Week 13, Semester 1, 2025
Together, we’ve made it to the end of Semester 1. I couldn’t be prouder to represent USyd’s undergraduate student body. As President, I’ve ensured that student voices were heard across university management, government, and public forums, and that the SRC works for students first. Here are only some of the things I was able to achieve and do for you:
1. Defending Student Rights and Academic Freedom
- Preserved 5-day simple extensions despite proposed cuts to 2 or 3 days by negotiating with the university.
- Attended every single committee meeting, from the Academic Board to the University Executive, to ensure students have a voice at the table.
- Led submissions on the five controversial draft policies restricting political and academic expression.
- Fought the university’s Campus Access Policy (CAP) and successfully prompted a review into notice procedures for student demonstrations.
- Negotiated directly with university leadership to protect SRC independence from university surveillance, notably ensuring student safety and autonomy during a 200+ person SGM.
- Coordinated the SRC’s submission to the People’s Inquiry into Campus Free Speech on Palestine.
2. Political Campaigns and National Advocacy
- Led USyd’s contribution to the highly successful ACTU’s “Don’t Risk Dutton” campaign, warning students of the Coalition’s threat to HECS, student services, and job security.
- Spoke at major rallies, including the National Day of Action for Palestine, the CARR rally against far-right extremism, the forum on repression at universities, and the rally for solidarity with striking Woolworths workers.
- Attended the NSW Drug Summit and contributed to the post-Drug Summit youth statement, highlighting the flaws of the event. Hosting a follow-up forum on Tuesday, 3rd June, 6:30 pm, about the future of drug reform.
- Represented USyd undergraduates at the NUS National Conference and President’s Summit.
3. Campus Engagement and Student Unionism
- Ran 6 fortnightly high-impact BBQs and outreach stalls, handing out hundreds of tote bags, sausages, and campaign materials to reach students the SRC has never spoken to before.
- Launched a $1000 logo competition to rebrand the SRC and engage creative students (Winner TBA, it is close!).
- Worked to relocate the SRC office for improved visibility and better working conditions for the SRC staff.
- Initiated a joint push with SUPRA for a $5 student meal canteen and have established a working group with the university and USU to deliver the canteen by the start of next year.
- Delivered a new migration law service via the SRC Legal Service for international students.
You voted for me to be your SRC President because you wanted to be able to feel the IMPACT of the SRC’s work. I will continue to work hard for you in my remaining 6 months as President. Let’s keep it real.
In solidarity,
Angus Fisher
Week 12, Semester 1, 2025
The end (of Semester 1) is nigh. Find the light at the end of the tunnel in my report.
As you may recall, at the end of last year, I attended the NSW Drug Summit and early this year, I contributed to the post-summit youth statement. I am now organising a panel forum discussing the future of drug reform following the summit. It will be on Tuesday, June 3rd at 6:30 pm. We will have speakers from Harm Reduction Australia, the Edith Collin’s centre, NUAA, and more. More details to come!
Last week, on May 15th, was the 77th anniversary of the Nakba, which was the beginning of the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, and members of the SRC attended a demonstration at Town Hall. The SRC gets a lot of criticism for why we take part in and build around events like these. I believe that as students, we have overwhelming strength in numbers. We are the future, and so we ought to try to create a world that we would be proud to be in. If you doubt the strength of the student movement, even the potential of an inch of change is worth fighting for.
I had the privilege of chairing an SGM last Wednesday. Not many SRC Presidents get the opportunity to facilitate a 200+ person meeting that discusses and votes on “contentious” motions. I spent a lot of energy negotiating with the university on the conditions of the SGM to enable it to run. Initially, they wanted it to be filmed, which would sacrifice the independence of the SRC and the safety of student attendees. By going directly to university management, I argued these exact points and was able to get this condition scrapped. Negotiation works and achieves outcomes for social movements. It’s a key responsibility of any SRC President.
In solidarity,
Angus
Week 11, Semester 1, 2025
Hello the loyal readership of the student body. Hope we’re staying woke.
Now that the dust is nearly settled following the Federal Election, it’s clear that Australia, and in particular students, chose to not risk Dutton and the coalition. As you are likely aware, not only did they fail to form a government, but also Peter Dutton lost his own seat, which is the cherry on top. The Don’t Risk Dutton campaign was an example of a highly successful grassroots campaign led by the union movement and I’m proud the USyd SRC could be even a small part of it with our BBQ stalls and social media content.
However, that doesn’t mean the work is done. We have to keep pushing Labor to be better for students and follow through with all the demands of the Australian University Accord. We can’t stay put while the government is static during an ongoing genocide in Gaza or the continuing rising inequality in our own nation which disproportionately affects students. Stay tuned to hear what’s next with the SRC.
Beyond that, I’ve done a lot of work on university level issues. I’m advocating alongside SUPRA for a canteen on campus that can provide $5 meals, hopefully to be ready early next year at latest. The huge wait times students face when submitting an academic appeal has been raised in multiple committees and the university has positively responded by putting more staff on the appeals board. Also trying to move the SRC office so it’s even more visible to students and it’s a better place to work.
In solidarity,
Angus
Week 10, Semester 1, 2025
Things are constantly evolving at USyd, and it’s my job to make sure students aren’t getting a rough deal in that. The university is looking at overhauling degree planning to “streamline” students’ experience. This is in response to USyd having the worst student experience scores in the Go8. Whenever “streamlining” gets mentioned, I have to ensure that this doesn’t mean unnecessary course and/or staff cuts. Regardless, there is more to come on this, and just like I saved 5-day simple extensions earlier this semester, I will guarantee the outcome is best for students.
Last week, I took part in a roundtable discussion on the university’s definition of antisemitism. Representatives from university management, the NTEU, staff, and, of course, students were invited to critique the definition and the process by which it was implemented. What was highlighted was that trust in university management has been seriously eroded. Some members believed that any definition could and potentially would be used to stifle free expression by the university. For the SRC, repairing this trust between us and management would require a dedication to being involved in genuine consultation and consideration of our members’ (YOU!) opinions.
In other news, the SRC Legal Service now has a migration lawyer! I am so happy I get to deliver this service to our amazing international student cohort. Please don’t be afraid to reach out if you have any questions.
In solidarity,
Angus
Week 9, Semester 1, 2025
If there is one message you should take away from the entire edition of Honi this week, it should be: Don’t Risk Dutton. Put the Liberals Last.
The strategy of the Liberals is to cut. If they have their way they will cut Medicare and health funding, government service departments that help the most vulnerable in society, university and research funding, and funding towards renewable energy. Nothing will be spared in the pursuit of “government efficiency”.
You don’t even need to look at the Liberals’ past behaviour of lining the pockets of their mates to know a Liberal government is awful, just look at their promises. $600 billion to nuclear energy. 41,000 public sector jobs cut and the immediate recall to office. A housing policy letting people dip into superannuation that will cripple young people’s future retirement and increase house prices. There is nothing good to highlight.
When a Liberal government isn’t in power, we get better results. When they were in government inflation, unemployment, and interest rates were up, while economic growth and wages were stagnant. Left-of-centre parties have supported the biggest investment into Medicare ever and a slashing of HECS bills. They have also supported the best industrial relations reforms in years.
Everyone, and particularly every student, must Put the Liberals Last. Let’s allow the next government to do more than just right the wrongs of preceding Liberal governments. A Liberal doesn’t deserve to be Prime Minister. Don’t Risk Dutton.
In solidarity,
Angus Fisher
Week 8, Semester 1, 2025
Last week I attended one of the most important meetings that I am invited to as SRC President in the Academic Board meeting. There are only six in the year but all the key decision makers from University management, to Deans of schools, and other student and staff representatives attend making to nearly 100 people. I have a report where I raise the most important issues pressing undergraduate students. I noted how the CAP has been unfairly applied to students and staff, the SRC’s Put the Liberals Last campaign, as well as noting the importance of face-to-face consultation with student representatives in university policy implementation. Importantly, I secured a review and meeting regarding the university’s definition of anti-semitism for the end of the year which will highlight if reasonable dialogue has been wrongly silenced throughout the year.
As the federal election date of May 3rd grows closer, it’s important we continue to recognise that student unionism has won huge victories under this current government that would not be possible under a Liberal government. We got the National Student Ombudsman where anyone can come forward with anything from issues of welfare to discrimination and be heard, partially paid placements, and reductions in HECs debt with potentially more to come. Less than three weeks to go. Don’t Risk Dutton.
As you complete exams and assignments, the SRC casework team is here for you. If you require a special consideration, have been accused of malpractice, or any other issues come up, contact a caseworker on the SRC website.
In solidarity,
Angus
Week 7, Semester 1, 2025
As I wrote in last week’s report, I spoke at the National Day of Action for Palestine, which was organised by the NTEU and other organisations. Unfortunately, every student speaker was sent a warning letter by the university’s Student Affairs Unit, noting that the Campus Access Policy (CAP) 2024 had been breached and that any further violations would result in disciplinary action. It is incredibly disappointing that merely speaking at a rally that the university wasn’t “properly notified of” is a violation of the CAP and highlights the necessity of its removal. More to come on this.
Since there is currently no undergraduate fellow of the Senate, myself and the President of the USU had the opportunity to meet with the Chancellor and Chief Governance Officer to discuss the outcomes and happenings of the Senate meeting. The CAP was a talking point, and I raised the issue of the SAU letters and what ought to be considered appropriate notice of a demonstration. Perhaps surprisingly, the Chancellor and CGO agreed that what happened was unjust, and there is now a review over what is considered fair notice, where I argued that posters and social media posts ought to be considered as such. Beyond that, we talked about staff-student ratios, a canteen similar to that at UniMelb, and the upcoming election for the undergraduate fellow of the Senate.
Last week, the SRC held our third BBQ and stall of the year and also what was supposed to be our third (but in reality second) council meeting. As expected, the election was a big point of conversation in both of these forums. What was apparent is that a Dutton Liberal government would be worse for everyone except the Gina Rineharts of the nation. Last Thursday, Dutton said he would make funding cuts to the Department of Education to curb “woke” teaching. Beyond the obvious massive political overstep into education, what this means is more expensive degrees with worse teaching quality. No one, and especially students, should be voting for a Dutton PM. Put the Liberals Last. Get in contact with me if you want to join the fight in ensuring Dutton does not end up as our Prime Minister.
Week 6, Semester 1, 2025
My fellow students, I hope week 5 treated you well and that week 6 is even better.
The Federal election has been called for May 3rd. That means there is just over a month left to tell everyone you know to Don’t Risk Dutton and Put the Liberals Last. The SRC will be ramping up its efforts in informing undergraduate students about the election through our fortnightly stalls, social media, and other events TBA. The Liberals won’t slash 20% off our HECS debt or properly fund universities, and will cut 40,000 public jobs while spending billions on long lunches for bosses. The choice of putting the Liberals last is obvious for students.
I’ve spoken at two rallies over the past period. Last Wednesday, I gave a speech at the National Day of Action for Palestine, which was attended by the SRC, UTSSA, NTEU, and members of the community. I spoke about what actions we can take to fight repression and show solidarity in our organisations and institutions. On Saturday, March 22nd, I attended the CARR rally pushing back against the rise of the far right, where I reflected on the USA’s influence over Australian universities’ research and that we risk our own Trump with Dutton.
I submitted the SRC’s second round of policy consultation for the 5 draft policies that could restrict free speech and political expression. I highlighted how such policies should not limit the work of the SRC and other student bodies, not limit freedom of speech, and not out students through unfair misconduct proceedings. I will let you know about the final policies when they are announced. The SRC is currently taking input for our submission to the People’s Inquiry into University Restrictions on Free Speech on Palestine. See the Instagram for more details.
In other news, the SRC is moving office! We are working with the university to find a space that is visible, works for SRC staff, and works for our student reps. More to come.
In solidarity,
Angus
Week 5, Semester 1, 2025
Dear student body. It’s that wonderful time of the week again when I fill you in on all things SRC President.
I have begun writing the SRC’s submission to People’s Inquiry into Campus Free Speech in Palestine. This inquiry is being led by a collection of academics and activists to collate cases of individual and en masse restrictions to free speech on campus in response to the atrocities in Palestine. The SRC currently has a form on Instagram that enables you to contribute to our submission to the inquiry. If you know of or have a case that may be relevant, please fill the form in or let me know directly by emailing president@src.usyd.edu.au.
In week 4 Wednesday the SRC held our second outreach BBQ and stall and it was a huge success. We handed out the remaining hundreds of tote bags from Welcome Week as well as all out 125 sausages in an hour and a half. We will have even more sausages and goodies to hand out next week (week 6) so check the SRC socials to see what day and time it’s happening! It was awesome to get to talk to you all about the risk a Liberal government would have to the SRC’s functioning, students, and higher education more broadly.
We are finally wrapping up the discussion on the new AI and assessment policy with the university. All the changes will pass (or have passed) on Tuesday, March 25th. Most importantly, it is looking extremely likely that I have managed to maintain five-day simple extensions, an effective extra 5 days on all assessments. This highlights that representing students at the negotiating table is an important role of student leaders. I will report back anything else when the policy is confirmed in my next report.
In solidarity,
Angus
Week 4, Semester 1, 2025
Welcome to week 4! If you’re beginning to feel the crunch of university don’t worry, you are not alone.
The SRC is refreshing its logo and we want your ideas! We launched a competition with a prize of $1000 for the person who makes the next SRC logo. We’re looking for as many submissions as possible, no idea is too loud or too boring. For more information check the SRC Instagram @src_usyd.
Last week I spoke at the Students Against War rally where I discussed the university’s cruel deterioration of free speech and academic and political freedoms. I noted that regardless of your own political beliefs, strategy, or influence we ought to fight against this in every way we can. As highlighted in my previous reports, to do this I attend meetings with the powers that be, write submissions, and take part in rallies to create change and I urge you to use whatever pathway you have to do the same.
While an election wasn’t called last week as expected, it will be called very soon. As students, we not only have to recognise the existential threat that Peter Dutton and the Liberals pose to the tertiary education sector and student unionism, but we also need to organise against it. Up until the election, the SRC will be ramping up its campaign to put the Liberals last, because we as students can’t risk Dutton. We will be discussing this at the SRC stalls on Eastern Avenue but please do reach out if you want to get involved. We need a fighting student movement.
In a direct attack on student union independence and the student voice, the UoN SRC President, Matt Jeffery, was stripped of his title last week by the non-student CEO of UNSA. The reasoning was that he was failing classes. Matt was elected by the student body in a fair election. Myself and the USyd SRC strongly condemn this foul intervention by the CEO. This highlights that as student representatives we are in a delicate situation, where the university or some other body can remove our voice for whatever reason. However, the more we come together the stronger we are.
In solidarity,
Angus
Week 3, Semester 1, 2025
Hi all, I hope week 3 has started well for everyone!
Over the past few weeks, I have attended countless committee meetings and consultations to save five-day simple extensions. The university is changing all its assessment policies from the ground up, including special considerations and simple extensions. Working closely with SUPRA and the SRC’s caseworkers in this process has ensured that simple extensions are safe for now, but the work is not over.
I submitted feedback on the five draft policies the university announced in January. The SRC sees these policies as threats to academic and political freedoms. I went through each policy clause and highlighted this fact in my submission. A second round of feedback has commenced and I will contribute once again. While this process may seem pointless, feedback submitted against the Campus Access Policy late last year has resulted in the softening of the policy, showcasing the importance of this work.
The SRC had our first stall and BBQ on Eastern Avenue last Tuesday! It was great to inform students about the services and representation of the SRC. We ended up handing out over 150 sausage sandwiches and countless pieces of left-over merch from Welcome Week. This was an election promise of mine and it’s great that the SRC is now taking part in essential and basic union activities. See you all next Wednesday for the same thing!
Unfortunately, the university has threatened a transgender international student with misconduct for being outspoken on Palestine. See the SRC Instagram for more information. It is necessary to continue the struggle against injustice at the university and globally.
In solidarity,
Angus
Week 2, Semester 1, 2025
Hi everyone! Now that welcome week is well and truly done, it is time for my reports to tell you exactly what I have been up to since I began on December 1st.
The university is reconstructing its assessment policy from the ground up as it implements AI. With that, they are attempting to decrease simple extensions down from five days. I am fighting in committee meetings to ensure this doesn’t happen while also trying to push for a maximum of 50% weight exams. More to come on this
I coordinated with university faculties and Student Life to improve the SRC’s outreach during the university welcome period. This included speaking at faculty welcomes, the international student welcome, and academic procession. It was great to meet everyone and I hope you get involved with the SRC.
In December, I spoke at the Woolworths speak out in support of striking warehouse workers. Despite the Fair Work Commission ruling their actions “unlawful,” the event underscored the importance of industrial action and the SRC’s ongoing support for workers.
In mid-December, I represented the SRC and students at the NSW Drug Summit, contributing to policy recommendations like drug decriminalisation, drug-checking services, ending sniffer dog use, banning strip searches, and reviewing the Early Drug Diversion Initiative (EDDI). We will soon release a youth statement advocating for these reforms.
I also attended the National Union of Students National Conference (NUS NatCon), where important policies were passed on the right to protest, opposing university cuts, and supporting BDS. I met with the new NUS National President to discuss collaborative campaigns, including an enrol-to-vote/put Liberals last campaign in Semester 1.
Looking ahead, the SRC remains opposed to the university’s proposed anti-protest and anti-academic freedom measures, including the Hodgkinson Review and draft policies on banners and emails. I have provided statements to major media outlets (ABC, The Guardian, SMH) reinforcing our stance against policies that threaten activist work. I imagine things will continue to ramp up as the semester begins and I will be there to fight it.
We are beginning our fortnightly stalls and BBQs on Eastern Avenue starting Tuesday Week 2. We hope to further engage the student body through the SRC. Please always feel free to reach out to me @src_usyd or @angusfisherr.
In Solidarity,
Angus
Week 1, Semester 1, 2025
Welcome to the University of Sydney in 2025! My name is Angus Fisher, and I’m honoured to serve as your Students’ Representative Council (SRC) President. Whether you’re a new or returning student, the SRC is here to support you in every way we can—through casework and legal services, student-focused campaigns, or simply being a familiar face on campus. As an independent, student-run union, we’re your go-to for any issues with the university or challenges related to student life. Part of your Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) helps fund our important work.
Many ask, “What does the SRC President actually do?” My role has three key responsibilities:
- Executive Director: I oversee SRC staff and ensure the organisation runs smoothly, always putting student interests first.
- Undergraduate Representative: I attend heaps of meetings and communicate with the university, government, and media to advocate for the needs of over 40,000 undergraduates.
- Union Organiser: I support campaigns led by SRC office bearers and work to engage students in collective action. Students are stronger together, and your involvement is crucial.
The SRC has a rich history of activism dating back to 1929. We’ve fought for student rights, social justice, and broader societal issues, from educational reform and anti-war protests to LGBTQIA+ rights, Indigenous sovereignty, and climate action. Notably, we opposed the Vietnam War and campaigned for free education during the 1980s reforms. Today, we continue to champion intersectional justice, workers’ rights, and climate action, staying true to our legacy of progressive activism. Recent wins, such as securing an independent student ombudsman and partially paid placements, show that student unionism works.
I encourage you to get involved with the SRC this year. Join our collectives, visit our fortnightly stall/BBQ on Eastern Avenue, or follow us on Instagram @src_usyd to stay updated or feel free to reach out to me directly @angusfisherr—I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can make a difference.
In solidarity,
Angus Fisher
Welcome Week 2025
I’d like to welcome everyone to the University of Sydney in 2025. My name is Angus Fisher and I have the pleasure of being your Students' Representative Council (SRC) President.
Whether you’re a new or returning student, the SRC is here to support you in every way it can; be that through our excellent casework and legal services, our robust student-focused campaigns, or just being a familiar face on campus. The SRC is your student-run student union and is totally independent of the university so whenever you’re having issues with them, or frankly, any problems related to being a student or young person, we are your go-to people. If you have ever wondered where that approximately $200 Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) that you pay each semester goes, part of it helps fund our important work.
I have been asked a lot: “What does the SRC President actually do?” I will attempt to answer this question as concisely as possible. I see the role as three broad responsibilities, all of huge importance. Firstly, the President is the executive director of the not-for-profit organisation that is the SRC. I oversee all the staff that the SRC employs and ensure the organisation is running as it should by putting student’s interests first. Secondly, the President is the undergraduate student representative. I attend countless meetings and answer an ungodly amount of emails from the university, the government, and the media to make sure the interests of the approximately 40,000 undergraduate students are heard. Finally, the President is the lead union organiser. I help facilitate campaigns that the SRC office bearers wish to run and try to engage with the student body (you) to get involved. Students are stronger together.
I am proud to be the SRC President because the SRC has a rich history of social justice by fighting for student rights and broader societal issues through its activism and advocacy since 1929. The SRC has played a pivotal role in movements for educational reform, anti-war protests, environmental sustainability, LGBTQIA+ rights, and gender equality. Notably, the SRC was at the forefront of opposition to the Vietnam War and campaigned for free and accessible education during the economic reforms of the 1980s. With a deep commitment to intersectional justice, the SRC continues to champion causes such as workers’ rights, Indigenous sovereignty, and climate action, embodying its legacy of progressive activism. The best way to get involved in the SRC’s campaigns is through its collectives which you can find on the SRC website or by getting in touch with me.
Students and the greater world face many challenges today that the SRC tries to fight. First and foremost is the corporate university, which seeks to maximise profits by cutting courses and staff while making hundreds of millions in surplus. Our education is becoming increasingly commodified. The cost of living crisis continues to hit young people the hardest with soaring rents and food prices. It’s more important than ever that the government hears our struggles. The university’s complicity in the Palestinian genocide, climate change, and other injustices are rife. The SRC is one way students can fight for what’s right. Over the past couple of years, student unionism has won an independent student ombudsman, partially paid placements, and the disclosure of ties to weapons companies at many universities. Student unionism works.
I hope to see you all around campus this year and getting involved with your SRC. This year we will be hosting a fortnightly stall/BBQ on Eastern Avenue so you can raise issues directly with us. Please follow the SRC Instagram @src_usyd to keep up with what we’re doing and feel free to look me up personally on social media. Thank you for reading!
In solidarity,
Angus Fisher