MP won't allow demonising welfare changes.


A key independent MP says he won't allow the "demonising" of people on welfare through federal budget changes to the social security system.  

The federal government has flagged a raft of reforms in Tuesday's budget to get more single parents, the disabled and the long-term unemployed off welfare and into work or training.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, whose vote will be needed to secure the budget through parliament, says he has an "instinctive concern" when governments and oppositions talk about getting people back into the workforce.


"Some governments have demonised people who are on Centrelink payments," Mr Wilkie told reporters in Canberra.  

"While I agree that there are unquestionably some people on Centrelink benefits who, whether through being better supported or better vetted, might re-join the workforce, I do not believe we have a significant problem in this country with very large numbers of people on benefits who shouldn't be."  

Mr Wilkie said that while he had assured the prime minister he would not block supply, he couldn't guarantee his support for controversial budget measures.

"There will clearly be some enabling legislation which is unambiguously to do with standing the budget up and making it happen," he said.

"But if the budget is used to try and steamroll through the parliament unexpected and controversial initiatives then my promise not to block supply would not necessarily apply then."

Mr Wilkie said his main priority for the budget was more funding for mental health.

This bloke is developing real delusions of grandeur.
"He won't allow" indeed!
Who the hell does he think he is? What did he get elected on - was it 17% or something?

Well, you do surprise me imcrook. As a now confessed green we would hardly expect you to do other than side with a megolomaniac elected by two people and a dog. After all the greens themselves are known to have a huge popular mandate aren't they.

bogarde73 wrote on May 7^th, 2011 at 2:52pm:


There is no way this idiot is an independent. Holding the government to ransom if he doesn't get his way. He has even said that he thinks Tony Abbott would make a good Prime Minister. Don't make me laugh!

Enjoy it while it last Mr. Wilkie. Because at the next election, you won't have the power.

Oh and as to what he was elected on. ABC elections say that on Primary's he finished 3rd with 21.3% of the vote, however, he got a massive preference flow and was able to defeat 1st place ALP candidate by about 1,800 votes. He won it on preferences 51.2% - 48.8% 2PP.

Kat wrote on May 7^th, 2011 at 5:51pm:



Let's email him and tell him he has our support. I don't agree with demonising welfare payments either.

Email

andrew.wilkie.mp@aph.gov.au


the live link doesn't work. How do I do it IT experts?

Equitist wrote on May 7^th, 2011 at 7:00pm:



good one equi, and while I was on his site, I noticed that he wants to bring the troops home from Afghanistan. I didn't know that, so he got another supporting email. He might be a true lefty, will have to check him out further.