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Flat Benefit Rate Good Idea - Libz

"A flat benefit rate is the first decent idea this government has proposed in eight months," said Libertarianz Deputy Leader Richard McGrath. His party supports Steve Maharey's proposal for a universal taxpayer-funded benefit level, but differs markedly as to the level it should be set. "Our preference is for zero dollars a week," he says.

Dr McGrath, a small town general practitioner, opposes the current funding-by-force welfare system. He points out that private organisations have a long and proud history of running welfare schemes that accurately and efficiently target those in need.

"More importantly," he adds, "there is a huge difference between voluntarily donating money to your favourite charity, and being robbed by tax collectors to support those thousands of layabouts, substance abusers, malingerers and uncontrolled breeders that give the deserving poor a bad name."

ENDS

Richard McGrath Deputy Leader, Libertarianz Fax 06 377 3070 mongrel@winz.co.nz

http://www.libertarianz.org.nz

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