28 March 2013: News from CPAG

Report Release: Myths and Facts about DPB Recipients

Child Poverty Action Group says the government has perpetuated damaging myths about beneficiaries, particularly sole parents, to support its welfare changes.

CPAG today released a report which challenges common myths about beneficiaries, particularly sole parents on the Domestic Purposes Benefit. Spokesperson Susan St John said, “We hear all the time that sole parents are teenagers who have children because of the money, they can’t be bothered working, that there are jobs if people want them, that the Domestic Purposes Benefit is a lifestyle choice. These myths circulate every day in political speeches, newspapers and on talk-back radio. They mold public attitudes but do not give an accurate picture at all.”

A 2013 Human Rights Commission survey found discrimination against beneficiaries was greater than for any other group.

CPAG says the latest government welfare reforms will undermine the economic security of thousands of families. The Greens are trying to introduce a change to the Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill so that when sanctions for non-compliance are imposed on parents, account is taken of the impact of these severe provisions on the well-being of their children.

“What a sad state of affairs when the government itself has not put the best interests of the child first” says Susan St John.

“The increasing poverty and economic exclusion we are witnessing is very serious. There should be public alarm about the erosion of the safety net supporting many families and their children but these draconian changes are underpinned by misinformation and scare-mongering about beneficiaries.”

“New Zealand has an obligation under UNCROC to look after the best interests of all children. Children’s needs should be at the heart of social policy, not judgment about whether their parents are deserving or not. It is time for a new language that recognises the vital role of parenting and treats sole parents with respect.”

Read the full report here: Myths and Facts: Sole Parents and the DPB

ENDS

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