Leopard never changes its spots...

The Social Development Minister says plans to cancel benefits of people who refuse three job offers are on hold...

Paula Bennett says the recession has forced her to put some of The National Party's most radical benefit changes on hold.

The Social Development Minister says she is still keen to make savings in the system, which is currently spending more than $16 billion a year.

But Ms Bennett, speaking on TVNZ's Q&A programme, said plans to cancel the benefits of people who refuse three job offers, or will not accept training, are on the back burner.

Ms Bennett says right now the country expects her to be helping people who have lost their jobs because of the downturn. She says another 35,000 people have signed on for the dole since the slowdown began, and helping them should be the priority.

The Minister says circumstances have made it necessary to soften the policy, but she still wants to see it brought in before the end of the Government's first term in office.

He should get a life...

Wayne Robinson, Stokes Valley, Hutt News, 16-4-2008.

He should get a life and face the realities of modern politics. Honesty, integrity and decency went out the door with Robert Muldoon - 1975-84; and Jim Bolger/ Jenny Shipley - 1990-99. The worst aspects of corruption occurred during these terms of government, remembering the New Right held sway during the latter. Don't bother to mention the Lange government because that was very much an ACT Party experiment.

The Electoral Finance Act doesn't affect me as an individual or other individuals. The criticism of this Act is a crock! What it will prevent is corrupt National supporters like the hypocritical Exclusive Brethren from trying to steal another election through corruption, lack of decency, integrity and honesty. Amen!

There have been great achievements during the three terms of this Labour - led Government. Yes, there has been controversy and some inept ministers have been given the boot or been replaced for a variety of reasons. At least they have been dealt with, and not tolerated like some permanently inebriated National cabinet ministers of the past.

I suggest that Wayne Robinson does his homework in future before bursting into print as a spokesman for the Stokes Valley branch of the National Party, who until recently held their meetings in a phone box in Stokes Valley Road.