22 May 2001

Mistakes! Not "Dole Cheats

A report of the National Audit Office has shown that 52.1 per cent of the assessments of new age pensions, to March 2000 were wrong.

"The concern for UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide is that this information has been misconstrued by the Commonwealth Government and sometimes reported as "Welfare Fraud" over recent years" said Rev Dr Geoff Scott, Minister of the Mission

"The report of the National Audit Office shows that most so called welfare fraud has been nothing more than mistakes made by an over worked Centrelink. This needs to be clearly understood by the Federal Government!" said Rev Scott. "The Government must avoid dehumanising aged people, people with disabilities and poor people through difficult eligibility criteria and overly zealous penalties," he added.

"The important issue is what the Government does from here. Whilst an apology to those falsely accused would be helpful, it is essential that no aspects of the Governments welfare reform package are based on beliefs about high levels of welfare fraud." Said.

In assessing the Welfare Reform package to be released next Tuesday, UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide will be using the following 8 principles:

• All people have intrinsic value

• All people have the right to fully participate in Society

• All policies must enhance opportunities for children

• All people have the right to an adequate and secure income

• There should be paid employment for all seeking it

• All people should have the opportunity to enhance life choices

• Social support must be underpinned by compassion and understanding

• The welfare system must be adequately resourced

For Further Comment
Mark Henley Senior Policy Officer	8202 5135 (w) 0404 067 011 (mob)