Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, upon notice, on 25 June 2012:

Given that the Australian National University Student Union has used funds acquired under compulsory student unionism to purchase jelly beans for a free giveaway: (1) Is the Government's reintroduction of compulsory student unionism being implemented as intended. (2) Did the Government envisage the spending of funds on jelly beans. (3) Does the Government consider this an appropriate use of funds acquired in accordance with compulsory student unionism.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

The Government has not reintroduced compulsory student unionism. Universities are prohibited under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (the Act) from requiring students to become members of student organisations or to pay fees in respect of those organisations.