Lindsay Mitchell
lindsaymitchell.blogspot.com
Lindsay Mitchell has been researching and commenting on welfare since 2001. Many of her articles have been published in mainstream media and she has appeared on radio,tv and before select committees discussing issues relating to welfare. Lindsay is also an artist who works under commission and exhibits at Wellington, New Zealand, galleries.
According to Bryce Edwards on RNZ:
“…pressure to deliver to those most in need is now just too great for the government to ignore, and rumours are building that a benefit increase will be announced.”
A benefit increase would be consistent with Labour’s general approach to welfare.
But how does it tie in with the new immigration policy?
“…the country must move away from its reliance on a low-skilled migrant labour force.”
The PM stressed on RNZ this morning, ” Those on temporary work visas make up 5 percent of the labour force – the highest share in the OECD” with a definite implication that ‘highest’ was a bad thing.
But if benefits are made more attractive (along with already increasing ease of access) then New Zealanders are not going to fill the roles that migrants willingly do.
Here’s an example:
Jade is on sole parent support, but she does not want to be on a benefit.
She wants to study, but she has decided to wait another couple of years, so she can spend more time with her nine-year-old daughter.
I initially received this as audio and thought I must have misheard, and she said 9 month-old daughter.
I was wrong.
A benefit is not provided so a parent can spend more time with their 9 year-old who is presumeably at school for most of the day. Jade could support herself – or very nearly – doing any number of jobs that low-skilled migrants do.
Sorry but I have a problem with people with this sort of attitude.
And I am very grateful and inspired by people who come to New Zealand and uncomplainingly fill crucial roles. We need more of their work ethic and self-reliance here.
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