Judith Collins MP National Party Welfare Spokeswoman

11 May 2005

Real welfare reform needed in New Zealand

"Nowhere is the contrast so sharp between Australia and New Zealand than in the welfare reform signalled during last night's Australian Budget," says National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins.

"Australia is rewarding workers with big tax cuts, and reforming welfare. Here in New Zealand, Labour is handing out welfare to working families and loading on still more taxes.

"What message is that sending to working New Zealanders, not to mention out-of-work Australians?

"Steve Maharey must be praying that Aussie beneficiaries don't now see New Zealand as the soft touch it is when it comes to welfare.

"All New Zealanders should be concerned about Labour's perverse incentives.

"While Australia is making a play for talent, and recognising that those collecting welfare do have reciprocal obligations, the New Zealand Labour Government refuses to address these important issues.

"Unlike Australia, Labour won't make meaningful changes to the sickness and invalids' benefit system despite the rorts.

"And, unlike Australia, Labour refuses to canvas the idea of part-time work or training for DPB recipients when their youngest child reaches school.

"Only National can be trusted to deliver significant welfare reform and lower taxes for working New Zealanders. Under Labour, it'll be just more of the same," says Ms Collins.

ENDS

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