By Dave Wright
MELBOURNE — 800 to 1000 students attended a march and rally on April 28 to protest against the Kennett Liberal government's introduction on Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) legislation.
The Tertiary Education Amendment Bill is a direct attack on students' rights to organise. Students may be fined up to $1000 for encouraging other students to join their union.
The rally, organised by the Student Unionism Network and endorsed by the National Union of Students, gathered at the Museum and marched to parliament, stopping along the way at Liberal Party headquarters.
Speakers condemned the VSU legislation as part of the continuing attacks under the Kennett government. It was pointed out that student unions can play a vital role in defending student rights as well as providing services for students.
However, student unions must defend their independence from university administrations and government if they are to maintain their representative role. The question of independence from government is especially important in light of federal promises to fund student unions if VSU is introduced. Several speakers also condemned the federal ALP government for its attacks on students and others, including the unemployed.
From parliament some students then marched to the Melbourne Club, an exclusive club frequented by Melbourne's elite.
At least 100 police, including a dozen mounted police, surrounded the building and students. There were about 200 students left demonstrating at this stage.
An egg was thrown harmlessly at the building. The police responded in quick, brutal fashion. Five people were arrested and charged with assaulting police, hindering police and resisting arrest. Several students were bashed by the cops, who used their batons. One student had her elbow dislocated, another was dragged by her hair along the ground. Police also used choke holds and punched and kicked people. They threatened to break some students' wrists and arms.
After heated debate, about 100 students marched to Russell Street police station, where those arrested were later released.
The point was made by several students that VSU would not only facilitate further attacks on students' rights but would also leave students vulnerable to more police violence at future demonstrations.