Greens welcome fairer vision for welfare

The launch of an alternative working group on welfare will help promote discussion of positive change for New Zealand’s welfare system, said the Green Party today.

The six-member Alternative Welfare Working Group was launched today and has been set up by the Catholic aid and social justice agency Caritas, the Anglican Social Justice Commission, and the Beneficiary Advocacy Federation.

“This group will help promote discussion of how we can develop a fairer more caring society where everyone’s welfare is looked after,” said Catherine Delahunty, Green Party Work and Income spokesperson.

“John Key’s Welfare Working Group is solely focussed on cost cutting and is promoting a culture of beneficiary bashing which isn’t helpful or fair.

“This Group will take a wide view of the issues that affect vulnerable New Zealanders who need support and look at innovative approaches to welfare. Disappointingly, the Welfare Working Group has very narrow terms of reference and hasn't taken an inclusive approach,” said Ms Delahunty.

“It's really important that a diverse range of voices are represented in discussions about the future of our welfare system. This must include people who live on welfare and those who work directly with them.

“It is great that this Group, unlike the Government’s Group, will include representatives from the disabled community.
“With the current Government attack on sick and disabled people who receive income support, it is vital that people with direct experience of these issues can have their say.

“We are also delighted to see that Sue Bradford will be involved as she has always been a great advocate for people in need and will bring a wealth of experience to the role.

“John Key’s Government is intent on blaming and punishing beneficiaries. Alternative visions of welfare and forums like the Alternative Welfare Working Group to share them in are more important now than ever.”

ENDS

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