New Zealand government announces controversial welfare reforms, sparking debate on support versus sanctions
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The new conservative NZ government has announced a "tough love" welfare policy, the latest in 30 years of welfare policy flip-flopping between relative generosity (e.g. Labour) and relative toughness (e.g. National).
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The emphasis on sanctions and punitive measures is based on a flawed understanding of beneficiaries' lives and achieves little, instead further destabilizing already challenging lives.
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There needs to be a new vision for the social security system focused on wrap-around support, dignity, and quality jobs, not just carrots and sticks.
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The public opinion on welfare needs to shift through beneficiaries better telling their stories so others understand the barriers they face.
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The constant oscillation of relatative generosity and toughness in welfare policy needs to be disrupted through a new vision and approach.