PM Rejects OECD Report Finding

Prime Minister, Helen Clark, today dismissed a recent OECD finding that New Zealand families with children were better off staying on a benefit unless they could get work paying at least the average wage.

When asked to comment on NewstalkZB, Helen Clark said she didn't think that the claim would be true.

"The Prime Minister might choose to disbelieve it, but the OECD report supports its claim with quite extensive data," said Lindsay Mitchell, anti- DPB campaigner.

"New Zealand single parents have an unemployment rate second only to Australia, according to this report."

"The reasons cited are New Zealand's relatively generous benefit rates and a 'passive' welfare system. It says New Zealand is going against international trends by relaxing work requirements in preference to case management."

"The December 2003 OECD report says, 'In sum, families with children are better off staying on a benefit unless they can move into a full-time job paying at least the average wage.' "

"While dismissing the OECD finding, the Prime Minister said that there would be changes through the budget this year which will be attractive to working families."

Lindsay Mitchell Petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB (forms available from www.liberalvalues.org.nz) e-mail dandl.mitchell@clear.net.nz

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