These internships vary from working in a legal centre the heart of the Central Australian Desert, to working in a key policy organisation in the centre of Sydney, and everything else in between. If you are interested in hearing from past interns or have any questions then please come along to this free information session to find out more.

Law Students Society Queer Newsletter 944KB

• Support the Queensland campaign to drop the charges against the young Cairns woman and her partner for terminating her pregnancy.
• Decriminalize abortion in Queensland.
• Prevent the decriminalization of abortion from being overturned. Although abortion has already been decriminalized here in Victoria, the Catholic church is preparing to challenge the laws, and the abortion clinics in East Melbourne and Carlton are regularly harassed. The Recent “Tour” of VIC and NSW by anti-abortion forces is a sign of battles ahead.

The Queer Department’s endorsement is as follows:

• The UMSU Queer Department recognises that the struggle against patriarchy and queer oppression are not separate and, therefore, the Department is committed to opposing patriarchy and misogyny in all forms, including but not limited to that which manifests in the continued denial and contest of womyn’s autonomy over their own bodies and reproductive choices.
• The UMSU Queer Department endorses the rally organized by the Centre for Women’s Reproductive Rights on 22 August in their effort to decriminalize abortion in Queensland, drop the charges against the young Cairns woman and her partner for terminating her pregnancy, and to ensure that the decriminalization of abortion in Victoria is not overturned.
  Moved: Ezekiel Gould
  Seconded: Eden Smith

Attend the pre-rally meeting to listen, talk, organise, and plan for the rally.

Pre-rally details

6.30 pm, Tuesday, August 18
Solidarity Salon, 580 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Then attend the rally, details below.

A selection of works will be published and the anthology launched at Melbourne Writers’ Festival in August. There are also great prizes to be won, including return flights and accommodation in Newcastle for the This Is Not Art (TINA) Festival and more!

More info available from the links below.
www.equallove.info
www.unistudent.com.au

2009 sets the scene to explore the experience of the true wit of comic genius that is Melbourne University, by inviting some of our Campus Comedy Comp winners back to entertain us. So stay tuned for further information.

Notification of selection for National Final Exhibition first week of September 2009
Receipt of physical entries to National Final Exhibition by mid September 2009

The National Tertiary Art Prize began in 1984 and remains the predominant national Tertiary Art Competition in Australia. NTAP is open for any student with, or without an art background. It is divided into three categories:

1. Painting / Works on paper / Printmaking (Must not exceed 1m square)
1st PRIZE: $250 courtesy of AACA

2. Photography / Photo-media / Electronic Art (Must not exceed 1m square, all equipment for electronic art must be supplied)
1st PRIZE: $250 courtesy of AACA

3. Sculpture / Installation, Includes jewellery, ceramics and textiles (Must not exceed 85cm cubed)
1st PRIZE: $250 courtesy of AACA

4. Peoples Choice Award – as voted by people attending the exhibition
1st PRIZE: $250 courtesy of AACA

The Art Prize attempts to draw out talents which may remain largely hidden otherwise. So why not have a go!!

National Final Exhibition is at Canberra Institute of Technology
For further information visit www.aaca.net.au

Please come and show your support, the books will thank you for it!

This is a chance for critique and comment on the University, your experience of teaching and learning, student engagement and the University’s broader direction and future vision. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how the University can better improve the student experience, or you are passionate about voicing your opinion, get in touch with us!

The Education (Academic) Officers are putting together a student response to the paper with recommendations for the University. We want to put in feedback, experiences and opinions from students as part of the submission and would greatly value your contribution. Please try to submit your feedback by the 29th of July. If you would like more information or would like to forward your comments please contact us via educationacademic@union.unimelb.edu.au

We are holding an informal Student Forum where you can come and have a chat about how you think the University could be better taking into account students needs! Drop in on Tuesday, 28th July at 12pm to contribute or find out more. The forum will be in the Training room on the 3rd floor of Union House.

The University is also holding a student focus group on Thursday, 30th July. If you are interested in speaking directly to the University, then you can register for the focus group here

The National Union of Students (NUS) stands firmly on the side of the lesbian and gay community and their demands for equality. NUS has played a key role in building this and other demonstrations for same-sex marriage rights. Come to the rally on August 1st at Federation Square to demand equal rights for lesbian and gay couples and send Rudd a message that his homophobic ban must go!

Links
http://www.equallove.info
http://www.unistudent.com.au

Contact
Liam Byrne (National Queer Officer, National Union of Students)
0411 681 836
queer@nus.asn.au

Nominations
20–31 July
Policy speeches: Starting 1pm, 6 August Joe Napolitano A & B, second floor,
Union House. Collect nomination forms from the MUOSS Office.

Voting
Commences 6 August, Union Theatre Bar, ground floor, Union House.
All International Students are entitled to vote, so make your voice heard.
Election closes and results published: 7 August

Co-option
Collect nomination forms from the MUOSS Office.
Applications: 20 July–7 August
Interviews: 10-12 August
Results published: 13 August

Committee positions descriptions 124KB

For more information contact the MUOSS office on 8344 4801 or
muoss@union.unimelb.edu.au

Come dance the Australian Bush Dance and be immersed in Australian culture. Meet new people, make new friends and be ready to dance the night away. This event is absolutely FREE of charge and includes dinner. Come in comfortable shoes. No prior dancing experience required. Register at the entrance of the event.

Think you’re a good navigator? Find your way through Melbourne City to exciting prizes and free food that await you at the finish line. Book your ticket at any MUOSS events throughout Orientation Week or at the MUOSS Office (second floor, Union House) or at the MUOSS Booth (lunchtime, ground floor, Union House).

Tickets are limited so grab yours now! Refundable entry fee :$5

Want to try something new? Tired of the same old restaurants? Join the Food Trail as we blaze around Melbourne trying different delicacies from around the world. From Greek to Thai we’ll show you a whole range of food for all taste buds. Don’t forget to sign up, places fill fast. Registration at MUOSS lounge, second floor, Union House.

Here is the best part; the Education department at UMSU can subsidise your registration; but you will have to get in quick! Download the grant application or pick one up from UMSU Office reception, first floor, Union House.

Submissions due by close of business Tuesday 16 June

NUS Education Conference 2009: Application for UMSU Education Department subsidy 50KB

Registration, Accommodation and Transport

Conference registration forms are available from the Queer office and the UMSU student office bearers reception on first floor, Union House. Also in the Queer Space (third floor, Union House) and the Womyn’s room (first floor, Union House). Please return completed forms to the Queer officers or the UMSU student office bearers reception if they’re unavailable. Transport details will be provided after registration. Registration and transportation costs will be subsidised by the UMSU Queer Department.

Accommodation is not provided by the organisers but here are some suggestions:

• Dickson Backpackers (recommended) – mention that you are a QC09 attendee.
• Canberra Motor Village
• University House, ANU

There are also low- or no-cost alternatives for attendees who are unable to afford the above options. For more information or to clarify anything, please contact the Queer officers, Stef and Zeke, using the details on the right of your screen, mobile number 0406680382 or in person in their office (first floor, Union House) Monday to Wednesday.

Workshops and Art Exhibition during QC09

For those interested in running a workshop or submitting artwork for the art exhibition, please also pick up a form from the Queer office or the Queer Space (third floor, Union House).

Semester 2, 2009 schedule

• Days and dates every Tuesday, 28 July to 6 October inclusive.
• Venue North Court, Union House, University of Melbourne.
• For the latest line-up please see our main page.

Promoting at a gig

For more information on promotional opportunities, including prices, please contact Marisa on 03 8344 8869 or email at m.simanjuntak-at-union.unimelb.edu.au.

The strike follows University management’s suspension of collective bargaining negotiations. Negotiations had already dragged out for almost a year, with no agreement from the University on claims for pay rises and the restoration of pre-Howard era rights and conditions. In response, NTEU members and supporters will be holding picket lines from 7am onwards at all major entrances to campus. The aim is to shut down the campus, to prevent business as usual, and force the university to listen to their demands.

Matt McGowan, State Secretary of the NTEU has called on students to support the strike, join the picket line and not go to class or the libraries. It is vital that students support their staff, this is about our education too. We all benefit from smaller class sizes, less overworked and stress staff, and more accessible tutors and lecturers who have the time to help students who need assistance. So, this Thursday, all students should support their staff and NOT COME ON TO CAMPUS.

http://www.nteu.org.au/bd/melbourne

The opening night last Wednesday was a blast. We had the announcement of prizes, a judges report, free nibbles and booze (always served responsibly by our wonderful volunteer bar staff) and a live music set from Andre Peach.

This year our judges were Bianca Charleston – an event co-ordinator at the Ian Potter Museum of Art; Candice Crammer – a practicing video and installation artist and Barb Bolt – a Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Arts and Culture at the VCA, and Honours Co-ordinator for the Creative Arts program. The Arts Department extends a massive thankyou to them for taking the time to judge Framed.

And now…the moment you’ve all been waiting for…the awards! This year we had 2 highly commended awards, which went to Jason Sim, for “Greywater and Nicholas Grundy, for his 3 photography entries.

The 3 main prizes (drum roll please…), went to Jean Baulch for her photography entry, “Vision”, Elizabeth Reeder for her short film “Attack of the Killer Television” and Sherwin Akbarzadeh for his short film “Small Block”. Look out for their work in the upcoming edition of Farrago.

So after all is said and done, thank-you so much to everyone who entered the judges were very impressed by the standard of the work and the high level of creativity. Another thank-you to everyone who attended the launch, Clubs and Societies, the Activities boys and last but not least, Fotoholics MUPC for their help through out the lead up to the launch and on the night.

And…don’t forget to check out the exhibition!
It can be found on the walls of the landing between the Ground and 1st Floors of Union House, as well as on TV screens in the “Clubs and Societies” and Activities offices.

And remember, events like this can’t happen without your support, Join your Student Union!

Anna Brionowski’s investigation into the identity politics surrounding sexuality and gender in the 1990s, when the sexual label has become a political tool that can either empower or dispossess its wearer. The labels though, are at odds with the complexity of individuals, whose highly personal anecdotes reveal a multi-dimensionality that transcends classification.

This is detailed study of a group of people being themselves irrespective of the way in which they are viewed by the rest of society.

And now we’re ready to go!

Come and help us launch FRAMED 2009 on Wednesday, 6th May at the Union Theatre Bar, Ground Floor, Union House at 7pm.

There will be the unveiling of the EXHIBITION, announcement of PRIZES, a report from the JUDGES, free FOOD and BOOZE (served responsibly, of course) and an exciting set of LIVE MUSIC!

Drop by a drink and stay to appreciate some of the most fantastic visual art the Melbourne Uni student community has to offer.

See you there!

This year it’s open to photography, film, animation and multimedia. That means you can use any type of camera, digital, analogue, Polaroid and video. Animations and short films can be up to 3 mins in length and photos and multimedia images no bigger than A4. See the entry form below for more details!

Excited yet?

Well, the Arts Department are proud to announce some of the awe-inspiring, saliva-inducing and downright rad prizes!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MENTORSHIPS! CAMERA AND FILM PROCESSING VOUCHERS! VINTAGE CAMERAS AND FILM! MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS! IAN POTTER MUSEUM OF ART MEMBERSHIPS! BOOKS! DVDS! T-SHIRTS! YOUR ART IN ‘FARRAGO’ AND PLENTY, PLENTY MORE ALLCAPS-WORTHY WONDERS…

The best news is – it’s not too late to get an entry in, be it photography, film, animation or multimedia.

The DEADLINE has been EXTENDED TO 5PM MONDAY, APRIL 27!

So check out the website for entry forms and more details, and get snapping, cutting, filming, making.

We’ll see you at the launch!

More details here

Framed 2009 Entry Form 69KB

It’s just before Easter break so if Semester is already getting you down come and have a chat about all things art!

Just like our other meetings it’s a great place to meet new people, talk about creative events and opportunities on campus and in Melbourne or just chill out!

We’ll also be talking about Framed the Arts Department’s photography competition, brainstorming some ideas, getting some inspiration flowing and some ideas happening!

We're keen to keep growing these, so if you're interested in any kind of art, film, writing, whatever -- drop by, have a chat and make some friends.

and next meeting we’ll also be running a small workshop!

Got writers block?

Need a little inspiration?

Come to the Arts Collective “Wonderful Words” creative writing workshop.

Don’t be scared you don’t have to read your work out like in creative writing classes! It’s all about thinking creatively about how you write, meeting some like-minded, equally bemused writers, and engaging in creativity on campus. :)

Search Arts Collective on Facebook and join the group for updates on other Arts Department events!

Nominations to be a student representative on University governance bodies are currently being accepted by the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) from all students. Nominations close on 5pm, Friday 20 March.

UMSU representatives voice student concerns and perspectives on many different University committees and play an active part in shaping the future of Melbourne University. By becoming an UMSU representative you will also become a part of the Student Representative Network (SRN) that provides training and support to UMSU representatives. SRN provides a forum and a network for all student representatives to come together to collaborate, support each other, and collectively be one voice for students across the University.

To be an UMSU representative you must demonstrate a keen interest in the welfare of your peers. Previous involvement in student and community organisations or interest in the particular field of chosen committee is recommended but not essential. Reliability and communication skills will be favoured. If you are interested and not yet a UMSU member, it is recommended that you join, as preference will be given to those who are members of UMSU.

This opportunity will allow you to develop your own skills -- including policy development, governance experience, public speaking, lobbying and other leadership qualities. Being a student representative will give you an insight into the governance of the University and into how committees operate.

All student representatives will be trained in the procedures of the University and how to effectively communicate student concerns. Representatives will be expected to regularly report back to the Student Council of UMSU.

Application forms and more information are available on this website. They can be returned to the Education (Academic Affairs) Office on the First Floor of Union House, or electronically to educationacademic@union.unimelb.edu.au.

Application Form 82KB

UMSU Student Representation on University Committees

The following is a comprehensive, but not exhaustive, list of university committees with student representative positions. For further information on university governance and the provisions for student representation, see http://www.unimelb.edu.au/about/governance. For information on the individual committees Terms of Reference, please refer to the websites below.

University Council (position elected by students at annual UMSU elections)
Academic Board (UMSU President and Education Officers)

Academic Programs Committee (Education Academic Affairs Officer)
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/acadboard/apc.html

Coursework Examinations Sub-committee
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/acadboard/cesc.html

Library and Academic Resources Committee
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/acadboard/larc.html

Melbourne College of Divinity Committee
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/acadboard/mcdc.html

Selection Procedures Committee
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/acadboard/spc.html

Teaching and Learning Development Committee
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/acadboard/taldec.html

Teaching and Learning Quality Assurance Committee (Education Academic Affairs Officer)
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/acadboard/talqac.html

Theatre Board
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/centcomm/tb.html

Building and Estates Committee
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/Srvol1/r3-004.html

Finance Committee
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/Srvol1/r3-001.html

Legislation and Trusts Committee
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/Srvol1/r3-002.html

Lorna Stirling Estate Committee
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/Statutes/r7092.html

IT Council (President of UMSU)
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/seniorexecutive/it.html

Melbourne Model Committee (President of UMSU)
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/seniorexecutive/mmc/mmc.html

Knowledge Transfer and Partnerships Advisory Group
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/advgroups/ktpag.html

Melbourne Experience Group (President of UMSU)
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/advgroups/meg.html

Scholarly Information Group
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/advgroups/siag.html

Student and Staff Equity Group
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/advgroups/sseg.html

International Programs Advisory Group
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/advgroups/ipag.html

Child Care Advisory Committee
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/childcare/aboutus/structure/ccac.html

Child Care Management Advisory Committee
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/childcare/aboutus/structure/ccmac.html

Occupational Health and Safety Committee (one `observer' position)
http://www.pb.unimelb.edu.au/ehs/ehs/committees/ohsc/OHSC_TOR.php3

Student Loans Fund and Bursaries Committees
Contact Roger Deutcher for more info, Ph: 8344 4150
For further information on these committees, see:
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/comlist.html

This year the Arts Dept is working away at the oldies and goodies, the competitions you know and love. We’re going to be taking a fresher than fresh new approach to the Framed photography competition, taking it out of the gallery and into all the spaces around Union House. We’ll also be running the ever popular creative writing competition Above Water, with the Media Dept.

But WAIT, there’s much much more. We’ll be mixing things up with a few exciting new events and ideas, but they’re all in the pipeline so we’ll keep them hush hush for now!

This year you’ll also be seeing, and hopefully participating in MUDfest, the biannual arts festival held right here on campus. Check out the website here.

Finally don’t forget about the radically cool amazingly fun ARTs Collective. We want to help you create an energetic, inclusive collective where you can chat about making art, meet new people and learn new skills. It’s up to you!

So if you have anything you want to chat to us about, please come and visit, our office is particularly lovely!

We'll be hanging out, meeting new members, and launching the zine you helped make on Tuesday on South Court, opposite Pronto Pizza. Come along, say hi, and sign up to the e-list to find out what's happening next.

7pm State library
Open mic

7:30 pm State Library
Rally and autonomous march to Trades Hall (autonomous means only women and children-we invite all socialized and identifying women to participate)

8:30pm End Rally at Trades Hall
Everyone welcome in solidarity! Food, live performances, stalls, zine fair, free child minding.

Reclaim the Night is an annual event worldwide demanding and envisioning a world without violence against women and celebrating womens` strength and survival. It has been running for over 30 yrs. Every woman has the right to feel safe at night no matter what they wear or where they go. 1 in 3 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime (CASA) and every woman experiences sexism in different forms. Furthermore there are not adequately funded resources to deal with this on a day-to-day basis. This is a great chance to feel empowered and network with other women from all around Victoria. The march itself is autonomous for a number of reasons.

Foremost we are putting in to practice; women directing the change which affects them. The End Rally is open to everyone and is a positive and exciting chance to engage with powerful women performers, eat delicious vegan food, find out about current projects and organisations and network.

Whether you have been going to Reclaim The Night your whole life or this is your first one, put the date in your diary and spread the word!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why autonomous?
This Reclaim the Night march is autonomous for a number of reasons. When organizing around a specific oppression, in this case sexism and violence against women, it is important that the people in charge of the direction are those who are oppressed. Women should be able to walk without fear at night regardless of what we wear, where we go and who we are with. We are the people in the best position to work out how, and direct action around issues affecting us. Not to say that it is our responsibility to educate everyone or to take away from the importance of solidarity and support. This is vital in our fight to end violence against women.

Autonomously marching together is a strong symbol of women walking without fear or the need for a male guardian. It promotes strength in a positive
way.

Not all, but most perpetrators of sexual violence against women are socialized men. There will be women participating in the march who have been victims of sexual assault and the presence of men could be intimidating, triggering and angering. It is important that this event be as safe and empowering as possible for as many women as possible.

So who does that mean?
The march is open to all women. This includes those who are socialized as
women and who identify as women. The feminist movement has had a history
of racism and transphobia. We understand that people feel their gender and
sex in different ways. For example, someone who presents or is viewed by
society as a woman no matter how they identify, experiences sexism.
Similarly people who do not fit neatly in to the box of what society
expects a woman to be or for example someone born a socialized man but
identifies as a woman, experience sexism also. Sexism cannot be placed in
a neat box though. It intersects with racism, ablebodyism, classism, queer
phobia etc and we hope to address this throughout the organizing and
execution of this event.

So what's the age limit for my children and how do you police autonomy?
Reclaim The Night does not believe in policing people's gender identity
nor will we stipulate a cut-off age for children attending this event. A
rough ball-park for children is under the age of 12 but this changes
depending on the context. It is up to everybody to think about what is
appropriate and exercise this accordingly. We will be using an honour
system but will not tolerate breaches of this and will be stipulating a
safer spaces policy. This means no racism, queer phobia, sexism,
militarism, ablebodyism, classism, aggression or general bad behaviour.

How do I get involved?
If you are a woman, you can join our organizing collective. We meet on
Modays at the RMIT Wom*n's Room at 6pm.

Everyone can get involved by coming to our Trivia night fundraiser on
Thursday the 25th of September at the Queensberry Hotel (6pm 593 Swanston
St). Entry is $3 concession, $5 regular or $7 solidarity.

Also just by spreading the word! If you want to help distribute posters,
flyers and stickers, this would be a great way of helping our very busy
collective. Just email womens@union.unimelb.edu.au . Talk to your
friends about the event and what it means to you.

Who is organizing Reclaim The Night 2008?
Your trusty UMSU Wom*n's Department is part of the Victorian Cross Campus Wom*n's Network (CCWN). In 2007 CCWN held a feminist boot camp.
We knew that Reclaim The Night had not been held for a couple of years and
given its history and the importance of the event, we decided to take on
the task. Thus Reclaim the Night Melbourne 2007 was born.
This year the event continues to be organized by CCWN, mostly a bunch of
feministy type students with too much to do and too little time! We are
unpaid and organizing not-for-profit. Just as we did last year, we are
really keen to get as much involvement from the community as possible.
Many people find it hard to commit to regular meetings because of work,
family, study etc, but you can have your input via our facebook or our
e-list.

Isn't RTN usually the last Friday in October?
Tradition tells us that this is so, however an ongoing problem has been the exclusion of many Jewish women from the event because of family and religious commitments on a Friday. Tradition isn't enough for us, we are progressive and will continue to make this event as inclusive and empowering as we can. So bring on RTN on a Thursday!

Contact
Georgia Ioakimidis-MacDougall 0414640912
Via Facebook-Women Unite Reclaim The Night!
womens@union.unimelb.edu.au

Love From George

The Chinese students are planning on introducing student union elections on their campus by 2011. Therefore a major focus of their visit will be discussing democracy with University of Melbourne students. If you want to learn more about how student organisations operate or wish to assist the Chinese students in their goal please refer to the program below to see what's happening and when.

Contact Libby Buckingham on president@union.unimelb.edu.au if you'd like to find out more about the program or would like to register to participate.

Visit program

All of these activities are open to the public, so come along! But note that you need to register for some activities by contacting Libby on president@union.unimelb.edu.au.

Thursday 28 August

11.40am – Tour of Parliament House, Spring Street. Welcome speech from State Education Minister Bronwyn Pike MP. Please register your interest.

1.30pm – Refreshments served in MUVT training rooms, third floor Union House

5.30 to 7.00pm – Attend Above Water book launch; ACMI Lounge, Federation Square

8.00pm – Attend Melbourne Model: the Musical; Union Theatre, Union House

Friday 29 August

11.00am – Morning tea with the University of Melbourne Provost, Peter McPhee; MUVT rooms, third floor Union House

Photos from the Morning Tea

12.00pm – Presentation by UMSU and Tsinghua student representatives on the history and structure of their organizations; MUVT rooms, third floor Union House

Saturday 30 August

Morning – Visit Victoria Market

Sunday 31 August

Day Trip – Day trip out of Melbourne: Please register.

Monday 1 September

11.15am – Brainstorming on long-term goals for the exchange program. MUVT rooms, third floor Union House

12.00pm – Presentation of the achievements made by Tsinghua students during the Olympics. MUVT rooms, third floor Union House

2.15pm – Meet Farrago editors to discuss student media. MUVT rooms, third floor Union House

7.00pm – Panel on the disappearance of traditional cultures featuring Australian and Chinese indigenous minorities

Tuesday 2 September

10am – Panel session with Asialink, University of Melbourne; Asia link centre. Please register

12.00pm – Attend MUOSS' Festival of Nations; North Court, Union House

Evening (TBA) – Dinner and Sino-Australian culture trivia night hosted by the Chinese Students Society and Chinese Culture Society; venue TBA

Wednesday 3 September

10.00am – Visit lectures in University of Melbourne

12.00pm – Attend day two of MUOSS' Festival of Nations; North Court, Union House

The submission deadline is July 31st but despite being the Winter Recess, UMSU is eager to involve students in the drafting of the submission.

A Working Group of Students Council has been convened to take responsibility for the Higher Education Review submission and if you would like to be involved, or have particular ideas you would like to contribute please contact Onagh Bishop at educationacademic@union.unimelb.edu.au

The Working Group will be meeting periodically over the winter break, while also utilising the newly online `Melbourne Commons' wiki.

To sign up to join `Melbourne Commons' please go to www.melbournecommons.info

Please find below useful resources in the preparation of the UMSU submission. It is suggested that interested students familiarise themselves with some of these.

Higher Education Review Discussion Paper
review of australian higher education discussion paper 310KB

National Union of Students Briefing Paper
Bradley review guide for submissions 165KB

NUS Student Welfare Policy Briefing
NUS welfare policy briefing 232KB

Other Resources:

James, Richard et al. Participation and Equity: A review of the participation in higher education of people from low socioeconomic backgrounds and Indigenous people. 2008.
participation and equity 2MB

Marginson, Simon and van der Wende, Marjik. Globalisation and Higher Education: A research and policy report prepared for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. 2007.
globalisation and higher education 698KB

James, Richard et al. Australian University Student Finances: A report prepared from a national survey of students in public universities. Commissioned by the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee. 2006.
australian university student finances 1MB

James, Richard et al. Analysis of Equity Groups in Higher Education 1991-2002: A national research project analysing the performance of equity groups and whether the definitions of equity groups are still appropriate. 2004.
analysis of equity groups in higher education 464KB

McInnes, Craig and Hartley, Robyn. Managing Study and Work: The extent to which students combine full-time enrolment with substantial hours of paid work has emerged as an issue of considerable complexity for Australian universities. Institutional responses need to address how the educational experiences of students can be structured to enhance the learning outcomes. 2002.
managing study and work 427KB

James, Richard. Socioeconomic Background and Higher Education Participation: an Analysis of School Students' Aspirations and Expectations. 2002.
socio economic background and higher education participation 281KB

Useful Links

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/higher_education/policy_issues_reviews/reviews/highered_review/default.htm#Consultations

National Union of Students
http://unistudent.com.au

Centre for the Study of Higher Education
www.cshe.unimelb.edu.au

NB: Executive Summary Papers are available for some of the above publications via the CSHE website.

If you would like to be a part of the Higher Education policy working group, please contact the Education (Academic Affairs) Office Bearer, Onagh Bishop, at educationacademic@union.unimelb.edu.au

12--3pm, Thursday 28 February, South Lawn.