Maharey The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

Tuesday 9 Dec 2003 Dr Muriel Newman Press Releases -- Social Welfare

ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today dubbed Minister Steve Maharey "the grinch who stole hard-working families' Christmas" after new information revealed that Labour is forcing taxpayers' to give beneficiaries a happier Yuletide than many of them can afford.

"Answers to my written Parliamentary Questions have revealed that one Domestic Purposes Beneficiary has received gross weekly payments of $1,055.87 - followed by other DPB recipients who received benefits of $1,002, $948.87, $940.61 and $927.76," Dr Newman said.

"This may be the season of giving, but Labour is pushing the limit of Christmas spirit. Forcing someone on minimum wage - around $340 a week - to support a person on a benefit who receives around $1,000 a week is very unfair.

"While hard-working families throughout the country have to scrimp, save and budget for Christmas, these beneficiaries are better placed courtesy of `Santa' Maharey.

"Labour seems intent on punishing hard-working families with high taxes, while generously rewarding beneficiaries. Social welfare was supposed to be a safety net for those who truly need it - not a millstone around the taxpayers' neck.

"This time of year, more than any other, reinforces the urgent need for effective welfare reform. It is time for Mr Maharey to quit playing Father Christmas for beneficiaries, while being the grinch to hard-working families," Dr Newman said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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