Media Release
23 May, 2002
For Immediate Use
Budget Falls Short on Student Support
Auckland University Students Association has welcomed today’s budget announcement of a 4.5% increase in student funding
for the next year, but believes the government has much more to do in relieving the debt burden for students.
“While we are elated that the era of massive annual tuition fee increases appears to be over, we had hoped that this
budget would see some real movement towards a fairer allowance system,” said AUSA Education Vice-President, Stephanie
Thompson.
“It is extremely disappointing that the government has not made any moves towards lowering the age of independence from
25, nor has there been an increase in the parental income levels since the scheme’s inception,” said Ms Thompson.
“Only through increasing access to allowances and lowering tuition fees can the government hope to make any real
decreases in student debt,” concluded Ms Thompson.
ENDS
For further Information Contact:
Stephanie Thompson
Education Vice President
Ph 309 0798 x 204
Cell 021 634 604