Rick Barker - Naysayer And Pc Apologist

According to Rick Barker, Associate Minister of Social Development and Employment, women do not see having more children on the DPB as a lifestyle choice, despite over 20,000 having done just that. He told today's DomPost, "People who need a domestic purposes benefit get an extra $21.40 per week if they have a second child. There is no additional increase for subsequent children."

Lindsay Mitchell, petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB thinks the Minister should stop telling half-truths. "People on the DPB qualify for family support. A second child would increase their benefit payment by $53.40. Subsequent children would bring a $32 increase."

"The answer to parliamentary question 6068(2004) revealed that one family on the DPB was being paid $364 a week in family support as well as the full DPB rate and accommodation supplement. It would appear there is no cap on how much family support one family can receive."

"In addition, family support payments increase as the child gets older. At thirteen the support increases by $936 per year; at sixteen the support increases by a further $1,040 per year."

"Parents who derive their income from wages or salaries do not have the luxury of these automatic increases as their children grow and consume more."

"So for Rick Barker to suggest that their is no incentive for people to continue to keep having children when they are already on the DPB is a denial of the truth."

"Unfortunately, he isn't on his own. This government is replete with naysayers and PC apologists who have succeeded in pulling the wool over their own eyes. "

Lindsay Mitchell petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB forms available from www.liberalvalues.org.nz contact dandl.mitchell@clear.net.nz

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