The Otago University Students Association (OUSA) feels vindicated today in their long struggle to highlight the negative
effects of the student loan scheme.
A report from the Controller and Auditor General released today outlines the failings of the previous Government for
failing to undertake any research into the long-term effects of the student loan scheme introduced in 1991.
“Graduates, current students and students associations have long known the effects of the student loan scheme. We have
independently conducted research into these effects, published the findings and taken to the streets over them. Finally
we are vindicated for our efforts”, said Andrew Campbell OUSA President.
“The complete failure of the previous government to undertake any form of research into the student loan scheme
highlights their pure idiocy. Only a blindly ideological government would undertake such a scheme without analysing its
effects”, said Campbell
Total student debt now exceeds 3 billion dollars. Research done by the national students association (NZUSA) has shown
the difference in repayment times for men and women, and the Auditor General’s Report refers to a survey undertaken by
OUSA in 1999 of bank manager declining loans and mortgages on the basis of student loan debt.
“OUSA is glad that our research has been acknowledged. However it is the responsibility of Government to ensure their
policy is sound, not those most adversely effected by it”, said Campbell
“Though we feel a sense of “we told you” so about this report, what we want to see is the Government undertaking
research in key areas of the loan scheme”, said Campbell
“The evidence is out there, now we need the loan scheme removed and a far more sensible policy implemented such as
Universal Allowances,” said Campbell
ENDS