Aussie welfare reform needed here- ACT
The welfare reforms announced in Australia are needed in New Zealand, ACT Deputy leader and welfare spokesman Dr Muriel
Newman said today.
“Australia is tightening up on welfare and actually making changes which will encourage people to get off welfare and
into work. Our government prefers to use slogans without the substance.
“Australia has announced a healthy mix of incentives and sanctions, including temporary suspension of benefits for 48
hours for failure to attend job interviews, or two months loss of benefit for three failings in a year.” Dr Newman said.
Dr Newman said New Zealand’s system of sanctions had been gutted by the government, and was now totally ineffective.
“At a time when we have low unemployment, it defies belief that we are spending more on welfare payments to working age
people than ever before.”
“It is time for a total overhaul of New Zealand’s welfare system, to focus on temporary assistance, getting people back
to work, and saving taxpayers money.” Dr Newman concluded.
ENDS