No plans to reverse VSU: Gillard

[brendan]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24217449-25918,00.html

[excal]

Well thank god for that.

I still believe the government ought to allow students to add their union fees to their HECS debt - it remains voluntary and students are expected to pay it back when they are able. Due to this convenience, the uptake could very well be higher resulting in the extra funding that unions sorely need.

[Collin Li]

Sure, but then why not have the price of prostitutes put on HECS too?

What is so special about what the student union offers that it should be given government-supported loans?

[excal]

I feel that you've set up a bit of a straw man there coblin - but I digress.

There are certain support services provided by universities which had taken a hit since VSU such as child care and counselling. I'd take this further by saying that the university 'culture' has taken a hit, according to some.

Do remember that the amenity fees didn't all go to the student unions - they also go to the university to provide non-academic services as well.

But this way, by having a voluntary system that does mean out-of-pocket expenses (in the form of a loan), those who don't want to pay don't have to and those that wish to but don't have the means to, can.

Prostitutes aren't exactly a support service, if you ask me. And I also agree that some of the things that student unions do are really, really unnecessary (e.g., kill that wom*n's room or fund a men's room).

[Collin Li]

No, I haven't set up a straw-man. I am making an appeal to consistency.

[Eriny]

Why not? Have a HECs-like loan for educational related materials (like textbooks, union academic support services, and so on). If prostitutes fit in to that category, then I see no problem.

[brendan]

Do remember that the amenity fees didn't all go to the student unions - they also go to the university to provide non-academic services as well.

Where? I'm informed that at MU anyway, the funds were controlled by the student union, which they then used to provide non-academic services.

[ninwa]

Please explain the link between prostitutes and student unions?

[brendan]

Prostitutes aren't exactly a support service, if you ask me.

Why not? It's culture no? It relieves stress?

[ninwa]

Prostitutes aren't exactly a support service, if you ask me.

Why not? It's culture no? It relieves stress?

By that reasoning, almost anything could be twisted into a "support service"

[brendan]

Prostitutes aren't exactly a support service, if you ask me.

Why not? It's culture no? It relieves stress?

By that reasoning, almost anything could be twisted into a "support service"

Exactly, my point.

[ninwa]

oopsidaisies

I really should have read this thread more carefully before I figuratively opened my big mouth

Sorry coblin and brendan, I see your point now and I agree with you! lol

[brendan]

Maybe i could start my own brothel next to the university. It would provide valuable work experience and liquidity (no pun intended) to cash-strapped university girls. The closest one to UoM seems to be "Club 556" on Swanston st: http://www.sexworker.org.au/uploads/documents/Metro_Brothels_March_05.pdf

[Collin Li]

The closest one to UoM seems to be "Club 556" on Swanston st: http://www.sexworker.org.au/uploads/documents/Metro_Brothels_March_05.pdf

Notice the first brothel on that list is very close to MHS. Literally on an adjacent block to MHS.

The secret to their consistently high scores?

[Mao]

wheelchair access brothels?