Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Minimum wage rise welcome, structural change needed

Media Release: Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW)

18th December 2019

STARTS

The government’s decision to raise the minimum wage is strongly welcomed by ANZASW.

The boost of $1.20 extra per hour for around a quarter of a million workers will make a difference to the lives of those on the lowest pay; however, we regret it will not be enough to lift low-income households out of poverty or to shift levels of inequality in Aotearoa.

“We appreciate this move, which has been accompanied by a rise for those on ‘starting out’ and training pay. Every improvement in the lives of those in hardship is welcome. Yet, in light of the persisting levels of in-work poverty, which disproportionately affects children / tamariki, this raise should just be the start. It is short of the living wage 2019 by $2.25.

“To meet its commitments on sustainable development, reducing child poverty and increasing well-being, the government needs to do more than make incremental improvements in the lives of those who have been let down for so long,” ANZASW Chief Executive Lucy Sandford-Reed said.

The Association continues to call for the raising of welfare payments in line with the recommendations of the Welfare Experts Advisory Group, supports the living wage campaign, Fair Pay Agreements and enhanced protections for those working as contractors.

ANZASW also calls for a review of potential loopholes in the law that make it easier for employers to exploit foreign workers, as has been alleged in Golden Springs Motel and Holiday Park case in Reporoa.

ENDS


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.