Zero-fees policy ‘helps more people, improves education quality’ | United Future

Zero-fees policy ‘helps more people, improves education quality’ United Future

Innovative approach to tertiary education from United Future.

UnitedFuture’s ‘zero-fees’ policy is a fairer, more effective solution to the student debt problem than Labour's universal student allowance as it also addresses the quality of education, according to leader Peter Dunne who spoke to students at Auckland University today.


“International university rankings released today show that our top universities are slipping down the list. They need a funding commitment from Government to reverse this trend ,” says Mr Dunne.

“Australia has 6 universities ranked in the top 50 in the world. We don’t have any. We have only one in the top 100 and two others in the top 200 – we can and need to do better,” says Mr Dunne.

“UnitedFuture would abolish all tertiary education fees, as well as commit to properly funding our institutions themselves. This will increase access to education and deal with student debt, as well as improving the value of New Zealand degrees.

Peter Dunne at the new building opening at Johnsonville School in July 2010.

“A limitation with universal student allowances is that they only help full-time students, part-time students are no better off, while allowances also do nothing to address the quality of education.”

Mr Dunne points out that in the long term, tuition fees are increasing at a rate faster than the cost of living.

“The funding is already there for zero-fees tuition – the cost falls within that for Labour’s Universal Allowance pledge, but it benefits more people and achieves better education,” he said.

Income Splitting Long Overdue!

The long overdue recognition of at home parents came another step closer this week with the launch of a Discussion Paper by Revenue Minister and United Future Leader - Peter Dunne.

Income Splitting allows parents to split their combined income so that each partner pays less tax. This is a simple way of recognising the valuable role played by parents who choose to work at home raising their own children. The times are changing and there is a groundswell of support for this tax reform. In addition to our own supporters in Parents' Choice 08 - other groups such as various Playcentre groups and Parents As Partners are also rallying support for this change. United Future has led the way in terms of including Income Splitting in its policy programme. Other parties have been asked to consider Income Splitting.