Otago Medical students are frustrated with comments made by Labour MP Ann Hartley alleging that the 35% of medical
students receiving allowances is too high.
“Ms Hartley’s insinuating that medical students are ripping off the system is irresponsible behavior, especially by a
member of the important Education and Science Select Committee,” argued Ayesha Verrall, a medical student and President
of the Otago University Students’ Association. “I would expect that she at least find evidence of this before making
such a remark.”
“Even if medical students do come from more affluent backgrounds, the length of the course and the high proportion of
mature students means many will be eligible for student allowances,” pointed out Ms Verrall.
“The endless political quibbles over eligibility criteria are frustrating. A government concerned about New Zealand’s
troubled education system must address the real issue, which is the need for a universal living allowance,” said Ms
Verrall.
Otago University Medical Students’ Association President Cindy Towns repeated medical students’ call for a universal
allowance, “A Universal allowance for students would let students concentrate on their studies rather than the requiring
them to have part time jobs. Currently the need to earn extra money means students don’t get the most out of the
demanding medical course.
“Compromising medical students’ ability to study ultimately compromises our ability to learn the skills we need to treat
patients well,” said Ms Towns.
ENDS
Contact
Ayesha Verrall, OUSA President Cindy Towns, OUMSA President
Ph: 03 479 5332 Ph: 03 479 2985
Cell: 021 345 368 Cell: 021 2162599