Independence and Independents

Why it is important to have independent people on our student representative councils.

ANU is a diverse community. Students come from all around Australian and the world; they have different views, different values, different politics, different perspectives, and different priorities. So when it comes to speaking on the behalf of the student body, students need representatives that will reflect this diversity.

Now, although ANUSA doesn’t have much money it does have influence; it’s your voice on the University Council, the Finance Committee, the Campus Advisory Sub-Committee, the Transport Reference Group; its your advocate when you appeal a grade or make a complaint against a lecturer; it is your safety-net when the unexpected happens. Because regardless of whether VSU comes in or not, ANUSA will still be your representative to the university and still advocate on your behalf. When you vote in this year’s ANUSA elections, vote for people who give priority to the issues that directly impact on students’ lives.

We realise that not all students are the same: not all students see their degree as path to a career, not all students live at collage, and not all students see politics as the centre of their universe. But all students deserve representation.

So then why vote for Synergize? (I hear you mumble as you walk away from Union Court holding 10 How to Vote Cards in your hand). Because, we realise that the ANU is diverse and we reflect this in the people running on our ticket. We recognise the difficulties that we all face as students and try to present options that are actually attainable. And we identify with people who don’t believe that alignment to political parties is central to the running of ANUSA and to helping students receive the best possible education that they can get out of ANU.

The best we can ask of you after you see our pamphlets in lecture theatres, our posters up on the bollards, or see a person wearing one of our t-shirts is to get informed, talk to us and think critically before you vote!