MEDIA RELEASE

Friday 22 February 2011

Celebrate Beneficiaries - The Heroes of the Recession 
 

It is the government who is making bad life choices, not beneficiaries!  In fact, Trevor McGlinchey from the NZ Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) says beneficiaries are the heroes who are carrying the country through the recession.

NZCCSS Executive officer McGlinchey was speaking in response to today’s release of the third and final report from the government Welfare Working Group Report.

“The move towards the establishment of a new “crown entity” agency to support people into employment appears to be ideologically driven.  Private delivery of public services often confuses public well-being with private profit,” says McGlinchey.

“Last year’s Budget offered millions in tax assistance to those on mid to high incomes, many of whom pay relatively minimal tax because they know how to work the system. That leaves low income earners and beneficiaries to pay off the nation’s debts!” 

The Executive officer McGlinchey said election rhetoric, the use of derogative labels and the creation of a “them and us mentality” is not helpful. 

“When we are looking at our welfare system, we need to focus on the long-term wellbeing of New Zealand families – even those who need welfare support. It requires sensible, inclusive discussion that focuses on providing appropriate support to families, building skills and creating employment.  ” 

He said NZCCSS is committed to a fairer and more equal New Zealand, where our wealth is about good health and strong communities and not just about money.

“NZCCSS will closely examine the Welfare Working Group report and promote any sensible supportive strategies contained within.  They will also continue to challenge the Government on areas that widen the gap between those who earn the most and those who earn the least,” says Trevor McGlinchey 

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