RMIT University students are optimistic about the Federal Government’s plans to reintroduce compulsory student fees from July next year.

The scheme will see students paying a $250 yearly fee intended to help universities fund sporting facilities, child care, counselling and other student services.

The plan comes after the Howard Government in 2006 scrapped compulsory student union fees in favour of voluntary fees.

Claire Akhbari, from the RMIT Student Union, welcomed the move, saying the extra money will help recoup some of the services that were forced to close due to a lack of funding.

“Back then we had a running budget of $3.9 million. But after 2006 we only operate on $1.3 million,” she said.

“So over half of our budget was slashed, which translated to key services like our student radio station and second-hand bookshop being all gone.

“The extra money will help us rebuild those services.”

The scheme, estimated to net universities up to $250 million a year, was announced by federal Youth Minister Kate Ellis last week.

RMIT vice-chancellor Prof Margaret Gardner said the move would help the university maintain its student services.

“The announcement by the Australian Government also recognises the important contribution that students make,” she said.