Support from Top Australian Universities Questioned for Millions in Funding to Student Groups
The Group of Eight universities stated their support for increasing the allocation of Student Services and Amenities Fee revenue to student organizations to a minimum of 40 percent.
Australia’s top eight universities have faced criticism for endorsing new legislation that could provide student-run organizations with access to millions of dollars in funding.
After the passing of the Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024, universities charging a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) will need to allocate a guaranteed share of SSAF revenue, amounting to at least 40 percent, to student-led organizations starting from January 2025.
Several universities have expressed concerns about the feasibility of the policy and its impact on their operations.
During a Senate inquiry hearing on Sept. 24, Matthew Brown, the deputy CEO of the Group of Eight, which is a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, stated that their organization generally backed the policy as it aligned with existing practices.
However, he emphasized the need for caution in implementing the policy, as it shifts the focus of funding from supporting student services to supporting student organizations.
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University representatives provided testimonies during the hearing indicating that the percentage of SSAF revenue allocated to student organizations varies between 28 percent (University of Tasmania) and 45 percent (University of South Australia).
The Criticism
Brown’s comments faced criticism from Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson, who deemed it irresponsible in light of alleged radical actions by some student unions.
She expressed concerns saying, “This essentially means that millions of dollars would be channeled to student-led organizations, some of which are engaged in anti-Semitic activities.”
Henderson highlighted a specific instance at Australian National University where a student faced expulsion for supporting Hamas, only to run for the student association president position after her expulsion was overturned, questioning the reasoning behind the Group of Eight’s support for the policy.
“On what basis would you entrust millions of dollars to any student or organization that has predetermined stances on certain issues, such as their stance on Palestine, which poses significant safety risks for Jewish students?” she inquired.
“This is highly irresponsible as it would allocate significant funds to student organizations, giving them control over how the funds are utilized.”
In response, Brown reassured that Group of Eight members had discussions and agreements in place to ensure each university had safeguards for fund utilization.
However, Henderson pointed out the lack of measures in the legislation to prevent misuse of the funds.
The Liberal Senator also highlighted the substantial amount of funding that would be directed to student organizations under the legislation.
“The Department of Education has estimated the SSAF revenue at around $278 million, with 40 percent of that amounting to $111.2 million,” she stated.
“We are talking about millions of dollars going to student-led organizations without adequate safeguards due to the absence of provisions in the bill.”
People walk past a Gaza solidarity encampment inside the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia, on June 14, 2024. George Calvelo/Getty Images
Regional Universities Raise Concerns
Meanwhile, Alec Webb, the CEO of the Regional Universities Network, voiced concerns about the new SSAF funding scheme, stating it was not practical for regional universities.
“We believe it takes a metropolitan-centric view of universities and disregards the differences present among Australia’s universities,” he explained.
Webb elaborated that regional universities often cater to more part-time and mature-age students, resulting in student bodies that may struggle to handle the allocated funding.
“While we endorse the idea of university students having a say in SSAF, we have reservations about the implementation of this policy,” he added.
He pointed out that some universities may lack appropriately structured student organizations or the necessary scale to implement the policy effectively.
Webb emphasized the need to consider the professionalism and stability of student organizations in managing the funds.
He also highlighted that a 40 percent reduction in SSAF funding would negatively impact the ability of certain regional universities to deliver essential student services.
