4. RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What is his estimate of the total weekly benefits and other subsidies and allowances paid to the occupants of the two Housing New Zealand Corporation properties that the family of Chris and Cru Kāhui lived in?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
I am not prepared to divulge information about individual family circumstances, but I can say that I have asked the Ministry of Social Development to look into this case to ensure that all benefits being paid are legitimate. If there is any evidence that they are not, the ministry will take appropriate action.
Does he understand the anger and frustration of Kiwis who work hard to look after their own children, and pay taxes, at providing an estimated $2,087.48 a week to a family who gave no care to their babies despite family members not having to work and having an income twice that of many families who do?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
Yes. Nothing excuses the sort of action we have seen, but I repeat the statement I made in my previous answer.
Georgina BeyerCan the Minister advise in a general sense what the Government is doing to ensure the integrity of the benefit system?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
I can repeat my advice to the House that the Ministry of Social Development has a zero tolerance policy with regard to abuse of the benefit system. I can also advise that the integrity of the system will be further enhanced by the Housing Restructuring and Tenancy Matters (Information Matching) Amendment Bill currently before the House, which will permit further data-matching between the Housing New Zealand Corporation and Work and Income, and I would like to acknowledge at this point the support that other parties have given to that bill.
Sue BradfordDoes the Minister think the outcome for the Kāhui babies was likely to have been improved had there been no income-related rents or welfare benefits going into that home?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
No. But, as I said earlier, nothing excuses the actions we have seen.
Judith CollinsWhy, when the Family Violence Intervention Programme was set up specifically to develop collaboration between Government agencies and departments, did staff at the neonatal unit of Middlemore Hospital fail to inform Child, Youth and Family Services of their concerns regarding Chris and Cru Kāhui?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
I have no responsibility for the actions of the staff at the neonatal unit at Middlemore Hospital.
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Perhaps the Minister could reflect on that comment, given that the Family Violence Intervention Programme is a Ministry of Social Development initiative—so he really should have some responsibility for how it has been operating.
Madam SPEAKERDoes he believe he is overseeing a welfare system that sponsors responsible parenthood, or irresponsible parenthood, and what is he doing to ensure we have more responsible parenting in New Zealand?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
The answer is yes to the first part of the question, and I draw to the member’s attention the very considerable funding in the immediately past Budget for the current year of $35 million for initiatives to address that issue, among other things.