Students win reinstatement of council
By Rachel Wilson
SYDNEY — It seems university vice-chancellors country-wide have learned a valuable lesson from the national day of action on March 26. The effectiveness of both the rally and the three-day occupation of the University of Technology, Sydney, have prompted Professor David Barr, the chief executive officer of the University of Western Sydney, Macarthur, to revoke his decision to abolish the Students' Representative Council.
Having learned of students' intention to protest against the decision at Macarthur on April 16, Barr immediately requested negotiations with student representatives and the National Union of Students. Previously, he had been content to delay the matter in the Supreme Court.
Student representatives were initially insulted by Barr's attempt to start negotiations only if students called off the rally. Ben Donnelly, a student at UWS Macarthur said, "Barr's arrogance astounds me. He stripped student representation from under us in an attempt to prevent a student fight against the federal government's attacks on higher education. His demonstrated lack of respect for students' rights is a disgrace."
However, students were pleased that Barr had finally conceded to demands for reinstating the SRC. Whilst student representatives were confident that they had a strong case in court, there was concern that Barr would be able to wear students out, in terms of both time and money, by requesting continual adjournments.
A compromise has been struck whereby the SRC is reinstated provided there is agreement on forming a "constitutional working party" composed of university and SRC representatives. The university believes it essential to "iron out" some of the problem areas in relations between the SRC and the university.
Students have been assured that working party membership will be heavily weighted in students' favour, though this remains to be seen.
The campaign, however, has been a significant victory for UWS Macarthur students.