Tobias Langtry
Every month the student representatives meet to discuss the business of the UWA Student Guild. This report details the happenings of the Student Guild Council meeting held on Wednesday 26th April 2023. Discussion concerned the constitutional referendum on the Voice to Parliament, the RightByYou campaign, and the NTEU’s Week of Action.
Readers can find the meeting agenda here. If an amendment is considered ‘friendly’ by the council member who initiated the motion the amendment is accepted. If an amendment is ‘non-friendly’ the amendment has to be voted on by the whole committee to be accepted.
5.0 BUSINESS COMPLETED VIA CIRCULAR
5.1 The 110th Guild Council accepts the resignation of Anushka Mukherjee from the position of Chair of the Equity and Diversity Committee.
5.2 The 110th Guild Council accepts the resignation of Anushka Mukherjee from the position of Chair of the Corporate Services Committee.
Motion passed.
6.0 DIRECTORS REPORTS
6.1 Managing Director
6.2 Finance Director
The Finance Director, Mutya Maraginot-Joseph, starts by discussing the audit report provided by Deloitte, which reviewed the Student Guild’s finances. There are no major issues.
The Guild is facing a negative cash flow, a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guild Managing Director, Tony Goodman, tells the council that the Guild is in the “same pool” as the University.
This is different to the situation two years ago because the Guild now faces both a negative cash flow AND a net loss. In 2021 the Guild was supported by pandemic-era government payments.
The current loss is partly a result of generous rent abatement provided by the Guild to its tenants. Tony tells the council that, unlike big private landlords, the Guild prioritises caring for the University community. The Guild’s current loss is a function of external economic factors.
6.3 Commercial
6.4 Student Services
9.0 QUESTIONS TIME – Student Reports
Will Partridge notes that a lot of student reports were late. He raises the issue “from an accountability” standpoint.
Will has a question for Robert Whitehurst. Will wants to know what changes have been made to standing orders relating to the upcoming student guild election. Robert tells the council that he has been correcting problems that have been building up over the years. As an example, he is formally amending the title ‘ISS Director’ to ‘ISD President.’
Geemal has a question for Kaelin Abrahams. Geemal wants to know what the Welfare Committee has been planning. Kaelin tells the council that “exciting” things are coming next week. They have planned for 23 events, at least 5 of which are club run.
12.0 MOTIONS ON NOTICE (OPERATIONS)
12.1 The 110th Guild Council approves the Wellbeing Department in its sharing of RightByYou stickers and other resources throughout Guild property.
Moved: Kaelin Abrahams
Seconded: Luke Alderslade
RightByYou is a campaign dedicated to supporting the friends of those at risk of suicide and other risks to mental and physical health. Many at risk people never recieve formal assistance and instead rely on their friends and family. By better informing and helping these friends and family, RightByYou hopes to save lives and foster stronger support networks among young people.
Kaelin Abrahams speaks in favour of the motion.
Luke Alderslade speaks in favour of the motion. “We live in a society” and it’s important to provide the kind of support RightByYou provides.
Will Partridge asks Kaelin why RightByYou was chosen. Kaelin explains that most support services aim to provide support for those personally in crisis. There is relatively little support for the loved ones helping those in crisis. RightByYou fills this gap.
Indi Creed speaks in favour of the motion. Indi says that RightByYou provides research based support for those dealing with vicarious trauma. It’s important to provide support for students helping others.
Motion passed.
12.2 The 110th Guild Council approves the addition of Ordinary Guild Councillors onto the UWA Guild website, as a part of the student representatives tab.
Moved: Kaelin Abrahams
Seconded: Luke Alderslade
Kaelin Abrahams speaks in favour of the motion. Kaelin says that OGC’s are student representatives and they should be recognised as such.
Motion passed.
12.3 The 110th Guild Council approves the appointment of Jaimee Bardsley as the new Environment Officer of the 110th Guild Council.
Moved: Robert Whitehurst
Seconded: Bradley Carter
Bradley Carter commends all applicants.
Will Partridge asks about the interview process and how many applicants there were.
Robert Whitehurst tells the council that he attempted to involve a representative from each party in the appointment process. Howether, there was little response from those contacted. Robert and Bradley then decided to review the applicants personally. They believe that Jaimee Bardsley is the best candidate for the role.
Melani De Alwis asks Robert a question. She was concerned about the lack of communication by Robert and Bradley, when they attempted to involve party representatives in the appointment process. She explains that she had issues with Microsoft Teams and would have liked Robert and Bradley to contact her directly about this appointment process.
Cooper Mason says that the failure of party representatives to involve themselves in the appointment process was not a result of a lack of effort on Robert’s part.
Robert finds a message he sent to a Microsoft Teams group chat about this appointment process. He explains that Melani must have seen this message since she replied to it. She had also excused herself from the appointment process at that time.
Motion passed.
12.4 The 110th Guild Council approves the appointment of Ashley Lui as the Chair of Corporate Services Committee.
Moved: Geemal Jayawickrama
Seconded: Viknash VM
Geemal Jayawickrama and Viknash VM speak in favour of the motion.
Motion passed.
13.0 MOTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE (OPERATIONS)
13.1 The 110th Guild Council approves the date of Tuesday 10th October 2023 at 1.00p.m. for the 2023 Ordinary General Meeting.
Motion passed.
13.2 The 110th Guild Council approves the Financial Audited accounts and the SSAF Aquittal documents.
Motion passed.
14.0 MOTIONS ON NOTICE (REPRESENTATION)
14.1 The 110th Guild Council:
14.1.1 Acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, or First Nations’, sovereignty was never ceded or extinguished, and it exists as an inalienable, inseparable link between the land and their people.
14.1.2 Acknowledges that First Nations’ sovereignty co-exists with the sovereignty of the Crown, and it is through Australia’s laws and decision-making bodies that Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people can tangibly improve their standard of living, the continuation of their culture, and the entrenchment of this nation’s multicultural pluralism. Also acknowledges First Nations’ self determination to demand change from the Australian government bodies through the efforts of activism, rallies and community allyship.
14.1.3 Acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have endured the decimation of their culture, way of life, standard of living, and communities through the successive consequences of colonialisation, dispossession, segregation, and discrimination.
14.1.4 Acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have lived and cared for the land for 60 000 years and have forcibly lost their cultural and philosophical purpose in 235 years, or in 0.39% of that time, due to colonisation.
14.1.5 Acknowledges that neither Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples have historically been given appropriate support by government bodies to express concerns and hardships experienced by Indigenous communities. Thus, not been allowed the chance to influence the policies that affect them, nor significantly or proportionally to current policy outcomes within the present.
14.1.6 Condemns the Northern Territory Intervention of 2007 as a contemporary example of significantly detrimental policy decision-making without First Nations’ consultation.
14.1.7 Acknowledges the ‘Closing the Gap’ Reports foundational call upon governments and service-providers to decentralise decision-making to First Nations’ people over their own health and education outcomes, *
14.1.8 Acknowledges involving the stakeholders and recipients of any decision ensures a decision is sustainable. Understanding this is the basis of self determination, democracy, policy formation, and communal development.
14.1.9 Affirms Australia’s endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and cites Article 3: “Indigenous peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.” And cites Article 19: “States shall consult and co-operate in good faith with the Indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them.”
14.1.10 Praises the bipartisan creation of the Referendum Council by the Honourable Malcom Turnbull AC and Honourable Bill Shorten, respectively as Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, within 2015.
14.1.11 Acknowledges the thirteen Regional Dialogues ran by the Referendum Council within each State and Territory regarding constitutional and/or legislative change for First Nations’ peoples between 2016–2017. Acknowledges the Referendum met 1 200 First Nations’ representatives, with the membership of each Dialogue including 60% from Land Councils (First Nations’ owner groups), 20% from community organisations and 20% from prominent individuals. Acknowledges the Voice to Parliament was supported overwhelmingly in each Dialogue.
14.1.12 Praises the unprecedented calling of a National Constitutional Convention by Uluru between the 23rd–26th of May 2017. Acknowledges the attendance of 250 delegates and elders from across Australia to represent the First Nations.
14.1.13 Acknowledges the Uluru Statement from the Heart as the most conclusive document originating from differing elders within post-colonial, First Nations history.
14.1.14 Affirms support for the Uluru Statement of the Heart, and it’s call for Voice, Truth and Treaty.
14.1.15 Affirms support for the YES Campaign for the Voice Referendum that shall occur in late 2023.
14.1.16 Praises the Western Australian, Tasmanian and NSW branches of the Liberal Party in supporting the Voice. Acknowledges the bravery of Julian Lesser, Bridget Archer and Andrew Bragg for their support of the Voice in the Federal Liberal Party and invites other Federal Liberal Members of Parliament to join in the YES campaign.
14.1.17 Acknowledges First Nations’ sovereignty will continue to be unceded and will be acknowledged by the Federal Parliament as an inspiration for cooperation to advance First Nation interests.
14.1.18 Understands this will be a national conversation with significant generational repercussions and we extend our support and consideration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander students.
14.1.19 Acknowledges and respects all elders and custodians who resisted, struggled, and worked for this day. We will listen to your truth telling and will stand in solidarity.
Moved: Kaelin Abrahams
Seconded: Taleah Ugle
Kaelin Abrahams speaks in support of the motion. Kaelin acknowledges the work done by Taleah, Kaleb, and Nakita in preparing this motion. Kaelin shares his personal connection to the motion: He has Aboriginal heritage and has family members who were a part of the Stolen Generation.
Kaelin tells the council that Indigenous people are deeply disadvantaged. These issues are stubborn and the Australian government has failed to treat these problems properly. He tells us that we need to consult Indigenous people and involve them in the policymaking process.
Alevine Magila speaks against the motion. He believes it is wrong to praise the Liberal Party, because they have made policy choices harmful to Indigenous people.
Alevine proposes an amendment to remove subsections 14.1.10 and 14.1.16. (Non-friendly, rejected. No council member was willing to second the amendment).
Alevine speaks against the motion, describing it as a “Labor Party motion”. He asks Kaelin what STAR’s relationship with the Labor Party is.
Kaelin disputes Alevine description; this is not a motion from the Labor Party, it’s a motion informed by the Uluru Statement From the Heart. Kaelin argues that every political party has a ‘stain’ in regards to their relations with Indigenous people. He expresses it is only through engaging with all parts of Australian society that we can have meaningful progress, that progress is more important than history.
Alevine speaks against the motion again. “Why is the motion so right-wing?” “Why are you praising the Liberal Party?”
Kaelin “categorically” rejects those claims. Kaelin reminds the council that the Liberal and Labor party represent 70% of voters and it is important to engage in dialogue with mainstream Australia.
Lorenzo Iannuzz proposes an amendment to subsection 14.1.3 to add “and genocide” to the end. (Friendly).
Kaelin proposes an amendment to the motion. This amendment would add subsection 14.1.16, which praises the federal Labor, Cross Bench and Greens parties for supporting the Voice to Parliament. (Friendly).
Alevine speaks against the motion, again. He believes the Voice to Parliament is too “tokenistic” and would not lead to meaningful pro-Indigenous policy change. He notes that, under the current proposal, parliament could ignore advice provided by the Voice. In contrast, New Zealand and Canada have more powerful institutions dedicated to representing Indigenous people.
Alevine believes we should oppose those voting No for racist reasons and he will personally vote Yes in the referendum. However, we should be critical of the Voice as it is inadequate.
Cooper Mason speaks in favour of the motion. He “respects” the way Kaelin has approached the motion. Kaelin hasn’t attempted to “take cheap political shots”. Cooper tells the council that he has never been a swing voter. However, the referendum is the first time he is unsure of how he’ll vote. Cooper is happy that the motion is focussed on education and informing students about what a Yes or No vote will mean. Cooper believes that a productive council should make these kinds of thoughtful motions.
Taniya Shrimali speaks in favour of the motion. From a public health background it is important to consult Indigenous people in the policy making process.
Lorenzo Iannuzzi speaks in favour of the motion. Lorenzo is from the USA and he knows that Native Americans have been poorly treated as well. He commends the motion and asserts that while the Voice is “imperfect… It’s an amazing first step.” It’s great to move towards constitutional recognition of Indigenous people.
Alevine speaks against the motion, once again. He disagrees with Lorenzo; the Voice is “not a step backwards, but not a step forwards.” The voice is symbolic, tokenistic and an inadequate replacement for more concrete action on Indigenous disadvantage. We should be wary of the Voice because it could neutralise public discontent without meaningfully improving the status quo.
Akshata Jois speaks in favour of the motion. Symbolic change can be very important. A successful Yes campaign can demonstrate strong public support for pro-Indigenous policy change. The Voice can influence public opinion and facilitate future policy change.
Motion passed.
14.2 The 110th Guild Council:
14.2.1 Recognises that Advocacy is needed to both the State and National Levels,
14.2.2 Directs the Governance committee to conduct an analysis using previously established KPIs into the external affiliations the Guild engages in including CISA, CAPA, NUS and any others in the category, and
14.2.3 Directs the Chair to report back to Guild Council with the analysis to also include methods in which we can increase engagement through the state and nationally.
Moved: Viknash VM
Seconded: Holly Mellor
Viknash VM speaks in support.
Melani De Alwis asks Viknash a question. She wants to know what those established KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are.
Viknash explains that he moved the motion so this question could be answered properly.
Melani asks a follow up question. She wants to know whether these previously established KPIs had been presented to the NUS (National Union of Students) before.
Viknash explains that they definitely had been. When the NUS ‘sends the bill’ to the UWA Student Guild these KPIs have been used to assess NUS performance and how much money the Student Guild should provide.
Indi Creed proposes an amendment to motion 14.2.3. She would like to establish a timeline and an estimated completion date. Viknash suggests the analysis should be done by the June council meeting. (Friendly).
Cooper Mason speaks in support of the motion. “Money is tight” and it is important to know if that money is being spent wisely.
Alevine Magila speaks against the motion. Alevine suggests this analysis could establish a pathway to the Student Guild leaving the NUS (assuming the NUS fails to meet the Student Guild’s standards). Support for the NUS is important because they stand up for student rights. The “NUS is a fundamentally crucial institution.”
Viknash explains that CISA (Council of International Students Australia) and CAPA (Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations) have both “fallen apart” in the recent past. Better engagement with these institutions requires better analysis of the state of these institutions.
Taniya Shrimali speaks in support of the motion. She believes the motion isn’t intended to justify disengagement with the NUS.
Motion passed.
15.0 MOTION WITHOUT NOTICE (REPRESENTATION)
15.1 The 110th Guild Council:
15.1.1 Publicly endorse the counter-protest against the March for Life called by Defend Abortion Action Group Perth,
15.1.2 Posts in Guild social media endorsing and promoting the counter-protest,
15.1.3 Place posters promoting the counter-protest around the Guild precinct,
15.1.4 Send an all-student email promoting the counter-protest, and
15.1.5 Strongly encourage attendance at the counter-protest called by Defend Abortion Action Group Perth.
Moved: Alevine Magila
Seconded: Viknash VM
Geemal Jayawickrama speaks in support of the motion. But Geemal also says that it is important for motions to be submitted on time.
Claudia Bruce explains that, by their nature, protests rarely comply with the Student Guild’s schedule.
Alevine Magila waives his speaking rights to allow a guest speaker, Alessio Hammond McKenzie to speak about this motion.
Alessio explains that ‘far right’ and extreme christian groups aim to undermine abortion rights in Australia. The March For Life Rally is one part of this campaign and a counter-protest is needed to oppose this attack on human rights. This issue is very important to students at UWA since so many students are young women (or close friends and family with such women). Alessio tells the council that the counter-protests against Posie Parker had succeeded in undermining popular support for transphobia.
Viknash VM speaks in support of the motion. It is “really important that we stand up for things like [the right to an] abortion.”
Geemal tells the council that the Women’s department is in support of this counter-protest.
Motion Passed.
15.2 The 110th Guild Council:
15.2.1 Reaffirms solidarity with staff in ongoing EBA negotiations,
15.2.2 Endorses the NTEU rally on Thursday 1:00 PM May 4 to demonstrate support for better working conditions for university staff,
Alevine Magila tells the council that they and Nicole McEwen had been in discussion with the NTEU UWA Branch. The NTEU and UWA staff are currently in negotiation with the University about the EBA (Enterprise Bargaining Agreement). According to Alevine, the University had proposed removing a clause guaranteeing freedom of expression for academic and library staff. The NTEU is outraged and this kind of change is the first of its kind.
Geemal Jayawickrama tells the council that he had also been speaking with the NTEU and had offered the Guild’s support. “This is an opportunity… to help them.”
Viknash VM speaks in support of the motion. Many staff members are current or former students at UWA so it is important to support staff in this way.
Motion passed.