Media statement
For immediate release
Wednesday, 31 January 2007

UF and Greens find common ground re: students

United Future education spokesperson Judy Turner agrees with the Green
Party that our students are being treated unjustly under the current
student loan/allowance scheme, as concluded by the OECD review released on
Monday.

“Current policy assumes that parents are financially responsible to their
children until the age of 25, which is of course absurd,” says Mrs Turner.

“I am glad and of course not surprised that Metiria Turei feels as
strongly about this as we do, which shows just how unfair the current rules
are.”

Mrs Turei responded to the OECD report saying that, “reducing the age
eligibility threshold for allowances is a crucial next step” to help our
tertiary students.

“I absolutely agree, and I am looking forward to the Greens’ support when
negotiations begin with Labour to reduce the age threshold for parental
means testing.

“United Future would like to see it at 18, and I welcome support and
input from Mrs Turei towards our policy proposal for Dr Cullen, as per our
confidence and supply agreement,” says Mrs Turner.

Ends