Maharey Should Investigate Dole Fraud

Thursday, August 9 2001
Dr Muriel Newman Press Releases -- Social Welfare

ACT Social Services Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman is calling for an urgent inquiry into why 94,000 people have been on the dole for more than six months when according to Minister Steve Maharey only 26,500 New Zealanders have been out of work for that period of time.

The 94,000 figure was supplied today by the Department of Work and Income in response to Parliamentary questions from Dr Newman. The conflicting figure was contained in today's Household Labour Force Survey release and was trumpeted by Mr Maharey in the House.

"If we accept the Minister's assertion that the 26,500 figure is correct then some 67,500 people who are on the dole shouldn't be.

"Based on very conservative estimates of an average payment of $200 a week, this would mean that some $13.5 million a week is being paid to people who shouldn't be receiving the money.

"I want to know how the Minister can explain this and what he intends to do about it," Dr Newman said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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