ACT's disability cuts 'poorly researched' - Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation has criticized the ACT Party's proposal to cut over $650 million in disability benefits, labeling the plan as poorly researched and bigoted. ACT leader David Seymour argues that the cuts are necessary to address a perceived misuse of the welfare system by those who could potentially work.
Why it matters
This highlights a contentious political debate over welfare reform, disability rights, and the government's role in supporting mental health in New Zealand.
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The Mental Health Foundation is rubbishing the ACT Party's pre-election proposal to cut more than half-a-billion dollars worth of disability benefits, saying the plan is "based in bigotry".
ACT said it would cut disability benefits by more than $650 million if re-elected.
The party's fiscal plan will bring the country back to 2017-per-capita spending by slashing ministries, cutting foreign aid and cracking down on benefits.
The plan lays out cuts to disability benefits of $12m in the first year, rising to $124m, $231m and $286m in the following years.
ACT leader David Seymour said the party would require independent medical certification against clear criteria for health and disability benefits.
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