Collins plays the April Fool
1 April 2008 Media Statement
Collins plays the April Fool
The number of young people aged 16 to 19 years old receiving a main benefit has dropped dramatically under the Labour-led government, says Social Development and Employment Minister Ruth Dyson.
“The total numbers of people aged 16 to 19 years old on a benefit has dropped from 31,880 in 1999 to 13,897 in December 2007 – a drop of more than 55 per cent from 1999.
“There are now just a third of young people on a benefit of any kind under this Labour-led government than there were under the failed National policies of the past.”
“Trying to imply that this is anything but a success for our young people, as Judith Collins continually tries to do, is foolish. Judith Collins would be better off trying to remind her leader John Key of most New Zealanders’ expectations from a fair welfare system – regular adjustments to take into account consumer price index increases, so that support for beneficiaries and our seniors receiving NZ Super is maintained, not cut, over time.”
Main benefits include Unemployment and related benefits, DPB and related benefits, Sickness and related benefits, Invalids Benefit, Independent Youth Benefit, Emergency Benefit, and Unemployment Benefit Student Hardship.
ENDS