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Recent News
- Commission concerned new family carer legislation will compromise disability rights
- Future EEO Commissioner leaves Parliament
- Commission celebrates NZSL week
- Statement from Chief Commissioner, Human Rights Commission
- United Nations Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture visits New Zealand
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- Commission welcomes recommendations of Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety
- Statement from Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations Commissioner
- Racism – Does it impact on Auckland as a diverse city?
- Anti-Chinese community leaflets and social media postings
- Organisational review clarifies strategic priorities for human rights
- Race Relations Commissioner awarded honorary doctorate
- Passing of Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill welcomed
- Dr Jackie Blue appointed Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner
- Commission’s response to Danish politician’s comments
- Commission works to address disproportionate Maori imprisonment figures
- Clarification on privacy matter
- Race Relations Day a time to consider a future built on diverse foundation
- Disability rights commissioner welcomes International Down Syndrome Day, 21 March
- Dame Susan Devoy appointed Race Relations Commissioner
- Submission on the Education Amendment Bill
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Submission on Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill
The Commission has made a submission to the Social Services Select Committee on the Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill.
The submission raises concerns about the very limited timeframe for written consideration of the Bill by Parliament, contrary to the principles of representative democracy. The Bill’s proposals fall short of requirements in international conventions that New Zealand has ratified, and risk undermining privacy rights. The Commission has recommended a number of amendments including those needed to better protect the best interests of children and young people.
Proposals in the Bill breach the anti-discrimination provisions in the Human Rights Act 1993 and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. The Youth Package discriminates on the grounds of family status and age, and the work requirements for any beneficiary who has a subsequent child amount to discrimination based on employment status. The Commission considers insufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that this discrimination is justifiable, particularly in relation to the Bill’s compulsory income management provisions.
