Quote of the day:
New Zealanders want a welfare system we can be proud of. The system must support people who genuinely can’t support themselves, but those who can work should be available for work and actively looking. Better resources and support to help more people off welfare dependency and into work is a clear priority. The system has failed too many New Zealanders by creating dependence and the Ministry of Social Development is moving towards a more active approach that will see greater support in helping more people off welfare and into work.
Young people are a clear priority within welfare reform. We know that those who go on welfare young tend to stay longer than others and have poorer opportunities as a result. Of real concern are the 16 and 17 year olds who become disengaged from education, employment and training and who are on a collision course with the adult welfare system. . . Paula Bennett
This comes from the Minister’s forward to the Minsiter of Social Development’s Statement of Intent.
The rest of it is worth reading, signalling that this Minister wants real change which results in big improvements in the long-term outlook for young people who might otherwise be left to languish on benefits destined to a life of poverty.
It won’t be easy, nor will it be cheap, but it giving those who need it a hand up is morally and financially better than giving them hand outs without any expectation that they will become independent.
Hat tip: Lindsay Mitchell
Homepaddock 