Social Assistance—Minister’s Statement

Metiria Turei Link to this

Does the Minister agree that the earthquake in Christchurch shows how important State support is and highlights the harshness of the Welfare Working Group’s recommendations?

Metiria Turei Link to this

Will the Minister reject the Welfare Working Group’s recommendation for work testing and abatement rates, which mean that sole parents will be required to work for 30 hours a week for less money than they currently get in the hand?

Metiria Turei Link to this

Will the Minister reject the recommendation that benefit receipt be linked to contraception for women who are on the domestic purposes benefit?

Metiria Turei Link to this

That certainly was. Will she reject the recommendation that benefits be cut off completely if people fail the work-test requirements three times—even people from Canterbury?

Metiria Turei Link to this

Does the Minister agree that people in other parts of the country who have suffered from factory closures or the sudden loss of a partner also need to fall back on State support, just as the people in Christchurch do; if so, why will she not rule out these harsh recommendations for everyone in this country?

Metiria Turei Link to this

Given the devastation in Christchurch, the unforeseen circumstances that can happen to anyone at any time, and that 70 percent of people who receive the unemployment benefit come off it within 12 months, will she not just reject the Welfare Working Group’s punishing, punitive report and all its recommendations?

Hon Annette King Link to this

Has a date been set for the Government to announce its response to the Welfare Working Group’s recommendation; if so, what is that date?