Opposition to welfare reforms acting today

The Government's welfare reforms will be under attack today with demonstrations around the country.

Organiser Jo Wildish says the reforms are an attack on all working class people and will only make the most vulnerable families even more vulnerable.

She says Minister Paula Bennett needs to be challenged about saying the reforms will only affect 20,000 people receiving benefits.

Ms Wildish believes that's untrue.

"So far letters have been sent out to many single parents and other people - sickness beneficiaries and the like, telling them of their new requirements, so actually I think it's really dishonest of her to say that only some people will be targeted by this it seems to be right across the board."

She says National's creating more inequity and greater stigma for all people and families needing income support.

"The Bills we believe are punitive and they are an attack on all working class people and beneficiaries included in that. We believe they'll make the most vulnerable families even more vulnerable."

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