Bashing 18 and 19 year olds sickness beneficiaries for jobs that don’t exist is the cruelty of this Government laid bare
Economist warns costs of ‘mean-spirited’ benefit changes will outweigh the gains
An economist is warning a welfare change that would see thousands of youth lose access to unemployment benefits, would bring significant long-term impacts.
From November 2026, the government will end Jobseeker payments to 18-19-year-olds whose parents earn more than $67,225, after the bill passed into law under urgency on Friday.
In October last year, it was estimated that about 4300 young people would become ineligible for support as a result.
Economist Shamubeel Eaqub told Midday Report the costs far outweigh the benefits and any savings would be a transfer from the poor to the crown.
RNZ
It’s short term pain for no long term gain!
Right now we have 5.6% unemployment, 11.5% Maori unemployment, 11.9% Pacifica unemployment, 25% youth unemployment and 1 in every 4 Māori children live in poverty, 1 in every 3 Pacifica kids live in poverty and 1 in every 4 disabled kids live in poverty – who is this Government running the economy for, because it sure as shit ain’t those people!
Where are those 4300 teenage sickness beneficiaries supposed to find work when there are no jobs?
Demanding they are now the responsibility of their parents in a mean spirited way to save money! It is a sickness when you consider the $14billion borrowed for tax cuts, the $3billion landlord tax loop hole, the $300million tobacco subsidy and the $200million gas and oil subsidy.
DON’T TELL ME WE CAN’T AFFORD LOOKING AFTER OUR KIDS!
We have the money for the Government’s donor mates, this type of policy cruelty is a choice.
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It’s an absolute disgrace! How can this CoC keep taking from those who have the least, most of whom will already be struggling. We all know Luxon only cares about himself first, then his wealthy enablers. He is not fit to govern NZ. He hasn’t a conscience, heart or soul. And he sure isn’t a Christian.
He is empty!
Get Chippy and the crew to roll back the legislation when they get into government this year bomber. Chippy could look across the house and give Louise a big fat fucking grin while he’s at it. In the interim how about terminating the employment of all security guards immediately, this would free up millions needed for those in poverty.
They could get a job.