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Elections polling dates: Monday 17th- Wednesday 19th October 2005
Polling Times: 11am-2pm and 4pm-7pm
Polling Booth Locations: Markets - Broadway - Bon Marche - Building 6 DAB - Building 10 - Gore Hill - Kuringai
Left FOCUS supported Candidates and Statements
For SRC and NUS Ballot papers, Vote 1 for Left FOCUS
Why you should vote Left Focus:
With the implementation of VSU imminent, we will inevitably be required to restructure our organization. LEFT FOCUS will ensure fiscal responsibility whilst making sure that the base services and representation we provide continues into future years. We want to campaign for International Students. Concession Card, for a printing quota from each faculty, against discrimination on campus and for more programs that make UTS more than just a degree factory.
This is why Left FOCUS will not allow the essential aspects of the Students. Association to be cut or removed based on ideology and dogmatic rhetoric. The Students. Association must continue to be a space where students come together to address issues that affect them. Whether it is University or Government Policies, no decision should be made without the input and perspective of students.
Left FOCUS is effective, equitable, inclusive and accountable. Whilst some would simply like to carve up the cash reserves of the organization and allocate it based on ideology. We will be thinking of long-term strategies for the survival of the Students. Association and the strengthening of its ability to address the issues that concern students.
Left FOCUS will provide leadership and stability to an organization that has become destabilised and disorganised. We have the right combination of energy and experience to save the Students. Association. Before you vote, ask yourself, can students afford to be silenced? Or do they need a strong, representative voice that is FOCUSED.
Left FOCUS is not about positions, we are about policy. We are not about ideology, we are about issues.
Directly Elected Positions
President: Michael Nguyen
Hi, My name is Michael Nguyen and I am a fourth year B Business / B Laws student. I have been intimately involved in all aspects of University life in my time at UTS. The Students. Association (SA) has the potential to win gains for students and protect students. rights on campus. However this potential has not been realised in recent times. I am running because I want to ensure the survival of student representation at UTS in a climate where the Federal government wants to destroy student organizations.
We have fought all year for our right to have representation and to democratically decide how our organizations operate.
The Student elections are a perfect example of participation in a democracy. Just as students organising a campaign to fight back against being charged for compulsory material is an example of democracy. Just as the student sitting on Academic Board who is arguing against Up Front fees is an example of democracy. Providing a student perspective during the process of University Policy development is also essential and all of these experiences must be saved at all cost.
Our team has the right mix of energy, enthusiasm and experience to make a difference on key issues. We want to talk about student issues, not just ideology.
Treasurer: Lucy Shi
Hi! My name is Lucy Shi. I.m a second year Prop Eco/Int Std student. I.m running for Treasurer with Left FOCUS because I believe in a diverse and progressive team with the experience to ensure not only the survival of the Students. Association next year but to maintain and improve student representation and advocacy. As Treasurer for the Student Association I will strive towards an economically efficient and sustainable SA. Students. fees are being used and they must be used effectively. Due to the impending implementation of VSU, reform is needed in order to ensure that the Student Association can remain a sustainable and fiscally responsible organisation. This will enable the SA to continue to be the peak representative body for I believe strongly that it is important for the SA to remain transparent and accessible to students, especially with the many reforms that will need to be introduced to ensure a smooth transition into a VSU environment. It is essential that the allocation of the SA.s resources be prioritised to ensure that student representation and advocacy does not suffer as a result of VSU. It is pointless to achieve survival if the very reason for the existence of SA is sacrificed in the process.
Secretary: Caitlin Emery
Hello, my name is Caitlin Emery. I am a first year student of law and international studies. I am standing for the position of secretary. I believe the role of the Students Association is extremely important particularly at a time when students. Rights are under attack.
Right now, so much is depending on our ability to stand united and defend our university from threats to our education. The students association can represent that strong, united, student voice. The voice that says no to VSU, no to racism, no to sexism, no to upfront fees, no to compromising the quality of our education and shifting the experience towards that of a degree factory.
If I am elected I will be totally committed to working for you, to listening to you and representing you. In being a part of an effective and accountable Students Association, I would advocate the availability of information about SA projects in publications like Vertigo- because you should know what.s going on and how you are being represented. I think the SA should be a stronger, more inclusive presence at UTS. I would prioritise campaigns for political and social issues that are important to UTS students.
I have leadership experience and I am also a team player. I am running because I love UTS and want to work to enhance the great qualities about our University. I am really passionate about all the issues that the students association has the potential to address.
Markets Campus Convenor: Ka Man Tong
University is a great place to meet a variety of exciting and dynamic people. And I believe that the key to enhance uni life is to create a better campus culture and atmosphere, one where students feel comfortable and relaxed enough to hang out with their friends. I also think it is important to have students that are friendly, understanding and approachable, who are willing to represent their peers in the Students Association. I would like to give all students, whether they are local or international, an easily accessible way to voice their concerns and opinions to committed representatives. Students should become aware and know of what the functions of the Students Association are and feel comfortable when seeking advice.
Broadway Campus Convenor: Bhavana Lahoria
The position of Broadway Convenor has lost its role as a facilitator of communication between the Student Representative Council and the students of Broadway Campus. As the Broadway Campus Convenor, I will endeavour to increase the awareness of Broadway campus committee meetings, and will attempt to address issues of Broadway students. I will attempt to improve communication between students and the SRC.
To see our Team Leaflet email [email protected]