BUDGET 2019: Govt redirects $197M fees-free underspend to vocational training

BUDGET 2019: Govt redirects $197M fees-free underspend to vocational training
Pattrick Smellie
By Pattrick Smellie May 14 (BusinessDesk) - Fewer students than expected have taken up the government's offer of free fees for tertiary education, allowing nearly $200 million over four years to be redirected into a revamp of vocational skills training, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in his first major speech ahead of the May 30 Budget. Dubbed the 'well-being' Budget because of its new focus on policies that should improve individual and social well-being as much as economic growth, Robertson announced that at least some new initia...

More Economy

Westpac tips ‘Turneresque’ 25bp cut but says RBNZ could still channel McCullum
Economy

Westpac tips ‘Turneresque’ 25bp cut but says RBNZ could still channel McCullum

Westpac Bank is sticking to its view the central bank will cut rates by 25 basis points next week to 2.25% but says there’s a 25% chance it will opt to be more aggressive and cut by 50bps.The key question is whether the Reserve Bank's monetary policy committee thinks it will...

Rebecca Howard 19 Nov 2025
Argosy delivers strong first-half results
Economy

Argosy delivers strong first-half results

Earnings and net tangible asset value per share up. 

Andy Macdonald 19 Nov 2025
Asset Plus' first-half profit lower as Munroe Lane in focus
Economy

Asset Plus' first-half profit lower as Munroe Lane in focus

First-half net tangible assets per share down on the year. 

Andy Macdonald 19 Nov 2025
No obstacles to RBNZ rate cut next week
Economy

No obstacles to RBNZ rate cut next week

The RBNZ is expected to cut the OCR to 2.25% and leave the door open for more.

Rebecca Howard 18 Nov 2025