What we need is a party in government committed to free education- Alliance response to tertiary fee rises

The Alliance has described yesterday’s Budget plan to raise tertiary fees as a step backwards and said that it was only the Alliance’s presence in Government from 1999 to 2002 that kept fees stable.

“This is evidence of why New Zealand needs a party in government that supports free education. When the Alliance was in government we fought to reduce the cost of study for students. With us out, the government has increased fees at the first opportunity,” said Alliance Leader, Laila Harre.

“At the last election, the Alliance campaigned for free education . Labour campaigned on ‘keeping tertiary education affordable’,” said Harre. “The Budget announcement breaks that promise.”

“Most tertiary institutions are likely to increase their fees for next year as a result of the fee maxima. That means that more students are going to be reliant on the student loan scheme to fund their education. This will further increase student debt.”

“Students and all voters expect and deserve better.”

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