Communities need real jobs

Revelations that projects from Work and Income’s Community Max scheme have not created jobs or skills show how important it is to invest in meaningful long-term job creation, not short-term PR exercises, the Green Party said today.

“Community economic development schemes are fantastic when they are well planned, monitored, equip participants with real skills, and translate into permanent new jobs for people,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said.

“When they work well, they are a tribute to local leadership and the power of communities.

“Unfortunately, it seems some of Work and Income’s Community Max schemes haven’t met these criteria,” Mrs Turei said.

Mrs Turei was commenting on 3 News coverage last night of two Community Max schemes.

“Community Max was introduced in a hurry and does not provide for on-going job creation,” Mrs Turei said.

“It is no surprise that most of the participants in the schemes highlighted last night ended up back on the benefit, when the Government has done nothing to create permanent jobs in their communities, and has failed to adequately monitor the projects.”

Mrs Turei said the controversial Boot Camps for young offenders were another example of poorly thought-out Government policy. It was revealed yesterday that the Boot Camps had not been successful at stopping youth reoffending, and in some cases may have increased the likelihood of young people to reoffend.

“Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has been quick to trumpet the success of Community Max and Boot Camps, while at the same time threatening benefit cut-backs for our most vulnerable citizens,” Mrs Turei said.

“With the gap between the haves and the have-nots widening and unemployment growing, we need careful job creation strategies, not populist schemes to plaster over the harsh reality of punitive welfare reform.

“The Minister should review her own unsuccessful initiatives, instead of threatening our most vulnerable citizens with harsh welfare changes,” Mrs Turei said.