Media Release

"The five page feature article included in the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) orientation handbook is nothing more than a Do-it-Yourself guide to drug use," said the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Dr David Kemp.

"This is a prime example of how compulsory student union fees that are taken from students’ pockets as a pre-requisite to enrolment, can be irresponsibly and inappropriately spent," said Dr Kemp.

"We are losing too many of our young Australians to illegal drugs. We should be advising our young people on how to avoid drugs, not give them advice on how to use them."

The twelve page orientation handbook contains a five page guide with the headings such as, "How to find a vein" and "The best location for injection" and "How to mix drugs".

The Commonwealth Government is firmly opposed to the use of illicit drugs and condemns the publication of this type of material in an orientation handbook.

"Most students do not want a step by step guide on how to shoot up on heroin. I am sure that many are just as outraged as I am that their money is being spent this way and currently have no say over it," said Dr Kemp.

"Students should have the freedom of choice to decide whether or not they want to contribute funds to prop up student unions and associations. They should have the choice as to whether they want to fund this type of irresponsible publication."

The Voluntary Student Unionism legislation will put over $100 million collected in student union fees back into the hands of our 600,000 students so they can decide whether they want to be a part of a union or association.

This type of publication is the best argument to support the introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism.

For further information: Samantha Herron (02) 6277 7460 or 0412 639 754

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