Judith Collins MP
National Party Welfare Spokeswoman

14 March 2007

Community group pans Govt bill

National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins says it’s “alarming arrogance” for Labour to have ignored the views of significant community groups putting together the Social Security Amendment Bill.

“The promotional material says the bill aims to get more people off benefits and into work. It’s a worthy goal, but why is the Government trying to go it alone without any input from the Non-Government Organisations already working in that area?”

Ms Collins is responding to strong criticism by the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services at a select committee today.

The Council has members including the Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian and Methodist churches, as well as the Salvation Army. It has 500 social service delivery sites around New Zealand.

“It’s astounding that these grassroots organisations have not been consulted about the Government’s proposed amendments.”

The Council’s policy advisor, Anne Kelly, told the committee that there was concern among members that their experience in on-the-ground delivery of services was not being considered as part of the solution.

“I don’t blame them for being worried. What’s even more concerning for them is the very real threat that many of the new staff Labour plans to hire to do the job, will be poached from the community sector.

“This Government should be making use of the enviable reputation and experience of groups like Christian Social Services, rather than setting out to pilfer their staff and undermine their effectiveness.

“Personally, I trust the community sector to do a better job than the 100 new bureaucrats who are being hired by the MSD.

“People at the bottom of the economic heap trust those who work with passion and commitment in the community sector far more than they trust big government departments with shiny offices and glossy brochures.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media