La Trobe's Bendigo Student Association still committed to merger with Melbourne, Wodonga student bodies amid money issues

The association confirmed in July the Bendigo, Melbourne, and Wodonga student associations would amalgamate into one new group from the start of 2021.

There were reports a planned vote about the merger at the Melbourne association did not go ahead last week amid allegations of inappropriate use of the association's finances.

But Bendigo Student Association president Will Griffin said the situation in Melbourne was separate from the Bendigo organisation.

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He said the BSA was focused on providing the best service for students.

"The BSA doesn't have much time for self-serving student politics," he said. "Our aim is to create a sustainable and outstanding student association.

"Political infighting and division is not good at any time, let alone in times like now. Student associations should be focused on student services and being an independent voice for students."

Mr Griffin said the reports that money had been moved around were "simply false" as the associations were non-for-profit organisations.

He said students at the BSA would have the opportunity to vote on the amalgamation at a meeting on October 12.

Mr Griffin said there would also be town hall discussions before that date.

"From our perspective, we're holding our special general meeting to give our students a vote," he said. "This has always been in the plans since January."

Mr Griffin said regional students would not be worse off as a result of the student associations merging.

"It's been set up to serve all of the campuses," he said. "The voices of students at every campus - regardless of whether they're at a metro or regional campus - would be heard loud and clear.

"We're all working for that and to make student life better."

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