Seeking a welfare system that is fair

Outspoken activist Sue Bradford will be in Nelson this week to push for a welfare system that is just and fair, cares for the vulnerable, and treats people with dignity.

Community worker, activist and former MP, Ms Bradford is a member of the Alternative Welfare Working Group, and will be in Nelson on Thursday 11 November to address the Community Workers Training and Support (CWTAS) Annual Forum.

Organiser Pat Webster said the talk would be open to the public and would be of interest to anyone working in the community sector or interested in issues of social justice.

“The Welfare Justice group has been commissioned by Anglican Church and community agencies to write an alternative report to the Government’s Welfare Working Group,” she said. “They are working with a budget many times smaller than the government group's reported $1.1 million, and they are succeeding in increasing the participation of people most likely to be affected by welfare changes.”

Ms Webster said the CWTAS forum would allow people to hear more about the work of the Alternative Welfare Working Group and there would also be an opportunity to give the group a Nelson perspective on the future of the welfare system in New Zealand.

"People around the country have been telling the Alternative Welfare Group that they want the government to re-instate and honour the five principle tenets of our social security system - full employment, adequate income, affordable housing, quality healthcare and accessible education,” she said. “Their view is that you simply can't push people into jobs when there aren't any."

Sue Bradford’s talk will be held in conjunction with monthly Community and Whanau Network meeting on 11 November, 12 noon – 2pm at the Salvation Army rooms upstairs, cnr Montgomery Square and Rutherford Street. All welcome. Bring your lunch – tea and coffee provided

There is more information about the Alternative Welfare Group http://welfarejustice.org.nz

ENDS

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