UQ Senate meeting delayed

The University of Queensland Senate was unable to go ahead with a scheduled meeting tonight after Senators were prevented from entering the building.

Chancellor Sir Llew Edwards adjourned the meeting because of a lack of a quorum.

Sir Llew said it was outrageous that a small number of students had managed to sabotage the meeting and stifle debate on an issue.

“I am outraged that these students saw fit to barricade the building and threaten the safety of members of Senate,” he said.

“Behaviour like this has no place in a democratic society and goes against long-standing university traditions of free speech.”

The Senate was due to debate a proposal to allow additional full fee paying undergraduate places for Australian students.

The proposal had been overwhelmingly endorsed by the University’s Academic Board.

Sir Llew said the meeting would be reconvened at the earliest possible date.

For further information contact Shane Rodgers on 3365 6060 or (0413)458317 or Peter McCutcheon on 33651088 or (0413) 380012.