Labour Trying To Avoid Action
11 June 02
The Aotearoa Tertiary Students Association (ATSA) believes that the early election announced today will result in less for tertiary education.
It is an abuse of democracy for Labour to call an early election that appears to be based on polls rather than a real problem. It is clear to ATSA that Labour believes they will win and govern, with a majority. This will be at the expense of students.
ATSA believes in democratic process and sees an early election as Labour’s way of avoiding being accountable to the students of New Zealand. An early election means less pressure for the government to commit to anything.
“Labour has given little to students and will not make any firm commitment to education,” said Julie Pettett, President of ATSA. “It is going to cost this country if real changes to the education system are not made.”
“Students are sick of half promises that do not amount to real improvement. There has to be a coalition government to push Labour to make changes.”
“ATSA will not support any election promises that are not in black and white. It is time for Labour to stop soft serving the people of New Zealand and deliver on real promises,” stated Pettett.
ENDS