❓ A parliamentary question regarding the use of student services and amenities fees by university guilds, specifically concerning a poster produced by the National Union of Students that criticizes the armed forces. The Minister defends the autonomy of universities and guilds in managing these funds.
AnsweredQoN 513Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to legislation which was passed by the Government last year which means that Western Australia’s 70 000 university students are now forced to pay a new services and amenities fee of up to $140 each year when at least half the money raised is being used to fund student guilds. (1) Does the Minister believe that this disgraceful poster that I am holding up - a poster which is produced by the National Union of Students for distribution on campuses in Western Australia this year and which attacks the role of our armed forces - is an appropriate use of guild funding? Can the minister read the headline? (2) Does the minister still believe that safeguards on how this money is spent by the guilds are not necessary because, and I quote the minister, “I have confidence in the universities and the guilds to abide by this legislation and deliver the much needed service and amenities to their students”? (3) Given this clear evidence that student guilds are not spending the funds on much needed services and amenities, what action will the minister take to ensure this type of irresponsible and offensive behaviour does not continue? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
(1) Which university guilds in Western Australia paid for that poster? Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
(1) Does the Minister believe that this disgraceful poster that I am holding up - a poster which is produced by the National Union of Students for distribution on campuses in Western Australia this year and which attacks the role of our armed forces - is an appropriate use of guild funding? Can the minister read the headline? (2) Does the minister still believe that safeguards on how this money is spent by the guilds are not necessary because, and I quote the minister, “I have confidence in the universities and the guilds to abide by this legislation and deliver the much needed service and amenities to their students”? (3) Given this clear evidence that student guilds are not spending the funds on much needed services and amenities, what action will the minister take to ensure this type of irresponsible and offensive behaviour does not continue? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1) Which university guilds in Western Australia paid for that poster? Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
(2) Does the minister still believe that safeguards on how this money is spent by the guilds are not necessary because, and I quote the minister, “I have confidence in the universities and the guilds to abide by this legislation and deliver the much needed service and amenities to their students”? (3) Given this clear evidence that student guilds are not spending the funds on much needed services and amenities, what action will the minister take to ensure this type of irresponsible and offensive behaviour does not continue? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1) Which university guilds in Western Australia paid for that poster? Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
(3) Given this clear evidence that student guilds are not spending the funds on much needed services and amenities, what action will the minister take to ensure this type of irresponsible and offensive behaviour does not continue? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1) Which university guilds in Western Australia paid for that poster? Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1) Which university guilds in Western Australia paid for that poster? Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
(1) Which university guilds in Western Australia paid for that poster? Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
(2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
(3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
(1) Does the Minister believe that this disgraceful poster that I am holding up - a poster which is produced by the National Union of Students for distribution on campuses in Western Australia this year and which attacks the role of our armed forces - is an appropriate use of guild funding? Can the minister read the headline? (2) Does the minister still believe that safeguards on how this money is spent by the guilds are not necessary because, and I quote the minister, “I have confidence in the universities and the guilds to abide by this legislation and deliver the much needed service and amenities to their students”? (3) Given this clear evidence that student guilds are not spending the funds on much needed services and amenities, what action will the minister take to ensure this type of irresponsible and offensive behaviour does not continue? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1) Which university guilds in Western Australia paid for that poster? Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
(2) Does the minister still believe that safeguards on how this money is spent by the guilds are not necessary because, and I quote the minister, “I have confidence in the universities and the guilds to abide by this legislation and deliver the much needed service and amenities to their students”? (3) Given this clear evidence that student guilds are not spending the funds on much needed services and amenities, what action will the minister take to ensure this type of irresponsible and offensive behaviour does not continue? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1) Which university guilds in Western Australia paid for that poster? Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
(3) Given this clear evidence that student guilds are not spending the funds on much needed services and amenities, what action will the minister take to ensure this type of irresponsible and offensive behaviour does not continue? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1) Which university guilds in Western Australia paid for that poster? Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1) Which university guilds in Western Australia paid for that poster? Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
(1) Which university guilds in Western Australia paid for that poster? Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
Mr J.H.D. Day: It is authorised by the National Union of Students, from funds contributed by the guilds in Western Australia. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure members did not hear that interchange, but I think the member for Darling Range has finished giving the minister the information that he required. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: My understanding is that the university guilds in Western Australia contribute to the National Union of Students, and that the funds that would have been used to produce that poster would have been provided from last year’s funds. Nevertheless, the member has raised a point; and we did address that point in the debate on the student guilds and associations Bill. I do not condone the production of that sort of poster. However, I will not legislate to prevent it. As I have said, it is a matter for the universities and the guilds. If the members of the guild are so incensed by the expenditure of that money in that direction, they have the capacity to do something about it. (2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
(2) Yes. (3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
(3) I have answered that question. I do not believe we should legislate. In the context of what has happened today, the member would have been better advised to have produced that poster on another day.
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