AUCKLAND ACTION AGAINST POVERTY
Media release 8th November 2012, 12pm

Welfare Reform Cruel Punishment During Rising Unemployment

“Figures released today showing the highest unemployment rate in 20 years are a clear indication that National's welfare policy is cruel punishment for beneficiaries”, says Auckland Action Against Poverty Spokesperson Chris Zack.

“This government seems to think a solution to the now 175 000 unemployed is to punish beneficiaries rather than engage in the responsible task of creating opportunities for people.”

“We don't have a benefit dependency problem, we have a job creation problem.”

“The second wave of welfare reforms recently introduced to Parliament is a textbook example of how this government's policies towards beneficiaries are nothing but a cruel distraction from the real problems we have.”

“We are consistently shocked and appalled by the seemingly inept and basically non existent job creation strategies by the National Government. The market will not magically change for the better based on such unimaginative governance.”

“John Key previously promised a 'brighter future' with 170 000 more full-time jobs, these figures show how much of an incredible failure that promise has been.”

“AAAP remains committed to doing what we can to stop the second wave of welfare reforms that are currently before Parliament.”

ENDS

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