FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tertiary Education

Libertarianz Condemns Universal Student Bribery

"The Libertarianz Party utterly condemns the attempt by the Labour Government to buy their way into power yet again," Libertarianz Education Spokesman Phil Howison declared today in response to the Prime Minister's announcement that, if re-elected, her party would introduce a universal student allowance. "The kindest words I can find to describe this policy are 'irresponsible,' 'corrupt' and 'despicable'."

"With the government facing a full decade of deficits, any responsible party should be finding ways to cut spending and wean people off state dependency. But Labour are prepared to whip out the chequebook and write a blank cheque for potential students.  What a breathtakingly audacious bribe!"

"Labour's cost estimates of $210 million per year are obviously inadequate. How many dole-bludging beneficiaries will enrol at university to avoid the pressure to find a job? How much of this allowance will go to middle-class students who really don't need the cash, but who will waste it all drinking and partying? The Labour Party doesn't know or care."

"Just as Labour announced interest-free student loans three years ago, this is a blatant attempt to buy votes. It is bribery. It is corrupt. It is also part of Labour's agenda to make every New Zealander dependent on the state - just as Welfare for Families put middle-class families on benefits, even the richest students will be given their Universal Student Bribe. Welfare dependency destroys motivation, independence and self-reliance. We should be getting people off welfare, not putting our best and brightest on it and simultaneously removing the incentive for them to ever leave university," Howison explains.

"Libertarianz believes that education primarily benefits the recipient by increasing his earning capacity.  It does not directly benefit 'society'.  Each student should pay his own way or find someone willing to pay, voluntarily, on his behalf - perhaps through scholarships. So-called 'free education' distorts the proper incentives which discourage people from wasting their money, and time, at university."

"None of these election bribes come for free - all are wrested forcibly from the pockets of tax victims.  But that's what the Nanny State parties are good at - using your money to try to buy your vote."

"It's enough to make you vote Libertarianz!"

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Phil Howison
Libertarianz Spokesman for the Deregulation of Education
Phone: 027 437 0308
Email: phil.howison@libertarianz.org.nz

Libertarianz: More Freedom - Less Government
www.libertarianz.org.nz