| Working for Families |
| Families' package a huge step forward |
Prime Minister Helen Clark said today that Working for Families is one of the government's most important achievements and, when fully in place, will deliver an average increase of around $100 a week in direct income assistance to families in the $25,000 to $45,000 band.
Rt Hon Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand |
| Families package good for growth |
"Working for Families is the centrepiece of this year's budget and will support the budget's strong pro-growth orientation."
Hon Dr Michael Cullen, Minister of Finance |
| Supporting families |
"Parenting support programmes receive a major boost as part of a $75.5 million Supporting Families package in Budget 2004.
Hon Steve Maharey, Minister of Social Development and Employment |
| A new approach to social assistance |
The Working for Families package shifts the focus of New Zealand's social assistance system from passive welfare entitlements to active support to move into employment.
Hon Steve Maharey, Minister of Social Development and Employment |
