9. RUSSELL FAIRBROTHER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
How many New Zealand families are benefiting from Working for Families?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
In total 370,000 families received the Working for Families tax credit in the last tax year—that is three in four New Zealand families with dependent children—and by the end of this tax year we expect the number to be even higher. Alongside other Labour-led Government initiatives, such as paid parental leave, 20 free hours of early childhood education for 3 and 4-year-olds, and reduced doctors’ fees and prescription charges, Working for Families is enabling New Zealanders to make a choice about work and caring that best meets their family needs.
Russell Fairbrother Link to this
What reports has the Minister seen regarding support for the Working for Families package?
I have seen some reports that appear to show confusion in the National Party about whether it has a policy on Working for Families. Firstly, in May 2005 the leader of the National Party said: “The next National Government will redesign this complex, bureaucratic and costly welfare monster,” And again, last year, he said National will “take higher income families out of the Working for Families loop.” But then last week his revenue spokesperson admitted that National has so far failed to develop any policy at all on the Working for Families package. It is clear that the National Party has been struggling to develop policy in this area. It is less clear whether this is because its members cannot agree, they do not understand, or they do not want to tell New Zealanders what their real intentions are.