Noise reviews the SRC’s April 2024 Meeting

Never really been involved or interested in student politics? Well, neither have I. But, whilst a largely uneventful meeting by typical SRC standards, the decisions made by student representatives on April 8th may have far-reaching  and long-lasting effects on the whole student body. So, here’s your summary through the eyes of a layman learning on the fly.

Right out of the gate, we welcomed a new representative onto our Council — Nishita Kishore, as the Paddington International Officer. Kishore has previously acted as a collaborator on events and wished to continue her pre-existing responsibilities in an official capacity. She aims to promote collaborative and community-based events that encourage students to interact outside of class time, thus building a sense of community and trust. SRC President Michael Rahme greeted Kishore: “Welcome to the gang!”

The biggest source of debate for the night was Education Officer Cherish Kuehlmann’s motion for the SRC to back the abolishment of UNSW’s trimester system. As the university enters internal investigations on the efficacy of the trimester system, the SRC has chosen to back the stance they believe best represents the interests of their student body. Representatives from the SRC raised issues about the trimester system’s accessibility for disabled students, calling it a “money-making scheme” intended to create a fast student turnover rate. Others defended the unique system, its shorter, less intensive courses, and its benefits to international students. Ultimately, the SRC voted in favour, choosing to take a stand against the trimester system. 

The third and final motion of the night, also proposed by the Socialist Alternative’s Kuehlmann, asked the SRC to take a public stance against Labour’s new refugee policies. As described in the National Student Union’s “STOP Labor's Attack on Refugees” campaign, this new bill threatens refugees without visas, on bridging visas, or in immigration detention who refuse to comply with being deported, fines and imprisonment. Members of the SRC cited that refugees are used as a “media boogeyman” to promote xenophobic ideals, asserting that it was imperative to take a stance as this legislation would directly impact the families of students at UNSW. With only one vote against, the SRC chose to co-sign the National Student Union’s statement.

The rest of the night was spent discussing the reports given by the SRC’s representatives. Several officers are currently focused on building and promoting their respective collectives, especially since the rollback of mandated pandemic precautions. The Secretary informed of the first AUSLAN training program’s success and plans for future funding, the Welfare Officer promised student surveys around welfare and student support services, and the Women’s Officer reported the positive response to the new initiative where free period products were provided around campus. Whilst all involved in their own projects, the officers, and Councillors, unanimously expressed support for the Students for Palestine protest. 

As a complete newbie to student politics, it was heartening to witness the SRC in motion and to realise that, without us even knowing, our representatives are working to promote student’s best interests and taking stances on important issues.