Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Teenagers and welfare don't mix

Minister for Social Development, David Benson-Pope announces another scheme to spend taxpayer's money. "It's estimated that up to 45,000 15 to 19 year-olds do not enrol in tertiary study or get a job after leaving school. This is a waste of human potential," said Mr Benson-Pope.

That is as clear as mud. 45,000 over what period? Whatever the period, it is 45,000 too many. So the answer from the government is to pour more money into services to get these people into jobs. Wouldn't it be far simpler to take away the alternative to a job? Why oh why are we giving welfare to kids straight out of school?

And here's another thing. At May 2005 there were 37,631 single parents on a benefit who had started on welfare as a teenager. But not necessarily on the DPB. Here's the breakdown;

So sitting around on the dole or independent youth benefit is a pathway to pregnancy.

(I don't know how one managed to start their welfare career on NZ Super but nothing surprises me any more.)

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Sorry Lindsay - I have to disagree with the number a little. Saying that 45,000 not going on to tertiary study is 45,000 too many is incorrect.
Every single one of those that do not leave for a job or apprentiship is one too many though.

Still - maybe 6 months of working in a meat packers or similar should be part of the school curriculum. I'm pretty sure it would stop alot of drop outs ever occurring. I know one of our most inspirational students was a returnee after leaving for a menial job and then realising what that future was.

Michael said...

Teenagers can get Superannuation if:

1. They are married to/civil unionised/live in a marraige like relationship with someone who qualifies. (Ewwwwwwwwww!)
2. The over 65 elects for them to recieve joint Super.