Minister admits 20 hours free just a 'discount'

Katherine Rich MP
National Party Education Spokeswoman

1 March 2007

Minister admits 20 hours free just a 'discount'

The Government continues to slip and slide on it's '20 hours free' policy, with former Education Minister Trevor Mallard confirming in the House that the policy offers only a 'discount', not '20 hours free', says National Party Education spokeswoman Katherine Rich.

"The Government's position on '20 hours free' changes daily.

"Last year, Education Minister Steve Maharey told New Zealanders that 92,000 children would definitely get access to '20 hours free'.

"At the start of the year he changed his wording to 'up to' 92,000 children, and just last week backtracked again, saying he 'hoped' 92,000 children would be able to access the scheme.

"Today in Parliament, Trevor Mallard, the originator of Mr Maharey's woes, has confirmed '20 hours free' will actually only be a 'discount'.

"The Government knows this policy cannot work in its current form and, as the deadline of July 1 looms, the slick '20 hours free' line being touted by Mr Maharey is falling apart.

"So which is it Mr Maharey? Definitely free, potentially free, hopefully free or just a discount?"

ENDS