The Curtin Student Guild is disappointed by incorrect statements made by Senator Fatima Payman regarding stall bookings at Guild O-Day.
We have tried to contact the Senator’s office. We would have welcomed the opportunity to clarify our policies if there was any confusion.
Political participation at O-Day is limited to Guild-registered student clubs and societies and MPs they wish to invite. This policy was sent to the Senator’s office and is publicly available and consistently applied.
Several political student clubs attended O-Day in accordance with this policy, reflecting their status as registered student-led organisations.
There is no Guild-registered student club affiliated with or representing Senator Payman or her party. That is the only reason a stall was not allocated. This position was communicated to Senator Payman’s office prior to O-Day as is outlined in the email chain below.
The claims being made publicly are not correct and not consistent with the communication between the Guild and Senator Payman’s office.
It is incorrect to say that the decision was connected in any way to Senator Payman’s involvement in the Curtin Student Gaza Solidarity Encampment. The Guild organised the encampment, has consistently supported Palestinian solidarity on campus, and has consistently defended free speech and political expression.
The Curtin Student Guild stands by its policies, its record in support of Palestine, and its unwavering commitment to free speech.
