Simon Bridges’ rhetoric on welfare is irresponsible – Auckland Action Against Poverty

National Party leader Simon Bridges, during an interview with The AM Show, recently vowed to reinstate any sanctions the Labour-led Government removes if they were to get back into power. Auckland Action Against Poverty condemns Simon Bridges’ rhetoric, labeling it cruel and out of touch.

“Simon Bridges’ claims that benefit sanctions give people self-esteem and a sense of purpose are irresponsible and out of touch with the realities our poorest communities face. The current welfare system, which denies people of dignified lives by keeping them below poverty levels through punitive sanctions, often leaves people in despair”, says Ricardo Menendez March, Auckland Action Against Poverty Coordinator.

“The use of current unemployment figures by the National Party leader to justify a punitive approach on welfare is misguided. The current unemployment figure of 4.4% does not take into account precarious work hours and low wages. Low paid and casual workers are regular sights at Work and Income queues, needing assistance with basics such as food and petrol.

“Bridges’ suggestion of removing 100% of jobseekers benefits’ if they fail to comply with their benefit obligations ignores the impractical realities people on the benefit are being put through in order to maintain them. People on the jobseeker benefit have to accept any job offered to them, no matter how unsuitable or low-paid it is or face a 13-week sanction between 50% and 100% of their benefit. People in older age, or with physical disabilities who are still on the jobseeker benefit, may be made to do physically daunting jobs or face benefit sanctions. The Government, rather than continuing this punitive approach, should be looking at meeting people’s aspirations by proactively working with them to ensure that those seeking paid work end up in dignified, well-paid work conditions.

“Simon Bridges is welcome to spend a day at the Work and Income queues with our AAAP advocates to realise that the last National Government’s approach to welfare has only increased hardship for people. Any current and future Government serious about ending poverty ought to be looking at removing all benefit sanctions and obligations.”