University of Wollongong Liberal Club

MEDIA RELEASE

University of Wollongong LIBERAL CLUB

Saturday, 27th August 2005:

Pro-VSU Candidate Tops Student Vote

UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG LIBERAL CLUB member Nathan Barton was announced to have received the highest primary vote in the UniCentre Board of Directors elections at the conclusion of counting on Friday afternoon. The University Liberal Club came within 2 votes of collecting both positions that were up for election throughout last week with Liberal Club candidate Peter Dickson coming a close third after the distribution of preferences.

The UniCentre is the equivalent of a Student Union or Guild and is responsible for the management of the University Book Shop, Uni Bar, Function Centre and other outlets.

"I think this result reflects the fact that students are keen to see a stable board by electing people who are focused on producing a good financial return to the UniCentre and better services for students," Mr Barton said.

"I also think this is a strong indication that students support VSU. There was a smear campaign against me in particular and it seems that the anti-VSU campaign helped rather than hindered me," Mr Barton stated.

"While the student left may claim that a majority of students oppose VSU, the new VSU legislation currently in the Parliament will still allow supporters of student unions to join. If the majority believe they are getting value for money then I have no doubt that student organisations will survive long into the future," Mr Barton noted.

"I'm not against student unions but I am in favour of freedom of choice. My personal belief is that the UniCentre is a well-managed organisation with great stuff and will continue to survive under VSU," Mr Barton stated. Mr Brad Winton, President of the liberal club agreed stating "VSU will ensure that a greater efficiency and imagination will be needed to ensure the health of the unicentre and the continued delivery of services to students. It is for this reason that it is essential to have the strongest board possible."

"I strongly believe that by tapping into the local community outside of the University, we can widen our target market and increase sales by simply focusing on non-students from the local area. We have world class facilities at our University and I'm not afraid to promote them," Mr Barton commented.

Former UniCentreBoard member and University of Wollongong Liberal Club Patron Clr Gareth Ward welcomed the election of Nathan Barton and the pro VSU result.

"Nathan is a positive and intelligent individual who will work in the interests of all students and for the UniCentre Board. I think his pro-VSU stance is a clear indication to students that he will work harder to ensure that UniCentre is a worthwhile organisation to join and remain a member of," Clr Ward concluded.