Calculated cruelty
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12:44 pm, August 13th, 2024 - 36 comments
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Something strange has happened in Aotearoa New Zealand since National won power last October.
The unemployment rate has increased from 3.9% to 4.6%.
Over the past year the number of people who are unemployed has increased by 33,000 to 143,000 and the total number of underutilised people seeking more work has risen by 66,000 to 377,000.
What can the cause of this bout of bludgerism be? Could it be the gleeful slashing of funding for Government departments and the resulting mass redundancies although David Seymour thought that even more cuts should be made.
Could it be the damage caused to the Construction Industry by National’s decision to apply the brakes to Kainga Ora’s building of much needed social housing?
Could it be the flow on effects to local businesses as people under financial pressure cut back on spending?
Judging from yesterday’s announcement none of these things are responsible. Instead the Government believes that it has to wield a big stick to get these newly discovered slackers back to work.
The Sanctions regime is to be strengthened, Jobseeker Support recipients will have to reapply every six months, and if they breach requirements they could be required to perform community work or have half of their benefit put onto a payment card that can only be used for essentials.
But you have to wonder why they would make such a big deal about this, given that Christopher Luxon accepts that only a small number of those on the Jobseeker benefit aren’t meeting their obligations.
From Radio New Zealand:
Opposition parties have slammed the government’s move to crackdown on beneficiaries, calling it a “reheated failed approach”.
‘Work check-ins’ and the initial sanction regime was already in force. Cabinet had agreed to further bolster it from early 2025, meaning jobseekers would have to reapply for the benefit every six months – instead of annually – and any transgressions would remain on record for two years, instead of one.
The law change would also allow new sanctions, such as mandatory community work or money management payment cards.
And in attempting to justify the policy National have come up with a few misrepresentations of the truth, also known as lies. In particular Louise Upson claimed yesterday that the Welfare Expert Advisory Group had stated that sanctions could encourage people into work when it said nothing of the sort.
From Radio New Zealand:
[Upson] had pointed to a report from the Welfare Expert Advisory Group (WEAG), claiming it said sanctions could be effective in encouraging movement from benefits and into work, and a lack of sanctions only entrenched benefit dependency.However, that quote did not appear in the report, and several former members of the group disagreed with Upston, saying she was referring to a minority of views while the majority of research showed increasing sanctions was counterproductive for low-income families.
And Upson persisted in suggesting that unemployment was evidence of individual fault, not structural issues with the economy. Again from Radio New Zealand
… Upston said despite unemployment figures rising to three-year high recently, “there are jobs out there”.
“But I appreciate that it’s a much tougher labour market than the previous government had. What we do want to see is that people are taking the steps to improve their chances of finding a job. There is no sanction because you can’t find a job, it’s if you’re not taking the steps, not taking your work obligations seriously.
This is performative and calculated cruelty designed to make some poor people’s lives worse and all so that the Government can feed its base. It reflects the complete indifference showed to the poor by Ruth Richardson’s mother of all budgets that set benefit levels at below the minimum level to allow those receiving a benefit to have a basic level of decency in their lives.
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Papā te whatitiri, hikohiko te uira, i kanapu ki te rangi, i whētuki i raro rā, rū ana te whenua e. Uea te pou o tōku whare kia tū tangata he kapua whakairi nāku nā runga o Taupiri. Ko taku kiri ka tōkia ki te anu mātao. E te iwi ...2 weeks ago
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The Government must guarantee New Zealanders will not be at risk after making changes to the way mental health callouts are handled. ...2 weeks ago
- Poroporoaki: Kiingi Tuheitia passing
Haere e te Kīngi o te kotahitangi Haere ki o nui, ki o rahi I te pō ...2 weeks ago
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The failure of the Prime Minister to condemn his Minister for personally attacking the judiciary is another example of this Government riding roughshod over important constitutional rules. ...2 weeks ago
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Patient care could suffer as a result of further cuts to the health system, which could lose thousands of staff who keep our hospitals and clinics running. ...2 weeks ago
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Foot patrols around the country have decreased 15 percent since National took office, despite National’s Mark Mitchell claiming otherwise. ...2 weeks ago
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Winston Peters’ climate denialism at the Pacific Islands’ Forum is an embarrassing new low. ...2 weeks ago
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- Release: Uber court decision recognises workers’ rights
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- Promoting faster payment times for government
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- Government releases Wairoa flood review findings
The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...9 hours ago
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E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward. Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...1 day ago
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- Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction
Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...1 day ago
- Māori Education Advisory Group established
The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...1 day ago
- Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review
The Government has welcomed the findings of the recent statutory review into the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says. The 5-yearly review, conducted on behalf of Treasury and tabled in Parliament today, found the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation ...1 day ago
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Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...1 day ago
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Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...1 day ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...2 days ago
- Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...2 days ago
- Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris. “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...2 days ago
- Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations
A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report. “It will have the mandate ...5 days ago
- Passport wait times back on-track
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...5 days ago
- New appointments to the FMA board
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- District Court judges appointed
Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...5 days ago
- Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...5 days ago
- New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender
New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...6 days ago
- Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...6 days ago
- Improving access to finance for Kiwis
5 September 2024 The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...6 days ago
- Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia
As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...6 days ago
- Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations. “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...6 days ago
- More choice and competition in building products
A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...6 days ago
- Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul
On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...1 week ago
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...1 week ago
- International tourism continuing to bounce back
Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...1 week ago
- Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency
The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “That is ...1 week ago
- Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape
The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...1 week ago
- Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...1 week ago
- Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review
Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...1 week ago
- Government backs women in horticulture
“The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression,” Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says. “Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this ...1 week ago
- Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout
The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “Improving the freshwater farm plan system to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers is a priority for this ...1 week ago
- Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003
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- New priorities to protect future of conservation
Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta me Hineahuone, toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, toitū te taiao, toitū te tangata. The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga. “Te Papa Atawhai manages nearly a third of our ...1 week ago
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- X account posing as an ‘MFAT insider’ likely a disgruntled former employee – minis...
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My Catullus poems, which have come and gone at intervals over the past half century, have never been translations from the Latin, though some have borrowed; and never ‘confessional poems’, though how close to ‘truth’ and how far from it has always been unclear. How ‘real’ was my Clodia, who ...14 hours ago
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Coalition of chaos's campaign of calculated cruelty crafts another chapter.
They really are full of C's.
Comment clearly captivating; commendable creativity!
Heh.
Well said, Micky.
Cheers I enjoyed your post too. Gave inportant context. This mob keep announcing and reaannouncing the same stuff …
Yes, and I saw your post after I wrote mine (a summary of another post!) Thank you Micky.
Was thinking about the parliamentary protocol handbook.
How about sanctions for not fronting up to the media? Or to be outed "…twisting the truth to set a trap for fools".
Traffic light warnings for not turning up when the house drew your Bill to debate.
Boot camp for saying there are 14 layers of management, including non-managers like Board members and patients.
Given Luxon's comical lack of knowledge on the details of what he's actually doing, it's just plain cruelty. Calculations require information going in to them.
Has Baldrick ever read the WEAG Report? Does he know about benefit abatement rates? The humiliating reality of dealing with MSD/WINZ? Doubtful, given he cannot even quote core benefit rates accurately.
Luxury Luxon is a classic example of why the separation of State and religion needs to be maintained in this country. As a prosperity christian he essentially does not care about the poor who will certainly not be joining him in his version of the afterlife.
I agree with your post and commend you on its contents.
But I do question why you consider the increase in unemployment in New Zealand from 3.9% to 4.6% to be strange?
The 2023 PREFU stated that:
https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/efu/pre-election-economic-and-fiscal-update-2023
Far from being strange, the unemployment rate is is almost precisely what was predicted prior to the election before this mob of crooks were elected.
With a bubble-headed corporatchnik in league with a plastic libertarian and a self-serving peacock it's hard to predict how much more dire things could get. Their mix of incompetence and viciousness gives the opposition has an open goal but they're still in the changing room arguing about tactics.
Love the description and agree about the opposition. Where the hell are they? Or is it the MSM are ignoring them?
RNZ = Government benefit sanctions 'waging a war on the poor' – Greens
Scoop
Interest
Similar thing, but different party.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350376643/ot-apologises-acting-well-below-expectations-after-auckland-counsellor-scrapped
How do these people get fired?
Chour is out of her depth and probably off her rocker. Time for the contracts that come and go to be her ministerial warrant.
When ACT talk about people using government contracts as cash cows, it’s because that’s what they’d do and why they do what they do.
Time for pressure on these incompetents. Not waiting until later.
Simply saying- all the charter schools will be canned and all their dealings will retrospectively be made public and subject to the OIA as much as any other school.
Keep the pressure on. Don’t let the monsters win.
Childcare subsidy, accommodation supplement and residential care subsidy are three cash cow payments that spring to mind.
Those beneficiaries (child care providers, landlords and rest-home owners) fund national though.
I coudn't agree more…especially, 'Simply saying- all the charter schools will be canned and all their dealings will retrospectively be made public and subject to the OIA as much as any other school.' It's time Labour got some guts and pushed back.
Today's coverage in the Herald referenced the contracts being for 10 years – so very difficult for Labour to commit to canning them immediately (assuming they're elected in 2026). And this is backed up by the government website
https://www.charterschools.govt.nz/about-charter-schools/key-features/
Labour is highly unlikely to retroactively enact legislation to break commercial contracts.
As far as transparency is concerned, the outline above says that the Charter schools will have at least as great (if not greater) transparency as State schools.
Ah no.. That sounds like something you just made up. But I guess you said it because either haven’t read your link, you don’t know what existing schools have as transparency, or you’re being a simple parrot for silly propaganda.
As a comment, based on previous charter schools, the most common reason for a contract to be broken is that the school fails after they have spent a lot of government handouts with minimal actual success, and often a great deal of harm.
In which case the contract can and probably will be terminated. That is in your link.
The only public transparency appears to be this
Which bearing in mind the already extant paucity of funding and the decreased funding to Ombudsman, just means that there will only be reviewers appointed by the charter school. In other words paid for by the charter school. Rubber stamps to ignore complaints is what I suspect will happen.
There is no access to the government ministry responsible for the funding for complaints. That is a distinct drop in transparency.
The other difficulty will be that the contracts, including the obligations of the charter schools, will not be public information accessible by OIA. That is deemed as commercial information.
For the same reason it sounds like the ERO reviews will also not be visible in public, as they currently are for public and existing private schools. The contracts are being viewed as private contracts despite the usage of public money to setup and operate the charter schools.
In effect the contractual obligations will only be visible to the Charter School Agency (probably staffed by charter school grifter advocates) and the possible grifters setting up the charter schools. I say grifters because you cannot prove that they are not, without public transparency on the contracts and performance.
By the sound of it, even the auditor general may have issues doing close review of the efficacy of the public expenditure because they may have a problem being able to access the contractual obligations.
This means that effectively that charter schools lack the essential public scrutiny about their operation, actual success, probable failures, and wasteful spending. It all gets locked behind a custom agency probably staffed by acoloytes and Actoids, and measured by contracts that aren’t visible.
Just like the detailed information about charter schools we have now.
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED2406/S00040/ombudsman-investigates-complaint-re-charter-schools-oia-request.htm
It sounds like a heaven mode for grifters. Looks like an Act party policy to me.
In the lead-up to the 2017 general election, three political parties (Labour, NZF and Green) campaigned on introducing legislation to abolish charter schools.
A Labour-led coalition government was formed in October 2017, and NZ's charter school programme ended less than a year later.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_schools_in_New_Zealand#Abolition_and_transition_to_state-integrated_schools
Our CoC govt is intent on reintroducing/reviving and indeed expanding the previous charter schools programme. Time will tell whether commercial contracts can future-proof the charter schools programme in NZ – like rust, the agenda of private capital never sleeps.
Of course it could never happen in Aotearoa New Zealand.
You are, of course, perfectly free to not send your kids to charter schools.
Mind you – given the appalling educational stats of the kids attending the current state system – it's not surprising that parents want alternatives.
The historical Labour-led coalition reversing the charter school legislation is exactly why the current government is going for 10-year contracts. Still nothing from Labour that they plan to break these (nor do I expect that they will)
The “respectful centrist” comments again.
B, do you believe that our CoC govt's ‘refreshed’ charter schools programme will improve "the appalling educational stats of the kids attending the current state system" (link?) Time may tell, but I won’t be holding my breath.
I don't know, and neither do you.
But, unlike you, I'm willing to give it a try. It seems hard to imagine that the results could be worse than what we currently have.
I've been lucky, in that I can afford private tuition to supplement the dreadfully poor teaching of the basics, in the elementary years. Years when teachers literally said to me "X is plodding along in his maths group" – entirely unfazed by the fact that X was 2 years behind his age group in maths (at age 8) and drifting further every month. When X was taught by a competent teacher, (private tutor) he made enormous strides, and was easily able to keep up in his Intermediate and secondary-school classes – not excelling, but at the high-end of average.
This (private tuition) isn't an option for many parents – and *should not be needed*. The fact that it is (and my son is a very common case) – is an indictment on the NZ education system, the PSA and its members.
So, I'm not exactly on board with the hysterical resistance from the PSA to new maths curriculum, and to allowing parents some choice about their kids education (charter schools). Their members (multiple over several years) failed my kid. Why should I trust them?
And, my attitude is widespread across middle NZ.
If you want evidence (although it's been widely covered across media over the last decade) – try this.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/how-nz-secondary-schools-rank-on-ncea-level-3-and-university-entrance-results/ITJFFEL225GATGRSI464TRYAE4/
Now, no one is arguing that all school leavers should go on to Uni – but a reasonably high percentage of them should be qualified to do so, if they choose. Otherwise, only the wealthy will qualify to attend (which I'm sure, as a good Marxist, you'd deplore).
Note the 34% from the state schools. And this includes leavers from high-end high-decile schools like Auckland Grammar. What do you think the actual results are in Decile 1 schools?
Were/are you though – willing to give charter schools a try – personally?
Imho, political proponents of charter schools aren't fussed about truth. Earlier this year, Seymour characterised school attendance as being "in free fall" – this despite the percentage of students in "regular attendance" generally increasing since pandemic restrictions eased:
Term 1: 2022 46%; 2023 59.5% [+13.5%]; 2024 61.7% [+2.2%]
Term 2: 2022 39.8%; 2023 47.1 [+7.3%]; 2024 53.1 [+6%]
Term 3: 2022 46%; 2023 45.9% [-0.1%]
Term 4: 2022 50.1%; 2023 53.6% [+3.5%]
"In free fall" versus 'increasing' – you be the judge. I reckon Seymour couldn't lie straight in bed.
Those who are happy with the state system can remain there.
Despite literally decades of evidence that State Integrated schools perform better (on the only measure that matters, educational results for kids), the MoE and the teachers unions have resolutely refused to learn any lessons, and change their operating models.
It's unsurprising that parents (the ones voting for this government) have concluded that they are certainly unwilling, and possibly unable, to do so.
Are charter schools "State Integrated schools"? Seymour's charter schools can employ unregistered teachers on a permanent basis.
What is the evidence that NZ charter schools perform better?
Some lucky/wealthy parents/patients and the like who can "afford private tuition", private healthcare, etc., will avail themselves (naturally), but private capital provides services for profit – follow the money.
Actually that’s not correct. One of the more scary things of the charter school system this time around is that the Minister can direct a state school to become a charter school. So no, it’s not just as simple as you suggest.
You can't have evidence of charter schools performing better, over a sustained period, until you have charter schools.
I realize this flies in the face of your Marxist belief system – but State education (in NZ, at least) is measurably a failure against all other alternatives. It fails against comparative education at all levels (other than Decile 10 – where the state school is effectively a private school based on house purchase price – cf Auckland Grammar where the headmaster regularly tells the MoE to mind it's own business).
Your quote about unregistered teachers may be evidence of union-busting, but it's no evidence of poor quality teaching. Maori kura kaupapa have had decades of exemptions (limited authority to teach) allowing people with significant Te Reo skills, but who don't hold a teaching certificate, to practice.
Meanwhile, teachers who are demonstrably incompetent (as in, they can't teach kids) but hold a teaching certificate, have no sanctions applied. This is more evidence that the teacher's unions are all about protecting their members, rather than the best outcomes for students.
Still no evidence that there are profit-driven corporations lined up applying for charter school licenses…. If it's that widespread, then I'm sure you'll be able to provide at least one link.
You’re being disingenuous because the names of applicants are kept confidential until the application process has been completed.
Nope, like many such comments, it flies in the face of facts and logic.
NZ has had charter schools – charter school political proponent-in-chief Seymour has claimed (then and now, ad naseum) that charter schools would be and were a great success.
Are you suggesting Seymour's claims are evidence-free?
Are charter schools "State Integrated schools"?
Not to mention (thanks PB) that "the Minister can direct a state school to become a charter school", although this is unlikely to be a concern for those lucky few who can afford to go private.
Remember the good ol’ days, when education in NZ was largely free, from pre-school to PhD. Apparently we can't afford that now, despite promises of neoliberal prosperity.
Oops – ad nauseam
It's your Marxist belief in the high quality of state education which flies in the face of reality.
But, as you've reminded me, there is no point in arguing with those blinded by political partisanship.
Crickets.
Hmm, a certain"respectful centrist" seems to be defaulting to bad faith arguments and fabrication – disappointing, but not surprising.
I've made no statements about the quality of state education in this thread – that's all in your head. I could give you the benefit of the doubt – that you believe the nonsense you've just written – but why?
Re "partisanship", with centrists like B, who needs NAct supporters
"The law change would also allow new sanctions, such as mandatory community work or money management payment cards."
It would be interesting to see the mandatory community work sanction tested in the courts. My instinct would be that if the work is mandatory rather than someone volunteering then the worker would have to be paid at least the minimum wage?
I'm sure the Government has thought about this and decided after advice it isn't a problem legally but I reckon it could be.
Maybe Stephen "pretty legal" Joyce is a consultant?
BHNews covered this issue very well last night (from 6.50). Here's the link to BHNs clip.
Points they made: why such a big, and expensive stick for the small minority of people who abuse the jobseeker benefit?
+1000 Mickey truly heartfelt