Following the opening of La Trobe University, the Student Union opened its doors - founded by students, and for students.
The LTSU has always been student-led and student-run, ensuring La Trobe students have a powerful, independent voice and services on campus.
For decades, the Student Union has played a central role in advocating for:
- Free and accessible education
- Student safety and welfare
- First Nations' Rights
- Representing all genders and culturally an dlinguistically diverse communities
- LGBTQIA+ rights
- Fair treatment of student worker
- Accessible campus services
- Climate and social justice
Australian Student Trade Unionism
Australian student trade unionism has its roots in the post-Second World War expansion of public education and the belief that students, like workers, benefit from collective organisation and representation.
Early Foundations (1940s–1960s)
Student representative councils began forming across Australian universities in the mid-20th century as higher education expanded and campuses grew. These early student unions focused on welfare services, social activities, and advocacy around student conditions, including housing, transport, and academic fairness. Many adopted the language and structures of trade unions, emphasising democratic control, collective voice, and solidarity.
Activism and National Organisation (1960s–1980s)
The 1960s and 1970s marked a high point for student trade unionism. Student unions played a prominent role in movements against the Vietnam War, apartheid, and gender inequality, as well as campaigns for free education.
In 1987, student unions across the country formed the National Union of Students (NUS) to coordinate national advocacy and campaigns. Student unions increasingly saw themselves not just as service providers, but as political organisations representing student interests within universities and broader society.
Voluntary Student Unionism (2000s)
A major turning point came in 2006 with the introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) by the federal government. VSU removed compulsory student membership and dramatically reduced funding for student unions nationwide. Many unions downsized, restructured, or closed altogether, leading to a loss of services and advocacy capacity across the sector.
Renewal and Contemporary Unionism (2010s–Present)
In response to VSU, student unions have adapted by refocusing on core representation, welfare advocacy, and student-led organising. The introduction of the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) in 2012 partially restored funding, though unions remain independent from universities and must continue to justify their role to students.
Today, Australian student trade unionism continues to advocate on issues such as cost of living, housing insecurity, mental health, campus safety, climate justice, and equity for marginalised students. While the political context has changed, the core principle remains the same: students are stronger when they organise collectively.
La Trobe Student Union
La Trobe Student Union is part of this broader tradition—student-led, student-run, and committed to representing students’ interests independently. Like student unions across Australia, LTSU exists to ensure students have a democratic voice, access to advocacy and support, and the ability to organise collectively on issues that affect their lives and education.