Letter to Joanne Duncan MP and her reply

A fellow student, Christine, wrote this email to Joanne Duncan, MP Member for Macedon and received the following response. [Christine has kindly given me permission to post the emails on this blog. Thanks.]


To: joanne.duncan@parliament.vic.gov.a
Date: 23/10/2008 11:39PM
Subject: Victoria University

Dear Joanne

I am writing to express my concern about the proposed staff cuts atVictoria University. Once again those of us who live in the Northern andWestern suburbs are being deprived of resources. I am a second yearstudent in the Bachelor of Social Work at the St Albans campus. I am asingle mother returning to study after many years at home caring forchildren (including 2 with disabilities). It would not be possible for meto study elsewhere largely because of other State Government educationpolicies which result in me needing to drive my children to St Albans eachday in order to access an education to meet their special needs. As aresident of Sunbury I am also concerned about the potential closure of theSunbury and Melton campuses. As our local member I would urge you toadvocate on our behalf for some degree of equity in the provision ofeducational resources.

Yours sincerely
Christine Quilty


From: joanne.duncan@parliament.vic.gov.au
[mailto:joanne.duncan@parliament.vic.gov.au]
Sent: Wednesday, 29 October 2008 11:14 AM
To: christine quilty
Subject: Re: Victoria University

Dear Christine,

Sorry I should have combined these two emails..
I raised this issue in Parliament last night with the Minsiter for Skills and Workforce Participation and wrote to the VU Council last week. Basically we want a meeting to ensure there is some transition plan and that post compulsory education continues at that site. I was very disappointed in their press release because I am of the view that if they offer courses that are relevant, students will come and this decision is premature given the Federal Governments current review which is very likely to increase funding to univerisites etc.The Minister and I will do all we can to keep this campus open keeping in mind the financial management decisions rest with the university and the university council..

Kind regards
Joanne

Joanne Duncan MP
Member for Macedon
telephone: 54 282138
fax: 54 282919