Election Issue: LSS Vice-Presidential Candidate - Jessica Flatters

Special Issue: Melbourne University Law Students' Society Elections

Issue 7, Semester 2

As Vice President, what would be your key policy focus? In practical terms, how would you bring this about?

My key policy focus is to introduce greater collaboration among portfolios and with other societies. I want to encourage the LSS to work with students to better represent the range of experiences and identities at MLS. 

This policy focus is practical and achievable because of the unique ‘big picture’ position of a Veep, where I would oversee half the directors’ portfolios and help facilitate their initiatives. From this position, I’ll drive an intersectional and collaborative approach, not just in the planning stages but during the follow through. Because of the varied nature of each portfolio, I want to remain flexible in how this is implemented in practically, whether through formalised meetings or other processes. 

I’ll also work with directors and the student body to improve how important information is communicated by the LSS to students. I’ll also put in place an ongoing feedback channel and promote the practice of students bringing their own ideas and initiatives to their directors, so the student body has a greater influence over how they are represented and the changes they want to see at MLS.

What do you see as being the special value of the LSS, as distinct from the role of other student groups?  

The LSS’s special value derives from its size and scope, and its longevity and reputation. The LSS has a large committee which provides it with the scope to represent students from various backgrounds and advocate across a broad range of issues. 

The LSS has also been around for a long time, which means we have a wealth of institutional knowledge passed down by directors regarding not only how the society works, but also how the law school operates. We have many established contacts within the law school and externally. The LSS’s advocacy power comes from this understanding of life inside the law school and beyond it. 

What should the student body expect of the LSS? Are you able to deliver on those expectations, and if so, why?

First and foremost, the student body should expect their LSS representatives to represent their interests and needs. While no single director can share the experiences of all the students they represent, by improving collaboration, communication, and engagement I’ll encourage a culture of directors actively listening to and working with MLS students to address their concerns and provide greater access to valuable opportunities.

For more on the 2020 Elections and to view candidate profiles, visit the MULSS website here.

Voting is open from 9am Monday 9 September till 5pm Friday 13 September.