DPB Testing is Second Recommendation From ACT Manifesto

Heather Roy Thursday, 17 November 2005 Press Releases - Social Welfare

ACT Social Services spokesman Heather Roy has said she is not surprised that the Ministry for Social Development has suggested part time work testing for sole parents.

"When Labour and United Future passed a Bill abolishing work testing of the Domestic Purposes Benefit three years ago, ACT warned that people would get trapped in dependency having more children and remaining on the benefit," Heather Roy said.

"At present, there is no requirement or incentive to get back in the workforce. More children are being denied a working role model, and their parents are missing out on the skills and rewards that come with rejoining the workforce.

"When governments pay families to split apart, they will split apart. Giving mothers an income for an unlimited time just perpetuates state dependency, even in those who would prefer to work.

"ACT campaigned on reintroducing a work test for the DPB once a child turns six. This was good policy during the election campaign, and it's good policy now.

"David Benson-Pope should listen to his officials and push for the work test's return.

"With Treasury and the Ministry for Social Development both endorsing ACT policies, perhaps other Ministers should pre-empt their departments and get busy implementing ACT's manifesto," Heather Roy suggested.

ENDS

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