Bennett relieved of disability portfolio

Paula Bennett

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has dropped her additional Disability Issues portfolio because Prime Minister John Key wants her to concentrate on the growing numbers of people losing their jobs.

Labour last night said Ms Bennett had lost the disability portfolio because she never got up to speed with it.

Mr Key said he was relieving Ms Bennett of the portfolio so she could better concentrate on the Social Development and Employment portfolio.

Mr Key said these portfolios faced "big issues", particularly Social Development, which dealt with the unemployed.

Ms Bennett today told Radio New Zealand that she wanted to focus on helping those out of work.

"I went to the Prime Minister (John Key) and said `boy we are dealing with increasing numbers of unemployed, it's a big job social development and it's getting bigger every day.

"I think I need to concentrate exactly where it needs it."

There are more than 1000 people signing up for the unemployment benefit each week, and total numbers are expected to double from 45,000 to 90,000 in 2011.

Ms Bennett was asked if keeping on top of increased numbers of unemployed was her job or that of the chief executive.

"I certainly drive the policy direction and the priorities of the ministry and at this time it's about us keeping our head - in the government - focusing on what's important and that's where my attention is and where it needs to be."

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia has picked up the disability portfolio and Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong becomes associate minister.

Ms Bennett said she was unhappy with amount of time she was putting into the disability portfolio.

"Minister Turia put her hand up and said she would love it, she was speaking as the associate, and I just think it's in a great pair of hands with someone who really wants to move it ahead and do some work there."