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Welfare Working Group
Discussion Paper: "Long-Term Benefit Dependency: The Issues"
On Monday, 9 August 2010, the Welfare Working Group issued a discussion document on the issues in the New Zealand benefit system.
- Read the Issues Paper Summary Document (PDF)
- Accessible Word Version
- Read the Issues Paper Detailed Report (PDF)
- Accessible Word Version
We are looking for your feedback on the issues raised. Submissions can be made online or by hardcopy by Friday 17 September.
We have set up a discussion forum online where you are welcome to talk about the Issues Paper.
- Access the discussion forum
Welfare Working Group
The Welfare Working Group was established by Cabinet to undertake an expansive and fundamental review of New Zealand’s welfare system. The Group’s primary task is to identify how to reduce long-term welfare dependency.
The Welfare Working Group will explore options and make a range of recommendations as an independent body.
The Government has asked the Working Group to consider three questions:
- Is New Zealand doing the right things to reduce long-term welfare dependency?
- Have we got the right welfare structure in place, and the right incentives to get people into work?
- Are we getting the outcomes that taxpayers want from the system, looking at sustainability, fairness, access and improved social outcomes?
Further details about what is in scope and out of scope for the review can be found here. The Welfare Working Group is hosted by Victoria University’s Institute of Policy Studies and is supported by a secretariat seconded from across Government agencies.
A final report will be presented to the Government in February 2011.
Engaging with New Zealanders
Over the coming months the Welfare Working Group will be seeking to engage a wide range of individuals and organisations in the conversation about creating a more sustainable and fair welfare system.
On 9 August, the Welfare Working Group published a discussion document on the issues facing the current benefit system. Make an online submission.
In June 2010, it provided a forum for informed discussion of the issues through workshops and forums, submissions from interested New Zealanders and papers prepared by officials or commissioned from experts.
Read more about engaging with New Zealanders.
Read about the Welfare Working Group forum that took place on 9-10 June, 2010.
Access Forum documents here.