Tuesday, 8 February 2005

Turner: Govt negligent in prisoners' benefit farce

The Government has been seriously shown-up by revelations of prisoners claiming some $1.8 million in benefits while behind bars last year, United Future deputy leader Judy Turner said today.

"It really is as simple as a check being made when any prisoner is jailed and any benefit being cut automatically," she said.

"It is such a simple matter that it beggars belief that it isn't already automatically in place."

Mrs Turner has been strongly advocating a toughening up on the criteria for obtaining sickness and invalid benefits, which have spiralled in recent years.

"If they can't get something as basic as this right, one is not filled with confidence about the Government's capacity to address more complex issues," she said.

ENDS

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