MEDIA RELEASE
30 October 2001
For immediate release
Students Slam Loan Review Sham
Student representatives are slamming the report of the Education and Science Select Committee into Student Loans and
Allowances.
“The membership of the committee have failed to agree on any substantial solutions to the escalating problem of student
debt”, said Ayesha Verrall, President of the Otago University Students’ Association.
“It is disappointing for the students and employers who took the time to participate in the review only to find that it
has essentially been a waste of our time,” said Ms Verrall.
“The message to students is clear: after a year’s deliberation the select committee cannot agree on a single solution
and we can expect tertiary education to continue to be a political football,” said Ms Verrall
“The committee is correct in it one recommendation that more research into the long term effects of tertiary policy is
needed, but more research isn’t required to demonstrate that immediate solution is required to prevent the escalation of
student debt,” said Ms Verrall
“Young people will be well advised to continue to vote with their feet and leave the country because New Zealand lacks
the leadership to confront this problem”, said Ms Verrall.
ENDS
Contact
Ayesha Verrall, OUSA President
Ph: 03 479 5332
Cell: 021 345 368