Parliament voted for the third and final time last night last night in favour of the Act Party’s (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill. The New Zealand Herald, in its coverage of last night’s political debate, now says the future of university and polytechnic student associations, “the focus of student life for decades”, is looking uncertain.

However, TEU president Sandra Grey is not entirely convinced:

“Ironically what many have been seen as a not too subtle attempt by the ACT party to stifle students’ voice and activism, may be backfiring on them as students find new enthusiasm and alternative ways to challenge the anti-education and anti-student policies of various parties and governments.”

“While the bill itself is a sorry piece of legislation that will create nothing but problems and costs for future governments,” said Dr Grey, “it is exciting to see a new generation of politically passionate and active students participating in their campus communities. Whether it is national lobbying and campaigning, writing letters and opinion pieces or protesting it is all part of a tertiary education tradition and culture that helps keep our democracy strong.”

Currently in Australia the government is introducing a costly bill to rebuilding vital student services and amenities by allowing universities to charge a fee of up to $263 for 2012. The bill follows legislation similar to the Act Party’s bill introduced by the previous government, which stripped universities of many of their student support networks, amenities and services.