Media statement
For immediate release
Thursday, 26 October 2006

Turner: work support schemes should be mandatory

United Future deputy leader and spokesperson for social development, Judy Turner, today welcomed the “Work Focussed Support” announcement by Social Development Minister, David Benson-Pope, but wants it made tougher.

"With the success of voluntary compliance from a large number of beneficiaries involved in current pilot programmes, it is time to require everyone receiving income assistance to take part in more intensive case management and return-to-work programmes," said Mrs Turner.

"People who work for a living receive their income by meeting work-related obligations.

"Welfare dependence is made easier when benefits are paid without any accompanying responsibilities.

"Mandatory participation in programmes aimed at getting beneficiaries back into the workforce is not about being punitive, but about creating a realistic ethics framework around receiving income from the welfare system," said Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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