Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

We remain committed to offering those who are sick or disabled, or who have caring
responsibilities, the support and services they need to live active and fulfilling lives.
Labour will ensure that the Invalid‟s Benefit is named more appropriately and
continues to be paid at a higher level than short term benefits, and that that the
Disability Allowance is available to continue to meet direct additional costs.
Assistance such as the Training Incentive Allowance which was cut by National needs to be
restored to give those on the Domestic Purpose Benefit or the Invalid's Benefit more
resources to be able to join the workforce.
Labour will immediately restore $2 million to the Training Incentive Allowance and
commit to further increases over time so people on social welfare benefits can obtain
qualifications that give greater opportunity for themselves and their children.
Labour will expand access to PATHS (Providing Access to Health Solutions), as
resources permit, to help those on the sickness benefit and partnering with
employers to provide supported employment for people with disabilities.
Labour will work with employers, in particular the State Services Commission, to
provide increased employment opportunities for disabled people.
For some people, voluntary work is a pathway back to paid employment. For others, where
the prospect of paid work proves impossible, voluntary work is an important way to
participate in the community and make a contribution.
Labour will treat voluntary work with a recognised non-government organisation
(NGO) as providing a service to the community because without the voluntary sector,
much work would not be done in New Zealand.
Support for families and carers
The New Zealand Disability Strategy sets out as one of its objectives, valuing families who
provide ongoing support to disabled people. Labour believes in acknowledging and
supporting these families.
The Carers‟ Strategy was launched in April 2008, and provided the framework for this
support.
Labour will support and work to implement the Carers‟ Strategy.
The five objectives of the Strategy are to:
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