The Paula Bennett Saga

This whole episode has been interesting to observe and to see the reaction...and to be honest, I've been surprised about the support behind the social development minister about this. But todays report in the herald called "Solo Mothers bruised by public reaction to benefits" kind of amused me.

Any time you put your sob story out there to be aired you put it into the wreckless field of public scrutiny...and man...the public can be harsh...especially if it comes out later that the full story is not being told.

Labour should have learned that last week when they used a guy who lost his engineering job, claiming poverty, then it was revealed he owned three other properties with a huge amount while living on a life-style block. Yes it was sad that he lost his job and was finding it difficult to get another one but hells bells, you have capital behind you. Slap for Labour...firstly for putting this guy in the limelight but even you guys know you should have done your homework.

As for these solo mothers, I'm 50/50 about the cutting of the Training Incentive Allowance...but one point is well made by one of them...make it a loan or a re-payable grant, similar conditions to a student loan, or increase the amount borrowable under the student loan system similar to the TIA, but stop the TIA being a handout.

I guess much like the student loans, there are ways of the TIA being abused and not being used what it was meant to be for. But its a better option than simply handing out dollar after dollar hoping for something in return.

Personally, I think Bennett's done the right thing and is looking at options.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10587483