Key stands by 'some poor make poor choices' foodbank comment
The PM stands by his comment that some people needed to use foodbanks because they had made poor choices.
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Prime Minister John Key today stood by his comment that some people needed to use foodbanks because they had made poor choices.
Mr Key sparked outrage last week when answering questions in Parliament he defended his Government's efforts to help the "underclass", a term he coined while in opposition in 2007.
Mr Key said the global recession had contributed to an increase in food poverty.
"But it is also true that anyone on a benefit actually h'as a lifestyle choice. If one budgets properly, one can pay one's bills," Mr Key said.
"That is true, because the bulk of New Zealanders on a benefit actually pay for food, rent, and other things. Some make poor choices, and they do not have money left."
Mr Key today said he stood by the comment, but accepted there were unexpected circumstances people had to cope with.
"I stand by that, which is yep people make some choices -- that's one factor, that's not the only factor, there are lots of reasons why people might use a foodbank and find themselves on welfare," he told NewstalkZB.
"It is one factor and that is supported in a report from the Families Commissioner and other research that I have seen."
Very few of the 360,000 on welfare used foodbanks, he said.
"By definition those people are budgeting and getting by."
An options paper released in November suggested a five-year limit on the dole, having payments managed, and working for the dole.
Welfare groups and the Labour and Green parties are concerned that beneficiaries would be unfairly treated.
NZPA and NBR staff
Mon, 21 Feb 2011
Mon, 21 Feb 2011
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
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Key stands by 'some poor make poor choices' foodbank comment
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