In 2004 and 2005, I was elected co/convenor and Chair of UNSW PGB (Postgraduate Board).

The Postgraduate Board (PGB) was the representative body for the 13 000+ postgraduate students at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Representation was made by the PGB to the University at all levels – Academic Board, University working parties and committees, faculties, schools, departments, and various administrative units – on behalf of postgraduate students.

The Postgraduate Board and its staff provided independent advice, advocacy and other services in support of student rights and student welfare. We also represented postgraduate students to other bodies within the University, such as the University Union and the Sports Association, and external bodies, including Federal, State, and Local governments. During my term, I represented the PGB and students on 14 Boards, Committees and Councils across UNSW and CAPA (Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations).

UNSW PGB’s key services included an Advocacy Officer to support individual and collective support, a 24-hour computer lab, a 24-hour PG lounge, laptop hire, a PG e-newsletter and discussion forum, monthly PG seminars and publications, campus childcare centres, legal service and a social engagement calendar.

The most significant concern for the PGB during this period was the implementation of VSU (Voluntary Student Union) membership, which essentially removed the funding that student unions Australia-wide were reliant upon for funding an extensive range of student services. Initially, we (unsuccessfully) campaigned against VSU legislation, and then we fought to protect student services and student-led representation within UNSW.

Additional campaigns and activities included;

• Leading a national Review of Transport Concession Policy to support International Student Access to concession travel

• Student Income Support Inquiry

• Response to the NSW Ombudsman Inquiry into Complaint Handling in NSW Universities

• Presentation on the Human Rights Implications for students of the opening of UNSW Singapore

• Securing the heritage-listed ‘Whitehouse’ for use as a much-needed Postgraduate ‘third place’

• The development and design of a dedicated Research Lab within the UNSW library redevelopment

• Representing and advocating for student needs in the UNSW 2020 Campus redevelopment, with a particular focus on student safety and wellbeing in campus accommodation and access