12 June 2001
Decreased benefits, hardship for non-resident spouses
Green Party MP Sue Bradford strongly opposes a Government move to deny benefits to non-resident spouses of New Zealand
citizens, as proposed in the Social Security (Residence of Spouses) Amendment Bill which will be reported to the House
tomorrow.
"What does the Government hope to gain by introducing a Bill which seeks to deny income support to the non-resident
spouses who are lawfully in New Zealand and are eligible for permanent residency? Decreasing benefits always bring more
hardship, in this case for non-resident spouses and their New Zealand partners and children," said Ms Bradford.
At present, if a person applies for a benefit, they must be granted the benefit at the married rate if their spouse is
lawfully in New Zealand and if they are non residents. But under the new law, New Zealand citizen with non-resident
spouse will get a benefit only at the unmarried rate.
The Government's point of view is that there is a gap in the present law and they want to close it, but in my view the
gap does not exist," said Ms Bradford. "The Bill removes benefits from a category of people who are lawfully in New
Zealand and who are likely to gain permanent residency."
Ms Bradford said that the waiting time for people seeking permanent residency is long and stressful which could lead to
significant hardship for affected families.
She also stressed that the time allowed for consideration of this Bill has been insufficient to ensure feedback of all
relevant interest groups and affected individuals.
ENDS