Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Child Poverty Bill and Wellbeing Budget vital for change


Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) welcomes both the Government’s first Wellbeing Budget and the passing into law of the Child Poverty Reduction Bill this week, saying that both are indicators of the intention for real and sustained change to come.

"The Wellbeing Budget is a very significant change of direction and is highly ambitious," says Associate Professor Susan St John, CPAG economics spokesperson.

CPAG believes that making children visible as one of the five priority areas of this Budget shows true commitment to reducing child poverty.

"It is a landmark approach to the Budget; for the first time in a long time we are seeing political acknowledgement that a successful economy is much more than budget surpluses and economic growth," says St John.

But as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern herself said, these are just the foundations and "it’s all about what we do."

Achieving any reductions in poverty will be dependent upon significant additional spending. As a nation, Aotearoa spends modestly per capita when compared to other OECD countries.

"It’s time for money to be better spent so that the wellbeing of all people is enhanced," says St John.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

CPAG noted with disappointment last Christmas that the promised Families Package would not come into effect until July this year. When it did finally come in, the increases were not enough to reduce family distress among those who are worst off, which was evidenced by the increased demand on charities. It is now worse than ever.

"The 2019 Budget is a long way off, and any changes targeted at helping low-income families may not be implemented until much later. For many desperate families, the unremitting poverty they face daily is causing irreparable damage to their lives of their children," says St John.

Charities such as Auckland City Mission are overwhelmed by the unprecedented demand this Christmas. It is baffling as to why immediate relief is not being offered to these families who have been failed by years of eroded benefits, as well as discriminatory and inadequate tax credits.

The Child Poverty Monitor released last week shows that one in five children live in households without access to enough food or healthy food.

"Many of these children live in families supported by a welfare benefit, who aren’t currently able to get the In-Work Tax Credit portion of Working for Families Tax Credits that could make a worthwhile difference to their lives," says St John.

For many families, an extra $72.50 would be a welcome relief this Christmas and provide the pathway out of poverty and to better lives that they so desperately need.

CPAG says that as a matter of urgency, Government should remove punitive sanctions that reduce family incomes, and all wipe all debts incurred through housing grants and other overpayments.

"It is clear that families cannot afford the repayments, which compromise their wellbeing," says St John.

"And that is simply a result of their incomes being too low. If this Government is committed to improving wellbeing then it will take seriously the impact that debts to the Ministry of Social Development have on families' weekly budgets."

CPAG urges the Government not to delay until Budget 2019 to announce and implement Wellbeing changes. The worst-off families need some reprieve this Christmas from the substandard welfare and family support policies that have locked them into poverty for years.

ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.