Brief report from RMIT occupation : Melbourne Indymedia

The students are speaking up to oppose higher HECS, more full-fee places, shutting out the poor, commercialisation, etc. While these fee increases won't affect this generation of university students, accessible education is seen as a crucial democratic right.

The demonstration started at the State Library and moved down Swanston, Bourke, then Russell streets. From there people went to RMIT and after some minor scuffles with police, occupied the 7th level of the RMIT building on the corner of latrobe and russell streets, which is the Vice Chancelor's office.

All staff and security have now left the office, with around 30 police visible outside the office and around 100 students inside, with many more supporters downstairs in the lobby.

The students demand that there is proper democratic process; that there is a general staff and student referendum on the issue of fees, and that the decision of the referendum be binding.

They also insist that the Vice Chancelor meets personally with the occupiers.

Some concessions were won recently by a similar occupation at Flinder's University.

Below is the call out put out before the action:

Students all over Australia have been mobilising on their campuses against their universities' administrations compliance with the Government's changes to the university system (higher HECS, more full-fee places, shutting out the poor, commercialisation, etc).

While many Vice-Chancellors say their hands are tied and they have to increase fees, five universities have so far voted not to increase HECS fees, one citing moral and equity grounds for not doing so (Australian Catholic University).

We must stand up for the kind of education system we want in this country. A fair system, where entry is based on merit and hard work, not wealth, and students are able to feed themselves properly while studying.

Come along to the NDA, bring fellow students, high school students, parents, etc. Anyone who believes in public education. The recent media coverage of student actions should make it a fun and lively event.