The Liberal government is committed to attacking young people and workers with the most recent federal government. They’re increasing the cost of education, cutting funding and forcing graduates to pay their student debt when they’re earning $42,000 a year. Penalty rates have been cut for retail and hospitality workers and the ABCC will result in unsafe working conditions and more deaths on site. On Tuesday the 8th of August, John Setka, Victorian state secretary of the CFMEU will be addressing a demonstration called by the National Union of Students.

“The Liberals and their mates in business are attacking ordinary people while they get a free ride. The wealthy individuals who earn over $180,000, including the politicians, are seeing a tax break with the expiring of the deficit levy and companies will receive a $15billion a year tax break. Young people and workers will be bearing the brunt of these cash giveaways. Graduates earning $22 an hour will have to begin to repay their student debt, and those starting university will have to pay more for their education and will be experiencing a worse quality of education. When the government cuts funding, staff are fired and course content is moved online,” said education officer Anneke Demanuele.

“People working in hospitality and retail are already seeing their pay packets reduced, but the wealthy will be taking home more. Our society is growing ever more unequal, and the government is helping to facilitate this process,” continued Demanuele.

“The Liberals may be trying to push through the cuts to higher education quietly but students will be marching across the country to show the Liberals that students won’t stop fighting until they stop attacking education. We stand in solidarity with the workers in Australia who are also targets for government attack, and with the CFMEU who continues to fight for the conditions of its’ members and we’re excited to stand with John Setka against the ABCC,” said Demanuele

Protest Details:
2pm State Library, Victoria, Tuesday 8th of August
Sophie Johnston National President | National Union of Students