13 April 2012: News from CPAG

Open Letter To:
Hon Paula Bennett, Minister Of Social Development
and
Peseta-Sam Lotu-Liga, Chairperson, Social Services Select Committee

Re: Social Security (Youth Support And Work Focus) Amendment Bill Submissions

The organisations listed below have a history of engagement with and commitment to issues around social security and welfare and collectively bring considerable expertise and information to legislation and policy in these areas.

The current Bill in our view requires considerable debate and wider discussion if the aims of an effective welfare system are to be met.

The issues are urgent, complex and critical, and too much haste now could compromise the future options and possibilities for our young people.

While the broad outline of the government’s position and the recommendations of the Welfare Working Group have been known for some time, the details have only now appeared in the legislation.

The very short time period (effectively 11 working days) makes it impossible to contribute adequately to that debate and discussion and makes the process of preparing comprehensive submissions impossible.

This brings into question the integrity of the Select Committee process and leaves us wondering if the Bill will be given the careful attention that is required. The risk is the enactment of poor legislation.

We urge the Select Committee to press for an extension of the deadline so that the Bill can be properly considered.

• Child Poverty Action Group
• Auckland Action Against Poverty
• Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
• Council of Trade Unions
• Life Wise Auckland
• Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota
• Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
• Waitemata UNITE

ENDS

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