Government Sells Us A Pup

"Last week the government removed work testing from the DPB by convincing United Future, who voted against the bill prior to the election, that 'enhanced case management' was more family-friendly," says Lindsay Mitchell, petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB. "A so-called 'intensive' approach to all recipients from day one was deemed preferable to a requirement to be available to work from the day the youngest child turned six."

"In fact , "Mitchell continues, "Unbeknownst to United Future, all sole parents who are not work tested are already required to attend annual mandatory interviews to discuss their future employment prospects. The minority government, by treating this as a new requirement, was then able to trade it off for the removal of work testing."

"The removal of work testing was no more than a cynical move to keep beneficiary advocates happy and firmly in Labour's corner. If it hurt United Future's credibility with their voters why should Labour care?"

"The annually reviewed DPB 'personal development' plans are a pup," Mitchell concludes, "And those who live in the real world, where people get paid to work, not plan, will be feeding this particular pup's insatiable appetite for many years to come."

Lindsay Mitchell Petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB ph/fx 04 562 7944 e-mail dandl.mitchell@clear.net.nz

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