Michael Woodhouse MP: Budget 2011: Student loans – better value for taxpayers

Monday, May 23, 2011

Budget 2011: Student loans – better value for taxpayers

National believes in encouraging personal responsibility and getting better value for taxpayer money. To deliver on this and make the interest-free student loan scheme more sustainable, we will limit lending for borrowers who are less likely to repay their loans, while also ensuring that all borrowers who have repayment obligations are meeting them.

The student loan scheme still remains one of the most generous in the world, offering interest-free loans for all borrowers who remain in New Zealand. We need to ensure that borrowers understand that when they choose to access the loan scheme, they are choosing to take on all the responsibilities that come with it.

The changes in budget 2011 will free up $276.6 million operating spending,and $170 million capital over five years. In 2011/12 the Government will still lend about $1.58 billion in student loans. These changes are responsible and balanced.

For more information visit:
http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Student_loans-keeping_loans_interest_free.pdf

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Background:

I was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Hospital Dunedin, a position I held for 7 ½ years. Previous to that I held senior management positions with ACC, where I was instrumental in implementing ACC’s Elective Services Contracting framework and at Dunedin Hospital in change management, revenue and planning roles.

I was educated at St Pauls High School (now Kavanagh College) and graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. I am a Chartered Accountant and also have a Master of Health Administration from the University of New South Wales.

I was also the President of the NZ Private Surgical Hospitals Association and have also been the Vice President of the NZ Private Hospitals Association, a larger organisation which included the private aged care sector. I am also a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management and the New Zealand Institute of Directors.

I have been a Rotarian since 2001 and am active in community and voluntary work in the region. I am an avid rugby fan, having played age group representative rugby for Otago and South Island teams and am a premier grade referee as well as a “fair weather” runner. My wife Amanda and I and our three daughters have a crib in Cromwell and in our spare time enjoy the great outdoors of Central Otago.

Responsibilities:

I am a member of the Health Select Committee, and of the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee.

I am also a member of the National Party’s Economic and Commerce Caucus Committee.

My Commitment as Your MP:

I firmly believe in the values that underpin the National Party – loyalty, security, equity of opportunity, freedom and choice, limited Government, strong families, caring communities and a sustainable environment.

I commit to maintaining those values and working on your behalf to ensure that these important principles are upheld. Although not an electorate MP, I believe all MPs have a responsibility to represent and advocate for the people in their communities.