ANZASW on Social Policy

Monday, 11 May 2015, 3:01 pm
Press Release: Aotearoa NZ Association of Social Workers

ANZASW Media Release

Monday 11th May 2015

Ministers English & Bennett announced that there would be the sale of 1,600 state houses in Invercargill and Tauranga, potentially to commercial interests. The ANZASW President, James Makowharemahihi, fears that the CYF Modernisation Project and the Productivity Commissions Report on more effective social services will lead to a similar privatisation of social services.

The Productivity Commission starts from the view that the social service system is not functioning and therefore requires new approaches. A number of recommendations focus on investment and social insurance approaches, allowing sustainable returns on resources. There is little confidence or evidence that these approaches will lead to the development of humane family minded services built on sustainable relationships.

What social workers need more than anything is the resources and time that engage and intervene with vulnerable families, particularly those who experience multiple and inter-dependent problems. This is the core business of social work.

James Makowharemahihi believes that privatisation is unlikely to create the environment where social workers can meaningfully engage with families in a way that creates long term sustainable changes.

ENDS

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