Key: Treasury Papers Back Nats on Loan Costings - National Party Finance spokesman John Key says the Treasury costings released on Labour's last-minute student loans promise confirm National's worst fears. Features of the paper * Annual operating cost rises to $390m by third year, and to $500m after six years, and by 2019 will be $924m. * Impact on gross debt is a rise of $2.4 billion by third year, rising to $5.1 billion after six years, and rising to over $10 billion after only 11 years. * Overall student debt INCREASES under Labour's policy. See National - Treasury confirms National's fear on loans
Labour - Free early childhood education to be extended: Prime Minister Helen Clark and Education Minister Trevor Mallard today announced more help for families and children, with a new policy that will extend 20 hours free early childhood education to all licensed teacher-led services from 2007. Also
Economists getting it wrong on student loans for years A report released today by Treasury forecasting the take-up of student loans following the introduction of the no-interest-while-studying policy shows just how inaccurate forecasting of behaviour can be, Education Minister Trevor Mallard said. ALSO:
Westpac To Mallard: Commentary Independent Of Other Bank Interests - We were disappointed to read Hon Trevor Mallards comments today regarding our Chief Economists analysis of the Labour Partys proposed policy regarding student loans. Westpac Economics provides economic analysis and commentary for a target audience of Westpac customers who are active in the financial markets. Issues that are covered are those that our economists consider are likely to have an economic or financial impact, including proposed fiscal policy. See... Westpac Responds To Education Minister's Comments ALSO:
Students Uncharacteristically Happy At Election Year Debt Pledge Prime Minister Helen Clark and Education Minister Trevor Mallard today announced the second of Labours key election pledges: no further interest will be charged for those with student loans who reside in New Zealand. Helen Clark said that this was a further important step in Labours policy to make tertiary education more affordable. See... Loan interest scrapped for students who stay in NZ Tertiary Sector Reaction: