Govt can make Community Max work

On-going publicity about the Government’s Community Max scheme continues to highlight why investment in long-term job creation is so important, the Green Party said today.

“Community economic development schemes are fantastic when they work well. Many projects funded under Community Max have successfully taught young people new skills, created real jobs, and revitalised communities,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said.

“For example, Channel North, a free community television station in Whangarei that broadcasts in English and Te Reo Maori, received Community Max funding, and has provided jobs and training in broadcasting skills for local young people.

“A Salvation Army gardening scheme, also in Whangarei, has used Community Max funding to grow vegetables for the local foodbank.

“And Challenge 2000, in Johnsonville near Wellington, used Community Max to employ 17 young people in various projects around the community, including youth work, gardening, and working in the Newlands Community Centre,” Mrs Turei said.

Mrs Turei said the difference between those schemes that work well and those that don’t is often the ability of communities to keep up the momentum after Community Max funding dries up.

“In many cases, Community Max is used as a band-aid to paper over the cracks of long-term unemployment. It is no surprise that some projects dissolve after 26 weeks of funding if they have started from scratch, have not been monitored and mentored, and are not accompanied by on-going skills training and job creation policies,” Mrs Turei said.

“The disparity between successful and unsuccessful schemes shows how inadequate the Government’s support of job creation really is.

“Social Development Minister Paula Bennett does need to review her department’s expenditure on schemes like this and the failed Boot Camps, but this should not come at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens.

“At this time of double-dip recession and rising unemployment, we need carefully planned and integrated job creation policies around the whole country.

“Instead of looking to cut benefits and crack down on struggling families, we need real long-term job creation that provides decent work and a living wage for everyone,” Mrs Turei said.