Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Senior citizens next on Government’s hit list

25 June 2009 Media Statement

Senior citizens next on Government’s hit list


Government plans to investigate denying senior citizens access to student loans and allowances are a retrograde and ageist step, says Labour’s Senior Citizens spokesperson Ross Robertson.

“Education Minister Anne Tolley has confirmed she is looking at cutting the tertiary entitlements for over-65s, yet another plan by the National Government to limit access to education.

“We’ve had Adult and Community Education funding slashed, we’ve had confirmation today that polytechnics will be forced to turn thousands of students away because the Minister will penalise the institutions if they enrol them - and now this.

“Older New Zealanders are increasingly remaining in the workforce well beyond the age of 65 and like other New Zealanders need upskilling and ongoing training to ensure they can do their job,” says Ross Robertson.

“And as the size of the older population continues to increase, there will be even more reliance on keeping senior New Zealanders in the workforce.

“Others who rely on superannuation and may have never had time to utilise a student allowance or draw a loan, but could not afford to study otherwise, may now have the carpet pulled from under them,” says Ross Robertson.

“They’ve paid their taxes like everyone else, but this Government obviously thinks they can be treated like second class citizens. Well, they can’t and Government should not underestimate the power and voice of senior citizens who I believe will be incensed by this proposal.

“Universal access to education is part of the fundamental fabric of our society and this Government is now taking successive steps to dismantle that access. Who’s next?

“Education is a lifelong experience and it should remain that way. Anne Tolley should drop this idiotic idea immediately,” says Ross Robertson.

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.