Minister Ignores Own Department's Research
By Lindsay Mitchell
David Benson-Pope, Minister for Social Development, is once again claiming the tremendous growth in sickness and invalid benefits is due to New Zealand's ageing population. Welfare commentator, Lindsay Mitchell, says this comment ignores research published by his own Ministry in November last year. "More than half of the growth is not accounted for by ageing. The research says: 'More than half of the growth in inflows cannot be explained by demographic change and the New Zealand Superannuation age rise. It reflects, instead, an increase in inflow rates for people aged between 15 and 59...... inflow rates were higher in 2002 than in 1993 for all age groups within this band.' " "It is difficult to understand why the Minister would choose to ignore this research. Perhaps he points to the ageing population because that is something beyond the government's control. Perhaps he hasn't read the research." "One thing is clear. If he doesn't understand what is causing the problem, his ability to solve it will be, at best, compromised."
Lindsay Mitchell is a Research Fellow for the Institute for Liberal Values. In 2001, she launched a campaign calling for a review of the DPB. She has since been contacted by many people who have told her stories that reveal the many ways in which the welfare system is being exploited.
Her petition for a Parliamentary review of the DPB is available online, as well as a list of frequently asked questions.
|
Home - Books - Issues - Downloads - About Us - Journals - Thinkers - Links - Library - Subscriptions |
|
|
Institute for Liberal Values, Friday September 10th 2010. |
|
|
|
