Central Queensland University Students in all night protest on steps of Victorian State Pa : Melbourne Indymedia

Following a protest which took place at 3pm outside Central Queensland University (CQU) Melbourne yesterday, international students from Central Queensland University have camped out overnight on the steps of the Victorian State Parliament.

The prolonged protest is concerning the deplorable treatment of CQU students enrolled in a Postgraduate Accounting Course. A vast majority of students enrolled in this course have been failed by the University, following an examination which tested students on material not covered in the course material, or included within the syllabus.

Today marks the final day that students can re-enrol in the subject, for which the University is charging an extra $2,000. This is despite the fact that students have already paid $24,000 to complete the two year course.

Patrick O’Keeffe, RMIT Student Union President stated, “these students have been grossly mistreated by CQU. This is a blatant attempt by the University to squeeze more money from students, who are very disgruntled about the poor quality of education and support provided by CQU”.

Earlier this month, Federal Education Minister Julie Bishop expressed dissatisfaction with CQU. Ms Bishop stated that a report released by the University concerning a potential conflict of interest with campus management company CMS, "does not satisfy all of the Government's concerns".

Referring to these comments, Mr O’Keeffe stated, “clearly Ms Bishop is aware that there are major problems at CQU. Ms Bishop must answer students concerns and extend the deadline for the students to re-enrol. These students have been out in the cold all night, and deserve justice”.

This protest follows a month of demonstrations, including a hunger strike. As one CQU student mentioned earlier today, “we are just struggling, struggling, struggling…we just need justice”.

For more information contact Patrick O’Keeffe on 0439 852 459