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	'''Student Unity''' (also known as '''SU''' or simply '''Unity''') is a [[political faction\|factional]] grouping within the Australian [[National Union of Students of Australia\|National Union of Students]] (NUS). It is politically aligned towards the [[Labor Right\|Right]] or Labor Unity faction of the [[Australian Labor Party]], in contrast to the [[National Labor Students]] faction, which is aligned to the Left.<ref>{{Citation \|url=http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=4294 \|title=Another take on Labor's woes \|newspaper=ON LINE opinion \|date=28 March 2006 \|first=Ari \|last=Sharp \|access-date=16 February 2010 \|archive-date=1 June 2010 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601125330/http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=4294 \|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation \|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/income-cuts-set-stage-for-nus-row/story-e6frgcjx-1111112561544 \|title=Income cuts set stage for NUS row \|newspaper=[[The Australian]] \|date=22 November 2006 \|first=Brendan\|last=O'Keefe}}</ref> Student Unity usually represents itself by means of a [[yin-yang]] logo, representing its position as the centre of the Australian [[political spectrum]].		'''Student Unity''' (also known as '''SU''' or simply '''Unity''') is a [[political faction\|factional]] grouping within the Australian [[National Union of Students of Australia\|National Union of Students]] (NUS). It is politically aligned towards the [[Labor Right\|Right]] or Labor Unity faction of the [[Australian Labor Party]], in contrast to the [[National Labor Students]] faction, which is aligned to the Left.<ref>{{Citation \|url=http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=4294 \|title=Another take on Labor's woes \|newspaper=ON LINE opinion \|date=28 March 2006 \|first=Ari \|last=Sharp \|access-date=16 February 2010 \|archive-date=1 June 2010 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601125330/http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=4294 \|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation \|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/income-cuts-set-stage-for-nus-row/story-e6frgcjx-1111112561544 \|title=Income cuts set stage for NUS row \|newspaper=[[The Australian]] \|date=22 November 2006 \|first=Brendan\|last=O'Keefe}}</ref> Student Unity usually represents itself by means of a [[yin-yang]] logo, representing its position as the centre of the Australian [[political spectrum]].

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'''Student Unity''' (also known as '''SU''' or simply '''Unity''') is a [[political faction|factional]] grouping within the Australian [[National Union of Students of Australia|National Union of Students]] (NUS). It is politically aligned towards the [[Labor Right|Right]] or Labor Unity faction of the [[Australian Labor Party]], in contrast to the [[National Labor Students]] faction, which is aligned to the Left.<ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=4294 |title=Another take on Labor's woes |newspaper=ON LINE opinion |date=28 March 2006 |first=Ari |last=Sharp |access-date=16 February 2010 |archive-date=1 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601125330/http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=4294 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/income-cuts-set-stage-for-nus-row/story-e6frgcjx-1111112561544 |title=Income cuts set stage for NUS row |newspaper=[[The Australian]] |date=22 November 2006 |first=Brendan|last=O'Keefe}}</ref> Student Unity usually represents itself by means of a [[yin-yang]] logo, representing its position as the centre of the Australian [[political spectrum]].

The faction views itself as being committed to both fiscal responsibility and lobbying for progressive causes, while its more left-wing opponents are critical of the faction's approach to social policy and view the faction as conservative and machinist.

==Student Unity Policy==

Aware of the financial collapse of [[National Union of Students (Australia)|NUS]]'s forerunner, the [[Australian Union of Students]], the faction's policy places particular emphasis on financial management and administration. The faction often votes against motions supporting issues that do not directly affect students or are felt to be too radical. Its belief is that the primary focus of the [[National Union of Students (Australia)|NUS]] should be issues directly relevant to students, and that pursuing advocacy on other, less student-specific causes would be an inappropriate use of NUS funds.

Student Unity policy is generally consistent with the policies of the [[Labor Right|Right faction]] of the [[Australian Labor Party]], holding positions generally in favour of private education, [[free trade]] and private health coverage.<ref>{{Cite journal | last = Leigh | first = Andrew | authorlink = Andrew Leigh | title = Factions and Fractions: A Case Study of Power Politics in the Australian Labor Party | journal = Australian Journal of Political Science | volume = 35 | issue = 3 | pages = 427–448 | publisher = [[Routledge]] | date = November 2000 | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/713649348 | doi = 10.1080/713649348 | accessdate = 25 October 2010| url-access = subscription }}</ref> Among the Labor student factions it is the only faction to support [[Higher Education Contribution Scheme|HECS]].{{citation needed|date=November 2010}}

Like the Australian Labor Party, Student Unity utilises [[conscience vote|conscience voting]] on controversial debates such as abortion and reproductive rights, drug policies and other ethical issues.<ref>{{Cite journal | last = Warhurst | first = John | title = Conscience Voting in the Australian Federal Parliament | journal = Australian Journal of Politics & History | volume = 54 | issue = 4 | pages = 579–596 | publisher = University of Queensland and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd | date = December 2008 | doi = 10.1111/j.1467-8497.2008.00517.x | hdl = 1885/54395 | hdl-access = free }}</ref>

Critics of the faction argue that this leads to support of moral and [[social conservatism]], but the faction argues that it allows the faction to unite moderate and progressive students under a single banner without splitting the faction on issues that are not critical to student services.

==History==

The faction formed in 1991, when [[David Feeney]] led members of the Labor Right to split with the Labor Left caucus, electing [[Pablo Campillos]] as NUS General Secretary, and refusing to back future [[Australian Democrats]] leader [[Natasha Stott Despoja]] for President of the Union.<ref>{{Citation |url=http://hcaa.wordpress.com/2008/08/08/discord-in-the-democrats/ |title=Discord in the Democrats |newspaper=Historical Current Affairs Analysis |date=8 August 2008 |first=David |last=Bennett |access-date=16 February 2010 |archive-date=19 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919054715/http://hcaa.wordpress.com/2008/08/08/discord-in-the-democrats/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation|url=http://www.crikey.com.au/2010/10/04/media-briefs-3aw-law-and-order-quiz-student-pollies-list-grand-final-ratings/|title=3AW law and order quiz … student pollies list … grand final ratings …|newspaper=[[Crikey]]|date=4 October 2010|access-date=25 October 2010|archive-date=13 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013061707/http://www.crikey.com.au/2010/10/04/media-briefs-3aw-law-and-order-quiz-student-pollies-list-grand-final-ratings/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since then, Unity has become one of the biggest factions in NUS, with a presence in most [[Australian states and territories]].

Until 2006, the faction had successfully retained the position of NUS National [[General Secretary]] every year since its inception, due to a 'sweetheart' deal with the former National Organisation of Labor Students caucus. At the 2006 Conference, the faction failed to obtain the position of General Secretary for the first time in its history, the position going to an independent.<ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/student-unions-lurch-to-the-left-delights-the-right/2006/12/11/1165685615961.html |title=Student union's lurch to the left delights the right |newspaper=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=12 December 2006 |first=Harriet |last=Alexander |access-date=16 February 2010 |archive-date=22 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022190109/http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/student-unions-lurch-to-the-left-delights-the-right/2006/12/11/1165685615961.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/694/36090 |title=Challenges ahead for student left |newspaper=[[Green Left Weekly|Green Left Weekly Online]] |date=13 January 2007 |first=Simon |last=Cunich |access-date=16 February 2010 |archive-date=8 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308091152/http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/694/36090 |url-status=live }}</ref>

However at the 2007 Conference, Student Unity produced a strong 33% of the national delegate vote and succeeded in electing a General Secretary, thus returning Student Unity to a significant role in NUS for the 2008.

==List of NUS National Office Bearers from Student Unity==
2011
*'''Patrick Sheehan''', General Secretary from [[La Trobe University]]
*'''Chris Monnox''', Welfare Officer from [[University of Wollongong]]
*'''Liv Hopkins''', Queer Officer from [[University of Sydney]]
*'''Gen Li''', Ethnocultural Officer from [[Monash University, Caulfield campus|Monash University - Caulfield]]
*'''Christian Jones''', Environment Officer from [[University of Sydney]]
{{hidden begin
|title = <big>2001 - 2010</big>
|titlestyle = background:wheat;
}}
2010
*'''Xavier Williams''', General Secretary from [[La Trobe University]]
*'''Patrick Sheehan''', Welfare Officer from [[La Trobe University]] (resigned)
*'''Michael Buckland''', Welfare Officer from [[University of Sydney]]
*'''James Wangmann''', Small and Regional Campus Officer from [[University of South Australia]]
*'''Lauren Fernando''', Ethnocultural Officer from [[Victoria University, Australia|Victoria University]]
*'''Hugh Mortensen''', Environment Officer from [[Swinburne University]]
2009
*'''David Wilkins''', General Secretary from [[University of Adelaide]]<ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/overseas-student-group-at-centre-of-bullying-claims-20090508-axzz.html |title=Overseas student group at centre of bullying claims |newspaper=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=9 May 2009 |first=Heath |last=Gilmore |access-date=16 February 2010 |archive-date=12 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012103551/http://www.smh.com.au/national/overseas-student-group-at-centre-of-bullying-claims-20090508-axzz.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''Jimmy Mentor''', Welfare Officer from [[Monash University]].<ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.cccavic.org/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=2 |title=Anxious students and community members protest to retain the Chinese language |newspaper=Chinese Community Council of Australia (Vic) |date=5 May 2009 |first=Wesa |last=Chau |access-date=16 February 2010 |archive-date=25 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725150616/http://www.cccavic.org/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''Chaiy Donati''', Small and Regional Campus Officer from [[University of Queensland]]<ref>{{Citation |url=http://unistudent.com.au/home/documents/National%20Small%20and%20Regional%20Campus%20Report,%20Round%201.pdf |title=National Small and Regional Campus Report |newspaper=[[National Union of Students of Australia|NUS]] |date=30 January 2009 |first=Chaiy |last=Donati |access-date=16 February 2010 |archive-date=29 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929233302/http://unistudent.com.au/home/documents/National%20Small%20and%20Regional%20Campus%20Report,%20Round%201.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''Matt Incerti''', Ethnocultural Officer from [[University of Melbourne]]<ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2009/06/12/2596197.htm?site=melbourne&rotator=true |title=Are we racist or are we just violent? |newspaper=[[774 ABC Melbourne]] |date=12 June 2009 |first=Richard |last=Stubbs |access-date=16 February 2010 |archive-date=18 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618122657/http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2009/06/12/2596197.htm?site=melbourne&rotator=true |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.crikey.com.au/2010/01/12/students-broad-brush-approach-paints-wrong-picture/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CrikeyDaily+%28Crikey+Daily%29 |title=Students' broad-brush approach paints wrong picture |newspaper=[[Crikey]] |date=12 January 2010 |first=Matthew |last=Incerti |access-date=16 February 2010 |archive-date=13 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013061851/http://www.crikey.com.au/2010/01/12/students-broad-brush-approach-paints-wrong-picture/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+CrikeyDaily+(Crikey+Daily) |url-status=live }}</ref>
2008
*'''Ben Maxfield''', General Secretary from [[Monash_University,_Berwick_campus#Monash_Union_of_Berwick_Students|Monash University]]<ref>{{Citation |url=http://andrewlanderyou.blogspot.com/2007/12/victory-ben-maxfield-axes-leftard-nus.html |title=VICTORY: Ben Maxfield Axes Leftard NUS General Secretary After Financial Management Crisis |newspaper=[[Andrew_Landeryou#Journalism|The Other Cheek: Andrew Landeryou's Blog of Freedom]] |date=17 December 2007|first=Andrew|last=Landeryou}}</ref>
*'''Liz Larbalestier''', Welfare Officer from [[University of Wollongong]].
*'''Grant Machell''', Small and Regional Campus Officer from [[Monash_University,_Berwick_campus#Monash_Union_of_Berwick_Students|Monash University]]
2007
*'''Josh Rayner''', Welfare Officer from the [[University of Adelaide]]
*'''Jamila Rizvi''' (resigned), Ethnocultural Officer from [[Australian National University]].
2006
*'''Michael de Bruyn''', General Secretary from [[University of Melbourne student services|University of Melbourne]]<ref>{{Cite news | last = Alexander| first = Harriet| title = What do we want? A phone sponsorship deal| newspaper = [[The Sydney Morning Herald]]| location = [[Sydney]]| pages = 3| language = en| publisher = John Fairfax Publications Pty Ltd| date = 10 November 2006| url = http://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/telecommunications/9970617-1.html | accessdate = 13 September 2010}}</ref>
2005
*'''Sacha Fenton''', General Secretary from [[UQ Union|University of Queensland]].
*'''Katana Smith''', Welfare / Small and Regional Campus Officer from [[Flinders University Student Association|Flinders University]].
2004
*'''Daniel Mookhey''', General Secretary from [[UTS Students' Association|University of Technology, Sydney]]
*'''[[Lambros Tapinos]]''', Welfare / Small & Regional Campus Officer from [[Victoria University Student Union|Victoria University]].
2003
*'''Michael Comninos''', General Secretary from [[University of Sydney Students' Representative Council|University of Sydney]].
*'''Belinda Clark''', Queer Officer from [[Curtin University of Technology Student Guild|Curtin University]].
2002
*'''Dave Hughes''', General Secretary from the [[University of New South Wales]].
2001
*'''Lizzie Blandthorn''', General Secretary from [[University of Melbourne student services|University of Melbourne]]
*'''Rachel Thomson''', Welfare / Small & Regional Campus Officer from [[Tasmania University Union|University of Tasmania]].
{{hidden end}}
{{hidden begin
|title = <big>1991 - 2000</big>
|titlestyle = background:wheat;
}}
----
2000
*'''Simon Lees''', General Secretary from [[University of Sydney Students' Representative Council|University of Sydney]].
*'''Charlie Heuston''', Education Officer from [[Flinders University Student Association|Flinders University]].

1999
*'''Gilbert Astorga''', General Secretary from [[Tasmania University Union|University of Tasmania]].
*'''Tom Cargill''', Welfare / Small & Regional Campus Officer from [[Flinders University Student Association|Flinders University]].

1998
*'''Erica Martin''', General Secretary from [[Murdoch University Guild of Students|Murdoch University]].

1997
*'''Chris Burrell''', General Secretary from [[Australian Maritime College Students Association|Australian Maritime College]].

1996
*'''Roland Stephens''', General Secretary from [[University of Sydney Students' Representative Council|University of Sydney]].<ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.greenleft.org.au/1996/218/15110 |title=Is NUS moving left? |newspaper=[[Green Left Weekly|Green Left Weekly Online]] |date=7 February 1996 |first=Alex|last=Bainbridge}}</ref>

1995
*'''Michael Gadiel''', General Secretary from [[University of Sydney Students' Representative Council|University of Sydney]].
*'''Michelle MacDonald''', Women's Officer from [[La Trobe University Student Representative Council|La Trobe University]].

1994
*'''Wendy Haydon''', General Secretary from [[James Cook University Student Association|James Cook University]].
*'''Tim Lyons''', Education Officer from [[Tasmania University Union|University of Tasmania]].

1993
*'''Simon Hoffman''', General Secretary from [[University of Western Australia]].

1992
*'''Pablo Campillos''', General Secretary from [[Curtin University]].
{{hidden end}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{NUS}}

[[Category:Students' unions in Australia]]
[[Category:Student politics in Australia]]

Student Unity - Revision history

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