Twenty
years ago few children in Aotearoa NZ had to go without the basics of
life. A comprehensive system of family assistance ensured
family incomes were adequate for meeting children's needs. When this
government support was drastically cut, beginning in the late 80s,
child poverty rates tripled within only a few short years.
From
this we know that although more money alone will not solve child
poverty problems, it can’t be done without money. Minimum family
incomes have been grossly inadequate for more than a decade, and it is
costing us all dearly in lost opportunity and potential - none
more so than our most vulnerable children.
CPAG argues strongly
for family assistance payments that are generous and secure and –
unlike some current policies – do not use the high costs of having
children to railroad parents into the workforce regardless of those
children’s needs. Other countries, with crisis-level low
birthrates, do not do this. With our present relatively high birth rate
we have a precious opportunity, by investing in our kids, to make a
huge difference to the nation’s future.
Since 1994,
CPAG has been an authoritative, independent voice on family
assistance policy. This is because we believe that for too long levels
of investment in children's wellbeing have been dangerously low.
Dr Susan St John, CPAG's family economics spokesperson, is a leading national researcher and commentator on family assistance issues. Check out the Resources section for further information on this topic.