Anne Else has written a very compelling column entitled Letter from Elsewhere: Closing the door on hope. It invites readers to think critically about National’s welfare policy and outlines the changes in policies since 1969 when Key’s mother was on the widow’s benefit. The purpose of this is to highlight how the safety net has been weakened and the reality of impoverishment for contemporary beneficiary families.
For comments from other parties and groups:
- Child Poverty Action Group Slams Nat's Welfare Policy
- Green's believe National makes dangerous moves on welfare
- United Future believes the Best laid welfare plans can go bad
- Gordon Campbell on Nats welfare policy
HOUSING AND POVERTY
Minister Dyson in a recent press release lauded the improved in wellbeing for New Zealanders illustrated in the latest issue of the the Social Report. Whilst we recognise the progress that has been made we think it a bit disingenuous to claim that "For the first time since 1988 we’ve seen the gap between the rich and poor close”. Actually that gap is no longer widening and has narrowed slightly. Unfortunately this report will not be available on the MSD website until the end of the month. We will give a more detailed overview early in September.
SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
A new resource booklet is available for free from Age Concern on Alcohol and Older People. The new booklet lists danger signals that older people and their families, friends and carers should look out for, gives tips for safe alcohol use, and explains where to go for support and advice.
GENERAL
Reports are coming in thick and fast at the moment. The Salvation Army’s A New Journey: Issues and Reflections for the 2008 Parliamentary Elections is also a good read. As usual they manage to capture the key issues concisely and suggest some questions for reflection accompanied by scriptural references on the last page.
MSD has also released The Statistical Report For the Year Ending June 2007. The good thing about access to this report online is that you can identify the sections you are most interested in and print just these e.g. section 3 on pensions and main benefits. Note the Word version will not be available till the end of the month.
The Prime Minister commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Social Security Act 1938 at the launching of a biography of one of the architects behind the scheme, Sir Arnold Nordmeyer. In a press release she notes "The Social Security Act was introduced to Parliament on 11 August 1938, and for the first time acknowledged that the care and welfare of citizens was a government responsibility." Unfortunately the Act was recently amended and the principle of welfare has been replaced with 'Work First' principles to guide it. Let's hope there isn't a 70th anniversary for this philosophy.
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