Long-term beneficiaries the target only of government rhetoric: welfare changes will be aimed elsewhere, says Caritas

Catholic social justice agency Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand says the punitive language used by Government Ministers in announcing planned welfare changes this week is entirely inappropriate for both the economic reality and the actual focus of the changes.

Caritas research and advocacy coordinator Lisa Beech said the detail of the Cabinet papers show, for example, that the targets for new work-test obligations are not the long-term beneficiaries who have been the focus of the government’s rhetoric, but those considered most “work ready”.

“The initial target group is DPB beneficiaries who have gone onto the DPB from work in the last year, or who meet other conditions such as being currently in some form of work already, or have had recent work experience or training. The Cabinet papers show that most of Work and Income’s resources will focus on working with this group. This is not a group that needs to hear anti-beneficiary language such as ‘the dream is over’ or that some beneficiaries need a ‘kick in the pants’.”

In an economic climate of high unemployment, Caritas believes incentives may be more appropriate than sanctions in responding to long-term beneficiaries who often face very complex needs and disadvantages. “But these are not the groups to whom most additional resources will be targeted,” says Lisa Beech.

Caritas is also concerned at the Minister of Social Development’s dismissive reaction to human rights concerns, despite these being clearly signalled in the Ministry of Justice’s Bill of Rights assessment and in Cabinet papers prepared by her own office.

Caritas will prepare a submission for the Select Committee considering the proposals, but Lisa Beech said Caritas is very disappointed that no consultation took place with beneficiary groups or non-governmental agencies before the policy announcement. This is acknowledged in Ministry of Social Development papers analysing the changes.

“There is substantial wisdom in Catholic social teaching on the common good, and the rights and responsibilities of communities and individuals to support each other and be supported in times of need. This teaching is extremely relevant for public policy decisions being made in the context of the economic downturn which was beyond the control of many of the individuals who were affected by it. Our response will be guided by reflection on the proposed legislation in the light of Catholic social teaching, and from the experience of Catholic agencies and groups who work with beneficiaries.”

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.

ENDS

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