Metiria Turei’s admission that she lied to WINZ back in the day was a political gamble. On one hand it could resonate with a big chunk of non-voters – here’s a politician that’s just like us – has been through what we’re going through. On the other hand it gives the usual mean-spirited righties a club to beat her with (see the usual blogs).
Interesting that Paula Bennett is treading so lightly round the issue – Paula Bennett says she never ‘deliberately’ misled WINZ
Acting Prime Minister Paula Bennett has refused to condemn Metiria Turei’s admission she committed benefit fraud in the 1990s.
Gosh.
Ms Bennett also spent time as a beneficiary in the 1990s, but says she never “deliberately” misled welfare officials.
Leaving open the possibility, just hypothetically, that she “accidentally” misled them? Sins of omission perchance.
“I’m not perfect,” she told The AM Show on Monday. “I’ve never led a perfect life, but I certainly never deliberately misled them or took money that I shouldn’t of.”
She said Ms Turei’s actions were “disappointing for all those taxpayers that pay”, but she was not “interested in sitting here and throwing stones”.
“I know when I was on a benefit I always wanted to get off and kept trying to get off, and get jobs and do everything else… She can just be judged on her own merits, and others can make that kind of decision.”
If only Bennett’s judgements of other beneficiaries could be as considered as this.
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