In the fine print of the PMs statement there is a bit more light on National’s plans for student loans.  As noted on Red Alert last week John Key’s appointment of Steven Joyce as Tertiary Minister was an indication that National had plans in this area.   The PM has denied that major changes are afoot, but there are some issues at “the margins”.

But  in the PMs statement yesterday we have the following

We will also take a careful look at the policy settings around student support to ensure that taxpayers generosity is not being expolited by those refuse to take their tertiary studies seriously, or who show little inclination to transition from tertiary training into work.

That translates to limits on student support- allowances and loans. It sounds like a time limit on how long it is available or being cut off in the event of failure. If this is the direction this would have serious consequences for participation in tertiary education. It ignores the reality that not everyone succeds right away in tertiary study, and raises questions about post graduate study or second degrees.

This is not tinkering at the margins.