Opening words!

So its time again for the ANU Students’ Association Elections and although these elections have been somewhat engulfed by the ever looming VSU legislation, it is still important to discuss other ideas which will affect students next year. Because while VSU is a huge issue, there are still other concerns that students have that can’t be sidelined.

Representation is a broad term used to describe all the activities and services which ANUSA provides for all students at ANU. It includes the lobbying that ANUSA undertakes to maintain and increase the quality of education at ANU. It encompasses the assistance it provides through advocacy and welfare services so that the administration and broader community are reminded of the pressures that students face. Representation provides awareness of the diversity that exists within the ANU community and then further fosters its growth through continual support of social, creative and learning opportunities. All while ANUSA must continue to be accountable to its members, both it terms of its finances and in terms of the decisions it makes on the behalf of students.

The ideas in this blog, although not binding on ticket members after these elections, are a reflection of the values and concerns which are shared by the individuals who have come together to form this ticket. I hope that they will provide some understanding to the kinds of possible outcomes that are actually achievable by students in the Students’ Association. The people on this ticket, including myself, will endeavour to continue what is achievable no matter what package the VSU legislation comes wrapped in.