'It's only fair if we respond' - Australian tertiary policy to triple Kiwi fees stuck in Senate

November 6, 2017

If the plan goes ahead, New Zealand will reciprocate, says PM Jacinda Ardern.

If Australia bites, New Zealand will bite back, according to PM Jacinda Ardern in reference to the policy to triple university fees for Kiwis studying across the Tasman. 

"That policy is stuck in the senate," Ms Ardern said on TVNZ1's Breakfast this morning.  

"It hasn't progressed at this time, but I did remind [Australia PM Malcolm Turnbull] if it did proceed, we would respond to that."

Ms Ardern met Mr Turnbull yesterday in Sydney. 

The two leaders chatted kayaking and posed for the cameras as they met for the first time this morning.

She said would slap Australian students in New Zealand with international fees, if the Bill progressed.

"Most Kiwis would understand if we had New Zealanders in Australia... facing a level of fee that is at the international level which is usually a much higher rate, it's only fair particularly when we're looking at a policy of fees free, that we treat Australian students the same."

Ms Ardern said she did "want to maintain the moral high ground", but New Zealand's return fee hike is only a pre-emptive measure. 

"It's only fair if we respond, trying to prevent it before it happens."

"He understands my rationale, he maintains his policy rationale as well." 

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