A universal student allowance set at the same level as the dole is a key part of the Greens tertiary policy.
MP Nandor Tanczos, releasing the policy at Lincoln University today, said the allowance and capping fees at $1500 were needed to roll back the user pays model.
As well, the Greens
wanted a debt write-off scheme for graduates who stay and work in New Zealand and the re-introduction of the emergency unemployment benefit for students who could not get summer work.
"It was a right-wing agenda of user pays that got the student loan scheme introduced but despite the change of government, the student loan scheme and high fees are still in place," Mr Tanczos said.
"What we have seen from this Government is nowhere near enough. We must get rid of the student loan scheme before the $5 billion debt gets even more out of control and we must stop penalising people for wanting an education."
It made no sense for a beneficiary to lose their financial support if they wanted to get a tertiary education. As well, they were forced to take out a loan to survive.
Half all student debt was for living costs; introducing allowances and cutting fees would make the student loan scheme redundant and encourage people into tertiary education.
"These changes will cost but we simply must start to redress the damage that has been done. It is vital that the Greens get the numbers at the next election to be able to negotiate a better deal for students."
- NZPA
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