Wellington People's Centre Media Release

14 March 2007

Govt Bill would increase poverty

"Labour's bill will hurt all ready at-risk New Zealanders" was the message delivered to the Social Services Select Committee today by the Wellington People's Centre.

If passed, the Labour government's Social Security Amendment Bill will override case-law to stop anyone who misses out on their rightful entitlements from ever having the chance to get that money paid back.

People's Centre Advocate Kay Brereton says the bill would be a blow to New Zealand's most vulnerable citizens.

"This bill would mean people like superannuitants who are entitled to disability support but haven't been told or young families who've haven't got the help with rent payments they should've will never get that income back - even when it's legally proven they were entitled to it.

"Labour wants to push the responsibility for its own red-tape onto the people least able to cope with it and that's going to mean people who miss out on significant income they have a right to are going to be told 'too bad, it's your own fault' and that's unacceptable.

"The elderly, people with disabilities, people with English as a second language, youth and pretty much anyone we'd expect a decent society to look after are being put at risk by this bill.

"It's appalling to see a government that talks so much about inclusiveness and reducing poverty turning its back on the very people it purports to care for."

The People's Centre made oral submissions in opposition to the Social Security Amendment Bill this morning and will be campaigning against the bill with other rights groups around the country.

ENDS

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