The new Ministry of Health offices are extremely nice, better than any recently visited in the private sector and there are wall-to-wall people. Quote from my nearest and dearest.
The Cancer Society chief describes them as "amazing" and "at the premium end of the accommodation scale". (See Stuff - links still not working).
They cost $6 million.
The cost of settling the radiologists strike?
$150,000
(The MOH bureaucrats probably held a meeting and made the decision thus; if we give the DHBs enough to settle the radiologists pay claim that'll open the floodgates to all manner of health professionals and we will be up for millions. So we may as well spend what we've got on ourselves.)
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Health system 'morally deficient'
The Anglican Church is having a go at the government over the radiologists strike.
Bishop Richard Randerson says, "A system that fails to discern the priority of the importance of human wellbeing ahead of finance is morally deficient."
Isn't this a bit naive? Human wellbeing and economic wellbeing are intrinsically tied to each other, albeit not always exclusively.
The public health system is immoral because it takes money off people under the pretext of providing 'free health' and then it fails to deliver.
But as it monopolises the NZ health sector the government must meet the radiologists claims. We are stuck with it long term and if we fail to pay health professionals competitively then we won't keep or attract them.
(The release is a www.scoop.co.nz but now blogger links are not working. One thing after another.)
Bishop Richard Randerson says, "A system that fails to discern the priority of the importance of human wellbeing ahead of finance is morally deficient."
Isn't this a bit naive? Human wellbeing and economic wellbeing are intrinsically tied to each other, albeit not always exclusively.
The public health system is immoral because it takes money off people under the pretext of providing 'free health' and then it fails to deliver.
But as it monopolises the NZ health sector the government must meet the radiologists claims. We are stuck with it long term and if we fail to pay health professionals competitively then we won't keep or attract them.
(The release is a www.scoop.co.nz but now blogger links are not working. One thing after another.)
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Growth in invalid's benefit under spotlight
Media Release
GROWTH IN INVALID'S BENEFIT UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
In the 1970s around 1% of working age people were receiving a Sickness benefit, an Invalid's benefit or ACC. The percentage climbed to 5% by June 2002. So finds a new report which analyses reasons for the rapid growth of invalid benefit receipt.
Welfare commentator Lindsay Mitchell says, "The report confirms my own observation, that the large increase in numbers on the invalid's benefit cannot be fully explained by growth or ageing of the population, even though those are the reasons most commonly cited by the Minister of Social Development."
"The report finds that more than half of the growth is explained by an increase in the proportion of people aged 15-59 taking up the invalid's benefit. The inflow in all age groups was higher in 2002 than in 1993. Within the 15-59 age group around 60 percent came from other benefits, mainly the sickness benefit. (How many of these had originally been transfers from the unemployment benefit is not examined)."
"The numbers grew, in part, due to the long duration of stay associated with the invalid's benefit, transfers from other benefits and the gap between grants and cessations widening."
"When examining the types of incapacities experienced by people moving onto an invalid's benefit, the report finds that around two-thirds of the growth in inflow rates at ages 15-59 between 1996 and 2002 was associated with mental disorders. Of the total mental disorders, depression accounted for 29 percent. (Doctor's assessment forms have included tick boxes for 'stress' and 'depression' since 1995.) Substance abuse was the highest-ranked incapacity for almost 8 percent. (An individual can have up to four incapacities listed). Musculo-skeletal incapacities, which may be associated with obesity, account for most of the remainder. Cancer and circulatory and nervous system conditions did not contribute to the overall growth of inflow rates."
"The report also finds the rate of growth in inflows was most rapid for Maori and Pacific people - 41% and 36% respectively, compared to 24% of NZ European and other European grouping, although changes in recording and coding may partly account for this. "
"For Maori and Pacific people the growth has been associated with a wider range of incapacities, with schizophrenia being the largest additional contributor for Maori and for Pacific people, circulatory conditions. These ethnicities are also experiencing a greater share of the growth due to chronic disease."
"There is also speculation that the high unemployment of the early nineties contributed as people with ill health and disabilities remained 'at the back of the queue' for new jobs and gradually migrated from an unemployment benefit to an incapacity benefit. My own research has shown this is consistent with other countries which experienced high unemployment during the early nineties, including the UK and Australia."
"Quoting other work, the report suggests that over time joblessness would be measured less as unemployment and more as 'incapacity-related non- participation'."
Mitchell notes, "This, in part, explains our record low 'unemployment' rate while around 11 percent of the working aged population remain on benefits."
Additional information; There are currently around 78,000 people receiving an invalid's benefit. 21 percent are Maori, 4 percent are Pacific people, 53 percent are male. 67 percent are aged 54 or younger.
GROWTH IN INVALID'S BENEFIT UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
In the 1970s around 1% of working age people were receiving a Sickness benefit, an Invalid's benefit or ACC. The percentage climbed to 5% by June 2002. So finds a new report which analyses reasons for the rapid growth of invalid benefit receipt.
Welfare commentator Lindsay Mitchell says, "The report confirms my own observation, that the large increase in numbers on the invalid's benefit cannot be fully explained by growth or ageing of the population, even though those are the reasons most commonly cited by the Minister of Social Development."
"The report finds that more than half of the growth is explained by an increase in the proportion of people aged 15-59 taking up the invalid's benefit. The inflow in all age groups was higher in 2002 than in 1993. Within the 15-59 age group around 60 percent came from other benefits, mainly the sickness benefit. (How many of these had originally been transfers from the unemployment benefit is not examined)."
"The numbers grew, in part, due to the long duration of stay associated with the invalid's benefit, transfers from other benefits and the gap between grants and cessations widening."
"When examining the types of incapacities experienced by people moving onto an invalid's benefit, the report finds that around two-thirds of the growth in inflow rates at ages 15-59 between 1996 and 2002 was associated with mental disorders. Of the total mental disorders, depression accounted for 29 percent. (Doctor's assessment forms have included tick boxes for 'stress' and 'depression' since 1995.) Substance abuse was the highest-ranked incapacity for almost 8 percent. (An individual can have up to four incapacities listed). Musculo-skeletal incapacities, which may be associated with obesity, account for most of the remainder. Cancer and circulatory and nervous system conditions did not contribute to the overall growth of inflow rates."
"The report also finds the rate of growth in inflows was most rapid for Maori and Pacific people - 41% and 36% respectively, compared to 24% of NZ European and other European grouping, although changes in recording and coding may partly account for this. "
"For Maori and Pacific people the growth has been associated with a wider range of incapacities, with schizophrenia being the largest additional contributor for Maori and for Pacific people, circulatory conditions. These ethnicities are also experiencing a greater share of the growth due to chronic disease."
"There is also speculation that the high unemployment of the early nineties contributed as people with ill health and disabilities remained 'at the back of the queue' for new jobs and gradually migrated from an unemployment benefit to an incapacity benefit. My own research has shown this is consistent with other countries which experienced high unemployment during the early nineties, including the UK and Australia."
"Quoting other work, the report suggests that over time joblessness would be measured less as unemployment and more as 'incapacity-related non- participation'."
Mitchell notes, "This, in part, explains our record low 'unemployment' rate while around 11 percent of the working aged population remain on benefits."
Additional information; There are currently around 78,000 people receiving an invalid's benefit. 21 percent are Maori, 4 percent are Pacific people, 53 percent are male. 67 percent are aged 54 or younger.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Sentencing
A poll in the NZ Herald asks what sentence a convicted killer should receive and gives four options;
1/ 10-20 years
2/ 20-30 years
3/ Life - without the possibility of parole
4/ The death sentence
The major problem is of course there are killings and there are killings. Someone who kills in defence or under extreme provocation is not the same kettle of fish as the character who has prompted this poll.
But even in his case should the first sentence he received be exactly the same as the next one?
That said, I am assuming the respondents have his case in mind - at least I hope they do. The results so far are respectively 5, 20, 48 and 27 percent.
Based on this poll, the current sentencing laws are well out of step with what the public wants. (This is not an endorsement of what they want - merely an observation).
1/ 10-20 years
2/ 20-30 years
3/ Life - without the possibility of parole
4/ The death sentence
The major problem is of course there are killings and there are killings. Someone who kills in defence or under extreme provocation is not the same kettle of fish as the character who has prompted this poll.
But even in his case should the first sentence he received be exactly the same as the next one?
That said, I am assuming the respondents have his case in mind - at least I hope they do. The results so far are respectively 5, 20, 48 and 27 percent.
Based on this poll, the current sentencing laws are well out of step with what the public wants. (This is not an endorsement of what they want - merely an observation).
Sunday, January 07, 2007
My irksome irrationality
Having grown up a risk-taker I find my increasing and irrational caution very irksome. The latest murder attributed to Graeme Burton reinforces a decision I made after Kate Alchemer was murdered by the Hutt River. I decided not to take the kids (then quite young) walking in isolated places anymore. The eastern hills firebreaks for instance, which we'ed been up previously.
I know, I know. What are the chances?? Probably safer there then in the car or at home. But I just don't feel at ease walking the reserves and hills now so the pleasure has gone.
Earlier in the year my son and I cycled out to Pencarrow on a week day. It is very remote. A motorboat appeared just offshore and I made a game of hiding us behind some rocks. My boy thought I was being funny. I was...and I wasn't. Neurotic? Probably.
Not long ago I had to haul some mongrel off my dog. It was deadly serious and it took repeated thumps on its muzzle, with me straddling it, to get the animal to release her. All the while the stupified owner gaped on. I'm over that episode and back to regarding other dogs as innocuous beasts once more. Griffy can have a decent walk, off the leash and free to roam the beach.
It's just a struggle sometimes finding the right balance between being carefree and over-careful.
Anyway, off to the garden centre. Should be out of harms way there I reckon.
I know, I know. What are the chances?? Probably safer there then in the car or at home. But I just don't feel at ease walking the reserves and hills now so the pleasure has gone.
Earlier in the year my son and I cycled out to Pencarrow on a week day. It is very remote. A motorboat appeared just offshore and I made a game of hiding us behind some rocks. My boy thought I was being funny. I was...and I wasn't. Neurotic? Probably.
Not long ago I had to haul some mongrel off my dog. It was deadly serious and it took repeated thumps on its muzzle, with me straddling it, to get the animal to release her. All the while the stupified owner gaped on. I'm over that episode and back to regarding other dogs as innocuous beasts once more. Griffy can have a decent walk, off the leash and free to roam the beach.
It's just a struggle sometimes finding the right balance between being carefree and over-careful.
Anyway, off to the garden centre. Should be out of harms way there I reckon.
Laws on the 'underclass'
In his Sunday Star Times column today, Michael Laws predicts more violence for 2007. I would agree if for no other reason than there is nothing happening to reverse the trend.Reviewing the much-proffered causes, he lists media violence, a decline in moral standards and even consumption of KFC.
"But the truth is a little more prosaic. Simply, we have bred an underclass in New Zealand. They are disproportionately brown, uneducated, and habitues of Income Support. And we have no idea what to do with them.
They were nascent in 1987, entrenched in 1997. And they are now legion in 2007. And they are almost wholly responsible for the sharp increases in murder and violent crime statistics and child abuse reports, the spike in truancy and incarceration rates.
Indeed remove the underclass from this country's social statistics and we would be a paradise on earth. Admittedly a cold and pluvial paradise but at least your television news would feature outrages from overseas rather than some devilish deeds done domestically."
Couple of points. Any first world country would be 'a paradise on earth' if they removed their underclass statistics. We are not unique.
Law's also claims that the underclass was 'nascent' in 1987 which links its birth to the economic reforms. That is a myth.
The underclass has always been there but we didn't pay it much heed until government and academia - like modern day missionaries - decided it was a problem, something to be corrected.
It started to expand rapidly from the 60s. Maori urbanisation and Pacific migration (the second to a much lesser extent), the rise in single parent births leading to loss of family links (particularly corrosive for Maori), increasing availability and consumption of drugs and alcohol, and, of course, welfare as a 'right', all contributed to its significant growth.
Finally, "We have no idea what to do with them". He's right. But we are going to have to figure it out soon.
We could do little better than looking to the past and admitting that some practices and philosophies worked better - they weren't perfect - just better.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
'Free' counselling
Advice for everybody (except Oswald who never stops) returning to work next week. Read it. After all, you are, in part, paying the salaries of these agony aunts.
Societal self-delusion
Apologies for the quality of this scan but enlarging the image will render it readable. It is an excerpt from a book published in 1977, Social Welfare and New Zealand Society. A series of contributions, this is from Family and Community, and written by A Webster, a (then) Senior Lecturer in Education, Massey and L Williams, a researcher/honorary probation worker.
It is, in a way, quite shocking, especially given the kind of policy they are criticising has developed substantially in the subsequent thirty years, as have the consequences;
And later in the same chapter;
And finally on what type of philosophy should inform policy;
It is, in a way, quite shocking, especially given the kind of policy they are criticising has developed substantially in the subsequent thirty years, as have the consequences;
And later in the same chapter;
And finally on what type of philosophy should inform policy;
Friday, January 05, 2007
Stupid statist 'solution'
Here's the problem;
A survey in November 2005 found that three out of four British companies actively discriminated against women of child-bearing age who applied for jobs. The report found a growing trend of rejecting women applicants because they might leave to have babies. Recent research suggests that more than a third of employers believe pregnancy is "an undue cost burden" and many pregnant women face pay cuts or hostile treatment on their return to work.
And here's the solution;
Every pregnant woman in Scotland will receive an employment "bill of rights" at her 12-week scan as part of a campaign to stamp out sex discrimination at work, The Scotsman has learned.
The scheme, to be introduced by the Equal Opportunities Commission Scotland early this year, is designed to bolster the rights of pregnant women across the country.
The document will provide a comprehensive guide to an employer's responsibilities, and includes a tear-off section for women to give to their bosses.
It explains how employers must conduct a risk assessment to protect the woman and her unborn baby while at work. She is also guarded against unfair treatment, including dismissal, connected with the pregnancy.
What's a bet the solution compounds the problem. Asinine stuff.
A survey in November 2005 found that three out of four British companies actively discriminated against women of child-bearing age who applied for jobs. The report found a growing trend of rejecting women applicants because they might leave to have babies. Recent research suggests that more than a third of employers believe pregnancy is "an undue cost burden" and many pregnant women face pay cuts or hostile treatment on their return to work.
And here's the solution;
Every pregnant woman in Scotland will receive an employment "bill of rights" at her 12-week scan as part of a campaign to stamp out sex discrimination at work, The Scotsman has learned.
The scheme, to be introduced by the Equal Opportunities Commission Scotland early this year, is designed to bolster the rights of pregnant women across the country.
The document will provide a comprehensive guide to an employer's responsibilities, and includes a tear-off section for women to give to their bosses.
It explains how employers must conduct a risk assessment to protect the woman and her unborn baby while at work. She is also guarded against unfair treatment, including dismissal, connected with the pregnancy.
What's a bet the solution compounds the problem. Asinine stuff.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
"Beyond the spin-doctoring democracy is at work"
That's the title of this column by Nicky Hager in today's DomPost;
Refusing to financially support Hager I haven't purchased and read his book but have a couple of responses to this.
First, it further serves to highlight the urgent need to find out exactly how Hager got the information on which his book is based. His story continues to strongly contradict National's.
Second, the people who write best about any subject are those passionate about it. I can only think of one writer I can't place politically, whose work I read with interest, Colin James. And even he is now under attack from the left.
'Independence' is actually a construct of Hager's as I pointed out in this letter published earlier in the DomPost ;
That Michael Bassett is such a frank, no-holds-barred writer means we know exactly what he thinks and where he stands. He has long championed the same causes as Don Brash; welfare reform, one law for all, a resolution to the treaty settlement process and free market economics. The man can hardly, then, be accused of some sort of deception because, as Nicky Hager puts it, he presents himself as "an independent writer and commentator". That is a construct of Mr Hager's invented to suit his purposes.
Finally, if Hager's claims about the source of his material are true, and if securing democracy is a goal worthy of theft and deceit, having achieved the end by now justifiable means, why don't those "decent" and "concerned" people reveal themselves?
Refusing to financially support Hager I haven't purchased and read his book but have a couple of responses to this.
First, it further serves to highlight the urgent need to find out exactly how Hager got the information on which his book is based. His story continues to strongly contradict National's.
Second, the people who write best about any subject are those passionate about it. I can only think of one writer I can't place politically, whose work I read with interest, Colin James. And even he is now under attack from the left.
'Independence' is actually a construct of Hager's as I pointed out in this letter published earlier in the DomPost ;
That Michael Bassett is such a frank, no-holds-barred writer means we know exactly what he thinks and where he stands. He has long championed the same causes as Don Brash; welfare reform, one law for all, a resolution to the treaty settlement process and free market economics. The man can hardly, then, be accused of some sort of deception because, as Nicky Hager puts it, he presents himself as "an independent writer and commentator". That is a construct of Mr Hager's invented to suit his purposes.
Finally, if Hager's claims about the source of his material are true, and if securing democracy is a goal worthy of theft and deceit, having achieved the end by now justifiable means, why don't those "decent" and "concerned" people reveal themselves?
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Let's have gender before merit
If there is one thing I can't stand it's gender politics. National has a new champion of the cause, Jackie Blue. Here she is demanding an answer:
While my heartfelt congratulations goes to all those New Zealanders who received a New Year Honour, I’m personally disappointed that women were under represented says, National's Women's Affairs spokeswoman, Dr Jackie Blue.
"While women make up just over half of the population, a little over one third of the awards went to them. We need to know why this is the case."
Because, whoever compiles the list didn't sit down with a quota saying, give her an award over him for no other reason than we need to dish them out 50/50.
Perhaps this is how National plans to attract women voters from the left.
While my heartfelt congratulations goes to all those New Zealanders who received a New Year Honour, I’m personally disappointed that women were under represented says, National's Women's Affairs spokeswoman, Dr Jackie Blue.
"While women make up just over half of the population, a little over one third of the awards went to them. We need to know why this is the case."
Because, whoever compiles the list didn't sit down with a quota saying, give her an award over him for no other reason than we need to dish them out 50/50.
Perhaps this is how National plans to attract women voters from the left.
New Year activities
A Stuff Poll;How did you spend your New Years?
A few quiet drinks with the family and friends (1152 votes, 40.2%)
Partying up large (319 votes, 11.1%)
In bed (1398 votes, 48.7%)
I started off doing the first early, to accommodate my parents who were off to do the second till late, and I ended up doing the third. No resolutions either. I enjoy my vices.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Digging 'dirt' on dancer
If I say I have sympathy for the subject of this witch hunt I suppose it will be misconstrued as supporting the Far Right. I DO NOT. I do however support people's right to freedom of belief and privacy. This high profile (probably naive) British ballerina has been 'outed' as a member of the British political party, the BNP. What if she was a member of the equally objectionable British Socialist Party? Who would have bothered to uncover that?"As far as I'm concerned my conscience is clear. As for the journalist who spent months snooping around, he'd find more dirt under his fingernails than he'd ever find on me."
Which brings to mind Hager's book and how it was produced. Another case of immoral 'snooping' sanctioned by people who should know better.
(Note the membership fee to join the BNP - wow)
Sunday, December 31, 2006
New Year message from Pita Sharples
According to Radio New Zealand, Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples has called 2006 "the year of murders" and says all New Zealanders have to turn things around next year.
He says there is too much tolerance of violence in New Zealand society and a tendency to blame other groups for the problem.
Just what is he saying here? As a New Zealander, with a piece of paper to prove it, I must give some thought to who I am not going to murder next year? And I should also stop relaying facts about where most of the violent crime comes from as that could be construed as a "tendency to blame other groups" instead of the obvious culprit - myself?
Did you have a reaction to this admonition?
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Welfare Highlights 2006
To wrap for the year, here are a few of the government's welfare highlights;- Labour convinces a majority of NZers (using their money) that welfare is for everyone - including Ipod and cell phone owners - as opposed to Micky Savage's vision of welfare meeting only the most basic needs
- the unemployment rate stays near the top of the OECD , but 1 in 8 homes has nobody employed
- sickness and invalid benefit numbers don't grow as fast but continue to grow
- the number of 16-19 year-old welfare-dependent single parents creeps up guaranteeing a permanent DPB caseload for decades to come
- the number of people on the DPB drops due to part-time workers moving to a higher welfare subsidy - the 'In Work' payment
- NZ gets its first 'Super Ministry' after MSD remerges with CYFS
- CYFS receives a record number of child abuse and neglect notifications
- The Canadian MSD Deputy Chief Executive finishes his two year stint without causing the government any embarrassment (think Paula Tyler and John Davey)
- The Minister, Benson-Pope, repeatedly shows ignorance of his portfolio and does cause embarrassment (but is a forgiven 'conscientious and hard-working' Minister)
- The Minister, Benson Pope, manages to evade parliamentary questions about how much the Kahui whanau was receiving in benefits and national anxiety about taxpayers being forced to fund murderer's lifestyles eventually recedes
- For a change, WINZ doesn't experience any high profile staff fraud but an Auckland electrician makes up for it big time
- the Maori Party starts their term slamming welfare but are soon asking for more, proving they are still a reliable coalition partner for Labour
- shifting welfare expenditure into the IRD jurisdiction cleverly disguises growing redistribution
- welfare spending reaches an all-time high and receives no criticism
Feel like celebrating?
Transmission resumes
Um. The mysterious ways of blogger.com Unable to publish anything since 25 December, I was just beginning to think I would throw it away. It's so liberating. If no output is required neither is input.
My bones and muscles are aching from the unusual amount of physical activity, the skip is almost full, the steep pathways up behind the house are once more navigable (note to myself worst gardening error ever - don't let a thorny rose go wild), my TAB account is looking very healthy thanks to their computer picking me a trifecta headed by the outsider of the field (note to myself - go and withdraw the winnings today thus avoiding any temptation to reinvest them), a jigsaw is completed (only 9 more to go - what a nightmare - a box of ten jigsaws), the Te Papa Egyptian Exhibition has been seen (and dismissed by son and me as 'crap' - daughter and dad disagreed) and the dog is bathed (what Christmas means to a dog - bugger - a bath)
My bones and muscles are aching from the unusual amount of physical activity, the skip is almost full, the steep pathways up behind the house are once more navigable (note to myself worst gardening error ever - don't let a thorny rose go wild), my TAB account is looking very healthy thanks to their computer picking me a trifecta headed by the outsider of the field (note to myself - go and withdraw the winnings today thus avoiding any temptation to reinvest them), a jigsaw is completed (only 9 more to go - what a nightmare - a box of ten jigsaws), the Te Papa Egyptian Exhibition has been seen (and dismissed by son and me as 'crap' - daughter and dad disagreed) and the dog is bathed (what Christmas means to a dog - bugger - a bath)
Monday, December 25, 2006
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Which is it Ruth?
It's no surprise that a new report says actual child abuse is 3 to 5 times higher than the notification rate. The Christchurch Health and Development Study produced one paper which showed 4 percent of children had been physically abused by age 16.
The problem is simple. Too many people have children they can't or won't look after. Seems like a good idea at the time and not a difficult decision to make when the state is going to pay you to keep them.
I find it interesting that Ruth Dyson is now making noises about too much state interference being "unhelpful" and even "damaging, as families step back from their responsibilities and say 'that's the state's job.' "
Well, Ruth, it is left-wing ideology that got us into this mess. Do you believe in the almighty state or don't you?
There has always been a degree of child abuse but since we turned our backs on adoption and started paying completely inadequate mothers to keep their babies, established cases of abuse or neglect have increased fifty fold, at least.
The problem is simple. Too many people have children they can't or won't look after. Seems like a good idea at the time and not a difficult decision to make when the state is going to pay you to keep them.
I find it interesting that Ruth Dyson is now making noises about too much state interference being "unhelpful" and even "damaging, as families step back from their responsibilities and say 'that's the state's job.' "
Well, Ruth, it is left-wing ideology that got us into this mess. Do you believe in the almighty state or don't you?
There has always been a degree of child abuse but since we turned our backs on adoption and started paying completely inadequate mothers to keep their babies, established cases of abuse or neglect have increased fifty fold, at least.
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