Just admit it's welfare, Maharey

Thursday 16 Dec 2004

Dr Muriel Newman - Press Releases - Social Welfare

ACT Deputy Leader and Social Welfare spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today stood by her claim that welfare spending is forecast to rise by $2.1 billion over the next five years.

Dr Newman's comments follow Social Development Minister Steve Maharey's claim that the $2.1 billion blowout is a result of the Working for Families package - and not welfare.

"The Government's Working for Families package is welfare, and Steve Maharey is simply in denial if he thinks otherwise," Dr Newman said.

"No amount of Labour spin will change the fact that this package provides welfare assistance for the middle-class.

"If it is not welfare, then why was it included in the welfare benefits section of the Budget Policy Statement and December Economic and Fiscal Update?

"The reality is that Labour is overtaxing one group of New Zealanders in an effort to buy votes from another. By doing this they are creating a culture of welfare dependency and entrenching it in our society.

"ACT believes the best way to help working families is not through welfare handouts, but rather letting them keep more of what they earn through lowering the tax rates.

"I call on Steve Maharey to drop the spin and explain, if his Working for Families package is not welfare, why then is it categorised under welfare benefits in the Government's Budget?" Dr Newman said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media