Universal Allowance: Well, in 2012

Otago Polytechnic Students Association

OFFICIAL MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

13 Oct 2008

Universal Allowance: Well, in 2012

Many tertiary students are today celebrating Helen Clark's announcement that Labour will deliver a universal living allowance for all full time students in 3 years time. But many others however are wondering why this won't happen until they've finished their education and are already repaying money they have borrowed simply to live.

"A universal student allowance addresses the current unfairness of making the students dependent on their parents until they are 24, it will deal a significant blow to New Zealand's $10 billion student debt monster" said Co-President Meegan Cloughley.

"This will eventually go a long way to help cure New Zealand's skills shortage, the brain drain, and will remove barriers to education" said Ms Cloughley.

"It is fantastic Labour has returned to a commitment of universal allowances and we welcome that greatly, but obviously most students would like to see it a lot sooner - like while they're still students." said Co-President Ryan Ward.

OPSA is hopeful that the three year time frame may be scaled down because virtually all of Labour's potential coalition partners have immediate universal allowances polices.

"Given that Greens, Alliance, Maori Party, United and even Winston have more or less universal allowance policy we look forward to them helping Labour bring it on a year or two sooner" said Mr Ward.

ENDS