Announcement from the MGA President

October 2024: Enriching our grassroots efforts for 2024 and beyond

• Advocating for increased stipends and job security: The MGA is advocating for increased RTP stipend rates and job security for HDR students amid financial concerns. 
• Opposing legislation that affects international students: We are representing student interests by opposing proposed legislation that could reduce international student numbers and campus diversity. 
• Enhancing support through 2024 realignment: Through our 2024 realignment, the MGA is enhancing programs and support to better serve graduate students and ensure future stability

In my previous message, I reflected on the shifting tides of change and the importance of navigating these currents together. As we move forward, these changes continue to shape our journey, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Building on our shared commitment to face these challenges with strength and compassion, I wanted to provide you with some important updates that directly impact our community.

Many of you have reached out to express continued concerns about the Research Training Program (RTP) stipend rate, especially in the context of the escalating cost of living and the current housing crisis. We are acutely aware that the existing stipend of $35,013 is falling short of meeting the basic financial needs of HDR students. This amount not only lags behind the national minimum wage but is also uncompetitive compared to stipends offered by other Go8 universities, some of which have increased their rates to better support their students.

The financial strain is real and pressing. It's not just about numbers; it's about your ability to focus on your research without the constant worry of making ends meet. Having just received a rental increase of 11.35% myself, I too find this challenging. We have been advocating in this space by bringing these issues to the Graduate Research Committee, pushing for transparency and urging the University to acknowledge and address this significant gap. We firmly support the lobbying efforts of the Australian Council of Graduate Research, which calls for a substantial increase in the RTP stipend rate. Our goal is to see Monash lead by example in providing a stipend that truly reflects the living costs around our campuses and supports the wellbeing of its HDR students.

We also recognise that many HDR students rely heavily on sessional work at Monash to supplement their income due to the insufficiency of the RTP stipend. Recent developments, including campaigns by the National Tertiary Education Union and various media reports, have raised serious concerns about the availability and security of these positions as we approach 2025. The prospect of reduced sessional opportunities adds another layer of uncertainty and financial anxiety. We share your concerns and are proactively seeking clarity and assurances from the University to ensure that these essential employment opportunities remain accessible and secure for those who need them.

I have also recently submitted a statement to the Senate regarding proposed legislation that could significantly impact international student numbers and, consequently, the richness and diversity of our educational environment. We are steadfast in our commitment to represent your interests, voicing our concerns about the potential ripple effects this could have on both international and domestic students. Our advocacy aims to influence policy in a direction that supports a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving academic community.

As we gaze into the future, filled with both challenges and possibilities, we recognise that now is the moment to redefine and strengthen our path forward. The MGA Executive Committee has embraced 2024 as a pivotal year for realignment - a time to refocus our efforts and resources to serve you better. This realignment is inspired by a clear vision: to ensure that our association not only meets but exceeds its foundational objectives. We are dedicated to being your trusted voice within the University, championing your interests to the wider community, safeguarding your welfare, fostering open and meaningful dialogue, and creating opportunities for academic excellence and personal growth.

The steps we've taken in this realignment are already yielding positive outcomes. By carefully reassessing how we allocate our resources, we've been able to reinvest in programs and initiatives that directly benefit the graduate student cohort. Some of these outcomes include:

• Reinstating the Graduate Employment Program, designed to empower you with valuable skills, networking opportunities and resources to propel your career forward. 
• Recognising the importance of community and collaboration, we've provided additional funding to the MGA Graduate Groups Program, supporting a diverse range of student-led groups and activities that enrich our collective experience.
• Our commitment to enhancing your time at Monash extends to reviving beloved events and maintaining existing ones. The annual MGA Zoo Trip, also made possible by the generous contribution of Pro Vice-Chancellor, Major Campuses and Student Engagement, Professor David Copolov, and Sustainability Week will continue, promising not only enjoyment but also learning and engagement with important global issues and our social communities. 
• Additional funding for health and wellness programs, such as extra badminton sessions and further community-building through team sports.
• We've introduced ‘Grab & Go Dinner’ in response to growing welfare concerns of students, creating more opportunities for you to connect with peers in a relaxed setting. 
• Understanding the challenges many of our graduate students’ face, we've improved our welfare assistance programs, ensuring that there is robust support when navigating personal difficulties.

Furthermore, we've taken prudent steps to build a financial reserve. This move is about foresight and responsibility, ensuring that the MGA remains a strong and stable pillar for you, regardless of the uncertainties that may arise within the higher education sector.

This journey of transformation is guided by optimism and a deep-seated belief in the extraordinary potential of our graduate community. We are not just adapting to the future; we are actively shaping it, with our graduate student community at the centre of every decision. We envision a dynamic, supportive, and empowering environment where each of you has the opportunity and resources to excel.

Your insights and feedback have been instrumental in guiding us to this point, and they remain crucial as we move forward. As always, I encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, and any concerns you may have with me. Together, we can continue to build a graduate community that not only meets the challenges of today but also thrives in the opportunities of tomorrow.
 

Jonathan Robberts

President, MGA 2024/2025