Barbara Stewart MP
Spokesperson for Disability Issues
17 May 2013
Law Discriminates Against Disabled Adults and Family
New Zealand First is disappointed at the Government sneaking through a piece of legislation, which will breach the
rights of disabled adults and their family members.
“They should be ashamed of themselves,” says Disability Issues spokesperson, Barbara Stewart.
“Not only did they write a bill with many glaring and complex issues, but they pushed it through the House under urgency
overnight without proper briefings for Members of Parliament, or any public consultation.”
Mrs Stewart says the bill will see family members paid a minimum wage, less than half that of private carers.
“How could anyone support the notion of a loving family carer being paid less than a carer who does not know the complex
needs of the person with the disability?”
“The $96m over four years equates to a pitiful $14,000 per qualifying family per year.
“This is a drip in a bucket when you consider the time and sacrifices these family members willingly make for their
loved one.
“We are most concerned about the prevention of any future claims of discrimination being made to the Human Rights
Commission.
“This simply sets the stage for more discrimination with no avenue for justice,” says Mrs Stewart.
ENDS