NSW Supreme Court: Senator Rhiannon joins protest against Macquarie Uni attack on student group
MEDIA ALERT
WHAT: Australian Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon will be speaking at the two day long solidarity action with Macquarie University Postgraduate Association (MUPRA) student representatives.
Seven MUPRA representatives have been taken to court by Macquarie University in a bid to dissolve its postgraduate student association.
WHEN: 1pm TOMORROW Friday 8 may 2015
WHERE: Supreme Court of NSW, 184 Phillip St Sydney
Senator Rhiannon said:
"I am attending this protest with Macquarie University students as the Greens support independent and democratically run student unions.
"The Greens are calling on Macquarie University management to drop their court case and let MUPRA continue with their important work for post graduate students.
"The decision of Macquarie University senior management to pursue seven MUPRA student representatives through the courts reflects poorly on this institution.
"It is quite concerning how far Macquarie University is willing to go to control student finances and replace an elected student organisation with one run by the university.
"Macquarie University's attacks on MUPRA highlight the problems with the Student Services and Amenities Fee legislation introduced by the former Labor government.
"The Greens said the original legislation was problematic and moved amendments to ensure student organisations received guaranteed funding. Without funding certainty student organisations are at risk of this form of harassment.
"Last year the Liberals, Nationals and Labor Senators voted together against a Greens motion calling on Macquarie University to cease its legal action against MUPRA and its board members and to remove the freeze on MUPRA's bank accounts.
Senate motion: http://tinyurl.com/ldl7c3y
More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1673046579589621/1681790958715183/
Media Contact: Brami Jegan 0487 350 880
