This week the Senate rejected the Government’s attempts to introduce a $250 fee for university students.

The bill was defeated when Senator Steve Fielding combined with the Coalition to vote against the move.

Opponents of the legislation argue that the Rudd government is trying to reintroduce Compulsory Student Unionism.

But the Government and many students groups describe the measure as an important means restoring funding to important student services.

2SER’s Nic Christensen reports.