Wednesday 15 June

Two forums on Welfare and Social Policy reform will be held early next week.

The Welfare and Social Sector Policy and Reform Conference, on Monday and Tuesday in Wellington, is described by organisers as providing an opportunity to debate and discuss pressing issues within our communities with key stakeholders and those directly involved with social policy.

The two day event includes a seminar from Prof. Paul Dalziel, from Lincoln University, presenting the Alternative Welfare Working Group response to the proposals made to the government by its cabinet mandated Welfare Working Group.

Stephanie McIntyre, director of Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) will be speaking on “The Need for Social Inclusion”.

“It is important that DCM is represented at this conference given our involvement at the grass roots level. We have grave concerns about the implications of the recommendations by the Welfare Working Group, and hope that the government will look at the alternative recommendations and reflect this balance in policy,” says Stephanie.

Welfare Justice, the Alternative Welfare Working Group have highlighted the exclusivity of the $895 price tag to attend this conference, and are staging their own $8.95 parallel event. The event is free to beneficiaries.

Stephanie says, “Having both these opportunities to be involved with welfare reform is imperative given the changes proposed by the government.”

ENDS

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