Wednesday 10th Nov 1999
Muriel Newman
Media Release -- Social Welfare

The welfare system has seriously weakened many families and made thousands of people dependent on the state. There are now families who have been dependent on welfare for three and four generations. Experience has shown that more welfare expenditure is simply not the answer. After pouring billions into the welfare system we have ended up with almost a quarter of all children in New Zealand growing up without the role model of a parent who works. ACT believes we must get to the heart of the problems and break the cycle of dependency. We must rebuild a society based on hard work, thrift and personal responsibility. We must create a truly compassionate welfare system that helps people regain independence, strengthening families and communities. ACT is the only Party that recognises welfare policy cannot be viewed in isolation. A strong and growing economy creates jobs and opportunities for New Zealanders who need them.

ACT’s goals - To build a society where everyone has the chance to participate and succeed. - To modernise the welfare state so it provides a hand up, not a hand out. Work for those who can work, security for those who can't - To ensure a strong, growing economy to lift the standard of living of all New Zealand families

ACT believes - Those that the state has made dependant, the state must help become independent - We must rebuild a stronger, safer New Zealand based on the values of hard work, thrift and personal responsibility by breaking the cycle of dependency - Government must ensure that those on welfare are helped and supported into work - Those who can work, should work. Those who can't work should be properly cared for - Every New Zealander must have the same opportunity to succeed

ACT will:

- Create a modern welfare system that has work and independence as the goal

- Remove the barriers to work facing those on benefits

- Ensure that welfare assistance is personalised to meet the needs of individuals

- Create partnerships with communities and organisations to provide assistance to those in need

- Ensure that there is a strong safety net to support those who are genuinely unable to look after themselves

- Ensure that parents take financial responsibility for their children

- Review the Child Support Act to make it fairer on both parents

- Make it easier for businesses to create jobs and hire more staff

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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