University of New England Students' Association

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The University of New England Students' Association (UNESA) is the representative body for undergraduate students at the University of New England, Australia. It has attracted controversy due to its conservative policies and affiliations. It is currently "being wound up"[1]. Membership of UNESA was compulsory through a general service fee, but became voluntary as of 1 July 2006 (see Voluntary Student Unionism).

Contents 1 Controversy 1.1 Support of Voluntary Student Unionism 1.2 Heterosexuality Officer 2 Winding up 3 Past Presidents 4 See Also 5 External links

[edit] Controversy

[edit] Support of Voluntary Student Unionism

In 2005 UNESA was controlled by the University of New England Liberal Club (UNLEC). It was among the only student organisations in Australia to support Voluntary Student Unionism. UNELC also took over control of the student union and the University Council undergraduate position. It was also the first club to apparently defeat the National Union of Students in a disaffiliation referendum, though voting irregularities have called the result into question and a new referendum has yet to be held. There was controversy over the manner in which the Liberals took over these bodies [2], with the Liberals accused of posing as Greens to gain support from students under false pretences. Further elections have been brought accusations of ballot-rigging and bribery. There have also been questions asked about a variety of apparent financial irregularities. McInerney was banned from the campus and from holding any position with any student association after being found guilty of breaking a number of university laws. Staff who have spoken out against these practices have been sacked (though in the case of the radio station manager, reinstated after a student outcry) and various student media such as the campus newspaper and radio station have been subject to drastic limitations in their ability to speak freely on these matters. The liberals do not appear to enjoy wide support from the general UNE student population.

[edit] Heterosexuality Officer

In September 2005 UNESA made world news when they appointed a heterosexual Officer. The position was originally created, along with a Men's Officer, in February 2005 when the Liberal club came to power. The position of Homosexual Officer was disbanded and the campus "queer space" was closed at the same time. The appointment was criticised on the grounds that heterosexuals were not considered a disadvantaged group needing special services. The university management publicly denounced UNESA and the Liberal club for bringing the university into disrepute, but did not have the power to interfere in student politics.

[edit] Winding up

In 2006, it was announced that UNESA was "being wound up" in the wake of the introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism[3]. The functions and services provided by UNESA have been taken over by Services UNE Ltd[4]. UNESA funded a radio station TUNE! FM established April 1970) and a student newspaper Neucleus (established April 1947) through a general service fee paid to the University.

[edit] Past Presidents

• 1975 Laurie Hagan
• 1976 Celia Smith
• 1977 Gavin Roberts
• 1978 Stephanie Hagan
• 1979 Eva Cawthorne
• 1980 Paschal Leahy
• 1999 James Stevens
• 2000-2001 - Tom Fisher
• 2001-2002 - Kahn Quinlan
• 2002 - John Harris
• 2003 - Kryssy Loker
• 2004 - Phil Schubert
• 2005 - Samantha Aber
• 2006 - Tim Fisher

[edit] See Also

Small + Regionals

[edit] External links

• UNE News and Events
• University of New England vs Samantha Aber
• Article about Liberal club controversy
• The Deadly Newt - underground campus site

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