National still silent on child poverty

Today National failed to acknowledge the reduction in child poverty numbers announced by the Minister for Social Development and Employment Ruth Dyson.

"National's approach seems to have changed little since they refused to acknowledge that poverty existed in the 1990s. The Household Incomes Report released today shows that under National, the rich got richer and the poor got poorer. Child poverty rose on every measure between 1998 and 2001," said Ruth Dyson.

"The Report also shows that the Labour-led government has succeeded in reversing that legacy.

"Household incomes have risen for all New Zealanders and between 2004 and 2007, income inequality reduced for the first time since the late 1980s.

"This is the difference achieved by a government that aspires to making a difference for all New Zealanders, not just the privileged few," said Ruth Dyson.

"Meanwhile, John Key has not announced any substantial policy to help low-income families. And he has even avoided committing to making annual inflation adjustments to benefits.

"New Zealand is left wondering whether the National party’s policy is to let low-income families get poorer, while fat cat insurance companies and bankers get richer," said Ruth Dyson.

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