The Alternative Welfare Working Group
The Alternative Welfare Working Group was established out of a common concern in the community sector that Welfare Working Group (WWG) was limited by narrow terms of reference, a punitive approach to welfare, exclusion of significant matters such as benefit adequacy, and a non-consultative style.
Mike O'Brien, Child Poverty Action Group's Director was Chair of the group
This report highlights the need to ensure all children are adequately provided for, whether parents have paid work or a social security benefit. It also argues that a focus on paid work alone will not reduce New Zealand’s high levels of child poverty and raise families’ standard of living.
Welfare Justice organised a series of fifteen public meetings around the country, mostly in August and September 2010, and invited submissions through its website at www.welfarejustice.org.nz. In total, more than 400 people took part in. Here is what they said.