Students question fees change

Press, 18 December 1989, Page 6

Students question fees change

PA Wellington The Government has removed the power of university and polytechnic councils to set tuition fees because it fears councils may not comply with its userpays policy, says the President of the University Students’ Association, Mr Andrew Little. On Friday, Parliament passed the Education Amendment Act which includes giving power to the Minister of Education, to set fees for all tertiary students.

When the first draft of the legislation entered Parliament in October, it provided for councils to set tuition fees which the Minister had to consent to, Mr Little said. University councils have had the power to set fees with the concurrence of the Unversity Grants Committee since 1961. The students’ association says the change in the new legislation is inconsistent with general moves toward devolution.

The Minister could now set any level of fee without reference to the councils. “The councils are then required to provide an assurance through their charter that they will do all they can to maximise access,” Mr Little said. “How can councils promote equity of access to education when they don’t have control over the most important factor in access — the price of education?”