Labor leader announces universal student allowance policy in New Zealand
13/10/2008 17:22
New Zealand's ruling Labor party would phase in a universal student
allowance over the next four years if it re-wins the election.
Labor leader
Helen Clark announced the 210 million NZ dollars ( US$125 million) a year policy
on the campaign trail at Otago University today.
Clark said the current
parental income test on the allowance would be phased out by Jan. 1, 2012,
benefiting 50,000 students.
"Most of these students would receive no
allowance under the current rules and need to borrow, receive help from their
parents or work part-time, to make ends meet," the New Zealand Press Association
quoted her as saying.
She said the policy would assist Labor's goal of
creating a " knowledge-led society".
"This policy means that students will be
borrowing less and will be able to move on more quickly from the costs incurred
in getting tertiary education to set up their own homes and establish their
careers," she added.
Clark said the policy was being phased in to ensure its
affordability.
Xinhua
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