Supplementary Explanatory Memorandum
(Circulated by authority of the Minister for Education, Jason Clare)OUTLINE
These amendments to the Education Legislation Amendment (Startup Year and Other Measures) Bill (the Bill) extend Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) assistance available under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (the Act) (which includes HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, OS-HELP, SA-HELP and STARTUP-HELP) to New Zealand citizens who are permanent residents, and were previously Special Category Visa holders who were eligible for HELP assistance, to ensure these students can continue to access HELP.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT
The financial impacts are expected to be negligible.
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS
A detailed Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights was prepared for the Bill. The amendment does not engage any human rights beyond those identified in the original Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights prepared for the Bill. The amendment does not affect compatibility with any of the human rights or freedoms identified in that Statement.