The Government’s just-passed Social Security Amendment Bill is set to create more benefit sanctions that will push families deeper into poverty.
“Instead of punching down on the poor like the current Government, we can end poverty and provide everyone with what they need to live good lives,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March.
“Calling these new sanctions non-financial is misleading, as they’ll still deprive people of the ability to access financial support like hardship grants. It’s a disgrace that the Government is pursuing this despite reports New Zealand ranks near the bottom in child wellbeing.
“We have a plan to provide everyone with what they need to live good lives. Our Income Guarantee would ensure all whānau have the basics for a good life and don’t fall through the gaps.
“In this country, we have enough to support those who are struggling. Instead of providing the bare essentials for some of our most vulnerable, Christopher Luxon’s Government has chosen to prioritise tax cuts for wealthy landlords and tobacco companies.
“The Ministry of Social Development has already admitted their frontline capacity is oversubscribed and unable to properly support people due to the traffic light regime the Government has brought in. This will make things even worse.
“The Green Party will repeal all benefit sanctions and lift incomes to liveable levels. We will build an economy that works for all of us, not just a wealthy few,” says Ricardo Menéndez March.
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