Media Release: Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW)
18th December 2019
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The government’s decision to raise the minimum wage is strongly welcomed by ANZASW.
The boost of $1.20 extra per hour for around a quarter of a million workers will make a difference to the lives of those
on the lowest pay; however, we regret it will not be enough to lift low-income households out of poverty or to shift
levels of inequality in Aotearoa.
“We appreciate this move, which has been accompanied by a rise for those on ‘starting out’ and training pay. Every
improvement in the lives of those in hardship is welcome. Yet, in light of the persisting levels of in-work poverty,
which disproportionately affects children / tamariki, this raise should just be the start. It is short of the living
wage 2019 by $2.25.
“To meet its commitments on sustainable development, reducing child poverty and increasing well-being, the government
needs to do more than make incremental improvements in the lives of those who have been let down for so long,” ANZASW
Chief Executive Lucy Sandford-Reed said.
The Association continues to call for the raising of welfare payments in line with the recommendations of the Welfare
Experts Advisory Group, supports the living wage campaign, Fair Pay Agreements and enhanced protections for those
working as contractors.
ANZASW also calls for a review of potential loopholes in the law that make it easier for employers to exploit foreign
workers, as has been alleged in Golden Springs Motel and Holiday Park case in Reporoa.
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