29 April 2005

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Report highlights value of Progressive graduate loan relief

A research report released today, showing that over ninety per cent of new teachers graduate with a student debt, with average indebtedness at graduation over $23,000, highlights the value of the Progressive Party's graduate debt relief policy, says MP Matt Robson.

"In September's election, the Progressive Party is campaigning on a platform to cut graduates' debt in return for them using their skills working for New Zealand.

"Our party wants to encourage skilled New Zealanders to use their skills working in our economy, and discourage graduates leaving our shores to take their skills contributing to other nations' economies," Matt Robson said.

"Our policy proposal is that for each year a graduate works in New Zealand after graduation, the government should meet their student loan repayments.

"This is a priority policy for us this election. We want our policy to become coalition government policy after the September election, something only likely to happen if we increase our representation in Parliament," the Progressive MP said.

A report called "Teachers in Debt: A Report Card" was released today by the New Zealand University Students' Association and New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.

ENDS

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