15-09-2023, 03:09 PM
Unbelievably, that bloody idiot Seymour has decided that forcing addicted people to 'get clean enough to work' instead of being on a benefit is a wonderful idea. Every damned time that fool opens his mouth he displays his ignorance.
He seems unaware that addiction is an illness & recognised as such by most health organisations world wide.
And really - 'designated doctors?!' Specifically ACT voting Drs perhaps. That's slightly concerning since it seems to remove any possibility that the person can disagree with a Dr's decision
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-chr...rk-seymour
"Drug addicts will face the prospect of losing their benefit if they refuse treatment or don't make efforts to find work, the ACT Party leader says.
David Seymour who is visiting Christchurch today has announced the party's policy on welfare which takes a harder line on drug addicts and those on sickness benefits, including those who suffer from long-term stress.
ACT wants to reduce the current number of 4000 people who receive the Supported Living Payment because of stress, 70 percent of them for more than five years.
Stress is a condition that can be treated over time, not a permanent incapacity, the party says.
Under the welfare policy 'designated doctors' will be hired to identify cases of fraud and ineligibility, ensure people are on the correct benefit, and are supported to meet any job seeking obligations.
"It will increase the number of cases that are picked up as fraud, as there will be more active inquiries into cases, and doctors will feel empowered to offer a frank opinion."
The party will also ease pressure on doctors over assessments of whether a beneficiary has the capacity to work.
At present they are required to discuss a work capacity certificate with the patient and ensure they agree to the information being provided.
"They are put in a difficult position if the patient disagrees with their opinion. ACT will allow doctors to complete work capacity certificates privately so they can give a frank opinion," Seymour says.
ACT intends taking "a more proactive approach" with drug-addicted beneficiaries.
"For those on the Jobseeker benefit, this will mean greater enforcement of job-seeking obligations and preparing for work. The most urgent task is ensuring beneficiaries can get clean enough to work."
To this end the party intends cracking down on any people who it says might be responsible for their own "incapacity" so that they can receive a benefit."
He seems unaware that addiction is an illness & recognised as such by most health organisations world wide.
And really - 'designated doctors?!' Specifically ACT voting Drs perhaps. That's slightly concerning since it seems to remove any possibility that the person can disagree with a Dr's decision
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-chr...rk-seymour
"Drug addicts will face the prospect of losing their benefit if they refuse treatment or don't make efforts to find work, the ACT Party leader says.
David Seymour who is visiting Christchurch today has announced the party's policy on welfare which takes a harder line on drug addicts and those on sickness benefits, including those who suffer from long-term stress.
ACT wants to reduce the current number of 4000 people who receive the Supported Living Payment because of stress, 70 percent of them for more than five years.
Stress is a condition that can be treated over time, not a permanent incapacity, the party says.
Under the welfare policy 'designated doctors' will be hired to identify cases of fraud and ineligibility, ensure people are on the correct benefit, and are supported to meet any job seeking obligations.
"It will increase the number of cases that are picked up as fraud, as there will be more active inquiries into cases, and doctors will feel empowered to offer a frank opinion."
The party will also ease pressure on doctors over assessments of whether a beneficiary has the capacity to work.
At present they are required to discuss a work capacity certificate with the patient and ensure they agree to the information being provided.
"They are put in a difficult position if the patient disagrees with their opinion. ACT will allow doctors to complete work capacity certificates privately so they can give a frank opinion," Seymour says.
ACT intends taking "a more proactive approach" with drug-addicted beneficiaries.
"For those on the Jobseeker benefit, this will mean greater enforcement of job-seeking obligations and preparing for work. The most urgent task is ensuring beneficiaries can get clean enough to work."
To this end the party intends cracking down on any people who it says might be responsible for their own "incapacity" so that they can receive a benefit."
in order to be old & wise, you must first be young & stupid. (I'm still working on that.)