Not so long ago ACT had its campaign launch.
There were a few interesting developments.
They are proposing an unemployment insurance scheme, funded by tax. Sounds a bit like the dole but with a tax increase and higher payments for wealthier people, at least for a while until they can pull them up by their bootstraps.
They are proposing something called “Electronic Income Management” of benefits, basically treating poor people like they can’t be trusted and regulating how they spend their benefit.
The policy says:
Electronic Income Management has been successfully trialed in Australia. It issues an electronic card with tracked spending and restrictions on alcohol, gambling, and tobacco expenditure. Almost all of the benefit comes in this form, with a small amount left in discretionary cash.
The “successfully trialed” comment should be reviewed. This Guardian article quotes data that suggests more people were worse off than better off.
And the party’s emphasis on the freedom to own guns let Radio New Zealand’s Gyles Beckford ask this pearler of a question.
ACT’s intent to make guns an issue is showed by its selection of Nicole McKee as number 3 on its list. On current funding if National sticks to the sweetheart deal she might make it into Parliament.
She also holds strong views on 1080 saying that she despises it. The party policy is that alternatives be researched.
I am not sure that the good people of Epsom will be into a party that is pro gun and anti 1080. Time will tell.
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