Dom Post on Labour

Today’s Dom Post editorial:

Labour has abandoned all hope of taking votes from National.

It is now targeting the Green Party’s support instead. That is the only explanation for its bizarre proposal to extend the in-work tax credit to families who are not working. …

Any policy that reduces the incentives for individuals to become self-sufficient should be treated with great caution. It is neither in the interests of beneficiaries nor their children for beneficiaries to become permanently disconnected from the workforce. Adults benefit from feeling useful. Children benefit from the example of seeing their parents take responsibility for themselves.

The in-work tax credit was created for a specific purpose. It should not be used to increase benefits by stealth.

It is worth remembering. If you have kids and are in work, Labour say they will give you an extra $10/week only. But if you are on a benefit with kids, then Labour will give you an extra $70/week.