Turia explains role in welfare process

Apparent criticism towards the National Party over its supposed lack of communication with the Maori Party on welfare reforms was explained in a different light by co-leader Tariana Turia under questioning in Parliament today.

Ms Turia said yesterday that "at the last minute" she was given a copy of welfare reform proposals announced by the National Government last week, and that had made it difficult for her party to have input into them.

In her capacity as associate social development minister, Ms Turia yesterday had to vote in favour of a bill that enacts the reforms as it passed its first reading in Parliament, but the rest of party voted against it.

Labour leader Annette King sought clarification from Ms Turia in Parliament today on whether or not her party had been consulted over the reforms, which seek to put pressure on beneficiaries to return to work and proposes penalties for those who don't genuinely try.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett insisted yesterday that she had consulted with the Maori Party over the reforms, and Ms Turia appeared to accept that today.

She said she was not involved in the policy design, because that was done before the election when the Maori Party was not in partnership with National.

In terms of consultation in the months leading up to last week's announcement, Ms Turia said she was not in Parliament from mid-November last year to January this year because she was in hospital recovering from an operation.

She said papers on the reforms were given to her a month ago and she had responded to them and considered she had been satisfactorily informed.

- NZPA