ACT announced welfare policy at the weekend.
Their concern is about the growth in people who are on a benefit because they are too sick to work.
Readers here will remember the distinct Sickness and Invalid’s benefits that were abolished in 2013.
They were replaced with Job Seeker/Health or Disability condition (usually temporary) and Supported Living Payment (usually permanent).
Numbers on these benefits have grown. Particularly for those who are dependent for the primary reason of psychiatric or psychological conditions.
Below is my chart from MSD data:
The Job Seeker/Health or Disability condition numbers (dark green line) have increased significantly. It’s also clear that the proportion being granted that benefit for psychological or psychiatric reasons (turquoise line) is supporting the growth (which is well above natural population growth.)
ACT’s policy is, “All health and disability benefits will be independently issued by an MSD-approved pool of designated doctors.”
Many GPs will be relieved at the prospect. Doctors come under a great deal of pressure to sign patients onto a benefit. Seymour talks openly about this and I’ve heard directly and anecdotally that GPs feel threatened and have for a long time.
At the same time, there are genuine cases whose benefit income remains secure.
But nobody can look at the evidence and deny a problem. Too many are languishing on benefits when the best thing for their mental health would be a job: a purpose, companionship and more money.
Disclaimer: I have had no direct involvement with ACT party policy.
This article was originally published by Brash and Mitchell.
