Slogan: Phantastic!
Colour: Hot Pink
Faction: Independent
Degree: Law and Economics (Econometrics) II
Quiz Score: 42%
As an independent candidate, Phan Vu is looking to enhance equity and welfare support for all students. Vu is a relative newcomer to the StuPol scene, and cites her interest in running for USU Board to “being passionate about creating changes.”
Such passion for change, Vu noted, comes from running student initiatives and programs through her current executive roles in the Sydney University Law Society (SULS) as International Student Officer and Director of Careers and Planning in the South East Asian Law Society (SEALS).
While experience in these roles meant Vu demonstrated commendable knowledge in USU governance throughout the quiz, she lacked an awareness of broader USU, student and University affairs. Vu was unable to give accurate FoodHub access numbers or name any of the deputy Vice-Chancellors. She assumed student placements were paid, had no knowledge of the Universities Accord Reports, and was not wholly aware of HECS parameters. Though these gaps can be attributed to her international student status, if Vu is to serve the interests of all students on the Board as she aims to through her policies, there is need for further study.
Several of Vu’s policies stem from the challenges of balancing academics, work, home management and a social life. Vu plans to address such challenges by focusing on “food and cost of living alleviation” by working on deals of incentivising students to purchase at USU outlets for a discounted price and noted this would assist with student wellbeing.
Vu also proposes the creation of an ‘Equity Portfolio’, modelled from the SULS structure, and believed through workshopping the portfolio and “considering eligibility metrics”, the scheme would assist with student costs. Although Vu showcased a clear passion for the SULS community, there does seem to be an overreliance on recreating SULS initiatives in many of her policies.
Interestingly, Vu believes the USU should be politically neutral, stating that an apolitical stance is a unifying way to represent the student body. However when questioned about her policy on the Fair Fares campaign and her stance on the USU’s role as an advocacy body considering the campaign is built on student activism, Vu said the USU should support this campaign as “when it comes to cases like concession opal cards it doesn’t have to align with student associations [like the SRC] as it would hurt students who are not a part of any student factions or groups.” Considering Vu was unaware of other widespread issues that affect politically unaffiliated students, such as unpaid placements, this does raise questions of her advocacy for “all students” as noted in her policy statement.
Overall, Vu showcases a passion and enthusiasm for the Board role with several actionable policies, however her lack of a clear political vision for the USU may present some challenges.
