Campaigns against fees
SYDNEY — Students achieved two small victories against the introduction of up-front fees last week.
The council of the University of Technology Sydney met on February 27 to discuss a proposal charge up-front fees for up to 25% extra (non-HECS) places. UTS would have been the first university to approve such a proposal, but the decision was deferred after about 60 students staged a picket and then broke through security to interrupt the meeting.
Students demanded the right to speak, presenting a petition of 1000 staff and student signatures against the proposal. The decision was eventually deferred to a working party. Students are planning an ongoing campaign against the proposal.
On February 28 at Macquarie University, students picketed a council meeting to protest against a motion to introduce fees of $25 to $200 for basic services such as academic appeals and requests for special examinations. Students interrupted the meeting and occupied the council room. The motion was removed from the agenda.