Media Release
Young Nats

7 February 2006

Labour re-writes definition of beneficiary with latest Working for Families ad

Labour's most recent advertisement for Working for Families is an example of how Labour has created a new class of Kiwis - the 'nouveaux-beneficiaries', says Michael Mabbett, President of Young Nats.

The ad depicts a clearly well-off family living in a designer home, happily text messaging each other across the room and infers they will benefit from the policy.

"It is incredible that the people depicted in this ad would need government assistance. This is the worst example yet of how Labour is expanding the role of the state," Michael Mabbett says.

"When the welfare state was created it was as a safety net for the genuine needy, not a way for middle-class families to buy matching i-pods.

Mr Mabbett says creating welfare dependency for the middle-class places a huge burden on young people.

"Young people work hard and pay high taxes. Some may go on to have families, but some will not. It's grossly unfair that those who don't will subsidise the lifestyle choices of others.

"Most young people will recognise what this policy means for them: the burden of a high tax rate so others can benefit from Labour's election bribes.

"The Government should be trying to wean people off the state, not guide them onto the teat of dependency," Michael Mabbett says.

ENDS

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