Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Groups seek more time to address social security bill

Updated at 9:32 am on 15 April 2012

Some community groups working with Maori families say they are concerned by how little time the Government has allowed for them to make submissions on the Social Security Youth Support and Work Focus Amendment Bill.

Submissions closed on 13 April for law changes which introduce a new system of income support for young people and alters aspects of the welfare system.

Child Poverty Action Group co-director Mike O'Brien says groups have effectively had only 11 working days since the bill was introduced to Parliament, to make submissions.

That's an "incredibly short" period for such an important piece of legislation, which deserves and needs to be given careful attention, says Dr O'Brien.

Eight organisations have asked Social Development Minister Paula Bennett, and the Social Services Select Commitee chairperson Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga for late submissions to be allowed.

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