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Family First Supports Voluntary Student Unionism

Press Releases December 09 2005

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Today, Family First voted to support legislation for voluntary student unionism.

I have listened to the arguments from all sides.

After giving the issue a lot of thought, Family First was not convinced that services that are provided are so essential that students who do not use them should be forced to pay for them.

Family First did not seek any changes to the legislation.  Family First believed that the arguments in favour of the legislation outweighed the arguments against.

I did not reveal my position to Government or Opposition before I spoke and voted in the Senate.

In the end, the Government decided to take a risk and bring on the bill.

I voted on the substance of the bill.  I have not come to any arrangement with the Government.  There is no deal.

I opposed the guillotine as I believe these issues deserve proper debate.