Mystified by what the different groups stand for? Hear from them directly in Pelican‘s “meet the ticket” series.
AI Party – AMITY – GLOBAL – LIFT – REVIVE – Social Justice (did not respond) – SPARK – THUNDER – Independent candidates
In plain terms, what does your group stand for?
Lift is a fresh force in Guild politics. We stand behind UWA students and are committed to tackling the real issues they face daily. Whether it’s a shortage of parking, limited study spaces, or the diminishing student life on campus – Lift has a plan to steer the Guild back on track by addressing these challenges head-on.
What’s unique about your group?
Lachy Flavel (Presidential candidate): There are a few things that make our team stand out. We come from all corners of the university, with members from the Business School, engineering, science, arts, and even law. Unlike our opponents, Lift is new to Guild politics, and this fresh perspective allows us to bring new voices and ideas to the table, free from the baggage of past issues. Our team is diverse, with a broad set of experiences and knowledge, giving us the ability to tackle the wide variety of challenges students face every day.
If you had been in control of the Guild this year, what would you have done differently?
Lachy Flavel (Presidential candidate): This election isn’t about the past. It would be easy for me to point out the failures of this SPARK-led Guild Council, but that’s not what UWA students deserve. They deserve a Guild that has a clear direction, a plan for the future, and one that delivers real improvements to every student’s experience at UWA.
I know the parking situation at UWA isn’t good enough. Students have been let down by some of the changes made over the past year. Lift has a plan to establish hybrid bays, which will make unused staff parking available after 12 PM. We also plan to reinstate the policy of not allowing first-year students to park on campus. I understand this may be tough for first years, but it’s even tougher for senior students who must juggle heavier workloads and greater commitments to both study and work.
If elected, I will make it clear to UWA administration that they have failed UWA students and must invest in more student parking. The status quo is unacceptable.
Student life is at the heart of the UWA experience. We believe that the best way to reinvigorate student life is by empowering our fantastic faculty societies and clubs. This means adopting a ‘yes-first’ approach and removing the barriers that currently prevent these student-led groups from running events. I want today’s UWA students to enjoy the same pub crawls and sundowners that past generations have. The easy route for the Guild would be to organise and fund its own events, but the better way is to support faculty societies and clubs so they can create and grow events driven by students.
Which of your policies would you be most excited to implement?
Lachy Flavel (Presidential candidate): Our team has an exciting and comprehensive plan to bring real change to the Student Guild and the student experience on campus. One policy I’m particularly excited about is mandating that all third-year units offer a tutorial after 5 PM. UWA students have commitments beyond university, meaning many can’t attend classes during the day. Lift will work closely with UWA to ensure that all third-year students have the option of attending a tutorial later in the day. I’m excited about this policy as it demonstrates how the Lift team will bring common-sense solutions to the guild that just make sense.
Most students don’t vote in Guild elections – what’s the best reason they should vote this year?
Lachy Flavel (Presidential candidate): This Guild election is the most important in years – it represents a turning point for our university. We can either continue down the same path, with a Student Guild that has lost its spark, or students can choose the Lift team, which has the experience, fresh ideas, and energy to make a real difference to the Guild and campus life this year.