‘ATSA gives C grade for latest loan statement’
The most recent student loan forecast passes but ‘could do better’ says the Aotearoa Tertiary Students Association.
“If the Labour/Progressive government’s policy changes have brought about a 2.6 billion dollar reduction in loan debt by
2020, then imagine how much will be saved when the issue of students’ borrowing to eat and sleep is addressed,” says
Julie Pettett, President of ATSA
“The student loan scheme annual report for the year to 30 June 2003 makes for interesting reading but can the
projections be relied upon. Let’s be realistic, will taxpayers really be thanking this government for ‘saving’ 2.6
billion dollars when the actual loan debt will be more than five times that much?”
“Increase both the amount and eligibility of student allowance and the horrendous debt will reduce… it’s that simple.”
Pettett says.