There is something very odd going on with the Heatley resignation. It seems John Key has said in his media conference that he did not think he should have resigned. I was beginning to question my view that he was pushed. From Mr Key’s own words this would seem to be so.

More to come I am sure, but it is clear this is not decisive leadership from Key.

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.