Education – Public

The University of Melbourne maintains close ties with weapons companies. Boeing funds part of our School of Engineering, BAE Systems Australia was proposed to collaborate in the Fishermans Bend campus, and in 2018, Lockheed Martin funded at least 10 PhDs. Boeing has even supported some of our clubs. 

Science/Engineering degrees are also significantly subsidized (around $4000 cheaper per year) compared to Arts, Medicine, and Law etc. ($9.5k per year vs $13-$17k)

Australian Weapons companies export their products overseas, including to the United States and Israel. The weapons Australia produces are directly contributing to the ongoing Genocide of Palestinians by the Israeli State. Students don’t want blood on their hands. Students don’t want to be any part of the military-industrial complex, and Together will advocate for the ending of all relationships with weapons companies.

Cut ties with weapons companies

Students don’t want their money or their university supporting weapons companies

After the occupation of Arts West / Mahmoud’s Hall, indoor protests were banned on campus. The occupation took place following the death of Mahmoud Alnaouq by Israeli air strike in Palestine. Mahmoud had been accepted for a scholarship to study in Australia, and was planning to study a Master of International Relations here.

This blanket ban restricts students’ right to political communication and freedom of expression. It restricts our ability to advocate for what we believe in. Together will work to end this ban.

End the ban on student protest

Together will work to end the blanket ban on indoor protests

The Ramsay Centre is an ideological organisation “in favour of Western civilisation”. The University is considering accepting money from the Centre to start a scholarship focused on Eurocentric study. 

Together’s PoC office-bearer candidate, Lushy, said “In a time where racism remains a significant issue on campus and on the back of UMSU’s biggest racism survey ever, we urge the University to reconsider the message this partnership sends to students. This presents as a bid for a Eurocentric, right wing group to gain influence on our campus.”

Cancel the Ramsey Centre donation

Together will advocate for the cancellation of any involvement with the Ramsey Centre

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) at the University has commenced its industrial action. It’s fighting for fair conditions and pay for university staff. Particularly attention is being given to our tutors, who are often underpaid and insecure, limited to casual contracts. Together understands that our teachers’ working conditions are our learning conditions. 

Solidarity with striking staff and tutors

Together will support staff and tutors taking industrial action

Many students, especially international and exchange students, find themselves being taken advantage of by landlords, it is their Union’s responsibility to step in and help them. We plan to centralise and aggregate opinions and experiences of different landlords and accommodation of Unimelb students. Similar to the Purple Pingers ShitRentals website people could report their issues.

Bad landlord registry

Registry of local landlords for students to check over before they enter a lease.