Ian Westbrooke

At present, with increasing dissatisfaction in University and beyond, students have been actively expressing desire for change - on issues from racism to assessment. The President should play a leading role initiating action around such issues. As a Young Socialist, I have been involved in such issues since 1971, including anti-war, antiapartheid and bursary actions.

The bursaries issue is an example of why we need such a President. Following two years "negotiations", the biggest student actions for years were organised, calling for a standard tertiary bursary (STB). These marches showed the impact of action - soon government announced STB proposals. Although penny-pinching, they represented a victory. But we needed further actions - to gain our full demands.

What did Beckford and Co. do? They opposed further action, and organised no discussion or forums on the question.

This student body needs people who want to, and know how to, involve students in action. The Young Socialists are such activists - currently we are organising the Socialist Action Election Campaign, challenging the Labour Government on its own record.

If you want the VUWSA to campaign for women's rights, for student control of assessment, for solidarity with oppressed people here and overseas: Vote for the Young Socialist Candidates.