Turner Judy: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Turner Judy: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:617;Page:12552] 
12.  
JUDY TURNER (United Future) 
 to the  
Minister for Social Development and Employment 
: Does the Minister stand by his statement on National Radio yesterday that to have one parent work while the other parent stays at home to raise children “should be an ambition”; if so does he think that this is no longer possible on a single income of $55000 a year? 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY (Minister for Social Development and Employment) 
: 
Yes I do stand by my statement. This Government has been ambitious for New Zealand families since its election. For example we have pursued job-rich growth and put 170000 New Zealanders into work. We have lifted the minimum wage every year. We have brought in paid parental leave we have increased the childcare assistance package—and I could go on. All of this is in stark contrast to the previous Government which tried to turn New Zealand into a low-wage low-skill ghetto. 
Judy Turner 
: Does he agree that in seeking to return more parents into the workforce by increasing childcare subsidies the Government is effectively penalising those parents who are ambitious to stay at home over and above the income they lose by bringing in only one wage; if not why not? 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY 
: No I do not. This Government like Governments all around the world is aware that New Zealanders do want to earn an income. We stand by our childcare policies that once again we will continue to improve so that people are able to go to work are able to afford childcare and are able to get a living wage. 
Georgina Beyer 
: What has the Government been doing to support families raising children? 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY 
: This Government is family friendly and along with United Future for example we have been involved in establishing the Families Commission which will oversee changes that will be all in the interests of families. On top of that we have been ensuring that families earn a decent income. We have been putting in place industrial relations regimes that allow for proper decent civilised bargaining we have invested in health and education to ensure that children have a good start in life we have instituted the paid parental leave provisions childcare out-of-school assistance income-related rents the minimum wage benefits being given to people when they are entitled to them and as Dr Cullen has signalled this Budget will be one that is good for middle New Zealand. 
Sue Kedgley 
: Is he aware that there is international research demonstrating that children benefit from having a parent at home in their early years; if so what policies does the Government have in place specifically to assist those parents who choose to stay at home while their children are young other than the domestic purposes benefit? 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY 
: Yes I am aware of research that suggests that it is good for parents to be able to look after their children particularly in the early years. Yes the Government would like to see either men or women stay at home to look after those children. The best way to do that is to ensure they can earn a decent living so that they can look after their family. 
Judy Turner 
: Does the Minister think it is acceptable that while some ambitious families struggle on a single income because they decide to have one parent at home to raise the children the Government has paid for 24728 people on the domestic purposes benefit to have additional children while on the benefit over the last 5 years; if so why? 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY 
: I cannot remember the Government—in fact any Government—paying for people to have children. 
Judy Turner 
: I seek leave to table a response to a written question that states that 24728 people on the domestic purposes benefit have had additional children. 
Document not tabled.