Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt has condemned Labor and the Coalition after they voted today against his motion to reverse planned cuts to university funding and student support.

Mr Bandt said the fact more than 100 MPs fled the chamber to avoid having their names recorded showed they were ashamed of their parties’ policy on cuts.



The Greens will continue to fight to reverse the cuts before and after the election, Mr Bandt said.



“Today’s vote again shows that Labor and the Coalition can’t be trusted to stand up for universities and students and that ahead of the election, most MPs are too frightened to be associated with cuts,” Mr Bandt said.



“In an unprecedented display of shame during a division more than a 100 MPs took the opportunity to flee the chamber before the vote was recorded.”



“This fight has only just begun. If Tony Abbott forms government after the election, he will have to pass legislation to implement all the cuts. We are going to fight him all the way.”



“University teaching and research is the key to Australia’s economic prosperity, particularly after the mining boom, which is why these cuts are so stupid and must be reversed.”



Earlier this week the National Tertiary Education Union decided to put in place a $1 million election campaign backing the Greens, including Adam Bandt’s campaign in the seat of Melbourne.

Sign Adam's petition to help fight Labor's uni cuts

The Final Vote

AYES, 5



Mr Bandt



Mr Oakeshott



Mr Wilkie



Mr Katter



Mr C. R. Thomson



NOES, 35



Mr Albanese



Mr Fletcher



Mr Mitchell



Mr A. D. H. Smith



Mr Billson



Mr Hartsuyker



Mr Neumann



Dr Southcott



Mr Bowen



Mr Hockey



Mr Neville



Dr Stone



Mr Bradbury



Mr Husic



Mr Perrett



Mr Swan



Mr Briggs



Mr Irons



Mrs Prentice



Mr Symon



Mr Ciobo



Dr Jensen



Mr Pyne



Mr K. J. Thomson



Mr Coulton



Mr E. T. Jones



Mr Ruddock



Mr van Manen



Mr Danby



Mr Keenan



Mr Secker



Mr Wyatt



Mr Dutton



Mr McCormack



Mr Shorten