Interest-Free Loans Need Scrutiny

Wednesday, 28 July 2010, 3:55 pm
Press Release: Business NZ

Interest-Free Loans Need Scrutiny

BusinessNZ says action is needed on the country’s $11 billion student loan debt.

Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says recent moves to tighten access to the student loans scheme were appropriate, and now it is timely to scrutinise the interest-free status of the loans.

“It is very apparent that interest-free loans are unsustainable and the policy should be reviewed.

“Taxpayers need to know whether the public benefits outweigh the cost.

“Restricting access to education in order to pay the interest on student loans is not good policy.”

Mr O’Reilly said more discipline around repayment of student loans would help get more focus on the skills needed by employers.

ENDS

Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

NEW ZEALAND POLITICS > >

Parliament Today:

Audio - The Week In Parliament Feb 10 - Select Committees

Review Lanuched: Electoral Commission Wants To Hear From The Public On MMP

The Electoral Commission today launches a review of the MMP voting system, and seeks input from the public on possible changes to the way MMP works. More>>

ALSO:

The Scoop Team - MMP Review Launch Presser - Video And Image
NZ Govt - New Zealanders urged to have their say on MMP
Greens - Green Party welcomes MMP Review
Campaign For MMP - MMP: We’ve selected it, now it’s time to perfect it
Voters for Change - Voters for Change welcome MMP review
Out-Link - MMP Review
Out-Link - It's time to put up or shut up | Pundit

Auckland: Transport Plan Goes On The Road

Aucklanders are being asked how they believe major transport projects should be funded. More>>

ALSO:

Labour - Transport funding needs leadership not nitpicking
Auckland Chamber of Commerce - Auckland mayoral transport funding debate needs innovation
No More Rates - Dump the most liveable city vision
Employers And Manufacturers Association - Realistic funding options critical for Auckland transport

Werewolf Satire: The Other People In Your Neighbourhood

With audio! Under a pile of unused plastic spoons I happened to find an old tin of film. There was no clue as to its contents, and it was just made more mysterious by a note scrawled on the label… More>>

Wellington.Scoop: After protests, Kapiti Mayor Suggests Different CEO Salary System

Mayor Jenny Rowan has raised the concept of a Remuneration Authority for setting Local Government CE salaries in a letter to Local Government New Zealand head Lawrence Yule. More>>

ALSO:

Earlier Wellington.Scoop - After protest outside Kapiti council building, mayor says “we got the message”
Image Martin Doyle - Martin Doyle Cartoon: Where Do Our Rates Go?

Werewolf: Why State Capitalism Is Beating The Free Market

Gordon Campbell: Late last month, the Economist magazine published a debate on state capitalism, in which it proposed that state-led market economies are fast becoming a global rival to the old models of liberal, free market capitalism. More>>

ALSO:

Werewolf issue 28

Gordon Campbell: On Bank Profits, And Gerry Brownlee’s Asset Sales Plans For Christchurch

The news that the banks in New Zealand have returned to their pre-global recession levels of profit comes as no real surprise.These flush times for bankers have to be contrasted with the very bad times being experienced in Christchurch – where the city is struggling to meet its $1 billion share of the earthquake rebuild. More>>

ALSO:

Michael Garbett - Reorganisation options for Christchurch City Council
Scoop Business - Weak lending takes pressure off banks’ funding needs: PwC
PricewaterhouseCoopers - New Zealand banks go from strength to strength
Labour - Parker vs Brownlee: Sideshow or showdown
TV3 Video - Brownlee to Bob: Sorry for 'clown' comment - Brownlee's 'clown' comment sign of frustration

Rezoning Announcement:

NZ Govt - Orange zone decisions hit final stretch - Turf laying a great sign of progress
Labour - Residents last to know
Avonside Residents Society - Zoning Announcement Brings Mixed Feelings

Scoop Audio: Charges Possible Over CTV Collapse

In a press conference today, the New Zealand Police announced that they would be following up information passed on to them by the New Zealand Department of Building and Housing, regarding the construction of the Canterbury Television building. More>>

ALSO:

Department of Building and Housing - Experts identify critical factors in CTV collapse
Executive Summary: Structural performance of Christchurch CBD buildings in the 22 February 2011 earthquake (PDF)
NZ Police - Police assess report into collapse of Canterbury TV Building
NZ Govt - Report into CTV building collapse released
Labour - Report on CTV building collapse devastating

Radio NZ Audio: RadioLive To Be Referred To Police Over John Key Show

It has been revealed that the Electoral Commission will refer RadioLive to the police. During the election campaign the station hosted an hour-long show hosted by Prime Minister John Key, which was described as a 'politics-free zone'. More>>