National has just come out with their plan to get DPB parents working. Once the youngest child turns 6, there will be an obligation on the parent to find part time work. I suppose the theory is that while the child or children are at school, the parent can work. Sounds good. Kind of.
Personally, I'm not impressed. This policy does not solve the problem of the DPB being seen as a genuine "career" option for many young NZ women already born into disadvantage. The requirement to seek work and therefore not being so much of a burden on society can easily be circumvented by having another child. In fact, I predict that if this proposal ever becomes Government policy, the effect will be more children born to DPB women so as to always have a youngest child under 6.
Related Link: National Benefits Policy Backgrounder ~ National Party
UPDATE: It seems I'm not the only one to figure out how to get around the requirement to look for work when the youngest turns 6.
Topping up your DPB ~ Not PC
National's DPB plans gutless ~ Lindsay Mitchell
Personally, I'm not impressed. This policy does not solve the problem of the DPB being seen as a genuine "career" option for many young NZ women already born into disadvantage. The requirement to seek work and therefore not being so much of a burden on society can easily be circumvented by having another child. In fact, I predict that if this proposal ever becomes Government policy, the effect will be more children born to DPB women so as to always have a youngest child under 6.
Related Link: National Benefits Policy Backgrounder ~ National Party
UPDATE: It seems I'm not the only one to figure out how to get around the requirement to look for work when the youngest turns 6.
Topping up your DPB ~ Not PC
National's DPB plans gutless ~ Lindsay Mitchell