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Kate is passionate about contributing to public debate on a wide range of important issues. Here are some of the issues she has touched on in the past.
- Should successful athletes have to pay back the AIS 10 Jun 2009
- Let's give youth voice now for a better future 12 Oct 2008
- Organ donation it's the greatest gift of all 21 Sep 2008
- Is safe sex message falling on deaf ears 31 Aug 2008
- Grassroots funding is key to Olympic glorys 10 Aug 2008
- Easy to overlook big issue of homelessness 20 Jul 2008
- Trailblazer Natasha leaves lasting legacy 29 Jun 2008
- Heavy hitters boost our World Cup hopes 01 Jun 2008
- Youth Forum Discussion Paper 17 May 2008
- We can't take sport for granted 11 May 2008
- Women truly can do anything be anything 20 Apr 2008
- Let the Games begin with all our athletes 30 Mar 2008
- Proud past but future a challenge for women 09 Mar 2008
- Young people will be heard at highest level 17 Feb 2008
- Our nation has changed dramatically in three weeks 16 Dec 2007
- Mobile Phone Towers 23 Sep 2007
- Bradken Foundry 01 Jul 2007
- Full Fees 03 Jun 2007
- Eating Disorders 17 Dec 2006
- Iraq 27 Jul 2006
- Electoral Laws 26 Jun 2006
- Dental 08 Jan 2006
- Make Poverty History 18 Sep 2005
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Media Releases
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 200823 Nov 2009 - Nationals Urged to Vote for University Services
The Hon Kate Ellis MP
Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth
23 November, 2009
Media release
Nationals urged to vote for university services
The Minister for Youth Kate Ellis today urged the National Party to support the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Bill 2009 in the House of Representatives.
The Bill once again proposes a balanced practical approach to funding campus services and amenities; after it was voted down by the Opposition earlier this year.
Since that time, the National Party has voted at its 2009 conference in support of a compulsory fee to support the delivery of essential heath and sport amenities on university campuses.
"I call on the National Party to support this Bill and recognise the importance of student services - such as child care and employment support - which are also in dire need of funding.
"It is regional and rural students who will be hit hardest if the National Party votes down this Bill, because it is regional universities that are already struggling to provide essential services for their students.
"By voting against this important Bill previously, the Opposition voted for the continued demise of student services including child care, counselling, health, sport and fitness services," Minister Ellis said.
The Australian Government is determined to deliver on its election commitment to rebuild essential student services and amenities on university campuses.
Since the introduction of voluntary student unionism in 2005, university campuses across the country have suffered. Following extensive consultations with students and universities in 2008, the Government found that $170 million had been stripped from university services and amenities.
This Bill does not allow for a return to compulsory student unionism. The legislative provision which prevents a provider from requiring a student to be a member of a student organisation remains unchanged.
"Unlike the Liberal Party, the Government does not want to return to the past. We simply want ensure that students have access to vital services and amenities on campus," Ms Ellis said.
"I know that the National Party recognises the importance of this Bill and I call on members to join with the Government to rebuild essential services and amenities on our university campuses."
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