Students Prepare to March against University Cuts and Military Spending

Students from across Sydney will be protesting today at the University of Sydney, demanding the government fund ‘Books not Bombs’. The action will form part of a national day of protest organised by the National Union of Students, which has accused the government of twisted priorities. Higher education is facing a $2.2 billion cut while weapons manufacturers are receiving a $3.8 billion stimulus package.

Students are also highlighting the $400,000 of Australian tax payers’ money being dedicated to training the Burmese military (the Tatmadaw). Students believe that this will assist the ongoing genocide against the Rohingya people.

National Union of Students Ethnocultural Officer Hersha Kadkol explained, ‘the government is spending money on destruction while universities are underfunded and two thirds of university students live below the poverty line. The government should expect resistance.’

The University of Sydney’s Student Representative Council’s Education Officer, Lily Campbell said ‘Students are sick of the government crying poor while it wastes billions of dollars inflicting misery. Turnbull can find $9.6 billion for the offshore torture of refugees, yet claims there’s no money for education.’

National Union of Students Education Officer, Con Karavias, has been coordinating the interstate demonstrations; ‘The Liberals are investing in death and destruction while phasing thousands of students out of the university system through cuts to Commonwealth Supported Places. If the money spent on the military went to education, it could be free and accessible for everyone.’

The protest tomorrow, starting at 1pm at Sydney University, will involve students from across NSW. They will demand that the government fund free education in Australia.
Lily Campbell – University of Sydney Education Officer, Caitlin Keogh – National Union of Students NSW branch Education-Vice President, Con Karavias – National Union of Students Education Officer