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17 Aug 2009 - Sport Supports Student Services Reform

The Minister for Sport and Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis has called on National Party Senators to support the Government's Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities and Other Measures) Bill 2009.

Today the National Party have indicated that they support the proposed student amenities fee being used to support sport on university campuses.

The Fee Guidelines clearly stipulate that universities can use the fee for: Sports and recreation; Relating to the support of sports and recreation activities for students.

This includes the use of the fee to support sporting infrastructure on campus.

Ms Ellis called on all Senators to get behind the Government's legislation and vote to restore important services and amenities to university campuses across Australia.

Under the previous Government close to $170 million was ripped out of university funding, resulting in the decline and in some instances complete closure of vital health, counselling, employment, child care, sporting and fitness services.

"This is a balanced, practical solution to rebuild important student support services and amenities," Ms Ellis said.

"The Government's approach is about restoring necessary services and amenities for students. It does not allow for a return to compulsory student unionism."

A range of sporting organisations and top athletes have written to the Government to lend their support to the proposed changes to student services currently being debated in the Senate.

Ian Thorpe, Swimming - 25 May 2009

"The experience of a university goes far beyond what is learnt in the study halls or at the library. The experience and knowledge gained within the university environment comes as much from the range of student services provided. Sport as an integral part of education and as a tool for future, healthy outcomes should be encouraged and supported in every possible way."

Ian Thorpe

Australian swimming great and current Macquarie University student.

Berrick Barnes, Rugby - 8 May 2009

"Promoting and encouraging sport at a grass roots level is integral to ensuring the health and wellbeing of Australian university students. Funding for university sport must be restored if we are to continue to encourage people to participate in sport throughout their whole lives."

Berrick Barnes,

Current Queensland Reds and Australian Wallabies player. Combining his rugby career with study as he completes a Bachelor of Business majoring in Leisure Studies.

Suzie Fraser, Water polo - 11 May 2009

The support I received from University of Queensland helped me juggle my study and water polo commitments and ultimately pursue my dream representing Australia in Beijing. University Sport is an integral part of University life and it is important to see that continued and strengthened in the future.

Suzie Fraser LLB

Beijing Olympian Bronze Medalist.

Rowing Australia - 12 May 2009

In rowing's experience, university sporting services play a vital role in sustaining sporting clubs and facilities which support the development of Australian sporting champions. Additionally, a number of university sporting clubs have provided the professional training environments which underpin the international success of our sport.

Andrew Dee

CEO, Rowing Australia

"University sport provides a vital feeder program in to both elite and social sport participation. Giving students the chance to be active and enjoy the many benefits sport has to offer is essential.

"Sport at universities is vital when trying to encourage participation and promote excellence the legislation would provide a great backbone to the development of all sports and not just rowing."

Kim Crow

Member of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Team

Basketball - 12 May 2009

"From my own personal experience as a player on the Australian Universities men's basketball team in 2003 I can wholeheartedly express my support for the Rudd Government's student services reforms in the hope that other athletes can benefit from involvement in university sports as I have. The opportunity to play in a high standard international tournament was invaluable in my development as an Australian Boomer and as an Australian basketball player in America and Europe and with the importance that basketball's world governing body FIBA places on the World Uni Games I hope that university sport will be strengthened in the future."

Luke Schensher, Australian Boomer.

Went to university on scholarship in the USA and has played in the NBA (on short term contract). Participated in the World University Games in 2003.

"Our recent high performance review identified that full time coaching is a critical component of basketball's continued success on the national and international stages, therefore it is vital that university sport is strengthened. Having Sydney University compete in the Women's National Basketball League adds an important dimension to the national league and the Opals program and as one of the few teams in the WNBL with a full time basketball coach it is the envy of many other national league teams. Athletes on that team also have access to great facilities, such as recovery centres and strength and conditioning areas, which provide an invaluable infrastructure for success."

Carrie Graf

Australian Opals Head Coach.

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