Opus November

Page 1

Nov 2012 - Report an Incident - Costs on Campus - Noise - More


CONTRIBUTORS DESIGN Rosemary Gosper EDITOR Rosemary Gosper CONTRIBUTORS Heather Richards Lewis Wisden Kuuluvan Laitoksen David Kennedy Hayley Howorth Caitlin Marshall UoN Labor Club UoN Liberal Club

OPUS

WISHES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE

TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND THIS BOOK WAS CREATED ON, THE

AWABAKAL

PAMBALONG

PEOPLE OF THE

CLAN.


CONTENTS 2 Your Voice

Costs on Campus survey update

4 Report an Incident

Update on NUSA’s report about violence against international Students

12 Cuts to Face-to-Face Teaching Hours Report on changes made to Education courses

17 On Campus Lighting

Report on the inadequate areas of lighting on campus

18 Gloria Jeans Boycott

Discussion about the implications of boycotting

20 Labor Club 22 Liberal Club 24 Noise

Kuuluvan Laitoksen catches up with Bluejuice

26 Counselling Updates 28 The Way It’s Heading... Short Story


YOURVOICE NUSA regularly runs surveys to gauge student opinion on different issues. We use the data we collect to add validity to campaigns, giving us greater power to represent you as a student. We also take into account the results when creating and directing the campaigns we run. There is no point campaigning for something if the greater student body is against it - we strive to be relevant and that is only possible with your input. At the moment we are running three surveys: Costs on Campus, Procastination Survey and the Transport Concession survey. To participate in any of them head to our website, nusa.org.au, and click the relevant icon.

COSTSON CAMPUS

rly in semester 2012 NUSA launched pleasethe ensure you ensure finish ityou right through to through the please finish it right to the Early in2 semester 2 2012 NUSAthe launched end or is yourend response be included. sts on Costs Campus surveyThis is survey or yourcannot response cannot be included. on survey. Campus This survey. med at gauging all the on retail aimed atopinion gaugingonopinion all the retail surveyThis will survey be continuing into 2013, so be2013, so be vices onservices campus.on Many NUSA council will be continuing into campus. Many NUSA This council mbers have heard have complaints about the cost to headsure to the NUSA website andwebsite fill it out. to head to the NUSA and fill it out. members heard complaints aboutsure the cost d qualityand of food on campus. It was deceided quality of food on campus. It was deceided launch ato survey to adetermine opinionthe of opinion Preliminary results indicate that students results indicate thatarestudents are launch survey to the determine of Preliminary generally unhappy the services greater the student body. generally with unhappy with theoffered, services offered, greater student body. particularyparticulary food. food. e surveyThe is divided three into parts;three cost,parts; cost, survey isinto divided ality, andquality, service.and You can rate thecan services the following is an early service. You rate theOn services On thepage following page snapshot is an earlyofsnapshot of nerally or, if you choose, youchoose, can goyou intocansome of thesome results the general section of section of of from the results from the general generally or, if you go into used pth and rate each depth andindvidual rate eachoutlet. indvidual outlet. the survey for thethose surveywho for had those whoeach hadservice. used each service. Also included a selection comments Also are included are a ofselection of comments far NUSA receivedhas 117received full responses recieved. So has far NUSA 117 fulltoresponses to recieved. survey. the Ansurvey. additional partial responses An 60 additional 60 partial responses ve been recorded. you do take thedo survey have beenIfrecorded. If you take the survey 2


Costs

Quality

Crippling (Very expensive, very unreasonable) High (Expensive, unreasonable) Moderate (Affordable, neutral opinion) Good (Cheap, reasonable) Great (Very cheap)

Food

Horrifying Bad Adequate Pretty Good Totally Awesome

Food 17%

11%

5%

5%

6%

17% 31%

17% 42%

51%

Coffee & Beverages 12%

Coffee & Beverages 6%

9%

6%

8%

26% 45%

49%

38%

“There are very feware places campus there where is “More “There veryonfew placeswhere on campus therediversity is would be great. After a year on decent food decent at an food affordable The Hunter at an price. affordable price. Thecampus Hunter- every food outlet just feels like you've building is particularly poorly resourced.” building is particularly poorly resourced.”done it all before and seems unappetising. But this is secondary to PRICE!!! Food is just way too “Uni Bakehouse the only place everplace buy food. “Uni isBakehouse is theIonly I ever expensive buy food. on campus!!!! (possible exception of bar But constantBut piesconstant gets a bit other cheap piesblah, gets aso bit blah, so other on cheap the hill - need this kind of service on the options would be good too.beI'm a full options would good too. time I'm auni full time uni side).” Shortland student. Thisstudent. means IThis am means poor!” I am poor!”

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Report an Incident Report on incidents of verbal abuse and physical assaults against international students over one year.

wasmodule designed todesigned record information was to record information The International Students Department of The e International Students Department of The module on location on of incidents, of students,of students, location ofnationality incidents, nationality Students’ Association wcastle Newcastle University University Students’ Association levels of official studentand awareness levelsreporting of officialand reporting student awareness (ISD-NUSA) an online anonymous D-NUSA) launched anlaunched online anonymous for international the of assistance. dule formodule international students atstudents the ofatassistance. of Newcastle, Australia, iversity University of Newcastle, Australia, to report to report majority reports ofcame fromcame Asianfrom Asian The ofmajority reports of verbal andassault. physicalThe assault. idents ofincidents verbal abuse and abuse physical students, 82.5% of 82.5% reportedof physical students, with reported physical Thiswas module was inlaunched August 2011 with is module launched August in 2011 82.9%and of reported abuses 82.9% ofverbal reported verbal abuses remaining oneresults year with taken inandassaults maining live for one live yearfor with takenresults in assaults being from being Asianfrom students. AsianReported students.incidents Reported incidents August 2012. On27th Monday 27th August 2012, gust 2012. On Monday August 2012, against Middle Eastern students arestudents the second against Middle Eastern are the second NUSAthe published thethis results of this report. USA published results of report. most prolific withprolific no incidents verbal abuse most with noofincidents of verbal abuse physical or assaults reported studentsbyfrom physical assaultsbyreported students from wasaslaunched a result oforattacks e moduleThe wasmodule launched a result ofasattacks against international in Newcastle, inst international students instudents Newcastle, and Australia in d Australia generally, generally, particularlyparticularly in Rate of reported incidents of Rate of reported incidents of and muggings are 08-2009.2008-2009. Robberies Robberies and muggings are verbal abuse by nationality physical assualt by nationality students there is information orted byreported studentsbyand there isand information available this. However, international ilable on this. on However, international students athave Newcastle havespoken frequently dents at Newcastle frequently of spoken of abuse endured the city to international bal abuseverbal endured in the city toininternational student representatives. This gave module gave dent representatives. This module the opportunity to report verbal abuse. dents thestudents opportunity to report verbal abuse. This begin to understand the is enables us enables to beginus toto understand the extentproblem of thisand problem to see whether ent of this to seeand whether students are particular particular cohorts of cohorts studentsof are as was hypothesized targeted, astargeted, was hypothesized by Europebyor South America. Europe or South America. student representatives. internationalinternational student representatives. Only one incident physical of physical Only oneof incident assault, andassault, no incidents and noofincidents of total reports of 163from reports from A total ofA 163 verbal abuse, was abuse, reported verbal was reported students internationalinternational students were lodged,were bylodged, North American by Northstudents. American students. 123 of recordings 123 recordings incidentsofofincidents of abuse and 40 incidents verbal abuseverbal and 40 incidents of physical assault. of physical assault.


NUSA concludes that international students from Asia and the Middle East appear to be targeted as victims of physical assault and verbal abuse. It is NUSA’s conclusion that the levels of verbal abuse reported in this module against non-white international students support claims within the international student community that these students are the victims of racism and Islamophobia. Jesmond/Birmingham Gardens and the Callaghan Campus/Shortland area record the greatest number of reports of physical assaults and verbal abuse. NUSA recommends that international students consider living in other areas of Newcastle where possible.

This was a trial module and not all international students were aware of its existence. A number of improvements have been suggested in order to improve the awareness and consequently accuracy of this module for the future. However, to our knowledge, this is the first module of its kind in Australia and it provides a damning insight into the negative experiences of some international students studying at the University of Newcastle. No international student should be the victim of a physical assault or verbal abuse. This is simply not acceptable and change is needed. Rates of reported physical assault by location

NUSA recommends that local community leaders take responsibility for seeking solutions to the problem in this area through a collaborative process with international student representatives. The reports showed a lack of awareness of places which would assist students after an incident and also of report mechanisms. A total of 15% of physical assaults reported in this survey were not reported to anyone and 61% of incidents of verbal abuse were not reported to anyone. NUSA finds this very concerning as it means that the students have not received support and that the perpetrators may still be at large. NUSA is concerned that 56% of reported incidents indicated that the victim was not aware that they could seek assistance from the police. Students completing this module also indicated in high numbers that they were unaware they could seek assistance from the University International Student Support Office (73%) or NUSA (Grievance Officer or ISD-NUSA) (58%). NUSA recommends a collaborative approach between the University, the Police, the local community and international student representatives to both investigate the current level of awareness and seek methods to improve it.

Rates of reported verbal abuse by location

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little “Too is known little is about knownthe about extent theand extent the and the Response Response to our to our report report“Too victims victims of violence of violence against against international international

students.students. I congratulate I congratulate NUSA NUSA for for There has There been hasa been very astrong very strong responseresponse and and undertaking this investigation.” this investigation.” reactionreaction to our report. to our Ireport. can honestly I can honestly say thatsay I thatundertaking I did notdid foresee not foresee the University the University belittling belittling the the The story The was story covered was covered the sametheday same on Triple day onJ,Triple J, victims victims responses, responses, the Minister the Minister for Police forcalling Police calling ABC National ABC National Radio and Radio the and Newcastle the Newcastle Herald.Herald. me a sycophant, me a sycophant, being on being SBSonWorld SBS News, World News, The following day, Wednesday day, Wednesday 29th August, 29th August, having having to defend to defend designing designing the module the module in 7 The in 7 following the Australian the Australian picked picked up theupstory, the the story, the languages languages on live radio on live because radio because a caller thought a caller thought Newcastle Newcastle Herald Herald ran a ranfeature a feature story story “all international “all international studentsstudents should speak shouldEnglish”, speak English”, interviewing interviewing four international four international students.students. It was It was the University the University releasingreleasing a video aofvideo international of international in thesein newspapers these newspapers that wethat firstwesaw firstthesaw the studentsstudents saying how saying great how thegreat University the University whilst whilst University’s University’s responseresponse to the report. to the report. gaininggaining cross party crosspolitical party political support.support. On Thursday 30th August, 30th August, SBS came SBS to came to We haveWe also have hadalso members had members of the public of the ring publicOn ring Thursday Newcastle Newcastle and filmed and filmed for the for World the World News News NUSA NUSA offeringoffering supportsupport and theand Newcastle the Newcastle Bulletin.1 Bulletin.1 They filmed TheyNewcastle filmed Newcastle State Member, State Member, Herald Herald and MP andTim MPOwen Tim Owen have probably have probably MPofTimMP Owen Timwho Owen stated: who stated: shown shown the most thelocal mostleadership local leadership in termsin ofterms addressing addressing the underlying the underlying issues. issues. “We want “Wetowant get atopolicy get alook policy at look it from at ita from a NSW Government NSW Government and then andwe’then ll look we’ at ll look at We haveWe called havefor called NSW forPolice NSWtoPolice co-establish to co-establish how we how refinewethat refine down thattodown the local to the level.” local level.” a reference a reference group with group international with international studentsstudents to to look for looksolutions, for solutions, similar similar to the togroup the group On theOn 31stthe August 31st August the Vice-Chancellor the Vice-Chancellor was was established established in Melbourne in Melbourne after the afterattacks the attacks interviewed interviewed on the Asia on the Connect Asia Connect ProgramProgram on on against against Indian students. Indian students. ABC Radio ABCNational2 Radio National2 and on and 3rd September on 3rd September I I

was interviewed was interviewed to give atoresponse.3 give a response.3 More international More international studentsstudents came forward came forward who who had nothad been notaware been ofaware the module of the module after our after our Response Response from from UoN –UoN “onl–y “onl 5%”y 5%” report was report released. was released. Before IBefore give the I give University’s the University’s response, response, I shall I shall point thatout at no thatpoint at noinpoint the report in thedid report we did we NUSA NUSA wishes to wishes acknowledge to acknowledge the bravery the bravery of point of out suggest suggest that this thatis this a responsibility is a responsibility of the of the those international those international studentsstudents who came whoforward came forward University. We haveWemaintained have maintained that thisthat is athis is a and reported and reported incidents incidents to us and to the us and media. the It media. It University. community community responsibility; responsibility; the attacks the attacks happen happen takes courage takes courage to speaktoout. speak out. in the community, in the community, are perpetrated are perpetrated by members by members of the community of the community and thus and surely thus any surely solution any solution In theIn media the media must come mustfrom come thefrom community. the community. Our report Our was report published was published on the 27th on the August 27th August and hit and the media hit theon media the 28th on the August. 28th August. Senator Senator The University The University responded responded in a very in defensive a very defensive Lee Rhiannon Lee Rhiannon issued aissued statement a statement supporting supporting and reactionary and reactionary manner,manner, showingshowing a considerable a considerable our module our module in whichinshe which said:she said: lack of leadership. lack of leadership. “While the “While report's the findings report's findings suggest asuggest worrying a worrying trend of trendracially of racially motivated motivated abuse abuse of of international international students,students, the recommendations the recommendations for community for community leadership leadership and improved and improved support and support reporting and reporting offer realoffer solutions.” real solutions.” 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msr14QM5yjU 2 http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/asia/2012-08-31/university-insists-foreign-students-are-safe/1008770 3 http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/connect-asia/australian-students-association-defends-surveyalleging-racism/1009834


DeputyDeputy Vice-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kevin Prof. Kevin McConkey McConkey responds responds

As of the 29th August, only the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kevin McConkey had responded. By the end of the week we got the Newcastle Newcastle Herald on Herald 28thon August 28th August 2012. 2012. response through the media of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Caroline McMillen. “From our “From knowledge our knowledge of the sorts of the of events sorts ofthat events that have occurred have occurred the perpetrators the perpetrators do seem do to seem be to be Prof. Caroline McMillen a group aofgroup teenagers of teenagers who arewho perhaps are perhaps not as notVice-Chancellor as well-educated well-educated as they ascould they becould and benotand not In the SBS interview on Thursday 30th August receivingreceiving parentalparental guidanceguidance that others thatare others are she said: receiving,” receiving,” ProfessorProfessor McConkey, McConkey, Newcastle Newcastle Herald 28th Herald August 28th 2012. August 2012. “We work on all issues raised, great and small, ‘‘We can’t ‘‘We single can’toutsingle blame outonblame these on young thesefolk young folkto really ensure that our students have the safest environment.” because because it’s a community it’s a community responsibility.’’ responsibility.’’ The Vice-Chancellor was interviewed on the Did youDid notyou justnot place justblame place on blame these on“young these “young Asia Connect Program, on ABC Radio folk”? Itfolk”? is ofIt course is of course very easy verytoeasy blame to blame The following are some extracts from teenagers teenagers as theyasare they notare in not a position in a position to Australia. to her speech with comments. readily stand readilyup stand for themselves. up for themselves. “Well firstly I should say that was a small survey, it was run by the student group er on Deputy Deputy vice-chancellor vice-chancellor Kevin McConkey Kevin McConkeycampus…” said 163said responses 163 responses represented represented only 5 per only cent 5 per cent “The issues that erm across Australia across the of international of international students.students. While there While was there a was awhole international uh world that you know perception perception that violence that violence targetedtargeted them, them,students, uh young people out at night, young statisticsstatistics did not bear did not thisbear out.this out. people uh in our cities can sometimes engage

The Australian The Australian on 29thon August 29th August 2012. 2012.

with groups who uh you know are looking to “Only 5%”. “OnlyThis 5%”.is This why ishewhy getshepaid getsaround paid around stir up a bit of trouble.” $450,000 $450,000 a year.a [Disclaimer: year. [Disclaimer: the current the current salaries salaries of senior of senior University University staff are staffnotare not I submit that this is shifting the blame on the available available – just the – just 2011the data. 2011 There data.has There been has a been a victims. Also I dispute the truth in this tendency tendency to receive to receive nice bonuses nice bonuses (a.k.a (a.k.a statement. Firstly, many international students performance performance pay) in the pay)past in the as well past as well who do not live in the city do not go there at night because they do not have the money, are A poll Awas pollsubsequently was subsequently launched launched on the onafraid, the do not have a transport concession or ISD-NUSA ISD-NUSA safety campaign safety campaign page about pagethese about these have other recreational habits. two responses two responses which gave which thegave following the following result. result. “It was less than 5% of our student body uh who reported uh those issues. We don’t Do you think the university’s response to NUSA’s report on violence and racism against international diminish their seriousness but we do know students is appropriate? ourselves uh in our larger surveys and sort of deeper surveys as it were uh rather more have focus, and I’m I’m particularly concerned about, as it were, making certain the environment we have is absolutely safe and secure.” A total of 49 persons responded.

7


as less than “It was 5%,less butthan we don’t 5%, but diminish we don’t the diminish the university that our that our experience, university their experience, universitytheir university usness.” seriousness.” Think you just Think did.you Besides, just did. did Besides, did experience hasexperience lived up tohas their lived expectations.” up to their expectations.” nterviewthis notinterview start withnot you start stating withthat you itstating that it a surveywas on aa survey small group… on a small NUSA group… has NUSA has suspiciously This sounds This sounds suspiciously like the International like the International nly stated openlythatstated many that international many international Student Barometer, Student Barometer, a national a survey national survey ents were students not aware wereofnot theaware module of the and module and undertaken undertaken on international on international students students e have some since have come since to uscome reporting to us studying reportingin Australia. studying in It had Australia. a 17%It response had a 17% response dents. Also, incidents. what’s aAlso, “deeper what’s survey” a “deeper whensurvey” rate when with 86% rateindicating with 86%they indicating were satisfied they were satisfied t home? it’s at home? with theirwith educational their educational experience. experience. International International student representatives student representatives have have e engage consistently, “We engageifconsistently, there are any if there issues are any issues long maintained long that maintained being, “overall that being, satisfied “overall satisfied don’t knowweabout don’t we know are about alwayswekeen are toalways keen to with your educational with your educational experience” experience” does not does not ar them.” hear them.” preclude a traumatic preclude aevent traumatic duringevent this time. during this time. The questionThe is very question broad!is very broad! ss we run Unless a yearlong we runmodule a yearlong and module make and make esults public. the results public. The Vice-Chancellor’s The Vice-Chancellor’s salary has salary previously has previously e have “We aroundhave3000 around international 3000 international been over $600,000 been overa year. $600,000 I submit a year. thatI this submit that this udents erm here students in Newcastle erm here uh in Newcastle the report uh the report is not response response worthy is of notsuch worthy a salary of such anda salary and ked about talked 163 responses. about 163 Weresponses. don’t know We don’t know shows absolutely shows noabsolutely leadership.noThe leadership. University The University w many students how many that students refers to,that whether refers to, has whether been defensive has been anddefensive reactive when and reactive they had when they had me studentssome werestudents reportingwere more reporting than onemore than one been not even notattacked. even been Other attacked. staff members Other staff members me where perhaps time where somebody perhaps hadsomebody spoken tohad spoken to within the University within thehave University been much have more been much more em on a train them or in on aa shopping train or in centre a shopping uh so centre uh so ofsupportive supportive NUSA’s initiative of NUSA’s initiative s 163 responses, it’s 163 around responses, more around than half more of than half of r students are our of students course are fromof China course and from China and In NSW Parliament In NSW Parliament alaysia andMalaysia Korea, great and Korea, cultures,great greatcultures, great NUSA President NUSA called President a “sycophant” called a “sycophant” by the by the untries. And countries. around And a proportion around aof proportion the of the Minister for Police Minister for Police ponses, were, responses, I think were, slightlyI think less than slightly that less than that uh that report.” in uh that report.” The report was The mentioned report was inmentioned the Legislative in the Legislative of NSW Council State of Parliament NSW Stateon Parliament Tuesday on Tuesday now students So nowarestudents victims are in shopping victims in Council shopping 11th September. September. Hon. Walt TheSecord Hon. Walt askedSecord asked res andcentres trains? and Presumably trains? Presumably these are these are 11thThe pping centres shopping and trains centres in and the city trains at in night. the city at night.for Minister Minister Police and for Emergency Police and Services, Emergency Services, quite sure Notwhere quite the sure statements where the about statements aboutfor Minister Minister the Hunter, for and the Hunter, Vice-President and Vice-President of of ortionality proportionality are going, but areasgoing, no data buthas as nothe dataExecutive has the Council, ExecutivetheCouncil, Hon. Michael the Hon. Michael n released been publically released it ispublically a little difficult it is a little to difficult to a Gallacher Gallacher question without a question notice without aboutnotice about it. However, test NUSA it. However, is almost NUSA 100% is almost certain100% certain NUSA’s report. NUSA’s The report. Minister TheforMinister Police’s for Police’s the proportion that theofproportion Asian students of Asian amongst studentsresponse amongst seemed response a littleseemed confused a little [he commended confused [he commended nternational the international student population studentwas population less the was less theforUniversity University conducting for the conducting survey] and the survey] and 86% across thanthe 86% past across year.the I mean past year. weren’t I mean weren’t he stated he that stated he had that spoken, he had“with spoken, “with ast a total at of least 500a European total of 500 and European American and representatives American representatives from the university from thein university the past in the past ents present students in present international in international student to student discuss thistovery discuss issue.” thisI very confirmed issue.” with I confirmed Mr with Mr ntations orientations mid-year 2011 mid-year and the 2011 start and of the start of Secord that the Secord Minister that the hadMinister not spoken hadtonot us spoken to us ? 2012? and so on Thursday and so on 13th Thursday September, 13ththe September, Hon. the Hon. I could just“IfsayI could that you justknow say that overyou 80% know of overWalt 80% Secord of Walt askedSecord the Minister asked the of Police Minister whoof Police who r international our international students say students in thesesay in these exactly he spoke exactly to athethe spoke University. to at the University. dependent surveys independent and this surveys is large andsurveys this is large surveys

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4. Insulting 4. a member Insulting of a member the public of inthe public Extract fromExtract Hansard from of 13th Hansard September: of 13th September: Parliament is Parliament not behaviour is not concomitant behaviour concomita The Hon. WALT The Hon. SECORD: WALT SECORD: with the the ambassador with the ambassador of law and order. of law Hisand order. H After Tuesday's After question Tuesday's timequestion I checkedtime withI checked the with comments show comments disrespect showtowards disrespect the towards th president of president Newcastleof University's Newcastle University's student student students who students had thewho courage had the to come courage to com representativerepresentative association, Ms association, Heather Richards, Ms Heather Richards, forward and forward report and an report incident. an incide who said her who organisation said her had organisation not met had with not the met with the International International students are students already wary are already of wary Minister to discuss Minister racist to attacks discuss racist on international attacks on international the authorities the and authorities this type and of behaviour this type of behavio students. Withstudents. whom did With thewhom Minister didmeet the Minister at the meet at the and comment and does comment nothingdoes to disparage nothing to disparag University of Newcastle Universitytoof discuss Newcastle racist to attacks discuss on racist attacks on such a viewpoint. such a viewpoint. international international students? students? 5. The originally Minister explained originallythat explained th The Hon. MICHAEL The Hon. GALLACHER: MICHAEL GALLACHER: 5. The Minister he had met with he had representatives met with representatives from the from th I will consult Imy will diary consult and my lookdiary to see— and look to see— University but University then stated but then that he stated had that he h The Hon. PENNY The Hon. SHARPE: PENNY SHARPE: met with the met “faculty”. with the “faculty”. You shouldn'tYou haveshouldn't to. have to. The Hon. MICHAEL The Hon. GALLACHER: MICHAEL GALLACHER: 6. The Minister 6. The indicated Minister that indicated he had met that he had m Settle down. Settle Just because down. IJust have because not met I have somenot met withsome the “faculty” with the whilst “faculty” in opposition whilst in– opposition i.e. – over a year and over half a year ago,and not half recently. ago, not recently. sycophant of Walt's sycophant does ofnotWalt's mean— does not mean—

Legislative hasCouncil approved has my approved The point is that The point whilstisinthat opposition whilst in I met opposition the The I metLegislative the The Council citizen’s to rightcitizen’s of reply,right which of reply, will now which form willa now fo faculty in relation facultyto in thisrelation problem. to this I indicated problem.toI indicated part of the Hansard part of the record. Hansard The record. MinisterThe for Ministe the House that the I House have met that with I have representatives met with representatives Police also publically Police also apologised publically in apologised Parliament. in Parliam from the university from the anduniversity will continue and to will meet continue with to meet with representativesrepresentatives of the Newcastle of the community, Newcastleboth community, both law enforcement law and enforcement otherwise,and in otherwise, relation toina relation to a whole host of issues. whole host of issues. I have some points I have some to make points about to this: make about this: 1. I am not a1.sycophant I am not aofsycophant the Hon. Walt of the Hon. Walt Secord, having Secord, spoken having to him spoken only twice to him only twice at this point. at this point. 2. The Minister 2. The has Minister made this hasallegation made this allegation based on nobased evidence. on no The evidence. Minister The doesMinister does not know me, not orknow haveme, anyorknowledge have any knowledge about the relationship about the relationship between myself between myself and the Hon.and Walt theSecord Hon. Walt apartSecord from Mr apart from Mr Secord’s statement Secord’s that statement he had spoken that he to had spoken to me about whether me about or not whether the Minister or not had the Minister had spoken to me. spoken to me. 3. One of the3.key One problems of the key weproblems see is thatwe see is that internationalinternational students are students loathe to are report loathe to report incidents because incidents theybecause do not they trustdo thenot trust the authorities. The authorities. Minister The for Police Minister hasfor anPolice has an implicit responsibility implicit responsibility towards the towards the community and community is expected andto is maintain expectedato maintain a high standard high of behaviour, standard ofessentially behaviour, beessentially be Newcastle Herald 16/11/12 an example to anthe example broader to community. the broader community.

9


her responses Other responses

tolerated. We have agreed to agreed forwardtohim tolerated. We have forward him informationinformation about someabout of thesome positive projects m Human Rights Commission, MP Tim of the positive projects From Human Rights Commission, MP Tim those arose from the 2009 reference group en, Newcastle Lord Mayor Owen, Newcastle Lordcandidate Mayor candidate those arose from the 2009 reference group established in Melbourne as a result of the atali Nelmes, of Students NuataliNational Nelmes,Union National Union of Students established in Melbourne as a result of the attacks against Indian students. S) and (NUS) Council of Council International Students Students attacks against Indian students. and of International tralia (CISA) Australia (CISA) He indicated shared he ourshared view that the that the He he indicated our view University’s, “it’s only 5%” response showed a showed a 11th On September, the Human Rights 11th September, the Human Rights University’s, “it’s only 5%” response demonstrable lack of leadership. mmissionCommission Race Discrimination Commissioner, demonstrable lack of leadership. Race Discrimination Commissioner, Helen Szoke responded to our report. Dr Helen Szoke responded to our report. Overall, theOverall, meetingthewas productive and we and we meeting was productive that we canthat move toforwards establishing Human Commission has workedhashope hope weforwards can move to establishing TheRights Human Rights Commission worked long-term solutions to the issue. h international student representatives over with international student representatives over long-term solutions to the issue. past couple of years onofthis issue the past couple years on and this Dr. issue and Dr. The NUS President, Officer andOfficer and ke informed us that they would be NUS Education President, Education Szoke informed us that they would be The Officer visited on nching, launching, “Principles “Principles to Promotetoand ProtectandEnvironment OfficerNewcastle visited Newcastle on Promote Protect Environment Wednesday 29th August. They issued a media HumantheRights of International Students” Human Rights of International Students” Wednesday 29th August. They issued a media our initiative were and were he AIECatconference in Melbourne. (That is release release supporting our and initiative the AIEC conference in Melbourne. (That issupporting on the SBS on interview. ne of thealargest during the year the SBS interview. one of conferences the largest conferences duringinterviewed the year interviewed ting to relating the industry around international to the industry around international “This is a bit of a widespread problem across “This is a bit of a widespread problem across dents). They are They keen to students). are know keen if to our know iftheour entirety the of Australia. We need to We change entirety of Australia. need to change ommendations are followed on andup onattitudes recommendations are up followed and inattitudes society so that international in society so that international ether this improves the situation whether this improves the for situationstudents for aren’t just being seen cash seen cows.” students aren’t justasbeing as cash cows.” rnational students. students. international

have connected with the NSW Deputy We have connected with the NSW CISA Deputy issuedCISA a media releasing our issued a mediasupporting releasing supporting our ce Commissioner to work on establishing a initiativea and Police Commissioner to work on establishing are considering introducing a initiative and are considering introducing a rence group. reference group. national version of our tool. national version of our tool.

26th September we met with On 26th September we MP met Tim with MP TimNelmes Nuatali offered us support on andearly on and Nuatali Nelmes offered early us support en, StateOwen, Member for Newcastle, to discuss toalong State Member for Newcastle, discuss with along the other Lord Mayor candidates with the other Lord Mayor candidates report and our ways reportforward. and ways forward. who attendwho NUSA’s Mayor Candidate attendLord NUSA’s Lord Mayor Candidate panel, she agreed that she would be interested panel, she agreed that she would be interested outlined had what happened and he inand We what outlined had happened he part being of any part reference group established. in being of any reference group established. ormed usinformed that upon of our report us receipt that upon receipt of he our report he t a hardcopy straight to the Deputy sent aversion hardcopy version straight to theWe Deputy have also met with Newcastle Ethnic We have also met with Newcastle Ethnic mier informing him that this is a Premier informing him thatserious this is aCommunity serious Community Council who noted that this is that a this is a Council who noted e that needs be needs dealt with. issue to that to be dealt with. big problembig in problem Newcastle. in Newcastle.

asked us forward to him Hetoasked us toinformation forward information to him arding the comments made by the NSW regarding the comments made by the NSW ce Minister, he called mehea called sycophant Policewhere Minister, where me a sycophant he Legislative Council. in the Legislative Council.

m OwenTim made it clear that Owen made it violence clear thatand violence and bal abuseverbal are not acceptable and are not and to beare not to be abuse are not acceptable

10


Conclusion Conclusion Whilst NUSA’s year long study is unique in that

I do not apologise NUSA for running I do not for apologise NUSAthis running module and publishing the results. Weresults. will We Whilst NUSA’s year long study is unique in that module and publishing the it was a multilingual study run by students in students continue work towards a it was a multilingual study run by in to continue to work establishing towards establishing Newcastle, Newcastle, a couple of astudies were undertaken reference group, look for solutions and encourage couple of studies were undertaken reference group, look for solutions and encour in Melbourne in 2010 which gave which similargave results. international students to report incidents. in Melbourne in 2010 similar results. international students to report incidents.

On 17th February the Age reported that Education mayexports have been over worth o On 17th2010, February 2010, the Age reported that exports Education may worth have been a study of ainternational students in Victoria $13.1 billion in 2011, but international students study of international students in Victoria $13.1 billion in 2011, but international stud found that found a largethat majority experienced are not lumps coal. a largehad majority had experienced areof not lumps of coal. threats to their safety. More than 75% reported threats to their safety. More than 75% reported incidents ranging from verbalfrom abuseverbal to violence. do not believe if Australian from incidents ranging abuse toIviolence. I do that not believe that if students Australian students fr In half of Inthose, students reported a racial, the University of Newcastle were being assaulted half of those, students reported a racial, the University of Newcastle were being assau religious or religious cultural element. overseas theoverseas responsethe seen would seen be acceptable. or cultural element. response would be accepta

“One physical assault or incident verbal of verba “One physical assault orof incident In 2010 theInCity Melbourne they surveyed 2010ofthe City of Melbourne they surveyed abuse is not abuse acceptable. There is no ‘only is not acceptable. There5%’.” is no ‘only 5% 786 international students instudents Melbourne. Of 786 international in Melbourne. Of those in the survey whosurvey indicated had they those in the who they indicated had I Finally, Finally, reiterate I my respectmy to respect those to th reiterate experiencedexperienced an incident,an73% indicated they incident, 73% indicated they international international students who have come forward students who have come forw had not reported it. reported it. had not and talked about what has them. to the and talked abouthappened what hastohappened

In 2010 theIn Human Rights Commission held a If you 2010 the Human Rights Commission held have a Ifbeen victim incident then you ahave beenof aan victim of an incident t workshop on racism, exclusion and poverty: keypoverty: workshop on racism, exclusion and key please do please not remain silent. You can get do not remain silent. You can factors reducing international student safety. In safety. factors reducing international student In assistance assistance from NUSA, police,the thepolice, from the NUSA, their overview allude they to a study theirthey overview alludeconducted to a study conducted University International Student Officer andOfficer a University International Student an on 200 international students where 50%where on 200 international students 50%of helplines. number Even if you do not want to number of helplines. Even if you do not wan indicated they had experienced discrimination. indicated they had experienced discrimination. officially report it to report the police, important officially it to it theis police, it is impor “Evidence also suggests that some students, to talk to someone. It is perfectly normal to norma “Evidence also suggests that some students, to talk to someone. It is perfectly particularly particularly those from those non-European and experience a delayed reaction to an incident. from non-European and experience a delayed reaction to an incident non-Englishnon-English speaking speaking backgrounds,backgrounds, experience multiple forms of discrimination experience multiple forms of discrimination in the broader community, including racial in the broader community, including racial hatred and violence.” hatred and violence.” All of the above results All ofare thesimilar above to arethe similar to found the results found in NUSA’s in study, especially in relation to NUSA’s study, especially in levels relation to levels of reportingofincidents the authorities. This is reportingtoincidents to the authorities. This is an area in anwhich area all in need whichtoallwork needsotothat work so that students arestudents aware that getthey help. are they awarecan that can get help. We still have a response the from the Wenot stillreceived have not received from a response University. University. The Vice-Chancellor has previously The Vice-Chancellor has previously threatened threatened us by stating that they that wouldthey would us by stating consider any matter any we take to we thetake Herald as Herald as consider matter to the low priority.low Their media reaction would suggest priority. Their media reaction wouldHeather suggest Richards Heather Richards our report was anything but a low priority – but our report was anything but a low priority – but 2012 NUSA2012 President NUSA President was probably a major inconvenience. was probably a major inconvenience.

11


more than 26 more hours thanof26 teaching hours of time teaching across time the across the semester and semester of these, and 30ofhad these, been30impacted had beenbyimpacted by reductions. reductions.

Prof. Germov Prof.also Germov stated also that stated these that changes these changes ensure “equity to ensure of “equity delivery”of and delivery” and the beginning At the beginning of semesterof two, semester NUSA two,occurred NUSA tooccurred improve would theimprove quality the of the quality courses. of the At courses. no At no covered that discovered Education that courses Education hadcourses sufferedhadwould suffered point did Prof. pointGermov did Prof.refer Germov to anyrefer evidence to any evidence s in face-to-face cuts in face-to-face teaching. NUSA teaching. was NUSA alerted was alerted that who consultation that consultation of Education of Education students students these cuts to these by a cuts concerned by a concerned student who student occurred, only occurred, referring onlytoreferring the fact to that thethese fact that these iced a difference noticed a in difference their class in their scheduling class scheduling decisions decisions been made had been by Academics made by Academics and and d their actual and their class.actual This student class. This stated student that,stated that, had Student’s opinions Student’s were opinions not were relevant not on relevant on s is further "this isevidence further ofevidence the continuing of the continuing matters. matters. cline in decline quality in of quality teacher-training of teacher-training at this pedagogical at this pedagogical iversity."University." The NUSAThe representatives NUSA representatives pointed outpointed that of out that of students,allit students, would beitnatural would to beassume naturalthat to assume that lowing Following on from on this from concern, this NUSA concern, allNUSA studying to education become to teachers, become teachers, bmitted asubmitted letter to the a letter Pro Vice to the Chancellor Pro Vice Chancellor of those studying of thoseeducation would takewould an interest take an in pedagogical interest in pedagogical matters. matters. Facultythe of Faculty Education of Education and Arts Professor and Arts Professor all, it After is to become all, it is atocore become element a core of their element of their rmov. InGermov. this letter In this NUSA letter asked NUSA for the askedAfter for the future careers. future Prof.careers. Germov Prof. seemed Germov unpersuaded seemed unpersuaded owing: following: by such arguments. by such arguments. Further, NUSA Further, submitted NUSA submitted A list of the • Aaffected list of the courses affected courses that the students that the should students have should been have informed been informed Information • Information regarding the regarding process the of process of that the teaching-time that the teaching-time in their classes in their had classes been had been tudent consultation student consultation used for these used decisions for these decisions cut. Prof.eventually Germov eventually agreed thatagreed all that all An explanation • An explanation regarding the regarding lack of the lack cut. of Prof. Germov students in students affected courses in affected would courses be informed. would be informed. nformationinformation given to students given to about students theseabout these

changes changes Lastly, representatives NUSA representatives requested that requested that Suspension• Suspension of all reductions of alluntil reductions a proper until a Lastly, proper NUSA students be students informed be and informed consulted and about consulted any about any process has process been followed has been including followedstudent including student further measures further to measures reduce face-to-face to reduce face-to-face teaching. teaching. consultationconsultation and official student and official notifications student notifications Prof. Germov Prof.restated Germovhisrestated positionhisthat position the that the Academics Academics are “the experts” are “the on experts” these matters, on these matters, er submitting After submitting our letter, we ourwere letter, contacted we were contacted not students. not students. d a meeting and awas meeting arranged wasbetween arrangedNUSA between NUSA

resentatives representatives and the Proand Vicethe Chancellor Pro Vice Chancellor for for NUSA believes NUSA thatbelieves the University that theofUniversity Newcastle’s of Newcastle’s Faculty the of Education Faculty ofand Education Arts, Prof. andGermov. Arts, Prof. Germov. Code of Conduct, Code ofwhich Conduct, is applicable which is to applicable both to both staff staff and hasstudents, been violated has been in aviolated numberin a number USA launched NUSAa launched petition as a petition a result as of athe result of and the students, of ways. This of code ways.ofThis conduct code of is something conduct is we something we eting between meeting Probetween Vice Chancellor Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Professor agree to abide agree by and to abide uphold by and the values uphold instilled the values instilled rmov and Germov the NUSA and the representatives. NUSA representatives. The The within when within we commence when we commence our studies. our These studies. These USA representatives NUSA representatives who attended who theattended meetingthe meeting five PVC valuesfive arevalues honesty, are fairness, honesty, trust, fairness, trust, h Professor withGermov Professor reported Germovthat reported the PVC that the accountability accountability and respect. and All respect. students All and students and s flusteredwas and flustered referredand to NUSA’s referredsubmission to NUSA’s submission staff at the staff University at the are University expected are to expected conform to conform overreaction as overreaction and alarmist. and alarmist. to its principles. to its More principles. information More information on the codeon the code conduct, of and conduct, the fiveand values, the can five values, be found can onbe found on USA was NUSA informed wasthat informed there are that111 there second are 111ofsecond the University the website. University website. r education year courses educationat courses the University at the University of of (http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Divisions/Services/ (http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Divisions/Services/

wcastle Newcastle in semesterintwo, semester 56 of two, which 56had of which had Human%20Resource%20Services/code-of-conduct.pdf) Human%20Resource%20Services/code-of-conduct.pdf)

12


On the 1st On of August the 1st 2012 of August NUSA 2012 launched NUSAa launched a facilitated need to be need to bebyfacilitated the tutor by in the a class tutor setting; in a class sett Petition inPetition regards into regards cuts intoface-to-face cuts in face-to-face otherwise weotherwise would never we would learn never from each learnother's from each oth teaching time teaching in Education time in courses. Education A total courses. of Aschooling total of and schooling prac experiences.” and prac experiences.” 342 people342 signed people this signed petition thisagainst petition these against these cuts. At thecuts. sameAt time theEducation same time students Education were students werebelieves NUSA NUSAthat believes the cuts thattothe face-to-face cuts to face-to-f invited to comment invited toon comment these cuts on and thesehere cutsisandteaching here is without teaching consultation without consultation is a directis a dir what they had what tothey say: had to say: violation ofviolation the University’s of the University’s code of conduct. code of cond Under the Under definition the of definition respect the of respect Code of the Code “We are doing “We anare education doing ancourse education - a course course which - a course which states Conduct Conduct that states respect, that“means respect, valuing “means valu equips you equips to teachyoufaceto toteach face face in atoclassroom. face in a classroom. others’ ideasothers’ and contributions.” ideas and contributions.” Tutorials where Tutorials there where has been theremore has face beentomore face face to face teaching hasteaching equippedhas meequipped better with me resources, better withasresources, NUSAassubmits NUSAthat submits Prof. that Germov Prof.definitely Germov definit well as skills.” well as skills.” does not does value not or respect value ortherespect Education the Educat Student’s opinions Student’s on opinions how their on how Education their Educat “Tutors will“Tutors tell us will several telltimes us several in tutorials times in that tutorials that should be conducted. should be conducted. the reason they the are reason rushing they are is because rushingthey is because need tothey need to

condense their condense lessons their from,lessons for example, from, for 13example, to 12. 13 to 12. NUSAforwasNUSA also alarmed was also to alarmed hear rumours to hearthat rumours t Tutors shouldn't Tutors have shouldn't to explain haveand to explain apologize and forapologize these cuts could these just cuts be could the first just of be many the first cuts of to many cuts this.” this.” come. Prof.come. Germov Prof.seems Germov loathe seems to share loathe to sh “This is atrocious. “This isItatrocious. looks like aIt cover looks up likeand a cover is notup and is not information information about theseabout rumoured these cuts rumoured with cuts w acceptable. acceptable. Students should Students be consulted should beabout consulted about students, which students, NUSA which believes NUSAviolates believestheviolates changes of this changes magnitude.” of this magnitude.” Code of Conduct Code ofinConduct that Prof. in Germov that Prof. is Germov not is being transparent being transparent with students withand students has not and has “It is APPALLING “It is APPALLING and completely andunfair. completely It puts unfair. It puts beenvery from beginning. the very beginning. Prof. Germov Prof. is Germo us at a disadvantage us at a disadvantage academicallyacademically & we are &been we from are the not showing notFairness showingtowards Fairnessthetowards education the educat unable to cover unable the to course coverinthe enough coursedetail.” in enough detail.” students whose studentsclasses whosehave classes beenhave halved been halv “We should“We be informed should besoinformed that we so canthat lookweatcan look at without consultation without consultation and have and not have been not be alternate methods alternate of studying methods ifofnecessary.” studying if necessary.” informed ofinformed this decision. of thisNUSA decision. alsoNUSA believesalso belie “We pay for“We our pay education for ourand education if the University and if the University this goes this against goeswhat against fairness whatmeans fairnessto means does not consult does with not consult us, how with do us, theyhow know do that they know that individuals individuals in the University in the Code University of Conduct Code of Cond we want more/less we want face-to-face more/less face-to-face time. I couldtime. haveI could have in that Professor in thatGermov Professor hasGermov failed to,has “share failedorto, “share just gone tojust thegone Opento University, the Open University, but I valuebutprovide I value equitable provide access equitableto access relevantto and relevant a having human having interaction. human interaction. It makes myIt courses makes myappropriate courses appropriate informationinformation and knowledge.” and knowledge.” make sense.”make sense.” NUSA NUSA that believes this failure that this to make failurethe to make “Outrageous!“Outrageous! All education All students education should students haveshould havebelieves information information available to available the student to the population student populat been consulted beenand consulted informed andabout informed this decision. about this decision. infringes infringes the Tertiary upon the Education Tertiary Quality Education Qua To keep it hidden To keepfrom it hidden the student from the population student ispopulation is upon and Standards and Standards Agency Act Agency 2011 Act Higher 2011 Hig deceitful on deceitful the university's on the part.” university's part.” Education Education Standards Framework Standards Framework (Thresholds(Thresho “The nature“The of ournature education of ourcourses education are dependent courses are dependent Standard) 2011. Standard) In the2011. introduction In the introduction to Section to Sect on face-to-face on face-to-face contact. Every contact. tutorEvery is different tutor is 6, different it states that: 6, it states that: and imparts and their imparts own their experiences own experiences and and interpretations interpretations to us -something to us -something that is highly that The is highly higher The education higher provider educationdocuments provider documents its valued for us valued as future for usteachers. as futureDiscussing teachers. and Discussing and responsibilities responsibilities to studentsto and students meetsandits meets reflecting onreflecting our ownonschooling our ownexperiences schooling experiences and responsibilities and responsibilities to students, to including students,through including the through sharing thesesharing with our these classmates with ourisclassmates somethingisthat something that provision of provision information... of information... cannot be replaced cannot be with replaced online.with Theseonline. discussions These discussions

13


On a more serious level the comments made by Professor Germov infringe upon the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2011. The comment that student’s opinions on pedagogical matters were irrelevant, NUSA believes that it contradicts section 3.8 of the Higher Education Standards Framework which states that ...maintenance of academic standards, with appropriate mechanisms for external input, in accordance with international conventions for good academic practise... Surely Education students should be consulted on pedagogical issues as it is something that they will have to deal with throughout the entirety of their degree and their career as teachers.

• Cuts in face-to-face teaching in semester two education courses be reversed • Education students are consulted on any further changes which reduce face-to-face teaching • All pedagogical arguments for reducing face-to-face teaching are made publically available. NUSA would also like to comment on the lack of reduction in International and HECS fee costs for the affected courses. Surely the reduction in hours means less expense, therefore lower International and HECS fees. The cuts in face-to-face teaching are part of a broader move towards online teaching. NUSA believes that many students’ stance on this issue is correctly summed up by one of the students that we canvassed who said:

The hidden cuts to face-to-face teaching have not only affected student’s learning time but “The University can barely manage MyHub and have also impinged upon their ability to seek Blackboard. They seriously think they can deliver proper support concerning this issue, which courses online?? So many lecturers cannot even NUSA believes is yet again another violation of work Blackboard etc. How are they going to cope?” Higher Education Standards Framework, this time section 6.6 which states: Students are informed of and have appropriate access to: Advocacy support, for example in relation to the higher education provider’s academic and procedural rules; and, A range of personal support services adequate to meet the needs of the student body, such as counselling, health, welfare, accommodation and career services provided by appropriately qualified personnel. NUSA believes that face-to-face-teaching is critical to a student’s understanding of a course. As students we pay for our education, be it full international student fees or deferred HECS Hayley Howorth payments, and this is one of the reasons that we NUSA Vice-President 2012 demand the following: NUSA Education Officer 2013

14




ON CAMPUS

LIGHTING During semester 2 NUSA representatives gathered student opinion about the lighting on campus. This issue was raised with NUSA while collecting data for a survey concerning lighting off campus. After canvassing student opinion further, NUSA has found that the lighting currently placed around Callaghan campus is insufficient according to many students. NUSA does not believe a student should have to carry around their own flashlight on campus if they want to see at night.

shaded and the pathways outlined. The areas indicated, aside from the engineering parking lot, are the most travelled within the university. This suggests the standard of lighting needs improvement throughout the entire campus. Reading through comments made by students has revealed their general unease at walking around the campus at night due to the poor lighting. Security however is not the only issue, one conversation with students revealed that poor visibility has almost caused clashes between students on foot and those on bikes. The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 states in 6.3

The higher education provider promotes an inclusive and safe culture, ensures there are The question sheet used was simple and direct, appropriate security arrangements for all its asking students to point out areas they believed locations... needed more lighting, lighting more frequently, or areas where the lighting wasn’t turned on. The highest demand was for more lighting. As NUSA awaits the University to acknowledge the map shows the most common areas that students safety issues by increasing the lighting students showed concern with are the areas on campus.

17


GLORIAJEANS

“ex-gay” and gay “therapy” in sessions the past.in the past. “ex-gay” and gaysessions “therapy” Gloria JeansGloria has since a statement Jeansmade has since made asaying statement saying “we embrace andequality diversity”, well as as well as “weequality embrace and as diversity”, clarifying that it has “no any beliefs clarifying thataffiliation it has “notoaffiliation to any beliefs or preferences”, however it refused or preferences”, howevertoitdeclare refuseditsto declare its NOT JUST A FLUID ISSUE stance on same-sex marriage. stance on same-sex marriage. e coffee chain Gloriachain JeansGloria has found in The coffee Jeansitself has found itself in Across pacific,the Starbucks gainedUSA its gained its pacific, USA Starbucks t water after begun have to boycott hot customers water afterhave customers begun to boycottthe Across own boycott by the National Organisation for own boycott by the National Organisation for stores - the not stores because of the debatable - not because of thequality debatable quality the formin ofthe a “dump Starbucks” form of a “dump ad Starbucks” ad the coffee, because the stores of thebutcoffee, but ofbecause of theMarriage stores inMarriage campaign, after its leaders campaign, afterpublically its leadersannounced publically announced nnection connection to the anti-gay Australian to thegroups; anti-gay groups; Australian theirParty. support for support the legislation Gay Marriage, their for theoflegislation of Gay Marriage, ristian Lobby andLobby the Family First Party.First Christian and the Family pledges to pledges avoid to avoid ultimately 17,500 gathering 17,500 is this all teacupinora are the orultimately So ais storm this allin aa storm teacup are the gathering Starbucks. However, organised aorganised a Starbucks.SumofUs.org However, SumofUs.org blic justified in justified its uproar? public in its uproar? counterattack with more with than more 141,800 counterattack thanpeople 141,800 people signing a thank you card for their support of support of signing a thank you card for their y marriage becomehasone of theone most Gay has marriage become of the most Same-sex Same-sex marriage. ical issues of this especially topical issuesyear, of this year, with especially with marriage. reasing international pressure as many world increasing international pressure as many world The real grinding question is:question are theseis: boycotts The real grinding are these boycotts ders suchleaders as Barrack David Cameron, suchObama, as Barrack Obama, David Cameron, effective, if so, are they moral? effective, and if so, are they moral? phan Harper andHarper John Key, pledgeKey, theirpledge Stephan and John their and pport forsupport the issue. the conscience forWith the issue. With the vote conscience vote Although large number agreed to avoid a large number agreedtheto avoid the t approaching, Australian leaders mustleaders soon must fast approaching, Australian soon aAlthough chain, it is chain, hard toit how much this will coffee is hard to how much this will ide theirdecide stancetheir on the issue. stance on But the with issue.the But coffee with the affect the corporation, as ultimately all people all affect the corporation, as people ultimately iticians politicians in parliament voting for voting us, what in parliament for us, what over Australia are still buying their coffees, and over Australia are still buying their coffees, and wer do the public If thehave? uproar power do have? the public If against the uproar against while a loss is still a loss, it is inevitable that while a loss is still a loss, it is inevitable that oria Jean’s signifies it is that it is that Gloria Jean’s anything, signifies anything, the news return. will return. whendies theaway, newscustomers dies away,will customers nsumers consumers have foundhave theirfound powertheir through power when through After all, Gloria Jean’s association with the with the After all, Gloria Jean’s association ir wallets.their wallets. controversial Hillsong Church hasChurch hardly been a controversial Hillsong has hardly been a secret, and secret, yet many and even and even and non-religious yet many non-religious e controversy started when the Australian The controversy started when the Australian anti-religious continue tocontinue buy coffees. Overall to buy coffees. Overall ctoral Commission webpage reported Electoral Commission webpagethat reported that anti-religious these boycotts may not have a significant impact these boycotts may not have a significant impact oria Jeans had Jeans donated the Gloria had $30000 donated to$30000 to the on these corporations, but they dobut affect on these mega corporations, they do affect stralia Christian just Lobby before the AustraliaLobby Christian just 2010 before the 2010 mega franchise the owners. Is owners. it theemployees franchise and employees and the Is it ctions, where it waswhere actively lobbying elections, it was activelyagainst lobbyingthe against therefore selfish for customers to boycott these therefore selfish for customers to boycott these me sex marriage. elicitedThis uproar within same sexThis marriage. elicited uproar within no sayhave in where stores that have ultimately no saythe in where the LGBTthe andLGBT gay-friendly community.community. A stores that and gay-friendly A ultimately donations to? donations go to? ycott wasboycott soon organised, more with than more was soon with organised, than go 00 people joining thejoining boycott’s 8,000 people theFacebook boycott’s Facebook On with the other side,other theseside, employees and On the these employees and ge. The page. incident a PR was disaster, Thewas incident a PRwith disaster, franchise are owners choosing work these franchise aretochoosing to work these ople bombarding Gloria JeansGloria through people bombarding Jeansthethrough the owners with many with of them knowing many of themtheir knowing their ial media including Twitter.andcompanies, social media Facebook including and Facebook Twitter. companies, political opinions, so is it therefore the responsipolitical opinions, so is it therefore the responsie incident not helped by the factby that Thewas incident was not helped the fact that company to keep their of thefigureheads company figureheads to keep their oria Jeans has also of bility ofofthebility Gloria Jeansdonated has alsothousands donated thousands themselves, and withhold to themselves, and their withhold their lars to the Family FirstFamily in 2005, and two andopinions dollars to the First in its 2005, its two toopinions political causes? Many customdonations from political causes? Many customnder members active participants in the donations founderare members are active participants in the from ers are complaining with a lack of transparency, ers are complaining with a lack of transparency, lsong church, which has previously Hillsong church, which has offered previously offered

BOYCOTT

18


and coffee be increasingly careful withcareful their with th as it was only to light and be increasingly as when it was the onlydonations when thecame donations camecoffee to light image, and image, be sureand what in believe for an outside did the company to public public bethey sure believe what they for source an outside source did theadmit company admit to and were supportand wont effect wont their sales. them, and even then ACL claimed theyclaimed were they support effect their sales. them, andthe even then the ACL merely payments advertising. This may only merelyfor payments for advertising. This may only lead to Gloria Jean’s beingJean’s more being honestmore about its Whether is for better lead to Gloria honest about its this Whether this isorforworse, betterthe or recent worse, the rec boycotts areboycotts a testimony the power donations, donations, rather thanrather halt than them halt although, are a for testimony for of thethe power of them although, consumer. against many of themany boycotters’ wishes. public and the consumer. against of the boycotters’ wishes.public and the

Thetimes important thing is tothing realiseis that these that th An old manAn with guitar once sang “The The important to realise oldaman with a guitar oncetimes sang “The they are-athey changing”, Corporations have people a freedom speech, ofandspeech, are and are-a changing”, Corporations havehavepeople have aoffreedom they wish, asthey longwish, as as long become so powerful the beliefs allowedwhatever to believe whatever become sothat powerful thatand the actions beliefs andallowed actionsto believe of the figureheads can have a profound on they break go laws against the against of the figureheads can have aeffect profound effectdo on notthey do any not laws breakofany of go of practise. as customers the community, and therefore have a they socialhavecodes codes ofHowever, practise. we However, we as custom the community, andthey therefore a social the same we haveand thewe power responsibility as being active members their have havefreedom, the sameand freedom, have the pow responsibility as being activeofmembers of their to not to money these companies. nation. Thenation. problem that theiris actions mayactions not money give our to these compan Theis problem that their maygiveto our Whether it Whether is right oritwrong companies not always be by their customers. is rightfor orthe wrong for the compan notagreed alwayswith be agreed with by their customers. and that the consumers to act as they is do, it The GloriaThe Jean’s Boycott shownhas thatshown and the consumers to actdo,as itthey Gloria Jean’shas Boycott ultimately to the individual. although companies right to freeright ultimately up to the individual. although maintain companiestheir maintain their to free up speech and speech politicaland allegiance, political customers allegiance, have customers have the right tothe choose they where want to spend right where to choose they want to spend their money. customers are becoming theirNow money. Now customers are becoming more awaremore of exactly where theywhere are going, aware of exactly they are going, companies may have tomay wake up to and smell companies have wake upthe and smell the LEWIS WISDEN

- Cereal - Toast - Tea - Coffee - Jam - Juice -

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LABORCLUB

“WE WERE OUTSIDE TRADES HALL DOING THE PROTEST THING AND THE VOTE INSIDE AT THE CONVENTION WAS WON BY A COUPLE OF VOTES AND I REMEMBER THINKING IT MIGHT BE WORTHWHILE BEING IN THERE RATHER THAN OUT HERE PROTESTING.” Penny Wong, Finance Minister, talking about the introduction of HECS and why she became involved in politics.

ho is the Who Labor is theclub? Labor club?

are the We unofficial are theface unofficial of the ALP face of onthe campus ALP on - which campus means - which we are means are not we affiliated are are not with affiliated the with the ty and have partya little and have morea freedom little more than freedom the rest than of the theALP. rest of the ALP.

hat doWhat you guys do you do?guys do?

’re moreWe’re of a more social of club a social than aclub political than aorgansiation. political organsiation. Don’t get me Don’t wrong, get me we’re wrong, Laborwe’re Labor pporters but supporters we enjoy but having we enjoy a beverage having as a beverage much as as shaping much policy. as shaping policy.

o, you So, guys you areguys just are booze justhounds? booze hounds?

E WISH!WE WeWISH! have many We have activemany members activewho members are part who of Newcastle are part of Labor Newcastle and Young Labor and Labor. Young Labor. hile we doWhile get involved we do get with involved some things, with some suchthings, as harassing such asthe harassing uni for athe better uni deal for a for better students, deal for students, club is mainly the clubsocial. is mainly social.

hy would WhyI would join? I join?

a fun, social, It’s a fun, commitment social, commitment free way to free see ifway politics to seemight if politics be formight you. We’re be for not you.dictators We’re not - you dictators - you n come tocan a get come together to a get and together see if it’s and your see thing. if it’s your If it is, thing. thenIfgreat! it is, then If not,great! that’sIfcool, not, that’s at leastcool, at least u’ve satisfied you’ve your satisfied curiosity! your curiosity!

member Remember that every politician that everyhad politician to starthad somewhere. to start somewhere.

don’ t care I don’ about t carepolitics. about politics.

ur advice?Our Think advice? of something Think of that something you’re passionate that you’re about, passionate find about, out as much find out as as you much can about as you can about nd get involved it and get in involved it. You have in it.a You righthave to have a right yourtovoice have heard your voice - annoy heard those - annoy in charge thoseuntil in charge until y hear you! they hear you!

oes Labor Doeshave Labor relevance have relevance in modern in modern Australia? Australia?

bor has done Labor a great has done job ina great securing job and in securing protecting andthe protecting workingthe rights working for allrights peoplefor- including all people you. - including you.

bor will continue Labor will tocontinue do this while to domoving this while on moving to other on important to otherthings, important like things, sharinglike the sharing wealth the wealth und, tackling around, climate tackling change climate andchange sustainability, and sustainability, building thebuilding NBN and thelooking NBN and after looking the most after the most nerable people vulnerable in Australia. people in Australia.

thout Labor, Without Australia Labor,would Australia still be would under still Workchoices, be under Workchoices, ignoring climate ignoring change, climate running change, onrunning on DSL and ADSL withoutand an without NationalanDisability NationalInsurance DisabilityScheme. Insurance Scheme.

“I joined the“IALP joined to make the ALP a difference to make aindifference society, toinhelp society, working to help people working and topeople support and to support

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the future prosperity the futureofprosperity our country. of our I am country. drivenIby am driven by the importance the importance of equity, ofsocial equity, justice socialandjustice and compassion. compassion. The Labor Party The Labor is the Party party is of the progress. party We of progress. do not We do not shy from tough shy from decisions, toughwedecisions, embrace we sound embrace publicsound public policies and policies fight forand what fight is right for what in the is right interests in the of interests of the nation. the nation.

Campaigning

I encourage Ieach encourage of you to each notofstand you toonnot thestand sidelines on the sidelines but to embrace but every to embrace opportunity every opportunity that presentsthat itselfpresents itself and to act onand thetovalues act onthat themotivate values that you. motivate After all, you. After all, you are our you future.” are our future.” Greg Combet, Greg Minister Combet, forMinister Climatefor Change, Climate talking Change, about talking why about why he joined the heALP joined - for thethis ALP article! - for this article!

May Day March

Will I get Will harassed I get harassed to join the to join ALP?the ALP?

Nah, we’re Nah, not a we’re cult. You not adon’t cult.have You to don’t be ahave member to be to a member come to come along or to join alongUoN or toLabor join UoN ClubLabor and weClub wontand harass we wont you about harass you about it. You don’tit.have You to don’t signhave up or tocommit sign up to or anything. commit to anything.

I don’ t really I don’ get t really politics... get politics...

What betterWhat placebetter to learn? placeWe to don’t learn?hate We in don’t the hate Labor in Club. the Labor Club. Most members Mostagree members that we agree have that learned we have a billion learned times a billion more times more than we used than to know we used since to know joining! since So joining! come along So come - you along might- you might be surprisedbeatsurprised how much at fun howyou much have! fun you have!

UoN Labor Club Party

O Week

uonlaborclub@gmail.com

facebook.com/uonlaborclub 21


LIBERALCLUB

SUCCESSFUL UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE ALUMNI RETURNS TO INSPIRE STUDENTS

er three Over decades three have decades passedhave sincepassed Senator since1989 Senator Arthur 1989served Arthur former served Prime former Minister Prime Minister thus Sinodinos ArthusAO Sinodinos walkedAO through walked thethrough halls John the halls Howard John when Howard he was when Opposition he was Opposition Leader Leader University of of University Newcastle of as Newcastle a student. as Aa student. lot during A lot the Hawke during the years. Hawke Afteryears. Mr. Howard After Mr. wasHoward was changedhas in changed our region in in ourthe region threeindecades the threereplaced decades as replaced leader ofasthe leader Liberal of the Party, Liberal Arthur Party, Arthur ce the Senator since the graduated Senator with graduated a Bachelor with of a Bachelor of toreturned returned the treasury to the until treasury 1995 when until 1995 John when John mmerce Commerce (Honours in(Honours Economics) in Economics) in 1979 to inHoward 1979 to successfully Howard successfully challenged challenged Alexander Alexander er a graduates enter aprogram graduates with program the public withservice. the public service.forDowner Downer the leadership. for the leadership.

e hunterThe washunter a vastlywasdifferent a vastlyplace different threeplace three From 1997From to 2006 1997 Senator to 2006Sinodinos Senator Sinodinos was was cades ago. decades In three ago.decades In three Newcastle decades Newcastle has Chiefhas of Staff Chief to the of Staff PrimetoMinister the Prime of Minister Australia,of Australia, en swept been up inswept ‘royalupfever’ in ‘royal and has fever’ been andathasJohn beenHoward. at JohnHe Howard. was a close He was confidant a closeofconfidant the of the mercy oftheMother mercy Nature of Mother on more Nature than on one more than Primeone Minister Primeand Minister was regarded and wasasregarded one of the as one of the asion. Newcastle occasion.has Newcastle grown, then has grown, contracted, then contracted, most powerful mostpeople powerful in the people country. in the country. n grownthen again grown with again the ups with andthe downs ups and of downs of coal and thesteel coalindustry and steelhaving industry an ebb having andan After ebb and leaving Aftertheleaving Prime the Minister, Prime Arthur Minister, Arthur w effect flow on the effect population. on the population. The Newcastle The Newcastle became a director became with a director the investment with the investment bank bank ight’s won Knight’s two premierships won two premierships in this time, in this time, Goldman Goldman Sachs JBWere, Sachs and JBWere, became andthebecame the e in 1997 oneand in another 1997 and in another 2001. Newcastle in 2001. Newcastle Regional General Regional Manager, GeneralBusiness Manager, &Business Private & Private been hit has by been up hit to 17% by upunemployment to 17% unemployment Banks at National Banks atAustralia NationalBank. Australia In 2008, Bank.heIn 2008, he ring the late during 1980s theand late early 1980s1990s and early and areas 1990s and was areas part ofwas a panel part that of a mediated panel thatpublic mediated inputpublic input w heavilynow populated heavily have populated been transformed have been transformed into the Defence into the White Defence Paper. White In March Paper.2009, In March 2009, m giantfrom holesgiant in the holes ground in the to ground bustling,to he bustling, was appointed he was appointed Managing Managing Director for Director for mmeringshimmering examples ofexamples suburbia.of suburbia. Government, Government, Education and Education Carbonand Solutions, Carbon Solutions, InstitutionalInstitutional Banking, Banking, Business Banking Business Banking e University The University of Newcastle of Newcastle has not been has not been atAustralia Australia the National at theAustralia NationalBank. Australia Bank. red fromspared change from in the change past in decade the past anddecade the and the iversity has University been unrelenting has been unrelenting in its searchinofits search Senatorof Sinodinos Senator Sinodinos has servedhasas served Financeas Finance ogress. Many progress. of theMany facilities of the that facilities we takethat for weDirector take for and Director President andfor President the NSW forbranch the NSW of branch of nted today granted like the today Great likeHall, the Great the Hunter Hall, thethe Hunter Liberalthe Party Liberal and Party was appointed and was to appointed the to the lding, the building, computer the labs, computer the engineering labs, the engineering Australian Australian Senate representing Senate representing New SouthNew South ntres andcentres the multi-storey and the multi-storey carpark were carpark just a were juston a 2nd Wales Wales November on 2nd November 2011. John 2011. Howard John Howard nkle in atwinkle bureaucrat’s in a bureaucrat’s eye in 1979.eye in 1979. was presentwas when present Arthur when Sinodinos Arthur gave Sinodinos his gave his maiden speech maiden in the speech Senate. in the Senate. 30 years In Newcastle 30 yearshas Newcastle grown from has grown 200,000 from 200,000 zens to over citizens 350,000 to overand 350,000 the University and the of University ArthurofSinodinos Arthur was Sinodinos the guest wasofthe honour guest atof ahonour at a wcastle has Newcastle grown has to over grown 30,000 to over students 30,000 recent studentsdinner recentheld dinner by the held University by the University of of d over 2,100 and over staff.2,100 In this staff.time In Senator this time Newcastle Senator Newcastle Liberal Club. LiberalTheClub. inaugural The inaugural odinos has Sinodinos been doing has been somedoing growing some as growing well. President’s as well. President’s Dinner wasDinner attended wasbyattended studentsby students past and present past and and present special guests, and special among guests, them; among them; nator Sinodinos Senator began Sinodinos his career began with his career the with the Pat Pat Farmer, Australian Farmer, Ultra-Marathon Australian Ultra-Marathon Runner; Runner; stralian Department Australian Department of Finance of butFinance quicklybutthe quickly Hon. Bob the Hon. Baldwin, BobMember Baldwin,forMember Paterson, for Paterson, ved on to moved the Department on to the Department of the Treasury of the Treasury Shadow Minister Shadow for Minister Regional for Development Regional Development ere he stayed whereuntil he stayed 1987. until Between 1987.1987 Between and 1987 and andJaimie and Tourism; Tourism; Abbott, Jaimie Liberal Abbott, Candidate Liberal Candidate

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for the Federal for the seatFederal of Newcastle; seat of Newcastle; Cr. Brad Luke Cr. Brad Luke and the Hon. andNatasha the Hon. Maclaren-Jones Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC. MLC. The Dinner, The held Dinner, on 25th held on July 25th at the July at the MerewetherMerewether Surfhouse was Surfhouse an opportunity was an opportunity for for students and students club members and club tomembers mingle to with mingle with high-profilehigh-profile politicians politicians and learn and fromlearn their from their experiences.experiences. The gathering The was gathering treatedwas to treated a to a rousing speech rousing from speech the Senator from theabout Senator the about the Newcastle he Newcastle grew up he in and grewwhat up inheand expects whatto he expects to be the major be challenges the major for challenges the Hunter for the in the Hunter in the UoNLC Executive future, as well future, as a as humorous well as a recap humorous on hisrecap first on his first meeting with meeting President withGeorge President Bush. George Bush. The night was Theanight resounding was a resounding success andsuccess offeredand offered an insight into an insight the world intoofthe politics, world economics of politics, economics and regionaland development, regional development, a point re-iterated a pointby re-iterated by Club President ClubConnie President Day, Connie Day, “the night was “thea night huge success, was a huge it is great success, to itseeis great to see Newcastle supported Newcastle bysupported high-profile by high-profile local, local, state and federal state and politicians”. federal politicians”. Jason Hickson, Jason Founder Hickson,ofFounder the University of the University of of Hunter Cessnock Young Liberal Branch Pres. Jason Hickson Newcastle Newcastle Liberal Club Liberal and President Club and ofPresident the speaking, of the with Senator Arthur Sinodinos Hunter Cessnock HunterYoung Cessnock Liberals Young saidLiberals about the said about the night that: night that: “I am honoured “I amtohonoured have beentoable havetobeen present able to present Senator Arthur Senator Sinodinos Arthur with Sinodinos a lifetime with a lifetime membershipmembership to the club to andtheam club proud and toam proud to have been a have part of been such a part a successful of such evening”. a successful evening”. The dinnerThe is now dinner an isannual now an fixture annual on fixture the on the University of University Newcastle of Liberal Newcastle Club’s Liberal calendar. Club’s calendar. Pres of UoNLC Connie Day, Senator Arthur Sinodinos AO, Vice Pres of UoNLC Nathan Laing

For anybody Forwanting anybody to wanting know more to know aboutmore the about the University University of Newcastle of Newcastle Liberal Club Liberal pleaseClub please contact club contact secretary, club Emily, secretary, by Emily, emailing by emailing secretary@uonlc.org. secretary@uonlc.org.

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Noise. Bluejuice

the back Off of thetheir backnew of their albumnew Company album Company ejuice has Bluejuice just completed has just completed their Wintertheir of our Winter of our cotech Tour Discotech of 15 Tour shows of in1518shows days. inThey 18 days. They ned their opened tour at their ourtour veryatown ourBar veryonown the Bar on the and certainly Hill andshowed certainlyeveryone showed there everyone a there a od time.good Theirtime. infectious Their energy infectious raised energy the raised the f and shook roof and the shook groundthe that ground Wednesday that Wednesday ht as they night took asto they thetook stagetowith the stage Deep with Sea Deep Sea ade inArcade what in was what one was of the one most of the most rgetically energetically positive and positive footloose andcrowds footloose at crowds at Bar onthetheBarHillonthis the year! Hill this (yes year! that is (yes that is uding Hilltop). including Shortly Hilltop). before Shortly theirbefore gig I sat their gig I sat wn with down Jake from with the Jakeband fromtothe have band a chin to have a chin g & below wagis &but below someis of but the some highlights of the of highlights of chat… our chat…

It’s beenKLfive It’syears beensince five years you guys sincereleased you guys released r first album, your first howalbum, are you how getting are you pumped getting pumped J- We thinkJ-about it all about now cause we’recause adults. We think it all now we’re adults. your Winter for your of our Winter Discotech of our tour? Discotech Asidetour? Aside Initially just happens then and you’re it just and happens then you’re m standing frominstanding your backyard in yourlooking backyard at the looking at the it Initially planning for the next and thing that just planning for thing the next and that just . sun. happens, luckily yourluckily song goes radio… happens, your to song goes But to radio… But nowwe’ll the band foraround quite afor quite a now has the been band around has been That’s probably J- That’s all probably I’ll do, all I mean I’ll do,we’ll I mean whilethat now, some of us have kids, it’shad notkids, the it’s not the while now, somehad of us have earse, that’ll rehearse, be a that’ll good. be Butaother good.than But other that than same thing that it was at the very start so you same thing that it was at the very start so you h nothing yeah outnothing of the ordinary, out of the we’ll ordinary, just slide we’ll just slide plan it a little more. I doesn’t mean that itmean is notthat it is not plan it a little more. I doesn’t ht into it… rightit’sinto been it…weird, it’s been we never weird,knew we never knew satisfying I’d likebut it to satisfying I’dbe likeorganised…I’d it to be organised…I’d at this band what this would band be would in the be process in theof process of but it where sitting it’s nowsitting in regards to regards to preferit’s it where now in ting it 11 starting years ago. it 11 So years weago. just did So we andjust thatdid prefer and that doingandthings writing doingslightly things more slightly more what happened. is what happened. I cannot stress I cannot enough stress writing enough and rather than crazythe crazy ratherthe than re wasthere no conscious was no conscious thought inthought the professionally… in the professionally… aspiration the start of of the the start band,ofbecause thebecause the aspiration the band, elopment development of this bandofuntil thistwo band years untilago. two Iyears ago. I of creative produce wasn’t as good at the start ofthe start of creative produce wasn’t as good at n’t thinkdon’t anyway, thinkthere anyway, was there this kind was of this kind of ue philosophy vague philosophy that we wanted that wetowanted be the toband. be the band. ertaining entertaining live, we knew live,that we we knew could thatdo weit could do it KL- So howKLhasSothis direction shape in shape in how has thistaking direction taking that there andweren’t that there many weren’t bandsmany around bands thataround that youranew (Company)? your new album (Company)? e doingwere that doing kind ofthat there. kindThere of there. was aThere lot was lot album ood songs, of good a lotsongs, of good a lot style of going good style around going around J- Basically weBasically finishedwe Head of theHead Hawk finished ofand the Hawk and ch is all which good and is allsaleable good and onsaleable it’s own on right, it’s own right, Jwere dissatisfied with what we’d done, in terms were dissatisfied with what we’d done, in terms there wasn’t but there an act wasn’t thatan was actbursting that wasoffbursting off of getting aof good quality of songs together and getting a good quality of songs together and stage physically the stagetrying physically to get trying your to attention get your attention we had at least oneatgood punch I knew we had leastsucker one good sucker punch we wanted and we to do wanted it for no to do apparent it for noreason. apparentI knew reason. on the record withrecord Broken LegBroken and another on the with Leg and another coupleanof radio worthy songs that songs would that work. couple of radio worthy would work. What prompted KL- What prompted this decision thistodecision make anto make But overall But it was difficult because webecause weren’twe weren’t overall it was difficult rt in theeffort direction in theofdirection the band? of the band? studio skilled people. were relying on relying a studio skilledWe people. We were on a

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Opus’ music pages with your local music liking person, Kuuluvan Laitoksen producer as producer well to as shape well what to shape the record what the record would sound would like sound which like is not which something is not something I I wouldn’t do wouldn’t again, do butagain, just something but just something I I wouldn’t ofwouldn’t done at of that done age… at that it’s aage… bit ofit’s a a bit of a catch 22 because catch 22 you because need ityou cause need youit don’t cause you don’t have the skills have but the you skills want buttoyou sounds wantdifferent to sounds different but you can’t but you effectcan’t it cause effect you it cause have you a have a producer there producer and there they are anddoing they are thatdoing job, that job, nine times nine out oftimes ten you’re out of not ten editing… you’re not So editing… I So I felt we just felt needed we just to move needed in to that move direction in thattodirection to make a record make that a record we’re all that happy we’rewith. all happy That with. That was really the wasmain really thing, the main the production thing, the production thing thing was more by was themore by…byWhen the by… HeadWhen of theHead Hawkof the Hawk came out we came were outhappy we were it went happy to radio it went butto radio but not feelingnot likefeeling we owned like we ourowned craft and ourI craft feel and I feel we as a band we as needed a band to needed own ourtocraft ownand our craft and Company isCompany that album is that for us. album for us.

they run away they and run away shunned andthe shunned music the theymusic t And owning And their owning craft their is certainly craft is what certainly what made themmade housethem holdhouse nameshold ( This names mean( you This mean Bluejuice do Bluejuice with their do new with album their new Company. album Company. Eskimo Joe,Eskimo just put Joe, onjust thatput Sweater on that once Sweater in a once Yes, it smells Yes, ofitansmells 80’s tribute of an 80’s album tribute but,album like while!). but, like Bluejuice while!). have Bluejuice takenhave the sounds, taken the thesounds, The Galvatrons, The Galvatrons, before them before Bluejuice theminfuse Bluejuice infuseandenergy energy the vibe and (maybe the vibe the(maybe serenitythe too) serenity of too what couldwhat be clichéd could be shitclichéd with energy shit with andenergy a their and a their stand out tracks standVitriol out tracks & Broken VitriolLeg, & Broken and Leg, mature sense mature of irony senseasofthey ironyplay as through they play developed, through developed, synthesisedsynthesised even, themeven, into their them into t their twelve theirtrack twelve odetrack to partying ode to on. partying on. own trademark own trademark sound thatsound is varied thatbut is varied still but Highlights for Highlights me havefortome be have the homophonic to be the homophonic holds theirholds signature their and signature meaning. and meaning. When W Cheap Drinks Cheap that Drinks leaves that you bouncing leaves youaround bouncingtalking aroundto Jake talking he to said Jake before he said thisbefore album this the album like a 3 yearlike oldawith 3 year theold Barney with the theme Barney stuck theme in band stuckhad in no band direction had noindirection their development in their developmen & their head their (if youhead don’t (if get youthat don’t reference get thatget reference this isget themthis taking is them a little taking direction a littleindirection planningin plann your arseyour backarseto back high to school), high the school), the All it all out. it all I can out.sayAlltoI that can say is ifto this that is what is if this is w funk-dripping funk-dripping I’ll Put YouI’llOnPut that Youjust Onoozes that just oozes when happens happens theywhen put athey littleput effort a little in for effort in that early 80’s thatMiami early sexxxxxxx 80’s Miami & sexxxxxxx Act Yr Age&for Act Yrdirection… Age for direction… what they could what they do ifcould they locked do if they loc obvious reasons. obviousSure reasons. there Sure are athere couple areofa couple of themselves themselves away and gave awayitand theirgave all would it theirbe all would slow pointsslow in the points album, in the most album, notably most Aspen, notably Aspen, unforgettable. unforgettable. New York, but New they York, arebut well they placed are well in the placed album in the album to allow you toto allow regain yousome to regain composure some composure as you as you pass by thepass speed by the camera speed andcamera need to andslow need to slow down. down. Rating: 4.3/5 Rating: 4.3/5 Hipster appeal: Hipster hipsters appeal:will hipsters like if will theylike areif they Bluejuice have Bluejuice donehave something done something other Aussie otherdrunk Aussie & acknowledge drunk & acknowledge their existence theirbut existence wont but w acts haven’tacts done haven’t whendone they found when they success found in asuccess a praise praiseinbecause they because just aren’t theyobscure just aren’t enough. obscure eno particular particular sound; they sound; haven’t theyjust haven’t started just GREAT startedLISTENING GREAT LISTENING IF: you’re going IF: you’re on agoing long on a lo repeating the repeating sound the oversound and over over( and Yes Iover am ( Yes driveI am or if you’re drive or having if you’re a tender having moment a tender with moment w looking at you looking AC/DC at you & Killing AC/DC Heidi) & Killing nor have Heidi) nor have something something special in the special shower… in the shower…

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COUNSELLING SERVICEUPDATES

NEW SUPPORT INITIATIVE FOR STUDENTS Everyone experiences stress in some form at various times in their life. Whilst not all stress is bad, if it reduces sleep and other normal functioning through anxiety, low mood etc, it can be helpful to ask for support. The University of Newcastle Health Service is one avenue on campus to support students at these times. A recently introduced careinfoline is another. The careinfoline offers students information and guidance to point them in the direction of the most appropriate form of support – whether that be Counselling, chaplaincy, or medical. Through the careinfoline, students can be directed to websites that offer help, if they prefer that option rather than talking face to face with someone. The number for the careinfoline is 49 17938. An experienced clinician answers the line, and will provide options to callers to match the particular challenge they are facing. This service will be promoted widely throughout the University over the next few months, on digital monitors, Lecture theatre screens, student sites etc , especially during October - Mental Health Month.

MENTAL HEALTH ADVISOR APPOINTED TO HEALTH SERVICES PROJECT The University Health Service received funding in April this year to run a pilot program offering extra support for student mental health and well- being. The Project is designed to promote and enhance early intervention and support for students who are stressed, and to assist them continue with their studies.


The support is provided by a careinfoline that will take calls from students who are needing help, and a counsellor, who can provide specific assistance and direction. The careinfoline is answered by a clinician who will talk to students about their issue and guide them to an appropriate support option. The clinician is the Mental Health Advisor for the project, Jenelle Langham NUSA has been invited to contribute to the project by appointment to the Mental Health Advisory group that was set up, and also in personal meetings with Jenelle, the Mental Health Advisor. Jenelle has over 40 years experience in mental health, as a nurse, and as an educator. Jenelle was one of the few nurses with a tertiary degree back in the mid 1980’s when nursing became a fully professional tertiary programme. She taught in undergraduate studies for 9 years, and co-ordinated the first post-graduate mental health nursing course at QUT in Brisbane. In the past decade, Jenelle has returned to clinical work, most recently on the Acute team with Hunter Valley Mental Health service. Jenelle understands the pressures faced by students, having completed her Bachelor of Arts whilst working as a tutor in South Australia, and then her honours and Master’s degree whilst a lecturer, with a family of three children in The University of Newcastle. “I know what it is like trying to be ‘superwoman’ –run a relationship, a family, studies, and work all at the same time” said Jenelle . “Hopefully, students will realise that it is a strength, to ask for help when struggling, not a failing”

Adult x10 $27.60 ea

Now selling bus tickets.

Concession x10 $13.75 ea


THE WAY IT’S HEADING... DAVID KENNEDY

‘All rise for‘All Judge called the court riseKeans’ for Judge Keans’ calledofficer. the court officer. dge Keans settled himself down in his high-backed chair. Judge Keans settled himself down in his high-backed chair. Case is Kingston Kingston’ the officer.the officer. ‘Case is vs Kingston vs announced Kingston’ announced So Mr Kingston,’ Judge Keans began as hebegan reviewed notes, ‘You have been injured ‘So Mr Kingston,’ Judge Keans as hehis reviewed his notes, ‘You have been injured Mr Kingston’s martial artsmartial class and suing is that right?’ in Mr Kingston’s artsare class andfor aremedical suing forcosts, medical costs, is that right?’ e plaintiff in a wheelchair, with his arm bandaged in a sling. Thesatplaintiff sat in a wheelchair, with his arm and bandaged and in a sling. That’s right Mr Judge,’ began the began injuredthe man in a strange accent thataccent that ‘That’s right Mr Judge,’ injured man inhalf-english a strange half-english ans struggled place, ‘during his‘during class I performed an exercisean as exercise he instructed and Keans to struggled to place, his class I performed as he instructed and ded up injuring Hemeself. should He have to payhave for me injuries as injuries it’s his fault ended upmeself. injuring should to pay for me as it’sI’m hislike fault I’m like s,’ he said indicating his wheelchair and sling. and sling. this,’ he said indicating his wheelchair You will call Your addressing me Mr Kingston. If you are quite ‘Youmewill callHonour me Yourwhen Honour when addressing me Mr Kingston. If youdone, are quite done, like to hear from the defence.’ I’d like to hear from the defence.’ That’s me ‘That’s for now, repliedsir,” thereplied plaintiff. saying thissaying he climbed meMr forHonour, now, Mrsir,” Honour, theUpon plaintiff. Upon this he climbed t of his wheelchair and crossedand to crossed the othertoside the side court. out of his wheelchair the of other of the court. Mr Kingston, what exactly areexactly you doing out of yourout wheelchair?’ asked the judge. ‘Mr Kingston, what are you doing of your wheelchair?’ asked the judge. Well I only did Ithe wheelchair thing for the sympathy Me lawyer’s idea. Clever ‘Well only did the wheelchair thing for the vote. sympathy vote. Me lawyer’s idea. Clever n’t it?’ came ain’tthe it?’answer. came the answer. Clever, what are you-‘ ‘Clever, what are you-‘ You said you to talk to the defendant?’ Kingston said in a broad accent. accent. ‘Youwanted said you wanted to talk to the defendant?’ Kingston said Australian in a broad Australian lookedHe up looked at the judge reached thereached reachedthe thereached desk ofthe thedesk defence. up at as thehejudge as he of the defence. Here I am,‘Here YourIHonour.’ am, Your Honour.’ You are the defendant? What is theWhat meaning this?’ of this?’ ‘You are the defendant? is theofmeaning I am being‘I sued unfairly Honour. man should stand up for his right.’ am being suedYour unfairly YourAHonour. A man should stand up for his right.’ But this is‘But absolutely ridiculous,’ridiculous,’ cried Keans. this is absolutely cried Keans. I know. It’s a martial gym, someone’s bound to get hurt.toAnyone with common ‘I know. It’sarts a martial arts gym, someone’s bound get hurt. Anyone with common nse should realise thatrealise when that they when join.’ they join.’ sense should How did this getdid to this my court? Who handled case before now? Where on Where earth did ‘How get to my court? Whothis handled this case before now? on earth did u find lawyers to lawyers argue such insanity?’ judge incredulously, his face his face you find to argue such spluttered insanity?’ the spluttered the judge incredulously, ginning beginning to turn red.to turn red. Well’, came the half-english reply, ‘I didreply, have‘Itodid shop around a bit, but this bloke ‘Well’, came the half-english have to shop around a bit, but was this bloke was ling to have a go.’ Mr Kingston across the room a man thebehind accuser’s willing to have a go.’ Mr pointed Kingston pointed acrossatthe roombehind at a man the accuser’s sk. The young manyoung stoodman up and scratched three day on stubble his chin. desk. The stood up and the scratched the stubble three day on his chin. The name’s Bailey Sir and I just it’sfigured never been done,been and done, maybeand I could getI could get ‘The name’s Bailey Sir figured and I just it’s never maybe y name out I set out a precedent this kindinofthis thing.’ my ifname if I set a in precedent kind of thing.’ Get your name out? name Set a precedent? You think You it likely that this could startcould happening ‘Get your out? Set a precedent? think it likely that this start happening ore and more? You’re mad, and you look like lawyer. god’s sake man, sake man, more and more? You’re mad,don’t and even you don’t evena look likeFor a lawyer. For god’s ck your shirt at least’, Keans, working into a frenzy, dare I‘and ask dare I ask tuck in your shirt inyelled at least’, yelled Keans,himself working himself into‘and a frenzy, ere you where found you a lawyer the defence?’ foundfora lawyer for the defence?’ 28


‘I didn’t look Your Honour, decided to representtomyself. Save on fees. Open and Open shut and shu ‘I didn’t look YourI Honour, I decided represent myself. Save on fees. case like this, figured handle it myself. do you think so far?’ caseI like this,I Icould figured I could handleWhat it myself. What do you think so far?’ ‘This is a court the judge hand out advice. I’veadvice. had about enough of enough this, of this ‘Thiscase, is a court case, doesn’t the judge doesn’t hand out I’ve had about I’m puttingI’m anputting end to itanall. Get of Get my courtroom. Get out n-‘Get out n-‘ end to out it all. out of my courtroom. ‘Objection’,‘Objection’, shouted Kingston, ‘you’ve not‘you’ve given us verdictusyet.’ shouted Kingston, nota given a verdict yet.’ ‘Objection?‘Objection? You can’t object overobject the judge’, Keans screamed, his face crimson You can’t over the judge’, Keans screamed, his facewith crimson with outrage, ‘I outrage, will have‘Iorder!’ will have order!’ ‘Wait’ said‘Wait’ Bailey,said standing suddenly, I join ‘can that Iorder, I haven’t today.’ Bailey,up standing up ‘can suddenly, join that order,eaten I haven’t eaten today.’ Before Keans hadKeans a chance thisprocess Kingston again, scurrying over to Before hadtoa process chance to this began Kingston began again, back scurrying back over t the desk ofthe thedesk plaintiff. of the plaintiff. ‘I’d just like say like that to there nothing and ‘open shut’ about all this. I never signed an signed ‘I’dtojust say is that there is‘open nothing and shut’ about all this. I never indemnityindemnity form so I’mform wellsowithin me within rights.’me rights.’ I’m well ‘Indemnity‘Indemnity form?’ asked the judge. form?’ asked the judge. ‘Ah yes’, said striding back to theback defence, standard topractice have to have ‘AhKingston, yes’, said Kingston, striding to the‘it’s defence, ‘it’spractice standard everyone sign an indemnity form in case something happens. I happens. had not thought everyone sign an indemnity form in case something I had notit thought it necessary in this case.’ necessary in this case.’ ‘Of course’,‘Of piped the court ‘that would‘that justwould be strange now, wouldn’t course’, pipedofficer, the court officer, just be strange now,it?’ wouldn’t it?’ ‘Mr Mills, ‘Mr you Mills, will beyou quiet myquiet courtroom,’ roared Keans, ‘they don’t‘they need don’t any help.’ willinbe in my courtroom,’ roared Keans, need any he Crossing over to theover plaintiff Kingston downleant to Bailey. Crossing to thedesk plaintiff desk leant Kingston down to Bailey. ‘Look at him now; people, ordering around,us who does he think ‘Look at shouting him now;atshouting at people,usordering around, who doesheheis?’ think he is?’ Keans glared at Kingston, and using every ounce of self-control he stared tohespeak Keans glared at Kingston, and using every ounce of self-control staredintoa speak in a calm voice,calm albeit it through clenched voice, albeit ittightly through tightlyteeth. clenched teeth. ‘Mr Kingston, it occurs toitme thatto giving yougiving a verdict theiseasiest wayeasiest of ‘Mr Kingston, occurs me that youisalikely verdict likely the way of getting ridgetting of you.rid I find the defence guilty of neglect aforementioned training training of you. I find the defence guilty in of the neglect in the aforementioned session. Mrsession. Kingston rule that Inot payhave for medical but Mr IKingston ruleonly thatwill notyou onlyhave willtoyou to pay fortreatment, medical treatment, b you will pay court of both parties. Now get out of my youthewill paycosts the court costs of both parties. Now get courtroom.’ out of my courtroom.’ ‘Well thank you thank Mr Bailey,’ saidBailey,’ Kingston they excited theexcited room, ‘we won and ‘Well you Mr said as Kingston as they the room, ‘we won and you’re gunna be playing in playing the big leagues after peopleafter hearpeople abouthear this.’about this.’ you’re gunna be in the big leagues ‘Wow, the ‘Wow, big leagues. But I don’tBut know if I’mknow readyif for the big leagues. I don’t I’mthat.’ ready for that.’ ‘Take it from me’,it said ‘I may have‘I lost, no shame ‘Take fromKingston, me’, said Kingston, may but havethere’s lost, but there’s in nolosing shametointhe losing to th best. In fact, I’mInthinking appealing judge’sthe decision, another case?’ best. fact, I’mabout thinking about the appealing judge’sneed decision, need another case?’ ‘I’d be honoured representtoboth of you.’ ‘I’d be to honoured represent both of you.’

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