Dunne Protests Too Much

"The removal of work testing from the domestic purposes benefit is now a signed and sealed deal, " says a disappointed Lindsay Mitchell, spokesperson for a growing group of New Zealanders who want to see the provision of the DPB reviewed.

"As such, I hadn't anticipated addressing United Future's sell-out again. However, as Mr Dunne seems publicly hell-bent on justifying his party's support for this move, a couple more points require clarification."

"He said last week in a speech to the Tawa Lions and Rotary Clubs, that when he initially voted against the bill he was not in possession of full information. Why not?" questions Mitchell. "Anybody can get a copy of the bill and read it."

"He attacks ACT and National for rejecting the bill but these parties had members who sat on the select committee hearing submissions. He didn't sit on the committee, nor did any of his MP's. In fact, when they decided to vote for the bill, I suspect they hadn't even read the submissions."

"Rather than being 'blinkered by rigid ideology' as Mr Dunne puts it, ACT and other opposition parties were considering treasury advice, which was against the bill; the lack of any overseas model that might indicate removal of work testing was a successful way to reduce dependency; the enormous cost to the taxpayer of 'enhanced case management and finally, treasury forecasts which show, under the new regime, an increase in DPB numbers by one thousand a year for the next three years."

" Before their rise to power, around the nation, time and time again, United Future called for government support for 'intact' families, for 'two-parent' families. At their first oportunity to practice what they preached, United Future reneged. Thanks to that party, from March next year, the DPB will be easier to get on and easier to stay on. Is it any wonder the polls are already showing a dramatic reduction in their support."

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

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