Student Loan Bill Advances

Thursday, 28 February 2013, 4:46 pm
Article: ParliamentToday.co.nz

Changes to the student loan scheme progressed in Parliament today with just the Greens and Mana opposed.

Revenue Minister Peter Dunne said the changes in the Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill (No 2) built on previous changes which built value to the student loan scheme.

The bill would widen the definition of income when it came to student loan calculations for repayments, he said.

It would also allow data to be shared with customs to identify those who are travelling with large debt.

David Cunliffe said the bill was just tinkering and ``another missed opportunity’’, but Labour would be supporting the bill as it made necessary changes.

Cunliffe then went on to describe the situation for Peter Dunne as a student compared with his modern day equivalent.

The bill completed its second reading by 104 to 15 with National, Labour, NZ First, Maori Party, ACT and United Future in favour.

MPs began the third reading of the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill.
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