Susan St John Bsc, MA, PhD, QSO, CNZM, is an honorary Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Auckland and was a founding member of the Child Poverty Action Group.
If we consider the cost of administering the complex support for children, perhaps we need to bring in a universal basic income for all children until they are working or in tertiary education. Like superannuation, no questions, no exceptions, and a low administrative cost.
Excellent insight! We have such a punishing attitude towards families in need and their work / family demands - exacerbated by austerity policies that this neoliberal government is implementing. There’s so much poor rhetoric around benefits generally (except superannuation) and benefits to families which unfortunately lead to children missing out 😢 We need as a country to step away from beneficiary bashing and come to a better understanding as to how we should function as a society and particularly how we can enhance the lives of children more universally!
Terrific discussion, Bryan. I’m saddened (and infuriated) by the unfairness towards our poorest children and their struggling parent/s - it makes absolutely no sense to me that those children with parents on a benefit should miss out on that extra $100 or so dollars. It seems that if you are in the unfortunate position of having to resort to a benefit, for whatever reason, you and your children are being punished - actively encouraged or relegated to staying poor.
I work as a part-time reliever in a local high school and I see, every day, children who are struggling, who are sad, disillusioned, angry and frustrated, giving up on trying to succeed or get an education. It’s appalling that we, as a country, are ignoring the plight of these vulnerable children. (And then our government go and cut the budget for school lunches).
Really enjoyed this interview with this woman. I've thought for a long time that mothers or father's who want to stay at home to bring up their children should be paid a reasonable wage since it has to be the most important job people can do .
Wonderful discussion, thanks Bryan.
If we consider the cost of administering the complex support for children, perhaps we need to bring in a universal basic income for all children until they are working or in tertiary education. Like superannuation, no questions, no exceptions, and a low administrative cost.
Excellent insight! We have such a punishing attitude towards families in need and their work / family demands - exacerbated by austerity policies that this neoliberal government is implementing. There’s so much poor rhetoric around benefits generally (except superannuation) and benefits to families which unfortunately lead to children missing out 😢 We need as a country to step away from beneficiary bashing and come to a better understanding as to how we should function as a society and particularly how we can enhance the lives of children more universally!
Another great New Zealander you have interviewed. Thanks
Terrific discussion, Bryan. I’m saddened (and infuriated) by the unfairness towards our poorest children and their struggling parent/s - it makes absolutely no sense to me that those children with parents on a benefit should miss out on that extra $100 or so dollars. It seems that if you are in the unfortunate position of having to resort to a benefit, for whatever reason, you and your children are being punished - actively encouraged or relegated to staying poor.
I work as a part-time reliever in a local high school and I see, every day, children who are struggling, who are sad, disillusioned, angry and frustrated, giving up on trying to succeed or get an education. It’s appalling that we, as a country, are ignoring the plight of these vulnerable children. (And then our government go and cut the budget for school lunches).
Really enjoyed this interview with this woman. I've thought for a long time that mothers or father's who want to stay at home to bring up their children should be paid a reasonable wage since it has to be the most important job people can do .