Scrap the Melbourne Model!
SP Newsletter No.183
This Sunday is Open Day at Melbourne University. The administration will be using this day to promote the ‘Melbourne Model’. Melbourne Uni has been very secretive, and manipulative with its million dollar media campaign. What the flashy advertising doesn’t say is that most students won’t be able to afford the very expensive fees as of 2008.
Melbourne University is set to introduce up front fees, and sub-standard “generalist degrees†– which exclude subjects like Indigenous history, arts and other political areas of study like gender studies. The reality is most working class people will not be able to afford to study at Melbourne. The Melbourne Model will also mean significant cuts to staff and student numbers.
Melbourne University is leading the way in adopting the new US-based structure. Vice Chancellor Glynn Davis he has already talked openly about wanting to reclaim the word “elite†for his institution.
The graduate scheme is predicated on reducing student numbers and increasing the number of students paying for their degrees. Even worse, it’ is clear many more universities will follow suit. This means there will be an overall reduction in student numbers across Australia.
Secondary school principals have spoken out about their deep concerns about equity. Brian Burgess, Secondary School Principal’s Association commented. “Equity in terms of the amount of the time the course will take and the pressure that puts on students. Some of this program does smack of elitism. The notion of the scholarships; it’s wonderful to have scholarships, but it’s a drop in the ocean compared to the number of students that actually access the coursesâ€.
Socialist Party members at Melbourne University have been involved in the campaign against the Melbourne Model. We are opposed to cuts in education and campaign for free education for all.
We are helping to let the public know what’s really going on at Melbourne University and what it will mean for higher education across Australia. We want to pressure the University where it hurts – their public image.
We call on all SP supporters in Melbourne to attend the open day and assist the student union distribute information about what the Melbourne Model will mean for students. Come along this Sunday August 19th, 10am – 4pm. Look out for the Student Union information stall.
Stop the Neo-liberal attacks on higher education!
Show your support, for accessible and affordable education for all!
Also be sure to attend the National Day of Action organised by the National Union of Students. Wednesday August 22nd meet at Melbourne University at 1pm and march to the State Library. For other cities see www.demandabetterfuture.com.au
Get on the ‘Red Buses’ to APEC
SP will be organising a fleet of ‘Red Buses to APEC’ from Melbourne to Sydney for the APEC summit. We will be leaving on Thursday September 76th (morning and returning on Sunday September 9th (evening). Costs will be $150 for workers and due to funding much cheaper for students and unemployed. This price includes 3 nights camping space.
If you support the APEC protests against the neo-liberal heavy weights, and can’t make it in person to the protests, you can sponsor a place by donation. In the lead up to the event we will also be holding regular organising meetings. For more information or to put your name down for a seat call our National Office on 03 9639 9111
Join the Socialist Party
If you agree with what you have read in our newsletter or on our website you should consider joining SP. The Socialist Party has branches in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle and Perth as well as members and supporters in all other states.
We are involved in trade union work and student work. We also run community, anti-war and environmental campaigns. But most of all we want to build a party that will fight to overthrow the capitalist system. We fight for socialism - a system that will bring an end to wars, poverty and environmental destruction. For more information about joining in your area contact the SP National Office. 0396399111
SP subscriber List
Become a supporter of SP today! Join our subscribers list - only $20 per year or $10 concession. You will receive our newspaper ‘The Socialist’, delivered to your door every month, and our email newsletter every week. You will also know that you are supporting a party that is at the fore of the fight back against Howard and against capitalism. Contact the SP National Office now on 0396399111 to join the list.
The Socialist
Issue 36 of SP’s monthly newspaper ‘The Socialist’ is out now! Readers can pick up a copy at our regular street stalls, from our National Office or by joining the SP subscriber’s list. This month’s paper features articles on the ‘Anti-Terror’ laws and the Haneef case, Howard’s emergency plan for Aboriginal communities in the NT, the Tamil arrests, the Esselte dispute in Sydney, a review of Judith Ajani’s The Forest wars, healthcare in the US, a report from our councillor in Yarra, and a centre page spread on China.
SP on My Space!
My Space is an online forum for networking. You can use it to chat, share photos, videos and journals. SP is using it to promote our party and meet people interested in anti-capitalist and socialist politics. Check out our site here
Regional Activity
Victoria
The SP Melbourne Branch meets every Wednesday 7pm at Trades Hall in Carlton South. 1st Floor Corner of Lygon & Victoria Streets. This week the Melbourne branch will be attending a public meeting at Trades Hall organised by Union Solidarity on the ABCC and the Building Industry Improvement Act, 7pm. All welcome.
New South Wales
To find out more info or to join SP in Sydney contact Gary - 02 9728 7727
To find out more info or to join SP in Newcastle contact Samantha - 02 4968 1545
Western Australia
To find out more info or to join SP in Perth contact John on – 08 9402 0728
Please note childcare is available at all SP meetings but only by prior arrangement please call ahead first.
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The Socialist Party is the Australian section of the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI).
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