Date:17 June 2002
In looking at what is best for New Zealand, students need to realise that the creators of the Student Loan Scheme have
no concept of what student debt means to individuals and families. Additionally, many members of this government enjoyed
a free tertiary education and now sit at the top of the income ladder. They are debt free.
“They conveniently forget that our children and family members with student debt will continue to pay for generations to
come,” ATSA President Julie Pettett stated today. “Those who are forced to up skill and retrain in pursuit of the
Knowledge Economy are being financially penalised to a massive degree.”
Student Loan debt is now more than $5 billion. Interest charges add three million dollars every week to the financial
burden faced by students.
Pettett stated “This government has hidden behind the mistakes of National for too long. It is time they practice what
they preach and truly invest in the people of today and tomorrow.”
“ATSA believes the future of a quality education that truly benefits all people in New Zealand is dependant on this and
future governments investing substantially more in public education. This must start with increasing financial support
to current students.”
Ends