Date: 26 July 2002

MMP Delivers Real Student Choice Tomorrow

The President of the Aotearoa Tertiary Students' Association (ATSA), Julie Pettett, today observed that, "tomorrow's general election offers tertiary students and their families real choice in voting for the party they believe best meets their educational needs."

For the first time in its sorry history, there is common acceptance across the political spectrum that the Student Loan Scheme has generated unsustainable student debt, and that something must be done to defuse it.

ATSA applauds all the parties in at last seeing the reality of five billion dollars of student debt. "Some parties have the courage to offer policies that will wipe out debt, while some are approaching the problem in a more conservative manner." Pettett stated. "What is heartening is that, without exception, all have finally recognised that the Student Loan Scheme is a flawed vehicle for delivering educational opportunities to students."

The political options students have tomorrow is welcome recognition that the campaigns, submissions and consistent arguments of the Aotearoa Tertiary Students' Association (ATSA) and the New Zealand University Students' Association (NZUSA) are at last producing real benefits for all tertiary students. "The range of choices we have tomorrow is both a validation of our arguments, and a justification for our existence as strong, representative voices for students," Pettett concluded. "We look forward to meeting with the next government to ensure they deliver on their promises."

ENDS

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