National gives with one hand and takes away with the other
The Alliance Party of New Zealand is disappointed to hear rumours that the National Government is looking at re-introducing interest on Student Loans.
This weeks Trans Tasman political newsletter contained statements from Government officials that they were looking at making changes to the interest free student loan policy.
Alliance Tertiary Education Spokesperson Richard Mitchell says the National Government gives with one hand and then takes away with another.
“Obviously National’s 10% bonus policy was just a way of softening everyone up before they introduced their real motives.”
Student debt current sits at more than $10 billion. The former Labour-led government introduced interest free student loans in their final term in government.
“Student debt is out of control. Students and graduates are finding it hard enough to pay off their existing student loans. Re-introducing interest will only further burden students, graduates and their families,” says Mr Mitchell.
The Alliance Party urges the Government to retain the interest free student loan policy.