5. Hon ANNETTE KING (Deputy Leader—Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
Can she confirm whether her Government still plans to fully fund the essential services of non-governmental organisations by 2012; if not, why not?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
We are currently working through the Budget process. In these tough economic times, and with a number of unfunded promises from the previous Government, we have to set priorities.
Does she agree with the Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations, which stated that the money allocated by the Labour Government through the Pathways to Partnership scheme would have provided a major boost to its on-the-ground services, and helped with managing the impact of the recession on communities; if so, why does she not stop hiding behind reviews and give those services the money they need now, because people need help now?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
We are currently working through the Budget process. Nothing is in and nothing is out, and the sector will be consulted.
Why, then, did the COmVOiceS network of leading community organisations describe the Government as failing to engage with the sector about how to deal with the recession? Was it because the Government did not invite them or many other representatives from the non-profit sector to its Job Summit last week?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
I do value the sector’s views. In fact, yesterday I wrote to sector representatives to invite them to join an unprecedented dialogue with the Government. We are inviting them to sit alongside us as we enter Budget negotiations, and to have direct input into the process. For all Labour’s rhetoric about being close to the sector, it would never have given those representatives a seat at the table.
Will the Minister honour the commitment made by John Key and Judith Collins during the election campaign to provide additional funding of $5 million for health camps; if so, when?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
We are currently working through the Budget process. Nothing is necessarily in, and, most certainly, nothing is necessarily out. That will be part of our discussions.