New bill to address beneficiaries’ rights
In the wake of an unfortunate decision on a welfare case in the Supreme Court last week, Green MP Sue Bradford has drafted a new member’s bill.
The bill replaces a previous bill she has mooted seeking the vote and mandatory civics education for 16 and 17 year olds.
“I have decided to promote a bill called the Social Security (Benefit Review and Appeal Reform) Amendment Bill due to the consequences of a Supreme Court judgement on July 19 affecting beneficiaries,†she says.
The “Arbuthnot†judgement (copies available in Green Party parliamentary office) greatly diminishes rights of beneficiaries to prompt and fair review hearings and means it could take more than six months following a primary adverse decision by the Social Development Ministry before a beneficiary can obtain an independent judicial reconsideration.
“The court ruling reinforces beneficiary advocacy organisations’ concerns that Benefit Review Committees are biased against beneficiaries and are not conducted in accordance with the principles of natural justice. The urgency of this issue is one reason why I have decided not to place my Civics Education and Voting Age Bill in the ballot.
“As well, since June 21 when I first mooted the Civics Education and Voting Age Bill, I have listened to public debate and realise the time is not right for success on voting age initiatives.
“Votes for 16 and 17 year olds and compulsory civics education are ideas I remain passionate about and I want to thank the many community groups behind my efforts in promoting these goals. A long-term public discussion and education campaign would be needed before there is any chance of succeeding in Parliament.â€Â
The bill replaces a previous bill she has mooted seeking the vote and mandatory civics education for 16 and 17 year olds.
“I have decided to promote a bill called the Social Security (Benefit Review and Appeal Reform) Amendment Bill due to the consequences of a Supreme Court judgement on July 19 affecting beneficiaries,†she says.
The “Arbuthnot†judgement (copies available in Green Party parliamentary office) greatly diminishes rights of beneficiaries to prompt and fair review hearings and means it could take more than six months following a primary adverse decision by the Social Development Ministry before a beneficiary can obtain an independent judicial reconsideration.
“The court ruling reinforces beneficiary advocacy organisations’ concerns that Benefit Review Committees are biased against beneficiaries and are not conducted in accordance with the principles of natural justice. The urgency of this issue is one reason why I have decided not to place my Civics Education and Voting Age Bill in the ballot.
“As well, since June 21 when I first mooted the Civics Education and Voting Age Bill, I have listened to public debate and realise the time is not right for success on voting age initiatives.
“Votes for 16 and 17 year olds and compulsory civics education are ideas I remain passionate about and I want to thank the many community groups behind my efforts in promoting these goals. A long-term public discussion and education campaign would be needed before there is any chance of succeeding in Parliament.â€Â