8. SUE BRADFORD (Green) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
Is the Minister confident that Work and Income is administering income support in a fair and equitable manner across all parts of New Zealand?
Why, then, do some districts, such as the East Coast of the North Island, continue to show alarmingly high rates of people being denied entitlements—for example, people with medical costs not being offered, much less granted, the disability allowance, or people not being assisted with access to running water necessary for their dialysis treatment?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
I guess the quality control and audit of the consistency of decisions lie in a very extensive and robust review process. The member will be very aware of the review and appeal procedures for people who disagree with or do not understand decisions made about their entitlements. Generally, those procedures ensure that disputes are settled fairly and quickly. People can also discuss their situations initially, of course, with their case managers. They have 3 months subsequently in which to apply for a formal internal review. After that, there is a benefit review committee process, and subsequently, if dissatisfaction continues, people can appeal to an independent organisation, the Social Security Appeal Authority.
Steve ChadwickHon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
I am sure members would agree that we are where we are today, with historically low benefit numbers and unemployment, because of the focus and professionalism of Work and Income staff in applying Government policies. The staff of Work and Income need to be congratulated on the way they have assisted hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders into sustainable employment.
Does the Minister think it is acceptable that people who are struggling to survive, and, in some cases, people who are facing the danger of death, have to wait through the at times very lengthy review and appeal procedures to actually get the benefits they are entitled to in the first place?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
I twice yesterday offered that member the opportunity to give me any particular case she would like me to investigate. I would be delighted and happy to do that. But if she chooses to grandstand around people’s disadvantages—
Madam SPEAKERWill the Minister be taking details of the long-awaited single core benefit reform to the Labour Party conference this weekend, and can he assure the House and the public that any such reforms under his Government will provide all eligible beneficiaries with a primary income that takes into account their real needs and circumstances?